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The Best Non-Fiction Books I Read In 2023
- Dec 28, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2023
Hey guys, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and are enjoying the holiday period so far! You know how obsessed I've become with books after spending years previously unable to read due to cognitive dysfunction and eventually regaining this ability! So now that I'm on a roll... I’ve read 65 books this year! I can’t quite believe it! From everything I've devoured throughout the year, here are my top non-fiction recommendations which are a combination of science, self help, personal development, mental health, spirituality, psychology, philosophy and physical health. I really hope you gain as much from reading these as I have myself!
How To Do The Work: Recognise Your Patterns, Heal From Your Past, and Create Yourself by Dr Nicole LePera
self help, psychology, mental health, personal development, health.
click here to purchase!
If the popularity of psychologist Dr Nicole LePera’s Instagram account (@the.holistic.psychologist) is anything to go by then this book of hers acts as a follow on and an incredibly supportive practical guide. It’s full of insightful information about how your childhood, family, relationships, environment and upbringing may have affected you whilst introducing a wide range of tools for your 'self healing toolbox’ such as inner child work, reparenting, emotional regulation, boundaries, trauma bonding, emneshment, the ego, consciousness versus unconsciousness and so much more!
Caution: it may be triggering so take it slow, step by step and ‘do the work’ at your own pace and in your own time.
How Can I Get Better? An Action Plan for Treating Resistant Lyme & Chronic Disease by Dr Richard Horowitz
health, medicine, self help, reference
click here to purchase!
If you are experiencing the long term effects of Lyme disease then this is the book you need to read. Often referred to as 'the lyme bible', Dr Richard Horowitz provides the most comprehensive book on this delicate and complex subject matter I've ever read, and trust me I've read A LOT about it. Filled with the latest scientific research, guidance for testing options, treatment options and how overlapping illnesses and symptoms could be causing your health issues (as well as successful recovery stories) this book has been invaluable on my journey dealing with Lyme disease. If you are stuck in your healing, then this book is full of answers!
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
memoir, biography, death
click here to purchase!
WOW. What an extraordinarily well written memoir! Joan Didion’s talent and unusual writing style screams through the pages of this memoir which covers the near death of her daughter, loss of her beloved husband and all that entailed a result of such tragedies. Written like a collection of journals and essays, this book was first published in 2006 yet still feels so modern and relevant today. If you are experiencing the affects of loss, mourning and grief then pick this up and it will not only provide you with guidance to these universal experiences, it will also make you feel seen and heard but most importantly provide you with the comfort in knowing that you are not alone.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
memoir, biography, mental health, adult
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This is quite possibly the most raw autobiography I’ve ever read, especially considering it’s written by a celebrity whose memoirs I often find feel slightly fluffy and like reading fiction. Not Jennette McCrudy’s masterpiece though; it details her rise to fame as a child start in Hollywood whilst navigating serious issues such as emotional abuse, eating disorders, mental health and addiction. Props to Jennette for being so honest, vulnerable and captivating from beginning to end and delivering humour amongst the heartbreak. No wonder this book has become such a hit in the last year because for anyone who has struggled with these issues or wants to learn more then it’s a must read!
Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
science, health, psychology, self help, neuroscience
click here to purchase!
Earlier this year when I purchased an Oura ring, which works by gathering all your sleep data, I set out on a mission armed with the data in hand to overhaul my sleep! What better way to do this than learn from the sleep expert himself; Matthew Walker, a scientist and professor of neuroscience and psychology whose research focuses on the impact of sleep on human health. This book is the culmination of his research findings over the last 20 years but not only does he provide you with the science behind the importance of good sleep, he also shares ways to implement his findings and fine tune your sleep hygiene, sleep routine and lifestyle for better sleep!
How to be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard
health, buddhism, disability, self help, spirituality, psychology
click here to purchase!
This one had been sitting on my shelf unread for a while because something about the title put me off (initially thinking it was a book teaching you how to be sick which made ZERO sense to me)! Well don’t let that fool you like it did I because this couldn’t be further from what this book is actually about; a more appropriate name would be ‘how to be well whilst being sick.’ This book shares Toni’s experiences dealing with the highs and lows of living with a disability and complex chronic illness whilst also serving as an introduction to Buddhism. If you are suffering from illness in any way then I suggest opening up your mind to Buddhism and the wisdom that Tony provides to help free yourself from inner suffering along the way.
The Four Agreements: Practical Guide to Personal Freedom: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
self help, spirituality, philosophy, personal development, psychology
click here to purchase!
Don Miguel Rui’s ground breaking 'the four agreements' teaches us ways we are keeping ourselves trapped in a life of suffering and self limiting beliefs and provides assistance on the path to spiritual enlightenment. This one is not for the faint hearted though as it points the finger at yourself and how YOU are in control of a life of freedom, happiness, joy and love. It's safe to say that incorporating these four agreements, ‘being impeccable with your word’, ‘not taking anything personally’, ‘not making any assumptions’ and ‘always doing your best’ and Miguel's Toltec has changed my life in so many ways!
The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World's Happiest People by Meik Wiking
self help, psychology, personal development, philosophy, health
click here to purchase!
This book is so sweet, wholesome and quite literally full of happiness! Filled with the facts and statistics regarding the world’s happiest place, Denmark as well as ways to find happiness, keep it and increase it. This book is easy to read, charming and a lovely ‘pick me up’, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it! The cover is simply divine too so it also makes for a really cute coffee table! Enjoy!
If you're a fellow book fanatic then click here to be friends on Goodreads! And click here for more of my favourite books and recommendations in my Amazon Shop!
As always, I hope this was helpful! Sending love, bye for now, Emma x ❤️
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Medical Disclaimer: Nothing contained here, on my website or on any of my social media channels is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed medical doctor or your practitioner prior to taking any supplements or using any other healing modality.
