Biographies, critiques, textbooks and travel guides are what we think of for non-fiction, but it made sense to group books on faith and business manuals on this page as well. Browse bestsellers that will help you rise to the corner office and texts that will make sure you don’t lose soul while you do it.
Cookbooks, Food & Wine Bestsellers
Sports & Outdoors Bestsellers
![What I Talk about When I Talk about Running [Hashiru koto ni tsuite kataru toki ni boku no kataru koto]](https://i.thriftbooks.com/api/imagehandler/s/DB23E8CB7821C899B1054E3BDE62A791409F74F4.jpeg)
Self-Help Bestsellers
Crafts, Hobbies & Home Bestsellers
History Bestsellers
Explore the World of Nonfiction Books
Nonfiction books open doors to real stories, practical advice, and fascinating facts from every corner of life. Whether you’re eager to understand history, master a new skill, or be inspired by true-life memoirs, ThriftBooks makes it easy to find books on nonfiction that match your interests and goals. Dive into our curated recommendations below to start your next learning adventure.
Classic Nonfiction Books and Memoirs: Real Stories That Resonate
If you’re captivated by personal journeys or want to gain insight into different cultures and lives, nonfiction books and memoirs are a perfect choice. These selections offer deeply personal perspectives, historical context, and unforgettable storytelling:
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner is a moving memoir that explores identity, grief, and the powerful connection between food and family, making it a standout for those who appreciate honest, emotional storytelling.
- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life chronicles Barbara Kingsolver’s family journey through a year of eating locally and sustainably, blending memoir with food writing and environmental insight.
- Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain offers a riveting, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant world, filled with wit, candor, and unforgettable anecdotes.
Nonfiction memoirs like these help readers connect with real experiences, gain empathy, and discover new perspectives on the world.
Cookbooks & Culinary Nonfiction: Savoring Knowledge in the Kitchen
Food lovers and aspiring home chefs can find books on nonfiction that transform everyday meals into memorable experiences. Cookbooks and culinary stories span from timeless classics to modern plant-based inspiration:
- The Joy of Cooking is an essential reference that has taught generations how to cook with confidence, making it a must-have for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
- Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book delivers trusted recipes and practical advice, perfect for families wanting reliable weeknight dinners or special-occasion treats.
- Betty Crocker's Cookbook is a timeless staple, providing approachable recipes and techniques for cooks at any level.
- Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan invites readers to master authentic Italian dishes, with expert guidance and rich culinary tradition.
- The Moosewood Cookbook brings the vibrant, vegetarian flavors of the famous Ithaca restaurant to your kitchen, inspiring healthy and creative meals.
- Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines is filled with comfort food recipes designed for sharing and making memories with loved ones.
- The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook compiles foolproof recipes with step-by-step instructions, ideal for anyone who loves to cook and learn the science behind great food.
- Barefoot Contessa Family Style, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, and Barefoot Contessa at Home by Ina Garten each offer approachable, elegant recipes that make every meal feel special, with tips for effortless entertaining.
- Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook is packed with over 300 plant-based recipes, making it a go-to guide for those exploring healthy, sustainable eating.
- Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving is perfect for anyone interested in canning, pickling, and preserving the bounty of each season.
- Nourishing Traditions challenges modern nutrition trends and explores traditional diets, providing valuable insights and recipes for those curious about food history and health.
These nonfiction books serve as both guides and sources of inspiration, helping you expand your culinary skills and enjoy the stories behind the food you love.
Nature, Gardening, and Sustainable Living: Grow Your Knowledge
For readers passionate about the natural world, nonfiction books about gardening and sustainable living offer practical wisdom and fresh perspectives:
- Secrets of Companion Planting reveals the science and tradition behind pairing plants for a thriving, healthy garden, making it a must-read for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Back To Eden shares timeless herbal remedies and natural health advice, blending gardening with holistic wellness.
- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (also featured above) is equally at home in this category, offering inspiration for anyone seeking to live in closer harmony with the earth.
These books on nonfiction empower you to grow your own food, care for the environment, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Food Writing & Food Policy: Understanding What We Eat
Some nonfiction books go beyond recipes to explore the cultures, industries, and ethical questions behind the food on our plates. If you’re curious about how food shapes society, consider:
- The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan investigates modern food choices, industrial agriculture, and the environmental impacts of our diets, making it an essential read for anyone interested in food policy and thoughtful eating.
- Nourishing Traditions (also listed above) offers a critical look at nutrition science and encourages readers to reconsider what “healthy eating” really means.
Food writing like this sparks meaningful conversations about health, sustainability, and the choices we make every day.
Choosing the Right Nonfiction Book for You
Because nonfiction is such a broad category, it helps to think about your reading goals and interests. Here’s how to narrow your search and find books on nonfiction that truly speak to you:
- Looking for inspiration? Try memoirs like Crying in H Mart or Kitchen Confidential for honest, transformative life stories.
- Ready to learn a new skill? Explore classic cookbooks such as The Joy of Cooking or Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking for step-by-step instruction.
- Interested in health and wellness? Nourishing Traditions and Back To Eden offer holistic perspectives and practical advice.
- Want to make a difference? Read The Omnivore's Dilemma or Animal, Vegetable, Miracle for inspiration on ethical eating and sustainability.
- Cooking for family and friends? Check out Magnolia Table or any of the Barefoot Contessa titles for crowd-pleasing recipes and hosting tips.
- Exploring plant-based living? Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook delivers hundreds of creative, satisfying vegan recipes.
- Love gardening? Secrets of Companion Planting and Back To Eden are filled with practical advice for growing your own food naturally.
By considering your passions and priorities, you’ll find a nonfiction book that not only informs but delights and empowers you.
Start Your Nonfiction Discovery at ThriftBooks
Whether you’re searching for timeless cookbooks, inspiring memoirs, practical gardening guides, or in-depth food writing, ThriftBooks helps you easily find books on nonfiction for every interest. Enjoy affordable prices, a vast selection, and the thrill of discovering your next favorite read.
Browse our collection and let your curiosity guide you—there’s a world of knowledge waiting in nonfiction books.
