I LIVE for gossipy history and read Gods of New York on your rec. so fun but, also fucked? All the world’s problems are manmade!
Another in this same vein was Empire of the Elite about Condé Nast. It was definitely told with an air of appreciation for magazine journalism, and Elitism and I really drank the tea, forgetting the world for a bit!
Love this list — truly inspiring picks! I also always look for the best nonfiction history books that not only educate but challenge assumptions. One title I’ve found incredibly eye‑opening is Murderous Marxism by William Johnson — it dives deep into the reality of Marxism and communism and how these ideologies shaped global history. https://williamjohnsonsays.com/best-nonfiction-history-books-murderous-marxism-william-johnson/
Three of my favorite reads of the year are on your list (and I read them because of you): ONE DAY, AFTIMB, and THERE IS NO PLACE FOR US. I own but haven’t yet read SAD TIGER and ORIGINAL SIN. So seems like maybe I should just try to finish off your top 9!
I also enjoyed **A Flower Traveled In My Blood**, **Black in Blues**, and **Original Sins**, all of which I learned about from you. My only other 5⭐ non-fiction was **Who Is Government**. Maybe it just hits harder for me because my husband is a (local) government worker.
I've been seeing A FLOWER TRAVELED IN MY BLOOD on so many EOY lists and I'm going to read it, either this month, or if not then January.
I would add BAD COMPANY by Megan Greenwell and SEMI-WELL-ADJUSTED DESPITE LITERALLY EVERYTHING by Alyson Stoner, two NF books I still think about months after reading them. I also loved many of the books you mentioned. ORIGINAL SINS is definitely a favorite of the year.
The author of AFTIMB was on the podcast this year. You should check out our chat.
I liked BAD COMPANY a lot a lot (also did an episode with that author) and the content stuck with me, but some of the reading experience wasn't as smooth as I would've liked.
I have not stopped thinking about and telling folks to read “Things in Nature Merely Grow.” I read it at your recommendation and it will definitely be a book I revisit throughout the years.
The nonfiction books that haunted and/or taught me this year were "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This," "The Last American Road Trip," by Sarah Kendzior, "A Truce That Is Not Peace" by Miriam Toews, and "Frostbite," by Nicola Twilley. I think perhaps the last came out last year, and came out in paperback this year, but I tell everyone I know to read it. I thought I knew a lot about the food system, but I learned so much reading this.
Thank you 🩵🙏🏾🩵🥹
I LIVE for gossipy history and read Gods of New York on your rec. so fun but, also fucked? All the world’s problems are manmade!
Another in this same vein was Empire of the Elite about Condé Nast. It was definitely told with an air of appreciation for magazine journalism, and Elitism and I really drank the tea, forgetting the world for a bit!
Yes! I’ll check that out.
Love this list — truly inspiring picks! I also always look for the best nonfiction history books that not only educate but challenge assumptions. One title I’ve found incredibly eye‑opening is Murderous Marxism by William Johnson — it dives deep into the reality of Marxism and communism and how these ideologies shaped global history. https://williamjohnsonsays.com/best-nonfiction-history-books-murderous-marxism-william-johnson/
Did you write the book?
I’ve read all -except Sad Tiger. Adding this to read in 2026!
The others are def some of the best books I’ve read this year- easily! All are musts!
I love that our reading has aligned so much this year and that you can vouch for these books!
Three of my favorite reads of the year are on your list (and I read them because of you): ONE DAY, AFTIMB, and THERE IS NO PLACE FOR US. I own but haven’t yet read SAD TIGER and ORIGINAL SIN. So seems like maybe I should just try to finish off your top 9!
Yes! You can do it.
I also enjoyed **A Flower Traveled In My Blood**, **Black in Blues**, and **Original Sins**, all of which I learned about from you. My only other 5⭐ non-fiction was **Who Is Government**. Maybe it just hits harder for me because my husband is a (local) government worker.
I liked that book a lot and recommend it but it wasn’t top tier for me.
I've been seeing A FLOWER TRAVELED IN MY BLOOD on so many EOY lists and I'm going to read it, either this month, or if not then January.
I would add BAD COMPANY by Megan Greenwell and SEMI-WELL-ADJUSTED DESPITE LITERALLY EVERYTHING by Alyson Stoner, two NF books I still think about months after reading them. I also loved many of the books you mentioned. ORIGINAL SINS is definitely a favorite of the year.
The author of AFTIMB was on the podcast this year. You should check out our chat.
I liked BAD COMPANY a lot a lot (also did an episode with that author) and the content stuck with me, but some of the reading experience wasn't as smooth as I would've liked.
I have not stopped thinking about and telling folks to read “Things in Nature Merely Grow.” I read it at your recommendation and it will definitely be a book I revisit throughout the years.
I know! I look forward to revisiting it throughout my life.
I’m so glad Sad Tiger made it onto your list! Every other nonfiction book I loved this year was a recommendation from you!
You were the nudge I needed to read it. Thank you.
The nonfiction books that haunted and/or taught me this year were "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This," "The Last American Road Trip," by Sarah Kendzior, "A Truce That Is Not Peace" by Miriam Toews, and "Frostbite," by Nicola Twilley. I think perhaps the last came out last year, and came out in paperback this year, but I tell everyone I know to read it. I thought I knew a lot about the food system, but I learned so much reading this.
Oooh I don’t know that last one. I’ll check it out!