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The Essential Non-Fiction Library: Top 10 Books for Every Life

October 23, 2024February 28, 2024 by tweak How

In a world inundated with information, the quest for knowledge becomes paramount. Non-fiction books serve as guiding lights, offering insights, wisdom, and perspectives that shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, this curated list presents the top 10 non-fiction books essential for every life.

Top 10 Books for Every Life

1. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

Author Bio: Viktor E. Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor. His experiences in Nazi concentration camps inspired his profound existential philosophy and therapeutic approach, known as logotherapy.

Synopsis: "Man's Search for Meaning" chronicles Frankl's harrowing experiences in Auschwitz and Dachau, detailing the psychological and spiritual struggles of survival. Through introspection and observation, Frankl explores the essence of human existence and the pursuit of meaning in the face of suffering.

"The Power of Habit" delves into the science behind habits, explaining how they are formed, altered, and mastered. Duhigg explores the neurological mechanisms driving our behavior and provides practical strategies for harnessing the power of habits to transform our lives.

2. "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg

Author Bio: Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. He has written extensively on the science of productivity, habit formation, and business innovation.

Synopsis: "The Power of Habit" delves into the science behind habits, explaining how they are formed, altered, and mastered. Duhigg explores the neurological mechanisms driving our behavior and provides practical strategies for harnessing the power of habits to transform our lives.

3. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

"Thinking, Fast and Slow" elucidates the two systems of thought that govern our minds: intuitive, fast-thinking System 1, and deliberate, slow-thinking System 2. Kahneman explores the biases and heuristics that influence our judgments, offering invaluable insights into rationality and irrationality.

Author Bio: Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and professor emeritus at Princeton University. His pioneering research in behavioral economics has revolutionized our understanding of decision-making and human cognition.

Synopsis: "Thinking, Fast and Slow" elucidates the two systems of thought that govern our minds: intuitive, fast-thinking System 1, and deliberate, slow-thinking System 2. Kahneman explores the biases and heuristics that influence our judgments, offering invaluable insights into rationality and irrationality.

4. "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

"The Elements of Style" is a timeless guide to writing with clarity, precision, and grace. This indispensable handbook outlines fundamental principles of composition, grammar, and usage, offering invaluable advice for writers of all levels.

Author Bios: William Strunk Jr. was a professor of English at Cornell University, known for his concise and authoritative writing style. E.B. White was a celebrated author and essayist, renowned for his contributions to American literature, including "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little."

Synopsis: "The Elements of Style" is a timeless guide to writing with clarity, precision, and grace. This indispensable handbook outlines fundamental principles of composition, grammar, and usage, offering invaluable advice for writers of all levels.

5. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

"Sapiens" traces the history of Homo sapiens from the emergence of our species to the present day. Harari explores the cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions that have shaped human civilization, challenging conventional narratives and illuminating the interconnectedness of our shared past.

Author Bio: Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli historian and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His interdisciplinary approach to history, combined with his accessible writing style, has made him a prominent voice in contemporary discourse.

Synopsis: "Sapiens" traces the history of Homo sapiens from the emergence of our species to the present day. Harari explores the cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions that have shaped human civilization, challenging conventional narratives and illuminating the interconnectedness of our shared past.

6. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were unknowingly harvested for scientific research in the 1950s. Skloot examines the ethical implications of this groundbreaking discovery, raising questions about consent, exploitation, and the intersection of race and medicine.

Author Bio: Rebecca Skloot is an American science writer and author. Her debut book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and ethical inquiry into medical research.

Synopsis: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were unknowingly harvested for scientific research in the 1950s. Skloot examines the ethical implications of this groundbreaking discovery, raising questions about consent, exploitation, and the intersection of race and medicine.

7. "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain

"Quiet" explores the cultural bias towards extroversion and the undervaluing of introverted traits. Cain presents compelling research and anecdotes to demonstrate the invaluable contributions of introverts to creativity, leadership, and innovation.

Author Bio: Susan Cain is an American writer and lecturer, known for her advocacy of introverts and their unique strengths. Her work challenges societal norms and celebrates the power of quiet contemplation in an extroverted world.

Synopsis: "Quiet" explores the cultural bias towards extroversion and the undervaluing of introverted traits. Cain presents compelling research and anecdotes to demonstrate the invaluable contributions of introverts to creativity, leadership, and innovation.

8. "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared Diamond

"Guns, Germs, and Steel" offers a sweeping account of human history, tracing the factors that shaped the rise and fall of civilizations. Diamond examines the role of geography, agriculture, and technology in determining the fate of societies, challenging notions of cultural superiority

Author Bio: Jared Diamond is an American geographer, historian, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. His multidisciplinary approach to studying human societies has earned him international acclaim and sparked new insights into the course of human history.

Synopsis: "Guns, Germs, and Steel" offers a sweeping account of human history, tracing the factors that shaped the rise and fall of civilizations. Diamond examines the role of geography, agriculture, and technology in determining the fate of societies, challenging notions of cultural superiority.

9. "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard C. Cutler

"The Art of Happiness" blends Eastern spirituality with Western psychology to offer a holistic approach to finding happiness and fulfillment. Through conversations with Howard Cutler, the Dalai Lama shares timeless wisdom and practical advice for cultivating inner peace and joy.

Author Bios: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global advocate for peace and compassion. Howard C. Cutler is an American psychiatrist and author, known for his collaborations with the Dalai Lama on matters of happiness and well-being.

Synopsis: "The Art of Happiness" blends Eastern spirituality with Western psychology to offer a holistic approach to finding happiness and fulfillment. Through conversations with Howard Cutler, the Dalai Lama shares timeless wisdom and practical advice for cultivating inner peace and joy.

10. "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert

"The Sixth Extinction" explores the phenomenon of mass extinction and its implications for life on Earth. Kolbert examines the role of human activity in precipitating a modern biodiversity crisis, highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental degradation and species loss.

Author Bio: Elizabeth Kolbert is an American journalist and author, best known for her work on environmentalism and climate change. Her writing has been praised for its clarity, depth, and urgency in addressing pressing ecological issues.

Synopsis: "The Sixth Extinction" explores the phenomenon of mass extinction and its implications for life on Earth. Kolbert examines the role of human activity in precipitating a modern biodiversity crisis, highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental degradation and species loss.

Conclusion:

These 10 non-fiction books represent a diverse array of subjects and perspectives, offering profound insights into the human condition, society, and the natural world. From existential philosophy to scientific inquiry, each book has the power to inform, enlighten, and inspire readers on their journey of self-discovery and understanding. As essential companions for every life, these timeless works remind us of the enduring power of knowledge to shape our lives and our world.

A. R. Kaufer: why word-of-mouth marketing is crucial to the book selling process

July 25, 2024December 6, 2023 by Lokesh Umak

A. R. Kaufer well explained about book marketing strategies. Therefore, she explained that why word-of-mouth advertising is so important to the process of selling books. However, plotting a great novel is even more essential than book marketing. Learn what Cheryl Burman explored in her interview.

Why word-of-mouth marketing is crucial to the book selling process

About Author A. R. Kaufer

Kaufer, a 42-year-old best-selling novelist, has been happily married for 15 years and released her first book in 2022. She resides in Indiana with her husband, works as a full-time author, and loves dogs. She is now working on an 8-book fantasy series and the other is a 4-book series of fairytale retellings. Her books, Courting Fate and Courting Destiny are now available.

Interview with A. R. Kaufer

Reading is a medium that offers a wealth of knowledge in a very short period of time. What was the first book you ever read and fell in love with, igniting your passion for reading books and novels? 

Kaufer: I grew up reading Stephen King, Poe, Shakespeare, John Grisham. From the time I was 8, if you gave me a book, I read it.

When did you first decide to write "Courting Fate," and what inspired the ideas behind the book? 

Kaufer: Courting Fate started as a short story from a writing prompt for my 40th birthday, then over 6 months, it grew into an 8-book series.

Do you think beta reader is a must for every writer? Also, tell us what book marketing strategies do you use? 

Kaufer: Beta readers are pivotal in helping to guide and shape your story. I am grateful for the teams I have. As far as marketing goes, I promote across all social media I am on (TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.) I host giveaways and send out PR boxes, which has helped me build up a dedicated reader team.

What are your sources of inspiration behind writing your books or novels and how do you find your characters from real life?

Kaufer: Rafe and Ana in Courting Fate are inspired by my husband and me. We have a rare, unique bond, and I wanted to write about a love that spans time and space.

If I give you a book of 500 pages, in how many days will you read it and how? Do you have a specific genre in writing or what is your specialty? 

Kaufer: It would take me roughly 5 hours to read, as I read an average of 100 pages an hour. I am a speed reader. My main genre is fantasy, whether its YA, Paranormal, Epic, and so on...

What is your best practice for formatting your book and for how long do you keep your book (WIP) to rest, to visit again for rewrite?  

Kaufer: I use Microsoft Word to write and format my books. I alternate between works, when one is with an editor or a beta team then I work on another.

I believe every author must keep reading to learn new styles of writing. What about you? How many books have you read till now, estimate and which book currently you are reading? 

Kaufer: Rough estimate, I’ve probably read at least 500 books in my lifetime. I have a home library with well over 1000 books. Since I am writing this month, I am not reading. But I did read Light My Pyre by Kat Kinney and Lady of Dragons by Shelby Elizabeth in October.

Tell us in detail about your dos and don'ts as an author and advise beginners to avoid the same mistakes amateurs make frequently. 

Kaufer: Author dos, be patient before sending your first book to be published. Look through it carefully, and when you think it’s ready, look through it at least two more times. Don’t, engage with negative reviews or call them out.

How do you deal with anxiety if you overload your writing schedule against other household chores. 

Kaufer: I am blessed with a wonderful husband who shares in the household responsibilities. He does dishes, starts laundry, vacuums, etc if I need help.

In one of the twitter posts, I found your dogs. How many pets do you love? How do you spend time with your dogs, is there any learnings from the author’s point of view that helps you in your writing? Sometimes, behavioural issues of any animal can be used to create your characters. 

Kaufer: I have 8 dogs, 7 of which are rescues. They have a lot of toys to play with, and we go on long walks (when the weather allows it). Taking them for a walk is a good way to give my writer brain a break.

Also, read Mario Dell Olio on crafting non-fiction books. According to Mario, Research and gathering facts about writing any non-fiction involves great hard work than the fiction.

Culture and Faith | 1 Book at the Root, Lost Tribes…

December 17, 2023January 3, 2023 by Richard Hewitt

My book "Lost Tribes of Israel discovered in the Kyrgyz Epic Manas," which discusses culture and faith, is a compilation of scholarly studies that I presented in Kyrgyzstan.

Culture and faith, the source of the earth's script

Culture and Faith | The Book at the Root of Your Culture and Faith | hands holding a brown prayer beads — Culture and Faith | The Book at the Root of Your Culture and Faith | Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

The Earth's Script (aka the Bible) reaches beyond stereotypical Judeo-Christian boundaries into every nation and religion. There is no place among human cultures untouched by our species’s script. I lived for 20 years in Kyrgyzstan and saw firsthand the culture of Central Asia, which had grown around seeds from this book of books. One would think Kyrgyzstan is as far as you can get from the Judeo-Christian world, but God said He would disperse Israel among all the nations.

Theologians agree that this primary “seeding of nations” began as Israel’s northern tribes fled from Assyria or were taken captive by Assyria to the eastern border. They never stopped spreading through every continent. From Japan’s Shinto religion to Native Americans and African Americans, diverse tribes and cultures, ancient and modern peoples claim to be descendants of Israel’s Lost Tribes.

Since ancient Israel had been powerfully shaped by the Script, we can often match cultural influences like detectives matching DNA. Researching Israel’s Lost Tribes is an unending puzzle that affects each one of us. Our ethnic, national, cultural, and religious identities are all found in this fantastic mosaic.

My book which talks about culture and faith

My book “Lost Tribes of Israel found in the Kyrgyz Epic Manas” is a collection of academic essays that I presented in Kyrgyzstan from 2006–2012 which unveil the myriad of parallels between ethnic Kyrgyz and the ancient book. No Kyrgyz scholar could argue with the data I presented because they all knew their own culture and could easily verify the biblical equivalents. Similar books about the Lost Tribes of Israel have been written in relation to Buddhism, the tribal Mizos and Kukis on the Indian-Myanmar border, Nigerians, and many more. This theme, which has become popular again, will be written about much more in the coming years.

My second book, Come Home, is a light theology about the Lost Tribes of Israel, with stories from my life in Kyrgyzstan and stories from nations around the world. The book expands on an innocent, childish desire for world peace. I argue that religious conversion is obsolete since every nation and religion have its roots in humanity’s script.

God’s command to love becomes the glue that unites us. “Come Home” provides a wonderful springboard for discussing interfaith unity and addressing world peace from an angle we have not yet tried. I recommend “Come Home” to help understand the Script’s secret to peace on earth.

Book Review: The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond

January 9, 2023October 1, 2022 by diaryofareader

Synopsis

Edie and Violet Bond know the truth about death and the beyond. The seventeen-year-old twins are mediums, spending their time traveling and crossing into death-- just like their mother. While Violet can open the veil between life and death, Edie can cross into the mist of the spirit world. But when it mattered their abilities couldn't help them when their mother died and their father wanted to have them committed to the state-run insane asylum.

Now on the run, Edie and Violet are a part of an act of traveling spiritualists show, of women that although has to demonstrate real abilities hide under the guise of communing with spirits. But when Violet's act goes wrong, on a night they need everything to go perfectly, Edie learns that the dark spirit responsible for the death of their mother is now taking other mediums. As they investigate the true identity of their mother's final client, they realize they've been set up, and they are next.

My Thoughts on The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond

This story was so enthralling. As with most books, the synopsis sounded so good, I decided to pick it up. It was easy to follow and had me hooked from the first chapter. This paranormal fantasy was very original taking inspiration from the author's great-grandmother and her twin sister. I loved seeing Edie and Violet grow as they struggle through a society that was made to condemn, touching on things in current times like women's rights that of course were a struggle during the times. You watch them be independent but still support each other, keeping the bond that they have tight despite the fact that they each have their own desires, and never truly want to be apart.

This novel is definitely one you can sit and binge-read for hours without stopping. And I definitely did NOT expect that ending. The more I read the more nervous I got because I really wasn't sure what was going to happen. There were so many ways that it could have gone. I definitely was giving this a reread.

The book, The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond will be released on October 4th, 2022.

Spicing up COMPLICATED

December 22, 2022September 26, 2022 by Jackie Lynaugh

Cooking up a mouthwatering recipe for love in the main course.

Cooking on the grill. The outside fire, the flames, the smells, tingling your taste buds for something juicy and delicious. Firing up all senses is a dream come true for an author. Only if I could write to where you could smell each mouthwatering word.

Family! You can’t live with them or without them. And it's one of the most complex things in life: a marriage. We can't pick and choose our relatives. But you can choose your partner. No matter how you spice up life, there are complicated adult things we run into, like divorce. Not that divorce is the fix-all. When the bonds of marriage break, it is sad. Two people once in love fall out of love. Why can't love last forever? When the conditions for love are no longer met, the bond fades. A shared commitment between both partners can replace lost love and hold the relationship together for years to come. And then there are the couples whose bond is so strong they can't live without each other. Couples who have been married for 40 to 60 years or more are fascinating.

So what's the recipe for a long marriage?

The million-dollar question. From what I have experienced in life, the answer is, "Love fades and becomes a lost love." We crave to be loved. Love is a lot like basting a chicken on the grill, with a great chicken rub with all the right spices. I had to compare love with food, which we also crave. The universal meaning of love is always to baste your love with tender loving care. Studies have shown that we think love is in the heart, but it mostly comes from the brain. Romance does not have to fizzle out in a relationship. Maintaining a goal like all good things in life requires energy and devotion. It’s all in what you put into your relationships. Couples should strive to spice up with all the trimmings. When you keep the fires burning, it will never go out.

Treat your love like the main course, not the garnish.
Jackie Lynaugh

About the novella COMPLICATED, by Jackie Lynaugh.

First, yes, I am experienced in divorce. Once was enough. I know of many people with 4 to 5 divorces under their belt. I imagine the more the divorces, the more the complications. The story is about marriage, lost love, newly found love, children, family, careers, home, and the characters Lee and Scarlett. Not so much in that order, but the topics are about what we all share in common, life. I was married for 10 years to my first husband, and 40 years to my second husband. So far, so good. The second time around has been heavenly. I hope you enjoy the novella, COMPLICATED.

https://www.amazon.com/COMPLICATED-Readymade-Family-Jackie-Lynaugh-ebook/dp/B0BBBFHDLY

Top 10 Books for Every Life

1. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

2. "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg

3. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

4. "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

5. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

6. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

7. "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain

8. "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared Diamond

9. "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard C. Cutler

10. "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert

Conclusion:

Why word-of-mouth marketing is crucial to the book selling process

About Author A. R. Kaufer

Interview with A. R. Kaufer

Reading is a medium that offers a wealth of knowledge in a very short period of time. What was the first book you ever read and fell in love with, igniting your passion for reading books and novels?

When did you first decide to write "Courting Fate," and what inspired the ideas behind the book?

Do you think beta reader is a must for every writer? Also, tell us what book marketing strategies do you use?

What are your sources of inspiration behind writing your books or novels and how do you find your characters from real life?

If I give you a book of 500 pages, in how many days will you read it and how? Do you have a specific genre in writing or what is your specialty?

What is your best practice for formatting your book and for how long do you keep your book (WIP) to rest, to visit again for rewrite?

I believe every author must keep reading to learn new styles of writing. What about you? How many books have you read till now, estimate and which book currently you are reading?

Tell us in detail about your dos and don'ts as an author and advise beginners to avoid the same mistakes amateurs make frequently.

How do you deal with anxiety if you overload your writing schedule against other household chores.

In one of the twitter posts, I found your dogs. How many pets do you love? How do you spend time with your dogs, is there any learnings from the author’s point of view that helps you in your writing? Sometimes, behavioural issues of any animal can be used to create your characters.

Culture and faith, the source of the earth's script

My book which talks about culture and faith

MORE MUST-READ STORIES

Synopsis

My Thoughts on The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond

About the novella COMPLICATED, by Jackie Lynaugh.

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Reading is a medium that offers a wealth of knowledge in a very short period of time. What was the first book you ever read and fell in love with, igniting your passion for reading books and novels? 

When did you first decide to write "Courting Fate," and what inspired the ideas behind the book? 

Do you think beta reader is a must for every writer? Also, tell us what book marketing strategies do you use? 

What are your sources of inspiration behind writing your books or novels and how do you find your characters from real life?

If I give you a book of 500 pages, in how many days will you read it and how? Do you have a specific genre in writing or what is your specialty? 

What is your best practice for formatting your book and for how long do you keep your book (WIP) to rest, to visit again for rewrite?  

I believe every author must keep reading to learn new styles of writing. What about you? How many books have you read till now, estimate and which book currently you are reading? 

Tell us in detail about your dos and don'ts as an author and advise beginners to avoid the same mistakes amateurs make frequently. 

How do you deal with anxiety if you overload your writing schedule against other household chores. 

In one of the twitter posts, I found your dogs. How many pets do you love? How do you spend time with your dogs, is there any learnings from the author’s point of view that helps you in your writing? Sometimes, behavioural issues of any animal can be used to create your characters. 