42 Popular Narrative Nonfiction Books for Riveting Reading

Narrative nonfiction is an interesting designation in the world of publishing. It refers to books in which traditional storytelling techniques are applied to material that is informative or factual, rather than fictional. You’ll hear it referred to sometimes as “literary nonfiction” or “creative nonfiction.”
We’ve collected 42 of some of the most popular narrative nonfiction books in circulation, according to your fellow Goodreads regulars. The more recent books are up top, and many of these are frankly fascinating. (We’re looking at you, Wolfish.) Scroll down further and you’ll find familiar names (Truman Capote, Joan Didion, John Krakauer) and stone-cold classics (Band of Brothers, The Three Mothers, The Devil in the White City).
Double secret bonus tip: Now is your chance to read up on true-crime animal stories.
Click through the book cover images below for more details on each individual title and feel free to add anything interesting to your Want to Read list.
Comments Showing 1-13 of 13 (13 new)
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          Janelle
      
        
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      Apr 18, 2023 01:07PM
    
     I loved The Destiny of the Republic and Pirate Hunters.
      I loved The Destiny of the Republic and Pirate Hunters.
    
      
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   The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea, recently read it and really enjoyed it. There is a movie but I've never watched it.
      The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea, recently read it and really enjoyed it. There is a movie but I've never watched it.
     So many great books on this list! I'd add Ronan Farrow's Catch and Kill and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
      So many great books on this list! I'd add Ronan Farrow's Catch and Kill and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
     A totally engrossing book. I chose audio version read by author. Excellent objective reporting on a tragic event.
      A totally engrossing book. I chose audio version read by author. Excellent objective reporting on a tragic event. Outstanding storytelling. You will fall in love with Urrea’s writing.
The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea
 Catnap wrote: "The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea, recently read it and really enjoyed it. There is a movie but I've never watched it."
      Catnap wrote: "The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea, recently read it and really enjoyed it. There is a movie but I've never watched it."Great book!
 Just by glancing at Unbroken, I knew this list was going to be superb; I would also add Educated by Tara Westover
      Just by glancing at Unbroken, I knew this list was going to be superb; I would also add Educated by Tara Westover
    
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