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2020 was a year of unprecedented change and upheaval, and it’s no surprise that many of the most popular and critically acclaimed non-fiction books of the year dealt with themes of crisis, resilience, and the future. From gripping accounts of pandemics and environmental disasters to thought-provoking explorations of politics, technology, and human rights, these books offered readers a window into some of the most pressing issues of our time. Whether you’re looking for a page-turner to keep you on the edge of your seat or a thought-provoking examination of the world around you, there’s something on this list for everyone. Here are 20 of the best non-fiction books from 2020 that are worth reading.
- “The Splendid and the Vile” by Erik Larson – This book is a gripping, in-depth look at Winston Churchill’s leadership during the Blitz of 1940. Larson paints a vivid picture of Churchill’s bravery and determination during a dark time in history.
- “The New Wilderness” by Diane Cook – This debut novel is a thought-provoking exploration of the effects of overpopulation and climate change on the human race. It’s a gripping, emotional story that will leave a lasting impression on readers.
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett – This novel tells the story of identical twin sisters who grow up in a small, southern black community and then go on to lead vastly different lives. Bennett’s writing is both powerful and evocative, and she tackles themes of race, identity, and family with sensitivity and insight.
- “The Death of Vivek Oji” by Akwaeke Emezi – This is a debut novel that tells the story of a Nigerian boy named Vivek Oji, who is raised in a conservative community and struggles to come to terms with his identity. Emezi’s writing is powerful and emotionally resonant, and she manages to convey
- “The Code Breaker” by Walter Isaacson – This book is a biography of the brilliant mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing, and his role in breaking Nazi codes during World War II. Isaacson’s writing is engaging and informative, and he does a great job of bringing Turing’s story to life.
- “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi – This book is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of racism and how to actively combat it. Kendi’s writing is both personal and academic, and he offers a wide range of solutions and strategies for becoming an antiracist.
- “The Order of Time” by Carlo Rovelli – This book is a fascinating exploration of the nature of time and how our understanding of it has evolved over time. Rovelli’s writing is clear and accessible, and he does a great job of making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience.
- “The Yellow House” by Sarah M. Broom – This memoir tells the story of the author’s childhood growing up in a small, rundown house in New Orleans, and how it shaped her life and the lives of her family. Broom’s writing is powerful and evocative, and she manages to convey a sense of place and time that is truly vivid.
- “The Uninhabitable Earth” by David Wallace-Wells – This book is a sobering look at the effects of climate change on our planet and the ways in which it will impact our lives in the future. Wallace-Wells’ writing is both well-researched and urgent, and he makes a compelling case for taking action on climate change now
- “The End of October” by Lawrence Wright – This book is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the outbreak of a deadly pandemic and the ways in which it impacts the world. Wright’s writing is both informative and engaging, and he does a great job of bringing the story to life.
- “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deesha Philyaw – This book is a collection of short stories that explores the lives of black church women and the ways in which religion and sexuality intersect in their lives. Philyaw’s writing is powerful and evocative, and she manages to convey a sense of place and time that is truly vivid.
- “The Last Great Road Bum” by Héctor Tobar – This book is a biography of the legendary traveler and writer, Horatio “Hellrider” N. Moldenke, who spent decades crisscrossing the globe on foot, by car, and by whatever means necessary. Tobar’s writing is both engaging and informative, and he does a great job of bringing Moldenke’s story to life.
- “The Deep State” by Mike Lofgren – This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which the government, the military, and big business work together to exert power and control over the American people. Lofgren’s writing is both well-researched and urgent, and he makes a compelling case for taking action to restore democracy and transparency.
- “The Humanity Bureau” by Nick Sullivan – This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which technology and government can be used to control and manipulate people. Sullivan’s writing is both well-researched and engaging, and he makes a compelling case for taking action to protect our privacy and civil liberties in the face of advancing technology.
- “The New Wilderness” by Diane Cook – This novel tells the story of a group of people who are selected to live in a wilderness reserve created to combat overpopulation and pollution. Cook’s writing is both imaginative and thought-provoking, and she does a great job of exploring the impact of human activity on the environment and what it means to live sustainably.
- “The Education of an Idealist” by Samantha Power – This memoir is a fascinating look at the life and career of one of America’s most prominent human rights activists, Samantha Power. Power’s writing is both personal and informative, and she does a great job of sharing her experiences and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett – This novel tells the story of twin sisters who grow up in a small, southern black community and then go their separate ways. Bennett’s writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, and she does a great job of exploring issues of race, identity, and family.
- “The Five Winds” by Jesse Thistle – This memoir tells the story of Jesse Thistle’s journey from the streets to becoming a successful academic, and the lessons he learned along the way. Thistle’s writing is both personal and powerful, and he does a great job of sharing his experiences and the lessons he’s learned.
- “The End of Everything” by Katie Mack – This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which the universe will eventually come to an end and the impact that it will have on humanity. Mack’s writing is both engaging and well-researched, and she does a great job of making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience.
- “The New Rules of War” by John Arquilla and David Ronfeldt – This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which warfare is changing in the 21st century and the impact that it will have on global politics. Arquilla and Ronfeldt’s writing is both informative and engaging, and they do a great job of exploring the implications of new technologies and tactics for the future of warfare.
These 20 non-fiction books from 2020 offer a wide range of perspectives and insights on the most pressing issues of our time. From gripping accounts of pandemics and environmental disasters to thought-provoking explorations of politics, technology, and human rights, these books provide readers with a unique window into the world around us. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or just someone looking for a good read, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, take a break from the news cycle and immerse yourself in these thought-provoking and engaging non-fiction books of 2020, and let me know which one are you going to read first. Happy Reading!
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