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I can’t speak for everyone, but growing up – and even now as an adult – one of the things that made me hesitant to read more nonfiction books was that a lot of them felt a little boring.
And it’s not that the events themselves are boring; it’s just that when you’re given a lot of information without much narrative flair, especially when you come from a background where you’ve mostly read fiction, it can feel a bit dreary getting into the groove of things.
That’s why I’m excited about the new crop of books that’s been emerging, which are often referred to as narrative non-fiction.
Narrative non-fiction books are essentially non-fiction works that have been given a dramatic flair.
The writing, the prose, and everything else are based on real facts – often covering very serious topics – but without the stiffness that comes with traditional non-fiction.
What we get instead is perhaps a dramatized account from a specific viewpoint that may not be as common, but the result is always something relatable, smooth, and easy to read.
Narrative non-fiction is great because it lowers the entry point into non-fiction books, which I think is really important in an age where attention spans are shorter.
I always advocate for getting more people into books and helping more people get interested in reading.
So, if you’re interested in reading non-fiction but worried it might feel too verbose or difficult, definitely check out these narrative non-fiction books.
1. The Wager by David Grann

This is a wild story of shipwreck, survival, and chaos at sea that dives deep into what really happened on a British ship called the Wager in the 1740s.
It starts with a group of sailors who, after their shipwreck, survive an unimaginable 3,000-mile journey to Brazil, only to be hailed as heroes.
But things take a sharp turn when another group of survivors shows up with a totally different story.
Instead of heroics, they describe mutiny, betrayal, and brutality.
The book follows the dramatic court trial that decides who is telling the truth and who might end up facing a noose.
It’s gripping, shocking, and really makes you think about human behavior under pressure. I can’t imagine surviving something so extreme.
2. South to America by Imani Perry

This book feels like sitting down with someone who knows the South inside out and is ready to show you its hidden layers.
Imani Perry, who grew up in Alabama, takes you on a journey through the American South and shares ts complicated history and its people’s rich, often overlooked stories.
She blends her personal experiences with tales of immigrants, artists, and everyday Southerners to show how this region shaped the whole country.
It’s eye-opening and full of moments that make you pause and reflect on how history lingers today.
I love how she brings humanity into every page and makes it all feel so personal.
3. On the Trail of the Serpent by Richard Neville and Julie Clarke

This is the unbelievable story of Charles Sobhraj, a con man and serial killer who preyed on young tourists in the 1970s.
He was smart, dangerous, and always one step ahead, traveling across Asia, stealing identities, smuggling drugs, and leaving a chilling trail of murders behind him.
The book, based on exclusive interviews, dives into how Sobhraj managed to manipulate and outsmart so many people while building his horrifying reputation.
I was hooked the whole way through and the story was honestly too wild to believe – it’s like something out of a thriller movie.
4. Seductive Poison by Deborah Layton

Deborah Layton shares her intense experience as a former member of Jim Jones’s infamous cult, the Peoples Temple.
She takes you through how she got caught up in the group, what life was like inside, and her daring escape from the Jonestown commune in Guyana.
Tragically, her warnings about the group’s danger were ignored and this led to the Jonestown massacre.
This book is emotional and chilling, but it also explains how anyone can get drawn into something they think is good but turns out to be deadly.
It’s haunting, but I think it’s an important read that everyone needs to check out now.
5. Stiff by Mary Roach

Ever wondered what happens to our bodies after we die?
Mary Roach tackles this strange but fascinating topic with humor and curiosity.
She looks at how cadavers have been used throughout history to advance science, test inventions, and even solve mysteries.
From crash-test dummies to surgical training, this book shows how much we owe to those who’ve donated their bodies to science.
It’s surprisingly funny for such a serious subject and makes you think about what happens after we’re gone in a totally new way.
I found it oddly comforting in a weird way.
6. A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell

Virginia Hall’s story is nothing short of amazing.
She was an American spy in World War II who didn’t let a prosthetic leg or being a woman stop her from becoming one of the most effective operatives in Europe.
She trained guerilla fighters, sabotaged enemy plans, and became a legend, even while the Nazis hunted her relentlessly.
Virginia’s courage and determination shine on every page of this book.
It’s such an inspiring story of someone who refused to let anything hold her back. I couldn’t help but admire her tenacity.
7. More Than You Can Handle by Miguel Sancho

This is a raw and honest look at a family’s fight to save their son, Sebastian, who was born with a rare immune disorder.
Miguel Sancho shares how they managed six years of medical challenges, emotional strain, and the ups and downs of trying to keep their family together through it all.
It’s heartbreaking at times but also hopeful as they finally find a groundbreaking treatment to save their son.
I loved how real and unfiltered this story is – it really shows how strong people can be when faced with the unimaginable.
8. In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

This is the incredible true story of the whaleship Essex, which inspired Moby-Dick.
In 1820, the ship was attacked by a massive sperm whale and sank and this left he crew stranded in the middle of the Pacific.
What follows is a harrowing tale of survival as the sailors face starvation, storms, and each other.
It’s both thrilling and heartbreaking, and it paints such a vivid picture of life at sea during that time.
I kept wondering how anyone could endure what they did. This book is an unforgettable look at human strength and the power of nature.
9. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

Erik Larson captures the tense months leading up to the American Civil War in a way that feels like a political thriller.
Starting with Lincoln’s election, the book dives into the chaos and missteps that pushed the country toward war.
From secret plots to passionate speeches, Larson brings the key players and their struggles to life.
It Will show you how fragile things can become when a nation is divided.
I found it fascinating how history can feel so current; it really makes you think about the ripple effects of decisions.
10. We’re Here Because You Were There by Ian Patel

This book dives into Britain’s complicated history with immigration and how post-war laws were used to control who was allowed in, often targeting people from its former colonies.
Ian Patel weaves together voices from immigrants and policymakers to show how race and empire shaped modern Britain.
It’s an eye-opening account of how colonial attitudes lingered long after the empire itself was gone.
I think it’s such an important read for understanding where some of today’s immigration issues come from.
Do you think you’re going to check out any of these narrative non-fiction books?
Let me know which one caught your eye in the comments below.
And make sure to check out the related post for more non-fiction book lists you will love.