Because books are integral to what I do, I’m often asked if reading feels like “work” to me. It’s a valid question: I fell into my job—reading, writing, and talking about books—because I love to read. But now reading is my job, in a sense. Does reading still carry the joy for me it did before it was something I had to do?
The answer, unquestionably, is yes. I still love to read. But there is one category of book that feels more like “work” than any other, and that is informational nonfiction. I turn to this genre often, I’m glad it exists, I’m endlessly thankful for it. Many of these books have changed my life in concrete and specific ways. And yet—when I pick up a book because I want to be informed about a specific topic, I don’t do it because I think it’s going to be fun. I do it because I need to—and I mean need in a different sense than, say, I NEED to read the new Maggie O’Farrell novel at the earliest possible moment.
Not only have these informational nonfiction titles indisputably enriched my life, they’ve brought me enjoyable reading experiences as well. I’ve read several books on today’s list of my favorite informational nonfiction books more than once, and not just because I want to further cement my understanding of the topic.
The informational nonfiction we seek out varies wildly from reader to reader: we read these books because we want to be informed on a specific topic that matters in our life, and we all need different things: as you can see I’m reading to support my emotional and physical health, to learn about finances, to build my parenting skills, to run better meetings at work, even to beautify my backyard. We all have different needs in this regard, and one of the joys of the work I do is that I get to hear about your different needs and interests—and the books they lead you to.
While my own collection of impactful informational nonfiction titles includes books that are personal to me, I hope you’ll view this round-up not as a TBR list, but as a thought-starter for the books you’ve read and valued, as well as a springboard for exploring the topics about which you’d like to seek out informational nonfiction.
Informational nonfiction that made a real difference in my life
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In addition to explaining the unique causes of women’s stress and burnout, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski share tips for breaking the “stress cycle” and fighting back against societal pressures. By turns angering, uplifting, and fascinating, Burnout combines practical advice with science-backed research in order to help women find true wellness. I read this when it was first came out in 2019, and find myself pulling it off the shelf occasionally to freshen up on the advice and tips included here. More info →
Years ago I asked a handful of friends to share tips for running better meetings—and an uncanny number recommended this book. Parker doesn't take her subject lightly: she believes that it is the way a group gathers that determines what happens there and how successful it will be, and that the little design choices the organizer makes can make or break it. As someone who tends to be interested in the behind the scenes of any endeavor, I was fascinated by her insights into why some gatherings work—and others don't. With chapter titles like "Don't Be a Chill Host" and "Never Start a Funeral with Logistics," Parker pushes her readers to think differently about why and how they gather. Helpful and thought-provoking. More info →
This book is so smart and fun. Rodgers's chief assertion is that money talks, and therefore until women—and particularly Black women—have economic power, equality will remain out of reach. She argues why it's good—both individually and collectively—for women to increase their incomes, and shares how she did it in her own life, and how you can do it, too. I found this to be illuminating as well as a lot of FUN to read; I loved Rodgers's smart and snappy (and sometimes sweary) style. (Psst—I passed this book on to my then-fifteen-year-old daughter when I finished it; she enjoyed the high-energy, this-is-why-it-matters approach to money, business, and equity.) More info →
This is therapist KC Davis's gentle instruction manual on how to maintain your home even when you're overwhelmed, depressed, or just living life with a neurodivergent brain that doesn't respond well to the advice that seems to work for everyone else. I loved this book, and found Davis's two-pronged approach extremely effective. First, a paradigm shift is in order: you are a person deserving of care; your home needs maintenance (not care) for the purpose of serving you well. Second, she provides specific instruction on momentum, motivation, and cleaning rhythms that make it easier to get done what needs to get done. This short little book packs a big punch: if you follow Davis's express path through the book you can finish it in an hour and start benefiting immediately. Need more encouragement to pick this up? Listen to Shannan's One Great Book-style bonus episode over in our WSIRN Patreon community. More info →
Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler believes we should work with our perfectionism, not against it. She introduces the five types of perfectionists (classic, intense, Parisian, messy, procrastinator) and helps readers figure out how to identify and manage their specific style. I definitely recognized my own "messy" procrastination in these pages, as well as loved loved ones who embody a different style of perfectionism. This book prompted me to change some of my vocabulary and self-talk around perfectionism, and think differently about what sorts of actions and behaviors are and aren't "problems." More info →
I wish I'd had this book in my life five years earlier! It was released in early 2021, when Will and I were in the final stages of deciding college plans with our then-high school senior. I've recommended it to other parents countless times since then, referred to it regularly during the search process for our second child (now a college freshman), and have just started pulling it out again as our high school junior starts looking in earnest for her future college home. The college search process can be confusing, to say the least, and I appreciated how Lieber addressed questions I knew I had as well as those I hadn't thought to ask. The title centers the financial aspects of this big decision, but Lieber also discusses practical matters like how to assess professors and what to look for in a dorm. More info →
I read this book at the enthusiastic recommendation of our team member Leigh (who I get all kinds of book recommendations from, lucky me!). I'm so glad I did: I do not have endometriosis myself, but felt both validated and educated by Lindeman's examination of misogyny in healthcare and its detrimental impact on patients. Lindeman's approach is part journalism, part memoir, with a strong, scathing narrative voice that makes for anything but dry reading. More info →
I hope none of you experience vocal issues but if you do, this is well worth picking up. It came into my life after a mild illness turned into a big problem with my lungs and airway. We struggled to figure out what on earth was happening and what we could do about it. My speech therapist highly recommended this book to help me understand and manage my current vocal difficulties; the exercises and information in this book have made a real difference. More info →
When I first picked up flower farmer Erin Benzakein's gorgeous gardening book when it was published in 2017, I approached it like a coffee table book: I enjoyed poring over the lush photos but had no intention of taking any practical action as a result of my reading. I did draw a little bit of floral arranging inspiration but the bouquets in this book are way more elaborate than I wish to put together for my kitchen counter. But this year I've found myself drawn to flower gardening in a way I didn't see coming, and have been turning to these pages for inspiration and guidance. I'm enjoying the process, and noticing how good and soothing it feels to peruse these pages with my own backyard in mind. More info →
What’s an informational nonfiction book that made a real difference in your life? Please tell us in the comments section!
I’m a fan of Don’t Shoot the Dog. It’s a great handbook on practical behavioralism. I read it when I was training a puppy, but it changed the way I parented.
In addition to Ron Lieber’s book, I recommend:
* Breaking Ranks: how the rankings industry rules higher education and what to do about it – Colin Diver
* Who Gets In and Why: a year inside college admissions (Jeffrey Selingo) – this book includes online access to his very useful buyers vs. sellers data
* Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: an antidote to the college admissions mania – Frank Bruni
I loved all of the ones you’ve listed here but I also just finished Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission by Ana Homayoun. It’s another great reminder for parents to meet your kids where they are and honestly, just chill the heck out!! 😉
for those working with colleagues from all over the world – and simply curious about the differences in communication styles – The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
I gravitate to nonfiction about health issues (probably a physician or medical researcher in a past life!) I always purchase these in hardcover so I am not rushed and so I can make notes. The best of all time is the book Breath by James Nestor. We all learned to breathe primarily through our mouths, which is not good for us in many ways. Nestor participated in a university study where he could not use his nose to breath for a period of time and the resulting sinus issues were almost unbelievable. He taught me about the importance of mouth taping at night, which forces me to breathe through my nose and has completely eliminated the dreaded dry mouth, which had been preventing a good night’s sleep. Easy to read, interesting stories, practical solutions to problems – all the reasons I love a well written non fiction book.
I have picked up so many good book recommendations from your lists over the years. I’ll add three that I found life changing: What do you say? How to talk with kids to build motivation, stress tolerance, and a happy home, by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson; Off the Clock: Feel less busy while getting more done, by Laura Vanderkam; and The Alcohol Experiment, by Annie Grace. And Don’t Overthink It, but I think you are familiar with that one. 🙂
Please read Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Her writing will truly change your perspective on racism in the U.S. I’m always referring this book to folks whenever possible. My copy is all marked up w/ highlighting and sticky tabs!
Dr. Jen Gunter’s books about female health, The Vagina Bible and The Ménopause Manifesto are fantastic and should be required reading for everyone who is or works with or knows females.
It helps inform you on what is known and not about female bodies and their medical care. It helps understand the multitude of symptoms tied to the menopause transition (perimenopause) and what treatment options are available with evidence and which have no scientific evidence, etc.
Finally it helps provide a vocabulary to talk about these issues with each other and our medical teams, as well as recognize them in ourselves and our families, friends, and colleagues in order to help make the menopause transition easier for all.
I’m currently reading The Etiquette of Illness, What to Say When You Can’t Find the Words by Sue Halpern. I’ve reached the age (mid 60s) when so many of my friends are struggling with illness, even death. I felt inept at knowing how to support them, both physically and emotionally. This book has excellent suggestions ways to do that. Also provides guidelines for those who are ill or caregiving.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb was a revelation. It’s about Gottlieb and why she became a therapist and what happened when she herself needed therapy. And, it’s about Gottlieb’s work as a therapist and what she learned from her patients. Somehow, I learned a lot about myself and my hardcover copy has lots of highlights and underlines. Highly recommend!
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond. Incredible eye-opening discussion about how our policies and lifestyles contribute to America’s failure to make meaningful progress in the fight against poverty.
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. A thought-provoking way to look at time – both appreciating it and using it well.
I have completed so many more jobs due to one of Keeping House While Drowning’s mantras: Good Enough is Perfect. (I guess I need to read the perfectionist’s book, too.) It also gave me tremendous insight into persons with neurodivergent personalities who genuinely struggle with keeping a clean house & to be gentle with them…meaning, keep my feedback to myself, no matter how well meaning.
I am reading Resonate by Nancy Duarte and just used the principles in it to pitch an idea to my company’s C-suite with much excitement and a great result. Without this I would have been lost, and my project would be dead.
Thank you for this. I’m really struggling in multiple ways right now, and I think 2 of these have the potential to be life-changing. Here’s hoping I can have an epiphany while reading …
I’d like to add “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. An all-time favorite non-fiction read that absolutely changed my life and how I relate to my husband and family. Also, “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown and “The Lazy Genius Way” by Kendra Adachie.
Then, there’s a book that changed my life about 20 years ago that I’m not sure I would recommend, necessarily, but it definitely made a huge impact: “It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken: The Smart Girl’s Break-up Buddy”. A friend gifted it to me, I gifted it to another friend…you get the point. 🙂
Quiet is SO good. I read it in 2020 and presented on it (virtually of course) to colleagues from around the world. Her TEDTalk on the subject is brilliant as well. As someone who is introverted but still very social (and weirdly enough–talkative) this book not only helped me understand nuances within myself but also others around me.
WHile there are some great nuggets in We Should All Be Millionaires, do serious due diligence before joining the online group or signing up for the coaching programs – everyone who joins signs a nondisclosure agreement so I can’t say much – but do your due diligence.
This is a sensitive but serious recommendation:
Because You’ve Never Died Before: Spiritual Issues at the End of Life by Kathleen J. Rusnick, PhD
I think it’s pretty well-known that America culture is not adept at handling death, despite the reality that we all experience it. If you have loved ones who (or if you yourself) are facing illness or later years, the author of this multi-faith book is full of the very personal, very practical, very calming information you don’t know about the emotional and spiritual parts of dying. It is presented straightforwardly, but not coarsely. Knowing what to anticipate gave us the strength to provide both of our parents with reverent deaths (and wakes, too) at home, as they wanted.
There was peace and closure for them and us.
Highly recommended
I just finished reading Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price and want so many people to read it. Price comes at the myth(s) of laziness from multiple directions and explains all the ways that we’re hurt by it as both individuals and society as a whole.
How to Keep House While Drowning is a fave that I should pull out and read again. When I finished it the first time, I immediately got online and ordered it for five different friends that I knew could use it. Even for people who have absolutely no trouble keeping up with household tasks, the reality that care tasks are morally neutral is radically important to learn.
Wow, so many good suggestions. I added several to my TBR. I’d like to add Come as You Are, also by Emily Nagoski. Every woman should read this and I wish it was available to me when I was in my 20’s or 30’s. Also, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion, by Jonathan Haidt. It’s a bit scholarly, but it shows how the brains of “conservatives” and “liberals” work differently.
Not sure if this title fits topic (tho similar to books by Ann Patchett & Anne Morrow Lindburg on list of non-fiction “to finish in a day”). MANIFESTO: “On never giving up” by Bernardine Evaristo can be inspirational even for those who don’t share any aspects of author’s multi-faceted identity. For “take-away”, see book’s Conclusion, followed by one page long “Evaristo Manifesto”.
Quote from that book about her Booker Prize winning novel: “At heart, GIRL WOMAN, OTHER is a polyphonic paen to black British womanhood and to non-binary people, in all our flawed complexity. If I had to choose just one of my books to give to my younger self to read, it would be this one. I think she’d get a lot from it.” Her non-fiction MANIFESTO can also be sort of compass for anyone forging their own pathway in the world.
In MANIFESTO, a mature woman looks back on her life and lessons she learned which may help others. Tho its been a while since I read 1968 THESE VINTAGE YEARS by Margot Benary-Isbert, that may also have timeless wisdom to share & inspire. Both might fit better into traditional definition of categories “Memoir” or “Inspiration” based on personal, lived experience.
One reason non-fiction may seem like “work” to read may be because it’s frequently so impersonal–which seems almost requirement for genre meant to educate & inform. “Just the facts, ma’am” as Joe Friday used to say on Dragnet.
Makes me think of passage about reading in Jane Austen’s NORTHANGER ABBEY where Catherine & the Tilney’s compare intructional works & entertainment. “But history, real solemn history, I cannot be interested in… I read a little as a duty”. Henry then tongue in cheek uses “to torment” as synonym for “to instruct”.
Been working on list of titles (both fiction & non-fiction) on neurodiversity. Two highly recommended are UNIQUELY HUMAN: a different way of seeing autism by Barry Prizant, and NEUROTRIBES: the legacy of autism and the future of neurodiversity by Steve Silberman. Perhaps others could suggest other related titles for future feature on that topic.
I know you said this list wasn’t just an add-to-TBR, Anne, but as a perfectionist (#3) who hovers around burnout (#1), dallies with depression / has ADHD / gets overwhelmed easily (#7), and might be soon diagnosed with endo (#5), I think you made this list for me!
I’d heard of How to Keep House While Drowning before, and it’s on my Goodreads TBR but I think this is my sign to get it. Thank you so much for your insight (and vulnerability) in this list.
The new book “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic” by Jennifer Wallace is insightful and helpful, especially if you have kids who are surrounded by pressure to get into the best colleges. It’s crazy that these mostly well-off teens, with all the supports in the world available to them, have one of the highest rates for anxiety and depression. Eye-opening, and also has some really good tips for what to do to counteract this.
Currently halfway through How to Keep House while Drowning and reading it feels like a warm hug. I’ve read so many other books on time management and planning that made me feel guilty because they were so logical—it’s easy, just get stuff done! Duh! But following through is insanely, ridiculously difficult for me.
If you’re a really stellar Maker of To Do Lists and Plans but you struggle to actually *do* all the things (and so your house feels like an overwhelming mess), I think this book is for you.
For my fellow information junkies, Mary Roach writes about a plethora of weird and wonderful topics in a funny and easy-to-read way.
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36 comments
I’m a fan of Don’t Shoot the Dog. It’s a great handbook on practical behavioralism. I read it when I was training a puppy, but it changed the way I parented.
In addition to Ron Lieber’s book, I recommend:
* Breaking Ranks: how the rankings industry rules higher education and what to do about it – Colin Diver
* Who Gets In and Why: a year inside college admissions (Jeffrey Selingo) – this book includes online access to his very useful buyers vs. sellers data
* Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: an antidote to the college admissions mania – Frank Bruni
I loved all of the ones you’ve listed here but I also just finished Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission by Ana Homayoun. It’s another great reminder for parents to meet your kids where they are and honestly, just chill the heck out!! 😉
for those working with colleagues from all over the world – and simply curious about the differences in communication styles – The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
I gravitate to nonfiction about health issues (probably a physician or medical researcher in a past life!) I always purchase these in hardcover so I am not rushed and so I can make notes. The best of all time is the book Breath by James Nestor. We all learned to breathe primarily through our mouths, which is not good for us in many ways. Nestor participated in a university study where he could not use his nose to breath for a period of time and the resulting sinus issues were almost unbelievable. He taught me about the importance of mouth taping at night, which forces me to breathe through my nose and has completely eliminated the dreaded dry mouth, which had been preventing a good night’s sleep. Easy to read, interesting stories, practical solutions to problems – all the reasons I love a well written non fiction book.
Yes, totally agree! Breath was fascinating and practical.
I second Nestor’s book, Breath. I have asthma and I believe that by using some of what Nestor talks about, I am a better breather.
Agreed! I loved Breath by Nestor!
I have picked up so many good book recommendations from your lists over the years. I’ll add three that I found life changing: What do you say? How to talk with kids to build motivation, stress tolerance, and a happy home, by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson; Off the Clock: Feel less busy while getting more done, by Laura Vanderkam; and The Alcohol Experiment, by Annie Grace. And Don’t Overthink It, but I think you are familiar with that one. 🙂
Thank you for The Voice Book recommendation. I’ve been going through what sounds like the same thing as you. Looking forward to reading it.
Please read Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Her writing will truly change your perspective on racism in the U.S. I’m always referring this book to folks whenever possible. My copy is all marked up w/ highlighting and sticky tabs!
Yes! I think Caste pairs well with Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us.
Caste is one of my top non-fiction recommendations too. It is a heartbreaking and necessary book. I wish it was required reading in high school.
Dr. Jen Gunter’s books about female health, The Vagina Bible and The Ménopause Manifesto are fantastic and should be required reading for everyone who is or works with or knows females.
It helps inform you on what is known and not about female bodies and their medical care. It helps understand the multitude of symptoms tied to the menopause transition (perimenopause) and what treatment options are available with evidence and which have no scientific evidence, etc.
Finally it helps provide a vocabulary to talk about these issues with each other and our medical teams, as well as recognize them in ourselves and our families, friends, and colleagues in order to help make the menopause transition easier for all.
I’m currently reading The Etiquette of Illness, What to Say When You Can’t Find the Words by Sue Halpern. I’ve reached the age (mid 60s) when so many of my friends are struggling with illness, even death. I felt inept at knowing how to support them, both physically and emotionally. This book has excellent suggestions ways to do that. Also provides guidelines for those who are ill or caregiving.
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker has stuck with me since I read it over 15 years ago
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb was a revelation. It’s about Gottlieb and why she became a therapist and what happened when she herself needed therapy. And, it’s about Gottlieb’s work as a therapist and what she learned from her patients. Somehow, I learned a lot about myself and my hardcover copy has lots of highlights and underlines. Highly recommend!
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond. Incredible eye-opening discussion about how our policies and lifestyles contribute to America’s failure to make meaningful progress in the fight against poverty.
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. A thought-provoking way to look at time – both appreciating it and using it well.
I have completed so many more jobs due to one of Keeping House While Drowning’s mantras: Good Enough is Perfect. (I guess I need to read the perfectionist’s book, too.) It also gave me tremendous insight into persons with neurodivergent personalities who genuinely struggle with keeping a clean house & to be gentle with them…meaning, keep my feedback to myself, no matter how well meaning.
I am reading Resonate by Nancy Duarte and just used the principles in it to pitch an idea to my company’s C-suite with much excitement and a great result. Without this I would have been lost, and my project would be dead.
*Immediately adds 3 more books to TBR*
Thank you for this. I’m really struggling in multiple ways right now, and I think 2 of these have the potential to be life-changing. Here’s hoping I can have an epiphany while reading …
I’d like to add “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. An all-time favorite non-fiction read that absolutely changed my life and how I relate to my husband and family. Also, “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown and “The Lazy Genius Way” by Kendra Adachie.
Then, there’s a book that changed my life about 20 years ago that I’m not sure I would recommend, necessarily, but it definitely made a huge impact: “It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken: The Smart Girl’s Break-up Buddy”. A friend gifted it to me, I gifted it to another friend…you get the point. 🙂
Quiet is SO good. I read it in 2020 and presented on it (virtually of course) to colleagues from around the world. Her TEDTalk on the subject is brilliant as well. As someone who is introverted but still very social (and weirdly enough–talkative) this book not only helped me understand nuances within myself but also others around me.
Who is the author of Quiet?
Susan Cain
WHile there are some great nuggets in We Should All Be Millionaires, do serious due diligence before joining the online group or signing up for the coaching programs – everyone who joins signs a nondisclosure agreement so I can’t say much – but do your due diligence.
This is a sensitive but serious recommendation:
Because You’ve Never Died Before: Spiritual Issues at the End of Life by Kathleen J. Rusnick, PhD
I think it’s pretty well-known that America culture is not adept at handling death, despite the reality that we all experience it. If you have loved ones who (or if you yourself) are facing illness or later years, the author of this multi-faith book is full of the very personal, very practical, very calming information you don’t know about the emotional and spiritual parts of dying. It is presented straightforwardly, but not coarsely. Knowing what to anticipate gave us the strength to provide both of our parents with reverent deaths (and wakes, too) at home, as they wanted.
There was peace and closure for them and us.
Highly recommended
I just finished reading Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price and want so many people to read it. Price comes at the myth(s) of laziness from multiple directions and explains all the ways that we’re hurt by it as both individuals and society as a whole.
How to Keep House While Drowning is a fave that I should pull out and read again. When I finished it the first time, I immediately got online and ordered it for five different friends that I knew could use it. Even for people who have absolutely no trouble keeping up with household tasks, the reality that care tasks are morally neutral is radically important to learn.
Wow, so many good suggestions. I added several to my TBR. I’d like to add Come as You Are, also by Emily Nagoski. Every woman should read this and I wish it was available to me when I was in my 20’s or 30’s. Also, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion, by Jonathan Haidt. It’s a bit scholarly, but it shows how the brains of “conservatives” and “liberals” work differently.
Not sure if this title fits topic (tho similar to books by Ann Patchett & Anne Morrow Lindburg on list of non-fiction “to finish in a day”). MANIFESTO: “On never giving up” by Bernardine Evaristo can be inspirational even for those who don’t share any aspects of author’s multi-faceted identity. For “take-away”, see book’s Conclusion, followed by one page long “Evaristo Manifesto”.
Quote from that book about her Booker Prize winning novel: “At heart, GIRL WOMAN, OTHER is a polyphonic paen to black British womanhood and to non-binary people, in all our flawed complexity. If I had to choose just one of my books to give to my younger self to read, it would be this one. I think she’d get a lot from it.” Her non-fiction MANIFESTO can also be sort of compass for anyone forging their own pathway in the world.
In MANIFESTO, a mature woman looks back on her life and lessons she learned which may help others. Tho its been a while since I read 1968 THESE VINTAGE YEARS by Margot Benary-Isbert, that may also have timeless wisdom to share & inspire. Both might fit better into traditional definition of categories “Memoir” or “Inspiration” based on personal, lived experience.
One reason non-fiction may seem like “work” to read may be because it’s frequently so impersonal–which seems almost requirement for genre meant to educate & inform. “Just the facts, ma’am” as Joe Friday used to say on Dragnet.
Makes me think of passage about reading in Jane Austen’s NORTHANGER ABBEY where Catherine & the Tilney’s compare intructional works & entertainment. “But history, real solemn history, I cannot be interested in… I read a little as a duty”. Henry then tongue in cheek uses “to torment” as synonym for “to instruct”.
Been working on list of titles (both fiction & non-fiction) on neurodiversity. Two highly recommended are UNIQUELY HUMAN: a different way of seeing autism by Barry Prizant, and NEUROTRIBES: the legacy of autism and the future of neurodiversity by Steve Silberman. Perhaps others could suggest other related titles for future feature on that topic.
I know you said this list wasn’t just an add-to-TBR, Anne, but as a perfectionist (#3) who hovers around burnout (#1), dallies with depression / has ADHD / gets overwhelmed easily (#7), and might be soon diagnosed with endo (#5), I think you made this list for me!
I’d heard of How to Keep House While Drowning before, and it’s on my Goodreads TBR but I think this is my sign to get it. Thank you so much for your insight (and vulnerability) in this list.
The author does a TED talk that’s excellent.
The new book “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic” by Jennifer Wallace is insightful and helpful, especially if you have kids who are surrounded by pressure to get into the best colleges. It’s crazy that these mostly well-off teens, with all the supports in the world available to them, have one of the highest rates for anxiety and depression. Eye-opening, and also has some really good tips for what to do to counteract this.
Currently halfway through How to Keep House while Drowning and reading it feels like a warm hug. I’ve read so many other books on time management and planning that made me feel guilty because they were so logical—it’s easy, just get stuff done! Duh! But following through is insanely, ridiculously difficult for me.
If you’re a really stellar Maker of To Do Lists and Plans but you struggle to actually *do* all the things (and so your house feels like an overwhelming mess), I think this book is for you.
For my fellow information junkies, Mary Roach writes about a plethora of weird and wonderful topics in a funny and easy-to-read way.
Anne, I’m surprised your laundry book didn’t make the cut?!
Thanks for sharing such great recommendations!
Oh my goodness, it would be PERFECT for this list! It just didn’t cross my mind, would you believe it?