Feel Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners
If you are a fiction reader, choosing good nonfiction books can be intimidating. I’d recommend a nonfiction book that reads like a gripping novel, which can be hard to find. I have read so many great nonfiction books that we wanted to take the guesswork out of picking your next read.
We like to call this list nonfiction books for beginners. We compiled our favorite nonfiction books that are feel-good. They are uplifting and will leave you feeling like you just read a fantastic novel!
The Best Feel-Good Non-Fiction Books for Beginners
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
About the Entertainment Industry
Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt – Jump to section
About Travel
Come Fly the World by Julia Cooke – Jump to section
Celebrity Memoir
Clanlands by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish – Jump to section
About History
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly – Jump to section
About Fashion
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes – Jump to section
About Politics
Becoming by Michelle Obama – Jump to section
About Animals
Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Feel Good Nonfiction Books About the Entertainment Industry
Plot
This nonfiction old Hollywood book sheds light on the talent of Disney’s pioneering female animators and the struggles they faced in a male-dominated field. I loved learning about these incredible women – like Mary Blair who created the art for the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was appalled by the disparate treatment female in the animation field received, but I was also impressed by their gumption. The author does a tremendous job of showing their struggles but also how these women shaped animation as we know it. I was heartened to see just how far they have come. The book ends with Frozen and you can see the studio’s growth.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Books about Art / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Plot
This non-fiction book about the 70s tells the history of two iconic shows, Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, with different approaches to teaching children through television. I enjoyed reliving parts of my childhood as I eagerly looked up the songs and skits referenced in this book. The behind-the-scenes look added even more magic to the shows I know and love.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had no idea that the advent of children’s TV was so politically charged, but I learned that and so much more in this book. I also learned just how little our world has changed around racism and schooling in the time since these programs started.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Book Set in the 70s
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers
Author: Maxwell King
Year: 2018
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is such an amazing story of an amazing man unlike any other. He was a man central to the development of educational children’s television.
Fred was kind, caring, compassionate, and a champion for equality. He was devoted to children and addressing their educational, social, and emotional needs. I could personally relate to parts of his life during the time when he lived in Toronto.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is so well written and so easy to listen to even though it’s not my usual genre. Levar Burton, from Reading Rainbow, narrates and I love hearing him read. This is one of the best nonfiction books I have ever read.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Best Nonfiction Books
Plot
What a fascinating take on the history of the Barbie doll. Exploring how it came to be, the changes to the doll over the years, and its impact on culture, this book is the most definitive biography of Barbie I’ve ever read (and yes, I’ve read more than one.)
Update for the post-Barbie Movie era, there really is no better biographer for the famed doll herself than Lord. I was particularly interested in the role Ruth Handler played in the creation and growth of Barbie’s popularity.
Why Kirsten loves it
I first read this biography in middle school and didn’t realize it was the same book until after the new forward. I loved it then for its deep unflinching look at the pros and cons of the Barbie Doll. I love it now for incorporating how the doll has changed in recent years.
Find this book in: Feel Good Nonfiction / Best Beach Reads 2024
Dolls of Our Lives
Author: Mary Mahoney and Allison Horrocks
Year: 2024
Genre: Nonfiction History
Age Range: 16+
Plot
If you are a fan of American Girl Dolls, or you were as a child, you MUST read this book. It’s feel-good nonfiction at its finest with these two writers giving us the background on the beloved Pleasant Company dolls.
I love that the writers read this audiobook. It felt like listening to a conversation with friends. It focuses on the 6 original American Girl dolls and their origin stories. It also explains how the authors met and created their podcast.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found myself wrapped up in fond memories of my childhood. This read will bring back all the nostalgia for your dolls! #gifted
Find this book in: Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Summer Reads of 2024
Nonfiction Books for Beginners: Transportation
Plot
In this delightful book, I learned about uniforms, training, frolicking adventures, and the glamorous life in the air that had me picturing Gwyneth Paltrow in View From the Top. It also discussed far more serious topics like hijackers, Vietnam War flights and rescues, and issues of discrimination toward women.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
I learned so much while reading this book and I was swept into the story. Jackie and I talked with Julia about the research of this book, what surprised her most, and other fun things over on IG. Be sure to check it out.
Find this book in: Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Plane Books / Books set in the 70s / Best Nonfiction Books
Plot
Did you know the town of Gander, Newfoundland, took in 6,500 people on planes that had to have emergency landings after 9/11? I didn’t until I read this story, which also inspired the show Come From Away.
The townspeople were so welcoming and kind. It’s like Mr. Rodgers says – always look for the helpers.
Trigger Warnings
Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
I sobbed through this entire story. This non-fiction book was poignant and hopeful at the same time. It will keep you in the grip of its pages.
Find this book in: Plane Books / Feel Good Nonfiction / Books to Emotionally Wreck You
Plot
Maiden Voyages looks at the ladies who worked Ocean Liners like the Titanic and the unbelievable challenges they faced. I was in awe as I listened to this story of ships being sunk by icebergs and wartime submarines.
Why Kirsten loves it
The stories of unruly passengers, hurricanes, and the sacrifices of leaving their families to help others were unbelievable. I was so engrossed that I kept forgetting the book was non-fiction. If you love women’s history, the history of travel, or stories about the Titanic, this is the book for you!
Find this book in: Books Set in the 1920s / Gilded Age Books / Books like Downton Abbey / Feel-Good Nonfiction / Boat Books
Plot
Frank Abignail Jr’s life is one that most people could never even imagine – running away from home, impersonating a pilot, lawyer, and doctor, and defrauding banks out of millions of dollars.
This is the story of how he got away with all of his cons and eventually got caught. It’s a truly fascinating book that reads like fiction.
Why Jackie loves it
There is a reason this book inspired the hit movie starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio – it’s a story you wouldn’t believe if it wasn’t true.
Find this book in: Con Artist Books / Plane Books / Feel-Good Nonfiction
Feel Good Nonfiction Books: Memoirs
Clanlands
Author: Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, forward by Diana Gabaldon
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This hysterical book is part history and part comedy. Stars of the Outlander TV series, Sam Heughan (who plays Jamie Fraser) and Graham McTavish (AKA Dougal MacKenzie) go on a road trip with each other. Along the way, they tell funny stories and experience Scotland’s rich heritage. I laughed out loud multiple times at their antics, and then promptly watched their show Men in Kilts on Starz.
Why Kirsten loves it
I laughed out loud multiple times at their antics, and then promptly watched their show Men in Kilts on Starz. If you are a fan of the Outlander series (television series), you must read this pick.
Find this book in: Books about Scotland / Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Celebrity Memoirs / Books like Outlander
Talking as Fast as I Can
Author: Lauren Graham
Year: 2016
Genre: Memoir
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I love Lauren Graham because, in my mind, she’s Lorelai Gilmore. So the fact that this book was billed as a memoir that revolved a great deal around my beloved show had me signing up to listen.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found Graham’s rise to stardom to be an interesting one, but it was the behind-the-scenes look at Gilmore Girls that had me truly enthralled. I loved that she went back and binged it all, filling in her memories and sharing little anecdotes. I didn’t learn much about her private life, but it satisfied the fangirl in me regardless.
Find this book in: Celebrity Memoirs / Feel Good Nonfiction Books
My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business
Author: Dick Van Dyke
Year: 2011
Genre: Memoir
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Dick Van Dyke is an American icon that I’ve loved since Mary Poppins. He’s such a mainstay in the glamourous age of Hollywood and his story is inspiring. I had no idea about so many of the darker parts of his life, including his struggle with alcohol.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
Dick Van Dyke’s narration of his memoir brought it to life. I could hear the emotion in his voice as he shared his struggles and successes.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Celebrity Memoirs
Good Nonfiction Books About History
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Woman Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race
Author: Margot Lee Shetterly
Year: 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This true and amazing story is about Black female mathematicians and their role in the space race. So many people know this story because of the movie but, the book gives so many more details.
These women, who were originally sent to teach math in the South’s segregated schools, were called into service during WWII. They were some of the most brilliant minds of their generation. They eventually helped in the race to space during the Cold War.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Sexism
Why Jackie loves it
When I read this book, years before the movie came out, I couldn’t put it down. I was mesmerized by what these overlooked women had gone through as they worked to help their country.
Find this book in: Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Black History Book List / Books Like Lessons in Chemistry
Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II
Author: Liza Mundy
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fascinating book tells the story of the code girls, the women who worked to decode messages during WWII. They worked incredibly hard to save the men on the frontlines, yet their work has been largely overlooked. Mundy shines a light on their story, which was almost lost completely.
Trigger Warnings
War, Sexism
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not generally a huge non-fiction reader unless the topic is of particular interest to me. Having seen the Imitation Game and read quite a few non-fiction books about coding in war times, I thought this one would be interesting and it did not disappoint. I loved finding out about the trials and tribulations of the real-life heroes of the war that we rarely hear about.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Books about WWII / Books about Female Spies
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Author: Daniel James Brown
Year: 2013
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This bestselling book, recently adapted into a movie, tells the true tale of the 1936 USA men’s rowing team and their unlikely run for the gold medal. It’s a non-fiction story that reads like fiction, and sports nuts will love this story!
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
The Olympic games gave me such a heightened sense of American pride. The heroics of the team enthralled me. The sheer force of will and strength it took to get in that boat and win. I was rooting for the team and cheering them on the whole time. I thought I would be bored by the minutia of rowing, but I wasn’t.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Boat Books
Seabiscuit: An American Legend
Author: Lara Hillenbrand
Year: 1999
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
If you are looking for the best feel-good nonfiction book, look no further than this story which is the perfect underdog story. Seabiscuit is the story of a horse who overcame every obstacle, bad fortune, and injury to run one of the best horse races of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
This book reads like fiction because the story is fantastic and is one of the rare cases where the adaptation did the book justice. It is the ultimate story of an underdog. If you are looking for an animal book for adults you will love, this should be your pick.
Find this book in: Nonfiction Animal Books / Feel-Good Nonfiction Books
Good Nonfiction Books About Fashion
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style
Author: Elizabeth Holmes
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
I’m an avid follower of Elizabeth Holmes’ account (you should be too) where she explains the significance of the Royal Family’s wardrobe. The nuance and attention to detail the Royals use when
Why Kirsten loves it
Elizabeth breaks it down in an accessible and understandable way. I’m thrilled that her book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from her and more. This in-depth look at The Queen, Diana, Catherine, and Meghan is informative and beautiful. It is the perfect coffee table book for any fashion lover.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Fashion Books / Books about the Royal Family / Books about Queen Elizabeth II
Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century
Author: Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell
Year: 2022
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
From the ankles being shown post-WWI, Dior’s new look in WWII, the shoulder pads donned by career ladies in the 80s, and more, it was inspiring to see how fashion tells the story of female empowerment. This is a perfect place to start if you are looking for nonfiction books for beginners.
Why Kirsten loves it
I often find myself drawn to non-fiction books about fashion and women’s careers. I found this history of modern feminism through the changing of hemlines to be quite interesting!
Find this book in: Books About Fashion / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Gilded Age Books
The Other Side of the Coin
Author: Angela Kelly
Year: 2019
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: Sunday Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Angela Kelly is the Queen’s headdresser and long-time companion. She details her process for dressing the queen, talks about some of her most iconic looks, and even reveals a few personal stories about her time with Her Majesty.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had palace fever this month while working on our Royal Reads post, so it’s no surprise that when my library hold for this autobiographical audiobook came through, I dove right into it. I absolutely loved this inside look about life with the Queen. I really felt like I learned about the Queen’s personality through this book.
Find this book in: Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Books about the Royal Family / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Nonfiction Books about Fashion /
The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise and (Near) Fall of J.Crew
Author: Maggie Bullock
Year: 2023
Genre: Nonfiction
Plot
An inside look at a brand that defined my 20s? Sign me up to read this bad boy! This book looks at J.Crew’s creation, its juggernaut success in the 90s and 2000s, and what led to the company’s declaration of bankruptcy at the outbreak of the pandemic.
Why Kirsten loves it
With dozens of interviews and extensive research, Bullock delivers a compelling, nostalgic, and brutally honest account of the company. I loved the behind-the-scenes feel to the book and particularly enjoyed learning about Jenna Lyons’s rise to prominence inside the company.
Find this book in: Books about Fashion / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Beach Reads 2023 / Best Books 2023
Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners About Politics
Becoming
Author: Michele Obama
Year: 2018
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: November 2018 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
I am so happy that I finally read this book. Michelle Obama is a brilliant woman who has such an incredible story to tell. I was intrigued by her life and her upbringing.
I listened to this book and was so happy to hear the story read by Obama herself. Obama is a brilliant woman and it was a pleasure to hear her story told in her voice. There is something about her voice that is so calming and soothing.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of my favorite non-fiction books about women in politics. As nonfiction books go, this one is a must.
Why Jackie loves it
I also listened to this one and I think the audio version is a must. I loved hearing this book read by the former first lady!
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Best NonFiction / Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Books about Women in Politics / Books by BIPOC Female Authors
Plot
This non-fiction book about women in politics is all about the first ladies. I had no idea what a job being the First Lady really is…an unpaid one at that! This intimate look at the many hats the modern First Lady plays showcases all the women from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama who have been FLOTUS.
I was fascinated to see the differences between Hillary Clinton to Lady Bird Johnson. I know FLOTUS is one job I never want to have, but I have such respect for all the women who have held that office.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a First Lady and I found myself having more respect for the women who have help the position.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners
Plot
This is one of the nonfiction books that reads like fiction. This memoir about Beck’s life as the stenographer in the Obama White House was like Sex and the City meets Scandal.
I had no idea how juicy things got in Washington! I also appreciated how much Beck respected the Obamas and the work they did for our country.
Why Kirsten loves it
Find this book in: Feel Good Nonfiction Books / The Ultimate List of the Best Non-Fiction Books / Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Feel-good Nonfiction Books about Animals
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness
Author: Sy Montgomery
Year: 2015
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sy Montgomery is a naturalist who explores consciousness through the stories of animals- particularly Octopuses. The lives of these shy, amazing animals are unlike any other animal on the planet. These intelligent creatures, who have such distinct personalities are the backdrop for this wonderful feel-good nonfiction book.
Why Jackie loves it
My mom recommended this book to me for a feel-good book about animals for adults and it was exactly what I needed. Be warned! After reading this book, you may never be able to eat octopus again.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Nonfiction Animal Books / Best Nonfiction Books
Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog
Author: John Grogan
Year: 2005
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a heartwarming story about a family and their huge yellow lab. Marley is a hilariously, ridiculous, horribly behaved dog who teaches everyone around him what love really means. From his time as a puppy in John’s bachelor days, until his elder dog years when John has a family, this book perfectly captures the full pet-ownership experience.
Why Jackie loves it
If you are looking for nonfiction books that read like fiction, this is the book for you. After all, who would believe one dog could create so much havoc?
Find this book in: Animal Books / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners
The Zookeeper’s Wife
Author: Diane Ackerman
Year: 2007
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
There is no surprise that this nonfiction book was made into a movie. The story is just so compelling and feels like a novel. When the Nazis invaded Poland, the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo had their animal collection ransacked. While taking care of the remnants of the zoo, they decide to hide fleeing Jewish people in the now-empty animal homes.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Animal death, Genocide, War
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this book and I am so glad that I listened to this one. Suzanne Toren reads it beautifully. Her wonderful accents and pronunciation of the words helped set the scene.
Find this book in: Feel-Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books About the Holocaust / Best Nonfiction Books / Best Netflix Adaptations / Nonfiction Animal Books
Helpful Tips
- Choose a book based on a subject, person, or period you are highly interested in.
- Don’t expect to read a nonfiction book the same way you read a novel. You might want to read only a few chapters at a time.
- Have a fiction book ready to read in between nonfiction chapters if you get bored or restless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start reading nonfiction books?
Start with a topic you are already interested in! If you love movies, read about the entertainment industry. If you love historical fiction, read about your favorite period. If you love a specific artist, politician, or actor, start with a memoir or biography of that person.
Once you get used to the cadence of how nonfiction books are written, you’ll find yourself picking up more and more nonfiction – not just on what you love, but on what you are curious to learn more about!
Why is nonfiction better than fiction?
It’s not. It’s all about personal preference. Some people love fiction novels’ storytelling or fantasy aspects, while others are on a fact-finding mission and prefer nonfiction. It’s entirely up to the reader and neither is better.
Related Content
This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!
Epilogue
When starting with your journey into the world of nonfiction, I think feel-good books are the way to go. Did any of our list of good nonfiction books for beginners make it onto your to-read list? Have you read any of these already? If so, let us know!
Ultimate List of Nonfiction Books
If you love nonfiction books, this is the list we created especially for you.
Book Lists by Genre
Are you looking for more books in your favorite genre? This hub will let you choose which genre to dive into!
