Looking for the perfect companion to your summer plans? Excited to expand your knowledge of a subject, or to walk a mile in another person’s shoes? Then this is the list for you, we’ve curated a selection of captivating non-fiction books that are sure to expand your horizons.
Inspired by the inaugural year of the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, and informed by our Bookshelfie podcast guests, these titles add range and depth to your TBR pile. Happy reading!
Glennon Doyle explores themes of identity, empowerment, and self-discovery. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Doyle encourages readers to break free from societal expectations and embrace their true selves. This memoir is a powerful call to live authentically and unapologetically.
An inspiring memoir by Raynor Winn that chronicles her and her husband Moth’s journey along the South West Coast Path in England. Faced with homelessness and Moth’s terminal illness diagnosis, the couple embarks on a transformative and healing adventure, finding solace in nature and each other.
Award-winning screenwriter Abi Morgan delivers a poignant and gripping memoir, This is Not a Pity Memoir. It details her experiences after her partner suffers a catastrophic brain injury, exploring themes of love, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Lisa Taddeo presents an intimate and revealing exploration of female desire and sexuality. Through the lives of three women from different backgrounds, Taddeo delves into their experiences with love, longing, and heartbreak, offering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of women’s inner lives.
Reni Eddo-Lodge’s Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of race relations in Britain. Eddo-Lodge discusses systemic racism, white privilege, and the historical context of racial inequality, providing an essential and eye-opening perspective on race and identity.
Germaine Greer’s groundbreaking feminist text, The Female Eunuch, challenges traditional views of women’s roles and sexuality. First published in 1970, this influential work critiques the patriarchal structures that oppress women and calls for a radical reevaluation of women’s liberation and empowerment.
Hunger by Roxane Gay is a raw and unflinchingly honest memoir that explores the author’s struggles with body image, trauma, and self-acceptance. Through personal narrative and cultural critique, Gay sheds light on the complexities of living in a body that society deems unacceptable, offering a profound and empathetic account of her journey.
