The phenomenon of TikTok amplifying book popularity has been a recurring topic of discussion. The platform has given new life to old favorites, including early 2000s dystopian novels, Colleen Hoover’s dark romances, and debut authors. This resurgence can lead to bestseller lists, sold-out bookstore stock, and the kind of popularity authors dream of when they first start writing.
A combination of factors – the pandemic, TikTok’s algorithm, and the enthusiasm of young women – has made reading a fun, popular, and cool activity again. The BookTokers, passionate advocates for their favorite books, are driving this renewed interest in reading. While some focus on romance, YA, or dark academia thrillers, others can’t get enough of horror, weird fiction, or nonfiction. Yes, you read that right – nonfiction!
From self-help to memoirs, messy history, and creative nonfiction, these enthusiasts share their love for the genre from the virtual rooftops. Whether you’re looking to expand your nonfiction reading list or just discovering its appeal after years of thinking it’s dull, this curated selection of 20 TikTok-favorite nonfiction books is a great place to start.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Michelle Zauner’s journey to self-discovery began amidst the backdrop of Eugene, Oregon, where she struggled to find her place among peers while grappling with a tumultuous relationship with her mother. As she transitioned into adulthood, pursuing higher education and various roles in the culinary world, Michelle’s life took an unexpected turn with the revelation that her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
This life-altering event sparked a desire for comfort and solace, leading Michelle to rekindle her love for cooking Korean dishes – a shared passion she had with her mother during her formative years. As she navigated this challenging time, Michelle found herself reckoning with the complexities of their past and her own grief, forging a newfound sense of identity in the process.
They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib
What My Mother and I Don’t Talk About by Michele Filgate
Michele Filgate’s inspiration for the anthology stemmed from a deeply personal essay about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather and its profound impact on her relationship with her mother. This painful experience serves as the catalyst for the collection, which delves into the complexities of writers’ relationships with their mothers through a series of candid and often humorous essays.
In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
In her groundbreaking memoir, writer Carmen Maria Machado weaves together a powerful narrative about her experiences as a queer woman in an abusive relationship. By employing unconventional storytelling techniques, including footnotes, second-person narration, and interactive elements where the reader is given choices to make, Machado’s work has captivated audiences on TikTok and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on readers who have devoured every word.
Cultish by Amanda Montell
Amanda Montell’s personal connection to cult-like organizations stems from her father’s experiences as a 17-year-old escapee. As she delves into the language used by groups such as Scientology, Synanon, and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies, Montell sheds light on the factors that drive individuals to become involved with these entities in contemporary society.
What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
Stephanie Foo’s life took an unexpected turn after being diagnosed with Complex PTSD in her 20s. As a radio producer at This American Life, she had seemingly navigated the challenges of childhood abuse to achieve a sense of control and stability. However, this diagnosis served as a catalyst for her to delve deeper into the complexities of trauma and its far-reaching consequences.
Her investigation took her on a journey to explore the scientific underpinnings of Complex PTSD with professionals in psychology, as well as examine the intergenerational transmission of trauma within immigrant communities. This deeply personal exploration has a profound impact on those who have had the privilege of reading it.
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
Ronan Farrow’s investigative journalism into Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse was met with relentless obstacles. As he dug deeper, his initial reporting was repeatedly stifled, he received ominous text messages, and strangers began to stalk him. Undeterred, Farrow persevered, ultimately publishing the exposé despite the challenges. However, the story’s aftermath proved just as tumultuous, requiring unwavering dedication from the journalist.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In the intersection of botany and Indigenous traditions lies a profound exploration of nature and climate change. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a respected botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, weaves together personal anecdotes, lyrical prose, and ancient wisdom to create a captivating narrative in Braiding Sweetgrass. Her unique perspective, rooted in her own experiences and cultural heritage, offers a powerful lens through which to consider our relationship with the natural world.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Chanel Miller’s story, as reported in the news under the pseudonym Emily Doe, takes center stage as she reclaims her narrative by recounting the traumatic experience of sexual assault at the hands of Brock Turner.
The trial that followed saw the defense attempt to distort her identity, but through a blend of court transcripts and personal reflection, Miller delves into her coping mechanisms and advocates for systemic change, amplifying the voices of fellow survivors in the pursuit of a more just justice system.
Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl
Ruth Reichl’s culinary journey began with a childhood fascination with Gourmet magazine. As she transitioned from chef to food critic, she found herself inspired by the very publication that had first captured her imagination. At 51, Reichl was poised to take on a new role – editor-in-chief of Gourmet – but this sudden shift from being managed to managing came with its own set of challenges and missteps, as she navigated the complexities of wielding power and authority.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates shares a deeply personal account with his 15-year-old son, reflecting on the challenges he faced growing up as a Black man in West Baltimore. The disconnect from mainstream white society is a recurring theme throughout the book, which also explores his formative experiences at Howard University and the profound impact of his father’s literary works. Meanwhile, the author’s observations on current events serve as a poignant backdrop to his coming-of-age story.
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon, has witnessed firsthand how medicine can fall short in providing end-of-life care. His personal experience with his father’s cancer diagnosis prompted him to delve into the history of elder care and its shortcomings. In his work, Gawande outlines the advantages and limitations of existing options, urging readers to proactively plan ahead and consider these complex decisions as soon as possible.
All About Love by bell hooks
While the term ‘love’ has a widely accepted definition in modern times, bell hooks’ groundbreaking work disrupts these conventional notions, inviting readers to reimagine love as a force that fosters compassion, connection, and community. Although some of the book’s content may appear dated given its 1999 publication date, the underlying concepts remain timeless and can be used to reframe one’s understanding of love and what it means to truly cherish it.
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
At Radium Luminous Materials Corporation and Radium Dial, female employees spent hours meticulously painting watch dials, unaware of the devastating consequences that awaited them. As they worked with radium day in and day out, a plethora of side effects began to manifest – a direct result of their prolonged exposure to this radioactive substance.
When governmental safeguards failed to protect them, some courageous women took matters into their own hands, seeking justice through the courts by exposing the systemic neglect and cover-ups that had become commonplace.
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
The Green brothers have undoubtedly earned their spot as TikTok favourites. John Green, renowned for his successful young adult novels, makes a foray into nonfiction with these thought-provoking essays on what he finds both amusing and troubling about the human experience today.
Ranging from environmental concerns to nostalgic nods at childhood memories like Scratch N’ Sniff stickers, to insights drawn from observing his own neighbourhood, Green’s writing masterfully captures the intricate complexities of being alive in this particular moment.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
The novel, Three Women, delves into the lives of three unique individuals – Lina, a devoted housewife; Maggie, a young adult in her 20s; and Sloane, a restaurateur. Spanning eight years, the story explores their intricate experiences with intimacy, including their extramarital affairs, personal interests, and the complex emotions that come with exploring desire.
Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
In Northern Ireland during the tumultuous period known as the Troubles, a woman named Jean McConville, mother to 10 children, suffered a tragic fate. In 1972, she was taken from her home by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and brutally murdered. The story of this ordinary yet extraordinary individual reveals the devastating impact of war on civilian life, as well as the lingering emotional scars that persisted long after the conflict subsided.
The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman
In his reflections on the 1990s, Klosterman navigates a pivotal era marked by technological advancements, cultural transformations, and global upheavals that continue to influence modern society. A time of rapid change, this decade saw the rise of cell phones, the devastating impact of the 9/11 terrorist attack, and the gradual shift from analog to digital ways of life.
Through his personal perspective, Klosterman captures the emotions of living through these momentous events and offers a nuanced retrospective on what it means to look back on the decade from today’s vantage point.
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s life was marked by both isolation and resilience. As the youngest of seven children on a rural Ohio farm, she was largely kept out of society due to her father’s intense paranoia. However, as she entered her teenage years, Westover’s desire for independence grew more urgent in response to the violence inflicted upon her by her own brother. This catalyst prompted her to take a significant step: applying to college at Brigham Young University.
Her journey ultimately led her to earn a prestigious PhD from Cambridge. Westover’s narrative is one of remarkable triumph over adversity, and it was education that played a pivotal role in empowering her to overcome the obstacles she faced.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
Caroline Criado Perez’s work highlights the pervasive bias towards men that has pervaded our society for centuries. This bias manifests in various ways, from the marginalization of female athletes to the design of crash test dummies modeled after men, and even in the disproportionate number of references to men in textbooks. Her research showcases the numerous ways in which our society continues to prioritize men’s experiences and perspectives over those of women.
If you’re interested in exploring more nonfiction books that challenge dominant narratives, be sure to check out some of TikTok’s favorite titles or browse through our curated lists for 2022’s best nonfiction or morbid nonfiction.