Top 10 Recommendations for Non-Fiction Books from Around the World

If you’re on the hunt for non-fiction books that can inspire, educate, and push you toward self-improvement, you’ve come to the right place. Here, I’ve curated a list of award-winning and highly acclaimed books that have personally transformed how millions of people think, act, and approach everyday challenges. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your communication skills, build better habits, or simply gain a new perspective on life, these books have something for everyone.

‘Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’ by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles (2017)

Awards: Nautilus Book Awards Finalist (2018)

‘Ikigai’ has the uncanny ability to draw in people searching for more purpose in their lives, and this book never disappointed any of them. It introduces the Japanese concept of “ikigai” – essentially, your reason for being – and blends science with philosophical wisdom to explain how we can live longer, happier lives. You’ll walk away with practical tips on how to find your own ikigai, and believe me, it is a total game changer.

‘Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones’ by James Clear (2018)

Awards: Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award Shortlist (2019)

‘Atomic Habits’ teaches that success isn’t about making huge, drastic changes—it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. James Clear breaks down the science behind how habits are formed and gives you easy-to-follow steps to create lasting change. Whether you’re trying to get fit, be more productive, or improve your relationships, this book offers strategies that actually work.

 ‘Make Epic Money’ by Andrew Cordle (2018)

Awards: Recognized for contribution to the entrepreneurial and financial literacy field

For anyone looking to take control of their financial future, ‘Make Epic Money’ is essential reading. Cordle’s straightforward advice on building wealth through entrepreneurship resonates with people because it’s practical and easy to apply. If you’re tired of struggling financially or simply want to make your money work for you, this book will give you a fresh perspective.

‘The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning, Elevate Your Life’ by Robin Sharma (2018)

Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee (2019)

The current generation seems to enjoy being night owls, but ‘The 5 AM Club’ has inspired its readers to rethink their mornings. Robin Sharma shows how waking up early can completely transform your day, giving you time to focus on personal growth, health, and productivity. His strategies for maximising the first few hours of the day are incredibly practical and have helped people achieve more than they previously thought was possible.

‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life’ by Mark Manson (2016)

Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Nonfiction (2016)

Mark Manson’s brutally honest, no-fluff approach to life is what made ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck’ stand out from the rest. It’s not about ignoring everything, but about carefully choosing what really matters and letting go of the rest. If you’re tired of chasing perfection or people-pleasing, this book offers a refreshing, liberating perspective on how to focus on what truly adds value to your life.

‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari (2011)

Awards: National Library of China Wenjin Book Award (2014)

A personal favourite book of mine thanks to the interesting style of writing and the entire new perspective it opens on the world, Harari’s ‘Sapiens’ offers a sweeping history of the human species, and what strikes about it the most is how it makes people rethink everything we thought we knew about civilization and society. From our evolution as hunter-gatherers to the digital age, this book covers it all and challenges the way we perceive our place in the world. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about humanity’s past and future.

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships’ by Leil Lowndes (2003)

Awards: Best Selling relationship and communication guide

Communication is key in every aspect of life, and ‘How to Talk to Anyone’ gives people the tools they need to navigate social interactions with confidence. Whether you struggle with small talk, networking, or building deeper connections, Lowndes’ tips are practical and easy to apply. This book can transform how you approach conversations, and is highly recommended if you want to improve your social skills.

‘The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery’ by Brianna Wiest (2020)

Awards: Bestselling self-help book

If you’ve ever felt like you’re standing in your own way, ‘The Mountain Is You’ will resonate with you. Wiest dives into the psychology of self-sabotage and offers insight on how to overcome internal barriers. It’s a book that’s both comforting and empowering, helping you turn your obstacles into opportunities for growth. After reading this, I guarantee you’ll become more aware of your patterns, and start embracing change.

‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny’ by Robin Sharma (1997)

Awards: Best Selling international classic

‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ is a beautiful blend of fiction and philosophy, offering life lessons in a way that’s relatable and inspiring. The story of a successful lawyer who trades in his fast-paced lifestyle for spiritual enlightenment has a profound impact on its readers. It’s a powerful reminder that material success isn’t the ultimate goal – finding inner peace and purpose is.

‘The Laws of Human Nature’ by Robert Greene (2018)

Awards: Best Selling psychology and personal development book

Understanding people is key to success, and Robert Greene’s ‘The Laws of Human Nature’ helps to develop a deeper awareness of human behaviour. By studying the psychology behind why people act the way they do, you can become more attuned to the motivations of others – and your own. This book is a fascinating deep dive into human nature that’s both insightful and practical.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, self-improvement, or just want to learn more about how humans tick, these award-winning non-fiction books will leave you with valuable takeaways. Each one offers its own unique insights that can help you grow personally and professionally – they’ve helped millions all over the world, and you’re among the next wave for it to influence and change lives for.

But let’s be real – life gets busy. If you constantly struggle to find time to sit down and read, Wizdom is here to help; Wizdom is an app that offers bite-sized book summaries and audio versions of thousands of books. You can absorb the key points from titles like Atomic Habits and Sapiens while on the go, whether you’re commuting, working out, or even running errands.

With Wizdom, it’s easier than ever to incorporate more “reading” into your day, even when you’re swamped. Download the app today, and let it help you get through your reading list faster and more efficiently!