Top 10 Non-Fiction Books That Will Make You Smarter

Prepare to have your intellectual curiosity piqued! Here are ten exceptional non-fiction books that have the power to make you smarter, broaden your understanding, and inspire new ways of thinking:

”Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari:

• Summary: This groundbreaking book offers a sweeping and thought-provoking account of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day. Harari explores how Homo sapiens came to dominate the planet, examining the power of language, agriculture, money, and religion.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.), local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹350 – ₹600; Ebook: ₹250 – ₹500; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 498 pages.
• Movie/Series Adaptation: A YouTube Originals documentary series based on the book, titled “Sapiens,” was released.

”Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman:

• Summary: Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman delves into the two systems that drive the way we think: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional; and System 2, which is slower, more deliberate, and logical. This book offers invaluable insights into cognitive biases and how to make better decisions.  
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers( Amazon, Flipkart), etc., local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹400 – ₹700; Ebook: ₹300 – ₹600; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 499 pages.

”A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking:

• Summary: This accessible and engaging book demystifies complex concepts of cosmology, including the Big Bang, black holes, and the nature of space and time. Hawking’s clear explanations make profound scientific ideas understandable to a broad audience.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹250 – ₹450; Ebook: ₹150 – ₹350; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 256 pages (varies by edition).
• Movie/Series Adaptation: A biographical film about Stephen Hawking, “The Theory of Everything” (2014), touches upon the themes explored in his work.

”The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot:

• Summary: This compelling narrative tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cancer cells – taken without her knowledge in 1951 – became the first immortal human cell line, known as HeLa. The book explores issues of ethics, race, and the impact of scientific discovery.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹300 – ₹550; Ebook: ₹200 – ₹450; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 370 pages.
• Movie/Series Adaptation: An HBO film adaptation of the book was released in 2017.

”Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies” by Jared Diamond:

• Summary: Diamond tackles the grand question of why some societies have flourished while others have faltered. He argues that geographical and environmental factors, rather than racial or genetic superiority, have played the crucial roles in shaping human history.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹450 – ₹800; Ebook: ₹350 – ₹700; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 493 pages.
• Movie/Series Adaptation: A National Geographic documentary series based on the book was produced.

“Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover:

• Summary: This powerful and inspiring memoir recounts Tara Westover’s extraordinary journey from growing up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, with no formal education, to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. It’s a testament to the transformative power of learning.  
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹300 – ₹550; Ebook: ₹200 – ₹450; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 334 pages.
• Where to Read Online Free: Check your local library for digital lending options.

“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank:

• Summary: This poignant and deeply moving diary offers a firsthand account of a young Jewish girl’s life in hiding during the Holocaust. Anne Frank’s insightful observations and unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity continue to resonate with readers worldwide.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores. Many editions are available.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹200 – ₹400; Ebook: ₹100 – ₹300; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: Around 300 pages (varies by edition).
• Where to Read Online Free: Some online archives may have older versions. Check your local library.
• Movie/Series Adaptation: Numerous film and stage adaptations exist, including “The Diary of Anne Frank” (1959).

“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear:

• Summary: This practical and actionable guide offers a framework for improving every day by making small, incremental changes to your habits. Clear provides effective strategies based on scientific research to help you achieve your goals.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹300 – ₹500; Ebook: ₹200 – ₹400; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 319 pages.

“The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert:

• Summary: Kolbert explores the history of mass extinctions on Earth and argues that we are currently in the midst of a sixth one, driven by human activity. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book is a compelling and urgent examination of the impact of humanity on the planet’s biodiversity.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹350 – ₹600; Ebook: ₹250 – ₹500; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 336 pages.
• Where to Read Online Free: Check your local library for digital lending options.

“Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell:

• Summary: Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success, arguing that talent and individual brilliance are not the only determinants. He explores the role of opportunity, cultural background, and even seemingly arbitrary advantages in shaping extraordinary achievements.
• Where to Purchase: Major online retailers, local bookstores.
• Approximate Cost: Paperback: ₹300 – ₹500; Ebook: ₹200 – ₹400; Audiobook: Varies.
• Approximate Length: 309 pages.
• Where to Read Online Free: Check your local library for digital lending options.