Five Nonfiction Impactful Books for your Summer Reading List

I LOVE BOOKS!

It’s normal for me to have more than one book on my reading list at any given time. I have an audiobook in my car, a digital book on my Kindle, and a dead tree book to read for my monthly book club.

Here are five of my favorite, nonfiction, impactful books (in no particular order) for your summer reading list:

1.  Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim Ferriss.

This book contains practical advice from some of the most impressive performers in the world. This could be my new favorite book to gift. It’s the kind of book you can consume in small, bite-size morsels. If you’re feeling “stuck” in your life or know someone who’s graduating from college or high school, this book would be a much-appreciated gift. (You can check out Tim Ferriss’s Ted Talk by clicking this link.)

2.  Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Mathew Walker.

What is the purpose of sleep? I feel like I should know this information since we spend a third of our lives asleep. This isn’t a “how-to” book, although it does contain a great deal of practical information. This book is pure science told in an entertaining, easily digestible way, on the fundamentals of sleep. I feel like every human being on the planet should know this information. (If you’re still on the fence, check out Mathew Walker’s TED Talk. It has over 2 million views.)

3.  The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Amanda Palmer.

Amanda Pamer’s TED Talk (with more than 5 million views) is one of my favorites of all time, so it was no surprise that I also enjoyed her autobiographical book. This book REALLY hit me hard because I’m not good at communicating what I need. I’m not good at asking for help. This book came into my life when I needed it. (Amanda Palmer’s latest album, There Will Be No Intermission is only $1 right now on Band Camp.)

4.  Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall.

I had the privilege Of hearing Christopher McDougall speak shortly after reading his book. I’m NOT a runner. However, this book has had a great deal of impact on how I think of foot anatomy, the way we walk, and what the human body is capable of doing. (His TED Talk can be found HERE.)

5.  The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms by Amy Stewart.

My local librarian recommended this drama-filled book about earthworms to me and it’s honestly one of my favorites. (I NEVER thought I’d recommend a book about earthworms, but here I am!) This book is highly entertaining and informative. I’d certainly give this unlikely book as a gift. (Amy Stewart’s website contains Common Core-aligned lesson plans and resources to accompany this book.)

 What are some of your favorite nonfiction books? Please share your favorites in the comments below.

Thank you so much for liking and following my site!

xo Juli