Some books make you feel. Others make you think. These 10 best nonfiction books of 2024 do both.
From groundbreaking investigations to unforgettable memoirs, this year’s standout titles offer insight, courage, and conversation starters.
Whether you’re looking for stories of resilience, cultural critique, or history redefined—this list has something for every curious mind.
🏆 Goodreads Winner: Best Nonfiction of the Year
1. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Haidt dives into the digital disruption of childhood, highlighting the psychological toll of smartphones and social media on today’s youth. With deep research and urgency, this is a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policy makers alike.
📚 Other Must-Read Nonfiction Books of 2024
2. The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
An intimate and witty memoir from the actress behind Emily Gilmore, sharing untold stories from her career on Broadway, film sets, and one of TV’s most beloved shows.
3. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
Larson paints a gripping portrait of America on the brink of civil war—examining the politics, pride, and personalities that shaped the nation’s most pivotal turning point.
4. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory by Tim Alberta
A bold look at the politicization of American evangelicalism and how faith, fear, and extremism have collided in recent years.
5. The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
Meet twelve overlooked Americans who changed the course of history. Sharon McMahon brings their stories to life with heart, depth, and historical clarity.
6. The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
The unbelievable but true story of one of the world’s most prolific art thieves. A thrilling dive into obsession, deception, and the value of beauty.
7. One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
Smart, funny, and full of nostalgia, this collection of essays tackles what it means to grow up millennial—from boy bands to burnout.
8. The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell
Montell breaks down the irrational ways our minds try to make sense of a chaotic world. A sharp mix of pop culture and cognitive science.
9. Black AF History by Michael Harriot
A powerful, unfiltered retelling of American history through a Black lens. Harriot challenges sanitized narratives with biting humor and fearless honesty.
10. Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson
The memoir of the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Inspiring and personal, it reflects on justice, perseverance, and breaking barriers.
🔚 Final Thoughts: What Makes These Books the Best
Whether you’re into true crime, personal essays, or untold history, the best nonfiction books of 2024 offer stories that challenge, inspire, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
📖 What will you read next?
