Here Are The Nonfiction Books NPR Staffers Have Loved So Far This Year

As we reach the midpoint of the year, the book lovers at NPR have been busy devouring a wide range of nonfiction titles that have left a lasting impact. From memoirs to science books, and from history to self-help, our staffers have curated a list of their favorite nonfiction books of 2023 so far.

Memoirs that Moved Us

NPR’s Rachel Martin, host of Morning Edition, recommends “The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found” by Frank Bruni. This poignant memoir explores the author’s journey with vision loss and its profound impact on his life. Martin praises Bruni’s “lyrical writing” and the book’s “profound insights into the human experience.”

Another memoir that has resonated with our staff is “Solito” by Javier Zamora. This powerful coming-of-age story follows the author’s journey from El Salvador to the United States, and has been praised by NPR’s Leila Fadel, correspondent for Morning Edition, for its “vivid storytelling” and “unflinching honesty.”

Science and History that Fascinated Us

For those interested in science, NPR’s Nell Greenfieldboyce, correspondent for Science Desk, recommends “The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human” by Siddhartha Mukherjee. This comprehensive book delves into the history of cell biology and its impact on modern medicine. Greenfieldboyce praises Mukherjee’s “engaging writing style” and the book’s “fascinating exploration of the human body.”

History buffs will love “The Women’s House of Detention: A Memoir of 1930s New York” by Hugh Ryan. This meticulously researched book tells the story of a women’s prison in New York City during the 1930s and its impact on the lives of the women who lived there. NPR’s Susan Stamberg, special correspondent for Morning Edition, recommends the book for its “vivid portraits” of the women and its “fascinating look at a forgotten chapter in American history.”

Self-Help and Personal Growth

For those looking for inspiration and guidance, NPR’s Michel Martin, host of All Things Considered, recommends “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story” by Nikole Hannah-Jones. This groundbreaking book explores the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact on American society. Martin praises the book’s “powerful storytelling” and its “timely and necessary exploration of our nation’s history.”

Another self-help book that has resonated with our staff is “Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence” by Dr. Anna Lembke. This thought-provoking book examines the role of dopamine in our lives and offers practical advice for achieving balance in a world of endless temptation. NPR’s Rhitu Chatterjee, correspondent for Science Desk, recommends the book for its “accessible writing style” and its “insightful exploration of the human brain.”

More Recommendations from NPR Staffers

Other nonfiction books that have been loved by NPR staffers this year include:

 “The Inevitable: Dispatches on the Right to Die” by Katie Engelhart, recommended by NPR’s Ina Jaffe, correspondent for Morning Edition
 “The Last Slave Ship: The True Story of How the Clotilda Was Found, Her Cargo, and Her Legacy” by Ben Raines, recommended by NPR’s Debbie Elliott, correspondent for National Desk
 “The World As We Knew It: Dispatches from a Changing Climate” by Laura Paskus, recommended by NPR’s Nathan Rott, correspondent for National Desk

These books offer a diverse range of perspectives and insights, and are sure to appeal to readers with a wide range of interests. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, education, or simply a great story, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why not pick up one of these titles and see why they’ve been loved by NPR staffers this year?