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January is the perfect time for fresh starts, and what better way to kick off the new year than with some amazing new nonfiction books?
Whether you’re looking for a little inspiration, craving a deep dive into history, or just want to learn something fascinating, there’s a book on this list that’s bound to catch your eye.
As someone who loves curling up with a good nonfiction read (yes, even during chilly January evenings), I can’t help but get excited about these upcoming releases.
From thought-provoking memoirs to page-turning investigative pieces, these books promise to educate, entertain, and maybe even give you some great conversation starters for 2025.
1. The Survivor: How I Made It Through Six Concentration Camps by Josef Lewkowicz (January 27)
Josef Lewkowicz shares his extraordinary journey of surviving six concentration camps during the Holocaust, losing 150 family members, and becoming a Nazi hunter who brought notorious war criminals to justice.
From rescuing orphaned children to befriending global leaders, Josef’s story is one of resilience, justice, and hope—a powerful testament to the human spirit.
2. Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth): A Memoir by Markus Zusak (January 21)
Markus Zusak, bestselling author of The Book Thief, recounts the hilarious chaos and heartfelt lessons learned after his family adopts three unruly rescue dogs.
This tender, laugh-out-loud memoir explores the beauty of imperfection, the bonds of family, and the life-changing love that even the wildest animals can bring into our lives.
3. Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck (January 7)
Martha Beck introduces a fresh approach to overcoming anxiety by tapping into creativity and curiosity.
Drawing on neuroscience, social science, and her personal journey, she shows how to move beyond the anxious mind and into a life filled with purpose, joy, and play.
A transformative guide to breaking free from stress and finding inner peace.
4. Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields (January 14)
Brooke Shields redefines what it means to age as a woman in this candid and empowering memoir.
Sharing her experiences with humor and insight, she tackles age-related bias and celebrates the freedom, confidence, and agency that come with midlife.
This book is a vibrant call to embrace the power of aging.
5. In Gad We Trust by Josh Gad (January 14)
Actor and comedian Josh Gad, beloved for his role as Olaf in Frozen, shares a collection of hilarious and heartfelt essays.
From navigating self-image and family dynamics to fatherhood and unexpected career successes, Gad’s debut is a funny, relatable, and deeply personal glimpse into his life’s ups and downs.
6. A Rage to Conquer by Michael Walsh (January 28)
Michael Walsh explores twelve pivotal battles that shaped Western history in this compelling sequel to Last Stands.
Highlighting the role of war in cultural and societal change, Walsh delves into the motivations, heroics, and legacies of these historic conflicts, which presents war as a defining force in human history.
7. The Happy Writer by Marissa Meyer (January 28)
Marissa Meyer, bestselling author and host of The Happy Writer podcast, offers an encouraging and practical guide for writers to find joy in their craft.
From beating writer’s block to tackling imposter syndrome, this inspiring book is packed with tips, personal stories, and strategies to help writers at all stages embrace the creative process with less stress and more fulfillment.
8. The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke (January 7)
Shari Franke recounts her harrowing childhood as part of the popular 8 Passengers YouTube family, exposing the hidden abuse she endured.
This powerful memoir reveals her fight for survival, her escape from a toxic family dynamic, and her journey to freedom and healing.
9. The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow: The Dark History of American Orphanhood by Kristen Martin (January 21)
Kristen Martin explores the harsh realities behind America’s romanticized orphan narratives, from orphan trains to systemic racism in child welfare.
Combining cultural critique, history, and personal memoir, Martin delivers a thought-provoking analysis of autonomy, family, and the failures of orphan care in the U.S., challenging deeply ingrained myths.
10. Righteous Strife: How Warring Religious Nationalists Forged Lincoln’s Union by Richard Carwardine (January 21)
This groundbreaking book reframes the Civil War by focusing on the central role of religion.
Abraham Lincoln’s faith-driven leadership is explored as he grappled with competing visions of America’s future—antislavery versus conservative nationalism.
The book examines how Lincoln’s spiritual rhetoric and national calls for fasting and thanksgiving helped forge unity, emancipation, and his reelection, shaping the war’s outcome and its legacy.
11. House of Huawei: The Secret History of China’s Most Powerful Company by Eva Dou (January 14)
Eva Dou delves into the shadowy rise of Huawei, China’s tech giant, and its founder Ren Zhengfei’s family dynasty.
The book unpacks Huawei’s connections to China’s surveillance state, the global ambitions behind its technology, and the controversy surrounding Meng Wanzhou’s 2018 arrest.
Through confidential documents and in-depth reporting, it paints a revealing portrait of how business and government intertwine in modern China.
12. People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations by Jinger Vuolo (January 14)
Jinger Vuolo shares her journey of breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies and finding her true identity.
Rooted in her faith, she offers readers guidance on overcoming the need for external validation, understanding their worth, and cultivating healthier relationships.
This honest and empowering self-help book is a call to embrace authenticity and spiritual freedom.
13. Reclaiming the Black Body: Nourishing the Home Within by Alishia McCullough (January 14)
Alishia McCullough addresses the overlooked impact of disordered eating among Black women, and she explores how racial trauma disrupts the connection between body and self.
Combining history, client stories, and somatic healing practices, McCullough offers a decolonized approach to therapy.
This essential guide helps readers reclaim peace and wholeness within their bodies while navigating systemic challenges.
14. I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free by Lee Hawkins (January 14)
Journalist Lee Hawkins uncovers his family’s legacy of trauma following slavery in this powerful memoir.
Blending personal narrative with historical research, Hawkins confronts systemic racism, generational wounds, and resilience.
This soulful and thought-provoking book is a proof of the power of understanding history to find personal and collective liberation.
15. You’ll Never Believe Me: A Life of Lies, Second Tries, and Things I Should Only Tell My Therapist by Kari Ferrell (January 7)
Kari Ferrell, famously known as the “Hipster Grifter,” reveals her story in this edgy and candid memoir.
From petty theft to internet infamy, Ferrell details her wild life, identity struggles, and redemption journey.
Equal parts shocking and hilarious, this book dives into the humanity behind the viral headlines, offering a unique perspective on reinvention and self-discovery.
I hope you’re as excited as I am about these upcoming nonfiction releases—January is shaping up to be a month full of must-reads!
Which of these nonfiction books are you most excited to read?
Drop a comment below and let me know!
And don’t forget to check back for more book recommendations to keep your reading list fresh all year long. Happy reading!
