What’s not to love about a non-fiction book? In these selected fascinating reads, we’ll hear from a survivor of sexual assault, a Native woman essayist, a writer with mental illness, a woman who almost married a con man and more. If you’re looking for your next non-fiction read, check out our list of unputdownable non-fiction books of fall 2019.

Make It Scream, Make It Burn: Essays by Leslie Jamison

In 14 emotional and intellectual essays, Leslie Jamison explores longing, obsession and her own personal reckonings. From eloping in Vegas and becoming a stepmother to giving birth, she writes in a voice that is wise as she examines her own life in order to share with readers.

Make Your Moment: The Savvy Woman’s Communication Playbook for Getting the Success You Want by Dion Lim

When it comes to being a woman in a male-dominated field, ABC News anchor Dion Lim has seen it all. Having learned from her years of experience in the business of TV news, she knows that to build a career you need a few things: determination, the ability to learn from previous mistakes and street smarts. In her debut book, Make Your Moment, she breaks down the ways in which women should be communicating in the workplace in order to create the career of their dreams. Master the workplace this fall with this inspiring new nonfiction read.

Things We Didn’t Talk About When I Was a Girl: A Memoir by Jeannie Vanasco

Part interview, part memoir, the author reconnects with the friend who sexually assaulted her when she was in college. She asks the personal questions and explores how the act changed both of them. This is a book that features the victim and the perpetrator as the author grapples with what it means to forgive, and if her friend is even deserving of her forgiveness, after the trauma of sexual violence.

Just a Girl: Growing Up Female and Ambitious by Lucinda Jackson

For over 50 years, Lucinda Jackson was determined to make a name for herself in the science world, despite the fact that the field was mostly dominated by men. Telling her story of the pain and triumph she encountered during her climb to the top, Just a Girl is an inspiring story for women who have come up against sexism in the workplace. Outlining the history of sexism, ways that industries can improve their methods and many other helpful tactics, Jackson provides a guide for any woman who’s ready to take back her power.

Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese’s by Tiffany Midge

Musings on identity, life and politics that are a mix of humorous social commentary, Native Tiffany Midge shares her slice of life with readers. This collection is the author’s commentary on culture, media, feminism, and why she doesn’t like pussy hats or hipsters who abuse pumpkin spice.

The Collected Schizophrenias: Essays by Esmé Weijun Wang

Mental illness is something our country needs to talk about more so the stigmas go away. In this intimate book of essays, Esme Weijun Wang shares what it’s like to live with schizophrenia in order for others to understand. An important book that will enlighten and engage readers, Wang dives deep into her story, sharing research and her personal narrative in order to shed light on schizophrenia.

The Truths We Hold: An American Journey by Kamala Harris

In Kamala Harris’s The Truths We Hold, she shares career wisdom, insight and the knowledge of those who have inspired her along the way. The senator is committed to speaking the truth and tells her intimate story here discussing everything from health care, immigration, the opioid crisis and equality for all.

Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell

New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell is back with another deep examination in his latest, Talking to Strangers, where he helps us to understand the people we don’t know and why they did what they did. From Bernie Madoff’s deceptions, Amanda Knox’s trial, Sylvia Path’s suicide and more, take a look at how to talk to strangers and make sense of those around us.

Duped: Double Lives, False Identities, and the Con Man I Almost Married by Abby Ellin

Abby Ellin was planning on marrying the man of her dreams when he proposed after only six months of dating, but when she discovered he was lying and leading a secret life, she left him. When she began to investigate, she learned that so many people are ‘duped’ by loved ones. Abby shares her own personal story of betrayal and also shares stories of others who have been lied to and deceived by people who said they loved them.

(Feature image courtesy of @gabriellejanesbooks)

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