My Top 10 NONFICTION Books Of The Year (So Far)!

I've read a bunch of them this year and these are my favorites so far!

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Well, this was a surprising revelation:

I typically share my top 10 nonfiction and fiction lists at the end of each year, and this year I’ve decided to create mid-year lists as well. And, since we’re halfway through the year and not at the end, I figured I’d share 5 top books instead of 10.

Problem is, I’m having a hard enough time narrowing down my favorites to even 10!

Needless to say, it’s been an even better reading year than I realized!

So rather than stress myself out trying to narrow the lists down to 5, I’m stressing myself out a bit less by narrowing them down to 10. :-)

As of this writing, I have read 57 books in 2025 (nonfiction + fiction), and what follows are my 10 favorite nonfictions. I hope you find your next 5-star read in this list of winners! My fiction list will come out next week.

Happy reading!

My Top 10 Nonfiction Reads (So Far)

In no particular order, here are my 10 favorite nonfiction books that I’ve read so far this year. Since I’ve written about each of these in monthly wrap-ups already, I’ll keep my thoughts here very brief; I’ll also include a link to each book’s corresponding wrap-up if you’d like to learn more about it. Also, I’m not including any of our 2025 Reading And Purpose Nonfiction Book Club picks here - you can catch up on all of them here (and book club members, stay tuned to cast your votes for our 2026 picks soon!).

Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton

Such a beautiful and respectful story of a woman, a hare, and their unique relationship with one another. It sounds a bit like a fairytale when I describe it that way, but what’s astounding about this book is its realness, gentleness, care, and again, the level of respect felt all the way through. (April wrap-up)

How To Carry What Can’t Be Fixed by Morgan Devine

This book found me at the perfect time, and I’ve held a soft spot for it in my heart ever since. A beautiful and practical resource to help navigate grief and hardship. In addition to the book’s gentle support, the artwork is absolutely stunning. (February wrap-up)

Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

I read this in the middle of winter and became even more excited than usual for the birds to return in the spring! Now many months later, I still find myself reflecting back on Tan’s keen observations, unique drawings, and obvious appreciation for our feathered friends. (January wrap-up)

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

For me, one of the best signs of a stellar book is when I’m immediately sent down various research trails to learn more about the contents, the author, and the thoughts sparked by the reading experience. That was definitely my experience after reading The Message. My study book overfloweth after finishing this one! (January wrap-up)

Word By Word by Kory Stamper

If someone held a party to celebrate words, and brought in dictionary writers like Kory Stamper and other word’ish experts to speak, I would happily sit in the front row with all my fellow word nerds and take in every detail with delight. I’m not yet aware of a party like this, but reading this book felt like a joyful alternative. (February wrap-up)

Some of my mid-year nonfiction faves!

Hope For Cynics by Jamil Zaki

Whether you consider yourself a cynic, have a cynical person(s) in your life, or would just like a helpful, realistic, hopeful read to remind you of human goodness, you’ll find value in this one. While I love a good optimist/positivity/turnaround story, I also appreciate this honest take on moving from cynical to, at the very least, less cynical. (May wrap-up)

Teaching Critical Thinking by bell hooks

This reads a bit more on the academic side but is one of the best books I have come across on the topic of critical thinking. I love the premise summarized even in the title - that critical thinking can be taught and learned - and hooks does a fantastic job showing us how to increase this valuable skill in ourselves, our classrooms and training rooms, and beyond. I highlighted a ridiculous amount - watch for my article on this topic coming in the near future. (March wrap-up)

How To Winter by Kari Leibowitz

I’m writing this particular issue of Reading And Purpose during a week of 90F degree days, so winter seems miles away - yet I am still applying the principles and points shared throughout this helpful resource. I also like just looking at the cover to cool down a little, while feeling perhaps a bit more peaceful, too. (January wrap-up)

The Right To Read Handbook by Philomena Polefrone & the American Booksellers Association

If you love books, support literacy, believe in the power of the written word, and don’t agree with the book bans and challenges arising across the U.S., pick up this book. It does a wonderful job providing accurate information, facts with supporting data, inspiring stories of action, and practical tips to help support the right to read. (February wrap-up)

Hanif Abdurraqib’s books

OK, I know I’m cheating here, but I just can’t get enough of Abdurraqib’s writing! To my understanding, he has published six books so far; I read my first one in February and recently finished my fifth. I’ve also listened to him on podcast interviews, watched him read poetry on YouTube, and had the pleasure of hearing him speak at a book festival this spring. I’m considering an article covering my thoughts on all his works - let me know if you’d be interested! (February wrap-up, March wrap-up, April wrap-up, May wrap-up)

Your turn! Please share in the comments any of these that you’ve read, any that you’d like to read, and what great book(s) you’ve read so far this year. I’ll be reading your comments with my TBR list ready for your recommendations!

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Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC, and self-proclaimed book nerd, is a certified coach who helps achievers work with meaning, live with purpose, and reach bold + difference-making goals. Feel free to share your questions, comments, or topic/book suggestions below or via email to readingandpurpose (at) gmail (dot) com.

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