The best Non-Fiction Books, including Guides, Technical, Health and Fitness, Philosophy, Science, Self-help, Historical and Documentary, and Spirituality, recommended and reviewed by Escalating Knowledge.
What would you do if you learned your beloved college professor, a man who fundamentally shaped your worldview, was dying from a terminal illness? Would you travel cross-country to visit him one last time? For acclaimed sportswriter Mitch Albom, news of sociology professor Morrie Schwartz’s ALS diagnosis compelled him to do just that.
I found myself on the edge of my seat as, in Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch described their emotional reunion. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch spotted Morrie speaking lovingly about living and dying from his wheelchair on TV. Mitch was stunned. The “coach” who had mentored him in college—a man brimming with passion for life even while battling a lethal disease—was now in his final months. Mitch knew he needed to see his professor one last time.
So began Mitch and Morrie’s series of fourteen “Tuesdays together” in the professor’s study. As Morrie’s body failed him, he shared his evolving views on everything from family to emotions to money to marriage. Captivated, Mitch returned week after week to document these precious final lessons.
Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” gives us an extraordinarily personal glimpse into the life of one of the most influential women in modern history. As the first African American First Lady, Obama captivated the world not only through her intelligence, strength, and style, but through her authenticity. This book allows readers to truly get to know Michelle Obama on an intimate level.
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be human? In "The Naked Ape," Desmond Morris takes us on an exhilarating journey beneath the surface of our civilized veneer, peeling back the layers to expose the raw, primal instincts that make us who we are. This captivating exploration of human behavior is not your typical run-of-the-mill science book; it's a daring adventure into the depths of our own nature.
The Power of Positive Thinking has been changing lives since its initial publication in 1952. This self-help classic by renowned pastor and motivational writer Norman Vincent Peale presents simple yet profound truths to help readers lead happier, more successful lives through the power of positive thinking. As relevant today as when it first came out, this bestselling book has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
Peale begins by asserting that belief fuels ability. By cultivating a positive, faith-filled mindset, we can banish self-doubt, unlock our God-given talents, and overcome the obstacles in our path. Modern psychology agrees that thoughts impact emotions, which in turn influence behaviors and outcomes. This concept of “mind power” was visionary for Peale’s time.
The Bermuda Triangle. Just reading those two words is enough to evoke feelings of mystery and intrigue. For decades, this region of the Atlantic Ocean has captivated the public imagination as a place where ships and planes seem to vanish without a trace. In his 1974 book "The Bermuda Triangle," author Charles Berlitz takes readers on a journey into the unknown as he examines the strange phenomena surrounding this area.
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield tells the story of an unnamed man who goes on an adventure to find and understand a series of 9 spiritual insights that have the power to transform human consciousness. Published in 1993, this fascinating novel takes readers on an enlightening inner journey as the protagonist seeks ancient manuscripts in Peru and uncovers secrets that can change our view of reality.
As I cracked open the pages of Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window, I was immediately transported back to my own carefree childhood days filled with curiosity, imagination, and a sense of adventure. Through her vivid and poignant memoir, acclaimed Japanese actress and writer Tetsuko Kuroyanagi invites us into the magical world of her younger self, sharing the inspirational story of her formative years at an extraordinary school that valued freedom, individuality, and joyful learning above all else.
Stephen Covey's bestselling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has become a modern day classic in the self-help genre since its original publication in 1989. Over 30 years later, its principles and ideas still resonate with readers looking to improve their personal and professional lives.
As someone who loves personal development books, I was eager to finally sit down and read Covey's seminal work for myself. I wanted to see if the hype was justified and if the so-called "7 Habits" could truly be life-changing. After finishing the book, I can say that it absolutely lives up to its reputation as one of the most influential self-help books of all time.
Painting in vibrant colors with bold brushstrokes that seemingly leapt off the canvas, Vincent Van Gogh created some of the most iconic and influential works of art the world has ever known. Though his posthumous fame is legendary today, the Dutch artist lived a difficult life filled with poverty, mental illness, and lack of recognition during his lifetime. He completed over 800 known paintings before dying by suicide at just 37 years old.
In the biographical novel Lust for Life, author Irving Stone transports readers back to 19th century Europe to intimately chronicle Van Gogh's dramatic story. First published in 1934, this fictionalized account of the artist's life gives a penetrating look into his inner psyche and the experiences that shaped his groundbreaking creative output.
For anyone who has ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered just how infinitesimally small we are in the grand scheme of the universe, Stephen Hawking's worldwide bestseller A Brief History of Time offers a fascinating glimpse into some of the biggest mysteries of existence.
First published in 1988, this book takes readers on an exhilarating ride across space and time, introducing complex concepts from the cutting edges of theoretical physics and cosmology in Hawking's characteristically lucid and accessible style.
