2020 was a year we will never forget, and one many are ready to write multiple nonfiction books about. With something as widespread and impactful as the past year we’ve had, and folks are ready to tell their tales.
Below are just some of the 2021 nonfiction releases that are well worth the read. It’s been a fascinating time, and it’s produced a ton of fantastic books to add to your TBR.
*Disclosure: We only recommend books that we love and would read ourselves. This post contains affiliate links, as we are part of the Amazon Services LCC Associate Program and others, which may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
5. The Premonition: A pandemic Story by Michael Lewis
There were bound to be many 2021 nonfiction releases revolving around the pandemic. This collection of several nonfiction stories showcases how real the threat of COVID is, and how many people missed the signs, along with all of the folks who ignored the warnings presented to them. It’s called premonition because of the many people foresaw the consequences of the pandemic yet chose to push them aside. Much focus is placed on the Trump administration for not acting sooner in order to curb the spread of the virus.
4. Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York by Elon Green
Following the story of a serial killer who was all but forgotten, Elon Green gives you a 2021 nonfiction book full of facts about what happened in New York City during the 1980s and 90s, when a man preyed on the gay community of the city. Known as the Last Call Killer, the man’s crimes were largely ignored due to the sexuality of his victims as well as spillover from the AIDs epidemic. Devour Green’s detailed account of how fear, misunderstanding, and personal beliefs got in the way of catching a prolific killer.
3. Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica’s Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night by Julian Sancton
This is the true story of an expedition to the Antarctic gone horribly wrong. The Belgica was frozen in place in 1897, with the crew trapped inside while trying to survive the Antarctic winter.
If you are looking for an adventure and 2021 nonfiction tale, look no further than this one right here. The story is explored in such a way that the reader will almost find themselves thinking that it’s pure fiction. The expedition was so tragic that NASA actually uses it as a reference point for their research on isolation for their missions to mars.
2. The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson
In a time where women were told they could not be scientists, Jennifer Doudna decided that she would push back against societal norms and become a scientist. This is what lead to the development of CRISPR, a DNA editing technology that has allowed us to develop major scientific breakthroughs. As a matter of fact, this discovery is what lead to us being able to develop COVID-19 vaccines at breakneck speed, and other major achievements. The Code Breaker takes a look at the women who developed the technology and the people who’s work has lead the way in scientific development.
1. Sapiens A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Not a 2021 nonfiction publication, I know, but it’s such a worthwhile read that I feel the need to suggest it whenever I can. Sapiens takes a deep dive into what happened to our species 100,000 years ago. There were at least 6 different types of the human species in our past, but what happened to them? How did we wind up with only the one?
Designed to spark a flame inside you and spark discussions amongst friends, this story breaks down how we humans became the species we are today. With tons of photographs, documents, illustrations, diagrams and the years of studying Dr. Harari has done, this book is chock full of fascinating facts for you to absorb.
Enjoy nonfiction November with these captivating tales! Hopefully a few of these 2021 nonfiction choices end up in you TBR pile. These are the types of stories that not only entertain, they educate and inspire. Enjoy them, and don’t be afraid to check out more great nonfiction that 2021 has to offer.
