6 Non-Fiction Books You Won’t Want to Put Down

It’s no secret that I love to read. I was recently talking with another book-loving friend. We agreed that it’s kind of sad when you finish a really good book. We also said that the best way to feel better about a book’s end is to have another one ready to start. If you’re looking to find your next good book, check out these 6 non-fiction books that you won’t want to put down.

Bloom by Kelle Hampton

I first read this book when my now 8-year-old daughter was just a few months old. I went to Target to find a book that was uplifting and would pass the time of being at home with a newborn. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book. This is the story of a Naples, FL mom who unexpectedly had a daughter born with Downs Syndrome. Her words are raw and unfiltered. They take you on her emotional roller coaster that ultimately leads to an amazing end. I rarely re-read books. I’ve read this book twice and have loaned it out many times. It’s a beautiful story.

The Autumn Balloon by Kenny Porpora

The title of this book comes from the fact that the author’s mom had a tradition of releasing balloons into the sky each fall for family members who had died from drug addictions. This story encompasses so much more than that. It shows that while your past can influence your decisions and future, it does not define it. Many obstacles that the author overcame are truly mind-blowing and inspiring.

Mermaid by Eileen Cronin

This author tells the story of her childhood. She grew up as one of 11 kids and the only one in her family born without legs. The readers learn of her obsticles, as well as triumphs, growing up in the 1960s with this physical challenge. It later comes out that her absence of legs may have been a horrible side effect of her mother taking the drug thalidomide during her pregnancy. I discovered this book just browsing at the library and only later found out it was featured as one of Oprah’s Best Memoirs of the Year in 2014.

High Achiever by Tiffany Jenkins

Honestly, it is hard to believe that this is a work of non-fiction. It is an incredible story of a seemingly normal woman who becomes addicted to drugs and lives the epitome of a double-life. One of the craziest elements of the book is that she was dating someone in law enforcement for part of this time. The author has an ability to re-tell her past with humor, which is one of the most admirable aspects.

The Nazi Officer’s Wife by Edith Hahn Beer

The woman who authored this book began her life in Vienna, Austria during World War II. As a young Jewish girl, she was taken to a labor camp for several years. She eventually returns home and resumes a completely new identity. The life she is able to live while keeping her actual identity a secret is absolutely shocking. This is an amazing glimpse into what humans are truly capable of doing despite all odds.

Where The Light Gets In by Kimberly Williams-Paisley

Kimberly Williams-Paisley started her acting career as Annie in the Father of the Bride movies and is now married to country music singer, Brad Paisley. In this book, she details her mother’s battle with dementia. She holds little back when it comes to the emotions associated with helping her mom, while often times feeling helpless herself. I found myself drawn into this story even though I don’t have personal experience with this disease. It was the kind of book that left me wishing there was more to read.

Are there other non-fiction books you didn’t want to put down that you recommend?

Leave me a comment to let me know! Also, you can check out another one of my posts if you’re looking for some new picture books for your kids.