10 MOST FAMOUS NON-FICTION BOOKS

Amelia Walmsley
4 min readAug 31, 2023

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Non-fiction books have the power to educate, inspire, and challenge our perspectives. From self-help to history, these 20 iconic non-fiction books have captivated readers across the world. Join me on a journey through their pages as we delve into the stories, authors, impact, and a balanced view of these literary gems.

10 MOST FAMOUS NON-FICTION BOOKS
10 MOST FAMOUS NON-FICTION BOOKS
  1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
Becoming Book

Author: Michelle Obama

Total Books Sold: Over 15 million copies

Total Pages: 426 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Discover Michelle Obama’s journey from her childhood to her time in the White House, offering inspiring insights into leadership, identity, and personal growth.

What We Didn’t Like:

The book might have delved deeper into certain challenges she faced.

2. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens Book By Yuval Noah
Sapiens By Yuval

Author: Yuval Noah Harari

Total Books Sold: Over 15 million copies

Total Pages: 443 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Dive into the history of humankind, exploring how our species evolved and the impact of various revolutions on our society and culture.

What We Didn’t Like:

Some readers found parts of the book overly speculative.

3. “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg

Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Power of Habbit by Charles Duhigg

Author: Charles Duhigg

Total Books Sold: Over 3 million copies

Total Pages: 371 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Explore the science behind habits and learn how you can transform your routines to achieve personal and professional success.

What We Didn’t Like:

A few readers wished for more practical exercises to apply the concepts.

4. “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain

Quiet Book by Susan Cain

Author: Susan Cain

Total Books Sold: Over 2 million copies

Total Pages: 352 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Gain insights into the strengths of introverts and learn how to navigate a world that often favors extroverted qualities.

What We Didn’t Like:

Some readers wanted more emphasis on practical strategies for introverts.

5. “Educated” by Tara Westover

“Educated” by Tara Westover
“Educated” by Tara Westover

Author: Tara Westover

Total Books Sold: Over 5 million copies

Total Pages: 352 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Follow Tara Westover’s remarkable journey from growing up in a strict and isolated household to her pursuit of education and personal liberation.

What We Didn’t Like:

A few readers found the narrative disjointed at times.

6. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman

Author: Daniel Kahneman

Total Books Sold: Over 3 million copies

Total Pages: 499 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Delve into the world of cognitive biases, decision-making, and the interplay between our intuitive and rational minds.

What We Didn’t Like:

Some readers found the content dense and required careful reading.

7. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot

Author: Rebecca Skloot

Total Books Sold: Over 2.5 million copies

Total Pages: 370 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Uncover the true story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells revolutionized medical research, sparking ethical discussions about consent and scientific progress.

What We Didn’t Like:

A few readers wanted more in-depth exploration of Henrietta’s personal life.

8. “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell

Author: Malcolm Gladwell

Total Books Sold: Over 2 million copies

Total Pages: 309 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Explore the factors that contribute to success, including the role of opportunity, practice, cultural background, and timing.

What We Didn’t Like:

Some readers found the book’s insights a bit simplistic.

9. “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah Author: Trevor Noah

Total Books Sold: Over 2 million copies

Total Pages: 304 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Laugh and learn as Trevor Noah recounts his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa, offering poignant and humorous insights into race, identity, and resilience.

What We Didn’t Like: A small number of readers felt certain stories lacked depth.

10. “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup” by John Carreyrou

Author: John Carreyrou

Total Books Sold: Over 1 million copies

Total Pages: 352 pages

How It Will Change Your Life:

Get an inside look at the rise and fall of Theranos, a biotech startup engulfed in deception, scandal, and the allure of innovation.

What We Didn’t Like:

Some readers wished for a more comprehensive exploration of the legal and regulatory aftermath.

These 10 famous non-fiction books encompass a wide range of themes, perspectives, and experiences, providing you with a diverse reading journey that will captivate and enrich your mind. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of the world around you, each

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Amelia Walmsley

Lead Data Scientist at SkyLark Solutions | M.S Data Science | IVY League Essay Writing Guide | Richmond, VA