A nonfiction book can make the perfect gift, but each year thousands of books are published, and finding the perfect nonfiction book to give as a gift can seem daunting. This post aims to simplify this challenge for you. So whether you’re shopping for a history buff, a science enthusiast, or someone seeking self-improvement, there’s a perfect nonfiction book out there for them.
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Best Business & Economics Book to Give as a Gift
For the person who values the practical application of knowledge and insights.
Best New Business and Economics Book to Give as a Gift
Blood in the Machine, by Brian Merchant
Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech, explores the history of automation and its impact on human jobs and society, drawing parallels between the Luddite movement of the early 19th century and the current rise of big tech.
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Best Timeless Classic Business and Economics Book
Freakonomics, by Steven D Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
Freakonomics takes a unique approach to economics, using pop culture references and real-world examples to make complex topics accessible and engaging. This appeals to a wide range of readers, even those who have no prior interest in economics.
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Best Nonfiction Science Book to Give as a Gift
Gift a popular science book to someone curious about the world around them.
Best New Science Book
Fire Weather, by John Vaillant
Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World is a non-fiction book that explores the devastating Fort McMurray wildfire of 2016. It delves into the science, history, and human factors that contributed to the disaster and serves as a warning for the future.
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Best Timeless Classic Science Book
Entangled Life, by Merlin Sheldrake
A captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on the natural world. It is sure to fascinate anyone interested in science, the environment, and the interconnectedness of life.
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Best Self-Help Book to Give as a Gift
Buy this for the person who is interested in personal growth.
Best New Self-Help Book
Outlive, by Peter Attia
Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity is a book focused on prolonging not just life, but also liveliness. It delves into the science of aging and explores ways to live longer and healthier lives.
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Or check out our list of The Best Self-Help Books Released in 2023
Best Timeless Classic Self-Help Book
Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl
This book is a powerful memoir by a Holocaust survivor who discovered the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. It offers timeless insights on resilience, hope, and the human spirit.
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Best True Crime Book to Give as a Gift
For the person who is fascinated by crime and its mysteries, who enjoys suspenseful narratives, and psychology.
Best New True Crime Book
The Art Thief, by Michael Finkel
A well-written and engaging book that offers a fascinating look inside the world of art theft. It is sure to appeal to readers who are interested in true crime, biography, and the art world.
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Or check out our list of New True Crime Books 2023
Best Timeless Classic True Crime Book
The Old Man and The Gun, by David Grann
This book contains 3 true crime stories by David Grann (Author of Killers of the Flower Moon) originally published in the New Yorker. A story about a stickup man/escape artist who just can’t stop, a story about an author who seemingly reveals details of an unsolved murder in a work of fiction, and a story about a serial manipulator and impersonator who poses as a missing child from Texas and is “reunited” with the family.
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Best History Book to Give as a Gift
Gift a history book to the lifelong learner. History books can be a valuable source of information and knowledge. They offer a deeper understanding of social, political, cultural, and economic systems, as well as the causes and consequences of historical events.
Best New History Book
Fever in the Heartland, by Timothy Egan
Fever in the Heartland exposes the Ku Klux Klan’s 1920s resurgence through the stories of a charismatic leader and a brave woman who challenged his power.
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Best Timeless Classic History Book
Guns, Germs, and Steel, by Jared Diamond
Guns, Germs, and Steel contend geography and environment, not race, dictated the uneven development of human societies throughout history.
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Best Biography to Give as a Gift
People who are fascinated by impactful people and historical figures would appreciate a biography of someone they admire or are curious about.
Best New Biography
Elon Musk, By Walter Isaacson
Famed genius biographer, Walter Isaacson, shadowed Elon Musk for two years. He interviewed friends, enemies, business associates, rivals, exes, and even his estranged.
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Best Timeless Classic Biography
Leonardo da Vinci, By Walter Isaacson
A biography by Walter Isaacson explores the life and mind of the Renaissance polymath, weaving together his art, science, and inventions into a captivating portrait of a genius.
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Best Memoir to Give as a Gift
For the person looking for an escape, or the person who watches reality TV. Memoirs offer a unique opportunity to gain insight into another person’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
Best New Memoir to Give as a Gift
The Woman in Me, by Britany Spears
Britney Spears breaks free from the constraints of fame and media scrutiny to share her own story, revealing a vulnerability and strength rarely seen before.
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Or check out our list of The Best Memoirs 2023
Best Timeless Classic Memoir to Give as a Gift
Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
Shoe Dog is a fascinating look at the early days of Nike and the challenges Phil Knight faced in building the company.
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I hope this list of best nonfiction books to give as a gift has helped you find the perfect gift. Let us know in the comments. Please share this post if you found it useful. Remember, these books are more than just presents; they’re keys to unlocking hidden worlds, fostering intellectual growth, and enriching one’s understanding of the world around us. Happy gifting, and happy reading!