If you’re the kind of person who loves a good, soul-nourishing read but doesn’t have the patience for long-winded philosophical musings, look no further.
These 14 nonfiction books will not only inspire and educate you but might just convince you that the answers to life’s biggest questions can be found within a good book – and maybe a strong cup of coffee.
So grab that beverage and settle in. Here’s your ultimate nonfiction list, with something for everyone!
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Contents
- 1 Atomic Habits by James Clear
- 2 Atomic Habits
- 3 The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- 4 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- 5 Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
- 6 Ikigai
- 7 Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
- 8 Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
- 9 The Wealth Money Can’t Buy by Robert Stephens
- 10 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
- 11 The Stoic Path to Wealth by Charles Noyes
- 12 The Satvic Revolution by Subah Jain
- 13 The Power of One Thought by Swami Vivekananda
- 14 The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
- 15 The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
- 16 The Greatest Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Imagine if all those little habits you wanted to form – like waking up early or finally using that gym membership – could stick. James Clear’s Atomic Habits shows you how even the tiniest changes can lead to monumental improvements over time. No, you won’t become a productivity guru overnight, but after reading this book, you’ll be shocked at how easily you can stack up good habits (and kick those pesky bad ones) like a pro. Warning: You might end up reorganising your life and telling everyone about it.
Atomic Habits
Tiny Changes, Remarkable ResultsAvailable in: | |
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The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl is a timeless classic for a reason. Through her poignant, often heartbreaking entries, Anne brings the realities of war and persecution to life. Her hope, wisdom, and courage, despite living in hiding, are inspiring and heart-wrenching. It’s not just a history lesson; it’s a deep dive into the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that hope can thrive even in the darkest of times. If you’ve ever needed a reason to appreciate the simple things, this book will give you several.
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The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Trauma isn’t just something that happens to us mentally – it lives in our bodies, too. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s groundbreaking The Body Keeps the Score explains how our bodies remember trauma and how that impacts our mental and physical health. But don’t worry, this isn’t a medical lecture; it’s an eye-opening exploration of the mind-body connection, written with empathy. If you’ve ever wondered why past hurts linger, this book offers some profound answers.
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Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Ever wondered why some people seem so content and fulfilled? In Ikigai, you’ll discover the Japanese concept of purpose – your reason for being. This isn’t about climbing corporate ladders or achieving societal success; it’s about finding joy and meaning in your everyday life. Whether it’s gardening, writing, or playing with your cat, Ikigai helps you figure out what truly makes you happy and why that matters more than anything else. It’s like a warm, peaceful hug in book form.
Ikigai
The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy LifeAvailable in: | |
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Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
If you’ve ever wished for a wise mentor to guide you through life’s biggest questions, Tuesdays with Morrie is exactly what you need. Mitch Albom’s touching memoir of his weekly conversations with his old college professor, Morrie Schwartz, is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Morrie’s life lessons on love, work, and happiness will have you reflecting on your own priorities and cherishing the moments that really matter. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself tearing up – and then calling your loved ones immediately after.
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Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty’s Think Like a Monk teaches you how to apply ancient wisdom to modern-day living without, you know, giving up all your worldly possessions. Shetty’s simple, practical advice helps you clear the mental clutter, focus on what really matters, and find peace in the everyday chaos of life. Plus, he has a way of making monk-like wisdom seem totally achievable, even if your current meditation practice is “scrolling Instagram before bed.”
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The Wealth Money Can’t Buy by Robert Stephens
We’ve all been told that money can’t buy happiness, but The Wealth Money Can’t Buy dives deep into what true wealth really is. Spoiler: it’s not about your bank balance. Stephens focuses on the things money can’t buy – like relationships, health, and purpose – and offers insights on how to live a truly wealthy life. Expect to question the things you’ve been chasing and start appreciating the things you might have been overlooking.
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
This book is like a cold splash of water on a hot day – it wakes you up and makes you rethink everything. In The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Mark Manson argues that life’s struggles are inevitable, but it’s up to you to decide what actually deserves your energy. With a blend of humour, tough love, and a dash of philosophy, this book helps you stop worrying about every little thing and focus on what truly matters. Warning: reading this may make you reevaluate some friendships and habits.
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The Stoic Path to Wealth by Charles Noyes
If you’ve ever wondered how the ancient Stoics would handle today’s financial world, Charles Noyes has you covered. The Stoic Path to Wealth combines age-old Stoic wisdom with modern financial advice to help you build wealth – not just in money but in mindset. It’s a practical and philosophical guide that emphasises discipline, contentment, and gratitude. Who knew Seneca had financial tips?
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The Satvic Revolution by Subah Jain
Ready for a health revolution? The Satvic Revolution offers a holistic approach to health and healing, focusing on natural foods, mindful living, and inner peace. Subah Jain makes it clear that achieving a balanced life starts from within – by what you consume physically and mentally. Don’t expect another diet book; this is more about resetting your life in a sustainable, fulfilling way. Prepare to feel good inside and out after diving into this one.
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The Power of One Thought by Swami Vivekananda
Ever feel like one positive thought could change your day – or your entire life? Swami Vivekananda’s The Power of One Thought focuses on how the mind shapes our reality and how just one powerful thought can set off a chain of transformative events. It’s not just about thinking positively; it’s about believing in the strength of your own mind to create the life you want. After reading this, you might just start thinking yourself into your next big success.
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The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
In The Mountain Is You, Brianna Wiest tackles self-sabotage head-on, explaining how we often stand in the way of our own success. But here’s the good news: we can also be our greatest source of strength. Wiest shows you how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, urging you to climb the metaphorical mountain rather than avoid it. This book is a must-read if you’ve ever felt stuck or like you’re your own worst enemy.
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The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the corporate world for something more meaningful, Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is the ultimate inspiration. Part fable, part guide, this book is about finding balance, purpose, and happiness beyond material success. It’s one of those reads that leaves you thinking long after you’ve put it down, with its simple but profound messages about living a life of passion and purpose.
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The Greatest Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Rhonda Byrne, the creator of The Secret, takes things even further in The Greatest Secret. This book dives into the depths of the law of attraction and reveals how you can transform your life by understanding the nature of reality. It’s all about unlocking the power of awareness to manifest the life you desire. If you’ve ever wondered how much control you really have over your destiny, this one will give you some intriguing answers.
Wrapping It Up With a Little Wizdom
We get it – there are a lot of great books out there, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, the Wizdom app is here to help you cut through the noise. With bite-sized summaries of your favourite self-help and nonfiction books, you can absorb life-changing lessons in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick recap of *Atomic Habits* or want to dive into the wisdom of the Stoics, Wizdom has you covered. Download it today, and start turning your nonfiction reads into real-life action!
Happy reading!
