Books are not only meant to entertain, but also to teach. To go in-depth on a particular topic, perhaps to cause reflection and thoughtfulness. Non-fiction books offer us a chance to learn the facts — to be informed about a life or time. Oftentimes, we come away from reading non-fiction with a little more understanding, and maybe a little more insight about what is most important.
We surveyed the 99 Walks team and asked them to share their favorite non-fiction books. Some were inspirational and motivational, some informative and enlightening, and some maybe even a little light-hearted and funny. But they all made an impact, and we hope you’ll find one or two to add to your list, too!
Content Manager Erin: Eat Cake. Be Brave. by Melissa Radke. This book, written by a small-town Texas gal with a big personality, won me over from the start. She was real, honest, and brought all the feels. Yep, I laughed (a lot), cried (a little), but mostly smiled throughout this book with the reminder to not take things too seriously, and well, be brave.
Word Whisperer Nina: Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I loved this book because it's about the ongoing journey to find one’s voice. I often refer to it and her other writings to remind me that life is about a series of moments strung together by movement - and that the great gift of it all is that in each of those moments we are the sum total of our entire life’s experience. The challenge is to see it and know it.
And because Nina couldn’t pick just one, she also shared with us The White Album by Joan Didion. This book is an extraordinary kind of writing that changed everything that came after it was published.
Coach and Yogi Jenny: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. This book is such an amazing story of someone who overcame living through the racism and prejudices of apartheid while still being able to see the humor and light in life.
Data Analyst Sherry: Educated by Tara Westover. This book is extremely well-written, even though the content is like watching a train wreck that I couldn't seem to look away from.
Pack Leader Joyce: The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. If you ever wished you could spend a weekend with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, this is your chance. Unexpected dear friends, the two share their wisdom, spirits, stories, and humor in this wonderful book.
Office Manager Mary T: Think Big Act Small by Jason Jennings. I really liked this book because it is about big businesses. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look into big businesses and their CEOs. I went to school for business administration so the whole topic interests me.
Director of Community Jamie: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I love this book because I discovered it in a small bookstore at the beach at a moment in my life when I needed it. Originally published in 1955, it has timeless musings and meditations about a woman's life through the various stages of it. Once I finished reading it, I immediately wanted to gift it to all my girlfriends.
Coach and Worthiness Warrior Jillie: Untamed by Glennon Doyle. As women, we have so many pressures on us. This book is the full permission giver for you to be your whole self, unapologetically, without guilt and fully in your power. Every woman needs to read this.
Product Manager Megan: What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism by Dan Rather. When I read non-fiction, I tend to lean toward more uplifting and motivational books. What amazing timing this book is! It's not a partisan-heavy book, but more about what binds us together as Americans, despite our differences.