Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly tag run by That Artsy Reader Girl. Check out her blog for the rules and weekly prompts.
This week’s topic is Favorite Books of 2020. Since I already have that particular list coming out soon, I decided I’d instead share my Favorite Non-Fiction Books of 2020.
Let’s get started!
Less Than Crazy: Living Fully with Bipolar II by Karla Dougherty
I’ve discussed before on this blog about my bipolar II diagnosis, and this was the first book that I picked up on the topic. It’s full of great information, from how to manage and recognize mania and depression, facts about common medications, and more. It’s become one of my go-to books when I need to look up something related to my condition.
When You’re Not OK: A Toolkit for Tough Times by Jill Stark
This pocket-sized book is full of great advice for dealing with tough situations. I keep it next to my bed for those times when I’m panicking or feeling anxious and need a reminder that everything is going to be okay. When You’re Not Ok would make a great gift for just about anyone.
The Hidden World of the Fox by Adele Brand
It should come as no surprise to anyone that reads this blog that I’m obsessed with foxes. I’ve grown up watching these elusive creatures and love their personalities and ability to thrive anywhere. Adele Brand does a great job of introducing the reader to everything you could ever want to know about foxes.
Death is But a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life’s End by Dr. Christopher Kerr
I very recently reviewed this book. It was a fascinating look at the end-of-life experience of hospice patients. I think it’s important to read books confronting death, as it’s the only thing certain in life.
The Mushroom Hunters: On the Trail of an Underground America by Langdon Cook
Taking place mostly along the Pacific Northwest, Langdon Cook joins up with mushroom hunters and writes about his experiences. It’s an endlessly entertaining book. Not only is the information about mushrooms fascinating, but the mushroom hunters themselves are very interesting people.
Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft
No one will ever change my mind that this book should be required reading for everyone. While it’s primarily written towards women, everyone can benefit from Bancroft’s examples of abusive relationships. From how to spot an abuser to what to do if you find yourself in a dangerous relationship, this book contains everything you need to protect yourself from all forms of abuse.
For the Love of Books: Stories of Literary Lives, Banned Books, Author Feuds, Extraordinary Characters, and More by Graham Tarrant
This book was so much fun to read! Covering all types of literature, Tarrant finds the most fascinating stories and authors to talk about. This book would make a perfect gift for any bibliophiles in your life.
An Environmental History of the Civil War by Judkin Browning & Timothy Silver
I love history, but an environmental history of a single war is something that I’ve never had the pleasure of reading. I greedily consumed it, finishing it in just a couple of days. The authors discussed how the elements, illnesses, and animals impacted the outcome of individual battles and the overall war. I would love to find similar books about other conflicts. It was such a fascinating way to look at a historical event.
Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee
One of my strongest beliefs is that, as a society, we put far too much stock in our jobs and not enough in our free time. That’s exactly what this book is about, and Celeste Headlee does a great job of convincing the reader of this. I wish books like this didn’t have to be written, but our culture pushes so many people to devote their entire lives to work. I know far too many people who don’t have a single hobby. If you’re one of these people, please read this book.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
This no-nonsense self-help book won’t be for everyone, but it spoke to me in a way that few other self-help books have. Two of my least favorite aspects of the entire self-help genre are the pandering and calls to “manifest your desires.” Manson doesn’t do that. His approach is to call you out on not taking responsibility for your actions and persuading you to take control of your own life. It was exactly the motivation I needed in my life.
Read Yourself Happy 