Best Sellers of 2023: 9 Non-Fiction Books

Posted By Jessie DeVries on November 2023

Dive into the captivating realm of real-world stories and enrich your mind with our list of 9 of our best-selling non-fiction books. From riveting memoirs that offer profound insights into the human experience to groundbreaking investigative journalism uncovering hidden truths, this list has something for every curious mind. Embark on a journey through the pages of these thought-provoking narratives that span diverse topics, enlightening readers with knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply seeking compelling tales from real life, our selection of non-fiction gems promises to leave a lasting impression

	Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Wall Kimmerer combines the perspectives of a scientist and of an indigenous woman to explore the profound connection between humans and the natural world. Trained in the tools of science, Kimmerer sees plants and animals as our oldest teachers. Through a lens that is both mythic and scientific, sacred and historical, she takes readers on a journey that weaves together indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge. The reflections in the book range from the creation of Turtle Island to contemporary threats facing the environment. Kimmerer argues that cultivating ecological awareness necessitates recognizing and celebrating our reciprocal relationship with the entire living world.
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Explores the unique approach of famed music producer Rick Rubin, renowned not for a specific sound but for creating a space where artists from diverse genres discover their true essence. Rubin's philosophy revolves around helping individuals surpass self-imposed limitations, guiding them to reconnect with a state of innocence that makes the unexpected inevitable. Through deep reflections on the origins of creativity, Rubin emphasizes that being an artist extends beyond specific outputs; it's about one's relationship with the world. Rubin presents a beautiful and generous course that distills a lifetime of wisdom, making the transformative power of creativity accessible to all.
	Out of the Shadows by Timea Nagy Out of the Shadows tells the story of Timea, a twenty-year-old Hungarian woman who responded to a seemingly innocent newspaper ad for work in Canada. Unbeknownst to her, she fell victim to an international human trafficking ring that exploited young women under the guise of legitimate employment. Arriving in Toronto, Timea was thrust into the dark underbelly of the sex trade. Controlled by agents who increased her debt despite her relentless work, Timea's life became a nightmarish struggle for freedom. Timea takes readers on a gripping and heartbreaking journey into the depths of human trafficking, offering a firsthand account of survival against insurmountable odds.
The Wager by David Grann On January 28, 1742, a ship carrying thirty emaciated survivors washed up on the beaches of Brazil. These men were remnants of His Majesty’s Ship the Wager, a British vessel on a secret mission during the imperial war with Spain. Marooned for months, the crew faced starvation, building a fragile craft that carried them across storm-ridden seas for over a hundred days. Greeted as heroes upon reaching Brazil, the tale took a dark turn six months later when a more dilapidated craft landed in Chile, carrying only three survivors who painted a starkly different narrative. Accusations flew, and the Admiralty convened a court martial to determine the truth, a verdict that held life-and-death consequences for the accused.
	Outsider by Brett Popplewell Popplewell introduces the extraordinary life of Dag Aabye, an aging former stuntman living alone inside a school bus atop a mountain. Popplewell, captivated by the seemingly implausible tale of this wild super-athlete who defies the conventional aging process, embarks on a determined quest to meet the apocryphal man. What unfolds on the secluded mountain perch propels Popplewell on a six-year odyssey to uncover the true story of the 81-year-old outsider. The narrative spans from Nazi-occupied Norway to Argentina and British Columbia, unveiling a remarkable journey. Aabye's life takes unexpected turns, ultimately driving him into the wilderness. A chronicle of joy and tragedy that challenges preconceptions about aging and belonging.
Pageboy by Elliot Page Pageboy delves into the transformative journey of Elliot Page, renowned actor and advocate, as he grapples with self-discovery, societal expectations, and the challenges of fame. Forced into the role of a glossy young starlet, Elliot faced criticism, abuse, and the haunting shadows of his past. Offering readers an intimate and detailed exploration of Elliot Page's life, Page details behind-the-scenes revelations and personal reflections. The narrative weaves through the challenges of Hollywood, the weight of societal expectations, and the transformative journey of embracing one's true self with defiance, strength, and joy.
	The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre The gripping true story of Oleg Gordievsky, a Russian counterpart to Kim Philby, the infamous British double-agent. Born to KGB agents, Gordievsky, savvy and sophisticated, came to view communism as both criminal and philistine. Beginning his career with Russian intelligence in 1968, he rose to become the Soviet Union's top man in London, all while secretly working for MI6 from 1973 onward. Over nearly a decade, as the Cold War approached its end, Gordievsky played a crucial role in helping the West counter the KGB, exposing Russian spies and thwarting numerous intelligence plots. The three-way gamesmanship between America, Britain, and the Soviet Union unfolds in Macintyre's narrative, reaching a climax with Gordievsky's nail-biting escape from Moscow in 1985.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann Grann takes readers back to the 1920s when the Osage Nation in Oklahoma became the richest community per capita in the world after oil was discovered beneath their land. The Osage enjoyed newfound prosperity, however, a dark turn followed as Osage individuals, including Mollie Burkhart's family, became the targets of a series of murders. One by one, they were killed under mysterious circumstances, with investigations into the crimes often resulting in the deaths of those seeking justice. Faced with the escalating crisis, the newly formed FBI, led by J. Edgar Hoover, intervened. Hoover enlisted former Texas Ranger Tom White to unravel the unfolding mystery. White assembled an undercover team, including a Native American agent who infiltrated the region to unravel the mystery.
	Alone Against the North by Adam Shoalts Recounting the gripping adventure of Adam Shoalts, an experienced wilderness explorer drawn to a mysterious spot on the map in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Despite facing jungles, bears, and mountains in the past, Shoalts was determined to explore a river that no hunter or explorer had left a record of paddling. As he ventured downriver, Shoalts discovered uncharted waterfalls that posed serious dangers, not documented in any satellite imagery or map. Upon returning to civilization, Shoalts received an astonishing media response, earning the moniker "Canada’s Indiana Jones." Celebrated by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and congratulated by the governor general, Shoalts became a symbol of exploration and the vastness of the unknown.