The Greatest "Nonfiction, Autobiography, History" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

History

The category of "History" in books refers to the study and interpretation of past events, societies, and cultures. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political, social, economic, and cultural developments, as well as the lives of individuals and groups who have shaped the course of history. History books can be written from various perspectives and may focus on specific time periods, regions, or themes. They aim to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

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  1. 26. Beirut Fragments by Jean Said Makdisi

    "Beirut Fragments" is a poignant memoir that delves into the personal experiences of a woman living through the Lebanese Civil War. The narrative captures the daily struggles, fears, and the resilience of civilians caught in the crossfire of a fragmented city. Through her eyes, readers witness the transformation of Beirut from a vibrant cultural hub to a landscape scarred by violence and destruction. The author's reflections offer a deeply human perspective on the impact of war, the loss of loved ones, and the enduring hope for peace amidst chaos. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of relentless adversity.

    The 5106th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. For Those I Loved by Martin Gray

    The book is a harrowing memoir of survival and resilience, chronicling the author's experiences during the Holocaust. As a young Jewish boy in Poland, he witnesses the brutal murder of his family by the Nazis and endures the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto and Treblinka extermination camp. Against all odds, he manages to escape and join the resistance, fighting for freedom and justice. After the war, he rebuilds his life, only to face tragedy again when his wife and children are killed in a fire. The narrative is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and find meaning in the face of unimaginable suffering.

    The 5251st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Daughter Of Persia: A Woman's Journey From Her Father's Harem Through The Islamic Revolution by Sattareh Farman-Farmaian

    This memoir recounts the extraordinary life of a woman born into a privileged family in early 20th-century Iran, who witnessed the dramatic shifts of her country's social and political landscape. Growing up in a polygamous household, she broke with tradition to pursue an education abroad, later returning to Iran to become a pioneering advocate for social reform and women's rights. Her story spans the rise and fall of the Pahlavi dynasty, the advent of the Islamic Revolution, and her subsequent exile, offering a personal lens on Iran's complex history and the role of women within it. Through her journey, she embodies the struggles and resilience of a nation in the face of modernity and change.

    The 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Forged Under The Sun by Fran Leeper Buss

    "Forged Under The Sun" is a compelling narrative that chronicles the lives of Mexican-American women, offering a vivid portrayal of their struggles and resilience. The book is a collection of oral histories that weave together personal testimonies, revealing the cultural, social, and economic challenges these women faced. It delves into their experiences with immigration, labor, family, and community, painting a picture of their determination to forge identities and lives under often harsh and unforgiving circumstances. The stories serve as a testament to the strength and endurance of these women, as they navigate and shape the world around them despite the adversities imposed by both society and the blazing sun under which they toil.

    The 5405th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Journal, 1935 44 by Mihail Sebastian

    "Journal, 1935-44" is a captivating collection of diary entries written by an insightful and introspective individual named Mihail Sebastian. Spanning almost a decade, the journal provides a unique glimpse into the author's personal thoughts, experiences, and observations during a tumultuous period in history. Through his poignant reflections, Sebastian explores themes of identity, love, politics, and the human condition, offering readers a profound and thought-provoking journey through his inner world.

    The 5457th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

    The book is a non-fiction account of a Syrian-American contractor named Zeitoun who decides to stay in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Despite the chaos, he paddles around the city in a canoe, helping those he can. However, he is arrested and accused of looting, leading to a harrowing experience in prison. The narrative explores themes of family, survival, and the breakdown of civil liberties in times of crisis.

    The 5470th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Shadows On The Tundra by Dalia Grinkevičiutė

    "Shadows On The Tundra" is a powerful memoir that recounts the harrowing experiences of a young Lithuanian girl during World War II. Forced into a Soviet gulag in Siberia with her family, the author vividly describes the brutal conditions and the relentless struggle for survival. Through her resilient spirit and unwavering determination, she offers a poignant and haunting account of her time in the labor camp, shedding light on the lesser-known history of the Baltic states during the war.

    The 5512th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. My Life by Golda Meir

    The book is an autobiography of one of the most influential women in modern history, who rose from the poverty of her childhood in Russia and Milwaukee to become the Prime Minister of Israel. It offers a compelling account of her role in the founding of the state of Israel and its early years, providing personal insights into the myriad political and military challenges the nascent country faced. The narrative is interwoven with her own life story, including her experiences with immigration, education, and her rise through the ranks of the labor movement and political leadership, all set against the backdrop of the 20th century's tumultuous events leading up to and following the establishment of Israel.

    The 5662nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Family's Century of Art and Loss by Edmund de Waal

    This book is a family memoir that traces the journey of a collection of miniature Japanese sculptures, called netsuke, through generations of a wealthy Jewish family. The narrative delves into the family's rise to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their survival during the Nazi regime, their post-war struggles, and their eventual decline. The author uses the netsuke as a lens to explore the themes of art, loss, and family legacy.

    The 5717th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Salvation on Sand Mountain by Dennis Covington

    The book is a personal journey of a journalist who, while covering a murder trial of a snake-handling preacher, becomes deeply involved in the culture of snake handling in Southern Appalachia. He explores the history and religious significance of snake handling, while also wrestling with his own faith and the nature of religious ecstasy. The narrative is a blend of true crime, personal memoir, and religious exploration.

    The 5723rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by Thi Bui

    This illustrated memoir captures the story of a Vietnamese family who fled to America after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s. The narrative traces their journey and struggles as refugees, while also delving into the family's complex history and relationships. The author uses her own experiences as a new mother to explore themes of parenthood, identity, and the enduring effects of displacement and trauma.

    The 6064th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom

    "The Yellow House" is a memoir that tells the story of a hundred years of the author's family and their relationship to home in a neglected area of one of America's most mythologized cities, New Orleans. The narrative follows the author's journey from growing up in the titular house in New Orleans East, a largely ignored part of the city, to her pursuit of education and a career as a journalist, and her eventual return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The book explores themes of race, poverty, and inequity in America, while also being a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and place.

    The 6128th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Country Of My Skull by Antjie Krog

    "Country Of My Skull" is a powerful and deeply personal account of the author's experiences as a journalist covering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa. Through her vivid and introspective narrative, the author explores the complexities of forgiveness, justice, and the collective healing process of a nation grappling with its painful past. This thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of reconciliation and the enduring impact of trauma on individuals and societies.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Iron & Silk by Mark Salzman

    This book is a memoir that recounts the experiences of an American teacher and martial artist who spends two years in China during the early 1980s. The narrative delves into the cultural exchanges and misunderstandings between East and West as the author teaches English and studies kung fu with master practitioners. Through a series of vignettes, the memoir paints a portrait of a China still recovering from the Cultural Revolution, exploring themes of connection, tradition, and the nuances of human relationships across a vast cultural divide. The author's journey is one of self-discovery, as he navigates the complexities of life in a foreign land, building friendships and gaining insights into the subtleties of Chinese culture and society.

    The 6454th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Silent Steppe: The Story Of A Kazakh Nomad Under Stalin by Mukhamet Shayakhmetov

    "The Silent Steppe: The Story Of A Kazakh Nomad Under Stalin" is a gripping memoir that chronicles the life of a Kazakh nomad during the brutal reign of Stalin. The book offers a firsthand account of the hardships, persecution, and forced collectivization experienced by the Kazakh people under Soviet rule. Through the eyes of the author, readers gain insight into the resilience, traditions, and struggles of the Kazakh nomadic culture in the face of political oppression.

    The 6574th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Return by Hisham Matar

    "The Return" is a poignant memoir detailing a man's search for his father, who disappeared in Libya's political prison system. The narrative offers a deeply personal exploration of loss, memory, and homecoming as the protagonist returns to his native country after years of living in exile. The book also provides a profound insight into Libya's turbulent history, its oppressive regime, and the devastating impact of politics on individual lives.

    The 6716th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Fighting Mc Kenzie Anzac Chaplain by Col Stringer

    The book tells the story of Daniel "Fighting Mac" McKenzie, a remarkable military chaplain who served with the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) forces during World War I. Known for his unorthodox methods and fierce determination, McKenzie was a spiritual guide who also physically defended and rescued soldiers in the trenches, earning him legendary status among the troops. His story is one of bravery, compassion, and unwavering faith, as he navigated the horrors of war to provide comfort and support to the soldiers fighting on the front lines. Through his actions, McKenzie became a symbol of hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of the ANZACs.

    The 7002nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. We Don’t Know Ourselves by Fintan O'Toole

    "We Don't Know Ourselves" by Fintan O'Toole is a collection of essays that explores the current state of Ireland and its people. O'Toole argues that Ireland's sense of identity has been shaped by its history of colonization and the struggle for independence, but that this identity is now being challenged by globalization and the changing social and economic landscape. He examines issues such as immigration, the Catholic Church's declining influence, and the rise of nationalism, and ultimately argues that Ireland needs to embrace a new sense of identity that is inclusive and forward-thinking.

    The 7090th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Little Heathens: Hard Times And High Spirits On An Iowa Farm During The Great Depression. by Mildred Armstrong Kalish

    "Little Heathens" is a memoir of Mildred Armstrong Kalish's childhood on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression. Kalish recounts the daily struggles and joys of life on the farm, from making do with limited resources to finding creative ways to entertain themselves. Through her vivid descriptions and humorous anecdotes, Kalish paints a picture of a resilient and close-knit community that persevered through tough times with a spirit of determination and optimism.

    The 7145th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Fruit Fields In My Blood by Toby Sonneman

    "Fruit Fields In My Blood" is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's personal history and the broader narrative of fruit farming in America. The book intertwines the author's family saga, tracing their roots back to Eastern European immigrants, with the evolution of fruit cultivation and the changing landscapes of orchards across the United States. Through a blend of personal recollection, historical research, and interviews with other fruit growers, the narrative explores themes of heritage, labor, migration, and the intimate connection between people and the land that sustains them. The memoir is a tribute to the author's ancestors and the enduring legacy they have left in the fertile soil of the country's fruit fields.

    The 7804th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Diary Of A Gulag Prison Guard 1935 6 by Ivan Chistyakov

    "The Diary Of A Gulag Prison Guard 1935-6" is a chilling and harrowing memoir that provides a firsthand account of the atrocities and cruelty witnessed by Ivan Chistyakov during his time as a guard in a Soviet Gulag prison. Through his detailed entries, Chistyakov reveals the dehumanizing conditions, brutal punishments, and constant fear that both prisoners and guards endured within the oppressive Soviet regime. This haunting narrative serves as a stark reminder of the dark realities of the Gulag system and the lasting impact it had on the lives of countless individuals.

    The 8380th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Words Of César Chávez by César Chávez

    This book is a collection of speeches, essays, and reflections from a renowned labor leader and civil rights activist who dedicated his life to improving the working conditions and lives of agricultural workers. Through nonviolent tactics and powerful rhetoric, the author articulates his vision for social justice, emphasizing the importance of community, nonviolence, and the struggle for equality. His words offer insight into his philosophy and the principles that guided his efforts to organize farm workers, leading to significant advancements in labor rights and inspiring future generations of activists.

    The 8430th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Them: A Memoir Of Parents by Francine du Plessix Gray

    "Them: A Memoir of Parents" is a compelling exploration of the author's complex relationship with her glamorous and larger-than-life parents. The author delves into her mother's past as a Russian émigré and fashion icon, and her stepfather's career as a renowned magazine editor. The memoir is a study of the glittering world of mid-20th century New York, the impact of war and displacement, the power dynamics in her parents' marriage, and the author's struggle to carve out her own identity amidst these overwhelming personalities.

    The 8445th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. March: Book Two by John Lewis

    This graphic novel continues the memoir of a prominent civil rights leader, chronicling his commitment to nonviolent protest in the fight for racial equality in the United States. It delves into his personal experiences during the early 1960s, including his participation in the Freedom Rides, the historic 1963 March on Washington, and his leadership in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The narrative captures the intensity of the movement, the confrontations with segregationist forces, and the internal struggles within the civil rights organizations, all set against the backdrop of the growing civil rights movement and the push for legislation that would eventually lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Goodbye, Darkness by William Manchester

    "Goodbye, Darkness" is a memoir that blends personal narrative with historical analysis, recounting the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The book serves as both a cathartic journey and a detailed account of the brutal combat faced by U.S. Marines against Japanese forces. The author revisits battlefields where he once fought, such as Okinawa and Guadalcanal, reflecting on the horrors of war and the process of coming to terms with his past. Through this poignant exploration, the memoir delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the lasting impact of warfare on those who endure it.

    The 9099th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download