The Ten Best Nonfiction Books To Read In 2021
Why do you read books? People read books for many reasons ranging from entertainment and escapism to information and knowledge. Since I was a kid, reading books has been a channel to discover human history, existence, culture, and social progress. And that’s why I always gravitate towards nonfiction books in relevant categories such as history, religion, society, and science. I read numerous books in these categories. And even though I didn’t finish reading some or forgot the content of others, there are a few books that still echo in my mind. It’s astonishing how some books can alter our thoughts and beliefs in unmistakable ways. This blog will reveal a list of my all-time most interesting nonfiction books women should read.
Age of Aquarius and information overload
Many ancient beliefs and astrologists suggest that humankind has entered the age of Aquarius, or the age of information, network, enlightenment, and knowledge. It is presumably the age when society will have tremendous access to information through the digital realm. With the creation of complex digital networks (world wide web) combined with advancement in digital data management, information and knowledge are accessible to everyone. There are billions of online articles, blogs, and books with infinite sources of information and data available to us with a click of a few keyboard buttons.
However, not all information is reliable, and not all writers are investigative journalists, scholars, and researchers. The freedom to write and exchange information has enabled the unwise and opportunist to publish misguided and wrongful information. And when it comes to science, history, politics, or religion, it’s essential to find authentic sources from subject matter experts (scholars and researchers) to affirm the accuracy of the information shared. Individuals who dedicate their lives to studying and researching history, politics, and any anthropological subject take it upon themselves to provide as accurate and as credible information as possible. For that reason, authenticity is paramount when discussing history, politics, science, and societies.
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Benefits of Reading nonfiction books
Gaining wisdom
Reading nonfiction helps us better understand the world we live in and gain tolerance. In addition, people who read nonfiction are seeking answers to lingering intellectual questions. For example, reading history or political books broadens the understanding of past events that shaped the present. And reading biographies of famous people give us insights on how to seek opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and promote self-discovery.
Improving communications and social interactions
Reading nonfiction, like science books, helps expand our vocabulary of scientific terms. It also enables professionals to pick up on a new style of writing from the publishing authors of nonfiction books. A wellness expert may find inspiration in an author’s writing style and leverage it in writings, blogging, or research papers.
As well, reading enhances social interactions and helps ignite versatile conversations with others. People crave information and are bound to lend an ear to you if you tell an exciting story about a past event that shaped history or talk about the latest discoveries that can enhance our daily lifestyle. In addition, you could come across someone who shares your passion for nonfiction who’s willing to offer new insight on different parallel topics.
Keeping brain active
When reading nonfiction books, we tend to absorb and memorize the information presented in the book. As well, reading nonfiction helps improve analytical skills and attentiveness. It’s a workout for the brain and might help reduce degenerative neurological disorders.
Must-read nonfiction books to read
Dr. Karina Reiss & Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi
The topic of coronavirus and COVID19 continues to dominate our attention. Since the start of the pandemic, there’s been a barrage of information, conflicting opinions, fake news, and politically controlled data. The award-winning Dr. Reiss & Dr. Bhakdi give clarity through analysis, data, and facts. “ Corona False Alarm? “ is not a conspiracy book about underground operations, bloodthirsty elites, or anti-vaxxers. Instead, the book provides sound and substantial facts which encourage you to form your own opinion about the crisis. Let me assure you that they don’t deny the reality of the virus or the need for vaccination but rather reveal healthcare malpractices and the politicization of the tragedy. The book is so good you don’t want to put it down until you complete reading all 130 pages.
Klaus Schwab
Mr Schwab, the founder of World Economic Forum, describes how technological advancements are driving the fourth industrial revolution, which will transform the entire structure of the world economy, communities, and human identities. Think about the tremendous abundance of breakthroughs ranging from AI, Robotics, autonomous vehicles, biotechnology, quantum computing, among many. The book is intended to teach us how to use the possibilities of this revolutionary change to make the world a better place.
James Rickards (Bestselling author of Currency Wars)
The ways of managing and preserving wealth are changing with the rising popularity of bitcoins and real estate investments. James Rickards suggests diversifying your wealth across seven different investment concepts. Although the book requires some understanding of US economics and the banking system, it challenges our perception of economics and money. Aftermath provides a solid understanding of what the future could hold.
The revolutionary life and death of Medieval Cathars
Stephen O’shea
I learned about the Cathars was while visiting a book store in the South of France. I was curious to know about this Christian movement from Medieval times and understand what happened to them. I’ve learned that they were accused of heresy by Pope Innocent III, who resolved to eradicate them over 50 years. Surprisingly, the Christian Cathars were the first victims of the Inquisition and Crusade series.
The Perfect Heresy was written by Stephen O’shea from Toronto, Canada, and was reviewed by The New York Times, Publishers Weekly and the Globe And Mail. I highly recommend reading this nonfiction book, which tells the story of a thriving society and the Catholic Church’s ruthless pursuit to abolish it.
William H. McNeill
When the Anti-Vaxxer movement is gaining momentum among the famous and wealthy, it is essential to recall the devastating historical repercussions of infectious diseases. Plagues and Peoples is a nonfiction book that chronicles the history of humanity inflicted with diseases. Readers will realize that the course of human history wasn’t just shaped and molded by wars and conflict. In fact, infectious diseases played a significant role in wiping out civilizations and affecting economic standards everywhere. More importantly, humans have never been able to control the disastrous spread of diseases until discovering antibiotics and vaccinations.
If there’s any exciting nonfiction book to read at this moment, Plagues and Peoples should be your first pick.
Pharaohs, Freemasons and the discovery of the secret scrolls of Jesus
Christopher Knight & Robert Lomas
This book showcases fascinating enigmatic insight into Freemasons’ world, including the origins of their rituals. In addition, the book provides hypotheses and controversial theories about the lives of Moses and Jesus, The Shroud of Torin, The Knights Templar, and the Lost Scrolls. The Hiram Key is easy to read but can be uncomfortable for people of faith to accept the non-biblical explanations and theories. One must read it with an open mind and tolerance to the idea that biblical stories are not necessarily factual.
How the daughters of Genghis Khan rescued his empire
Jack Weatherford
Whenever the word Mongols is mentioned, one can’t help but picture the savage warriors of the Orient who have once terrorized Asia and Europe. But, unfortunately, it is so rare to find any historical references to female warriors and queens who played essential roles in expanding and ruling empires. This book tells the story of Mongolian princesses and queens who led armies and turned Genghis Khan’s conquest into the world’s first truly international empire, which fostered trade, education, and religion. These are inspiring and empowering stories extinguished for centuries but are revived and told in this book.
The Secret History of the Mongol Queens is a provocative nonfiction book that earned acclaim from Washington Post, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, among other publications.
Lies, Damn Lies, and the Public Relations Industry
John Stauber
Twenty years ago, I dated a Hippie, radical type of guy! He detested PR and Marketing. Ironically, he fell for a woman who was specializing in corporate marketing at that time. Of course, our wild romance didn’t last long but the book he left behind has a lasting impression. . He gifted me Toxic Sludge Is Good For You in an attempt to convince me to give up marketing.
The book is a shocking analysis of the PR industry that reveals how PR executives create and spin the news, organize fake “grassroots” front groups, spy, and collaborate with lobbyists and politicians to achieve corporate and political goals. If you recall the Gulf War, know that Hill & Knowlton, a PR agency was involved in selling the Gulf War to the American public. This book will make you question the authenticity of every single political and marketing campaign moving forward.
Professor: Bryan Sykes
Can you imagine a world without men? Professor Sykes argues that the Y chromosome is a genetic mess and is deteriorating so quickly that men could become extinct. His argument is based on indications of declining sperm counts and high percentages of abnormal sperm.
Adam’s Curse is a great book to read for anyone who loves science and supports evolution. There are several fascinating facts you’ll learn about the origins of the reproductive system when it comes to sexual orientation.
Peter Frankopan
I picked up this book at London Heathrow Airport 2 weeks ago and spent a couple of hours reading it on the plane until my eyes couldn’t stay open any longer. I was attracted to the title of the book and the subtitle “The Present and Future of the World”. There are many political and economic activities in the Orient and Asia that we don’t read about regularly in newspapers and online. As North Americans, we are specifically concerned with what is happening within our continent and are overwhelmed by the ongoing political and economic fiascos. But we must establish an understanding of the initiatives outside the continent that affect our prosperity and growth.
The New Silk Roads outlines the changes taking place in Asia and the revival of the “Silk Road”. It is a reminder that we live in a completely interconnected world and affirms the ancient belief that we live in the age of Aquarius.
Summary
Nonfiction books offer authentic insights and awareness of the world we live in. Knowledge of human history, science, politics, and culture is power! It is also a means to gain wisdom and become a more exciting individual.
Originally published at https://ellemuse.com on May 10, 2021.