The 10 Best Nonfiction Books for this Holiday Season
December 25, 2024
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” — Garrison Keillor
The holiday season is here! That magical time filled with joy and excitement lights up the air.
It’s also the perfect time to settle down and relax with a good book. The question is, what should you read?
Well, stay tuned because we’re going to dive into a wonderful reading selection featuring ten of the best nonfiction books for this holiday season.
1. The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Time by Michelle Obama (Crown Publishing)
Why not lead things off with a leadership book?
2. Out of the Corner: A Memoir by Jennifer Grey (Ballantine Books)
Next on the list is a wonderful memoir.
Hollywood actress Jennifer Grey gets down to business in this volume discussing the demanding life of Hollywood celebrities.
Her refreshing take on celebrity takes readers through her youth and middle age.
Jennifer is candid about a number of topics, including reproductive rights, sex, and plastic surgery.
Her frank and honest tone allow readers to peer into her mind. It’s a must-read for those interested in a first-person perspective on life in the lights.

3. American Midnight: The Great War, a Violent Peace, and Democracy’s Forgotten Crisis by Adam Hochschild (Mariner Books)
4. Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono (Knopf)
Bono is a name synonymous with legendary music.
But it’s also a name that rhymes with great prose
In this title, Bono delivers an intriguing memoir organized as an essay collection.
Each essay represents a song that tells a story about his life and career.
Fans of U2 and Bono will find an interesting and down-to-earth account of Bono’s exploits as a humanitarian in Africa and a world-class musician.
This is a must read for people interested in hearing about his philanthropic endeavors.

5. The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman (Knopf)
In keeping with memoirs, Hollywood legend Paul Newman drops an extraordinary account of his life and career.
6. Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe by David Maraniss (Simon & Schuster)
The next item on this list is a gripping biography.
Veteran best-seller David Maraniss takes a deep dive into the life of an extraordinary athlete: Jim Thorpe.
This story is one that sports fans of all kinds will find fascinating and revealing. Thorpe’s life is one of sacrifice and triumph.
Sadly, Thorpe’s accomplishments were marred by the country’s treatment of Native Americans, whom Thorpe proudly represented.
This title will surely entice sports fans to learn everything about the man considered the nation’s best athlete.

7. High-Risk Homosexual: A Memoir by Edgar Gomez (Counterpoint Books)
What could be better than an honest account of a difficult but inspiring time in a person’s life?
8. A Place at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community by Natalia Molina (UC Press)
A Place at the Nayarit is a heartwarming family history book.
It chronicles the story of a small Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles founded by Molina’s grandparents.
The story revolves around the Echo Park Mexican restaurant’s role in the local community. It was a meeting place for working-class folks, immigrants, artists, and pioneers.
This title delivers big on cultural context with rich details and vivid depictions worthy of a world-class historian. It’s a great read for anyone interested in culture and heritage.

9. South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry (Ecco Press)
South to America is a fascinating journey through Perry’s native land.
10. Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora (Hogarth)
Solito is the type of book that will follow you for the rest of your life.
It chronicles the author’s journey as an unaccompanied minor from El Salvador to the United States.
The story centers on a nine-year-old boy’s harrowing tale leading him to Arizona.
This haunting account sheds light on the power and value that immigrants bring to this nation. Best of all, the author tells his story in his own voice.
This title is a story guaranteed to change your perspective on the nation’s immigration issues.

One Final Thought
Finding the perfect book for this holiday season may be a tall order. So, why not consider several titles? After all, ‘tis the season to curl up with a good book. This list gives you a perfect place to start!