3 Unmissable Picks from the 2023 Fall Reading Guide Nonfiction List

There’s something special about reading nonfiction books in the fall. Maybe it’s the way true stories seem to carry more weight when the days grow shorter, or how a cozy reading nook pairs perfectly with narratives that teach, inspire, and expand your world. My 2023 Fall Reading Guide Nonfiction Books list is filled with page-turning biographies, memoirs, and historical deep dives that prove truth is just as captivating—if not more so—than fiction. These three nonfiction books each offer something unique: a hidden figure who shaped literary history, a powerful memoir of breaking free from oppression, and the fascinating story of the people behind one of the most ambitious literary projects in history.

Top 3 Nonfiction Books

Wifedom by Anna Funder

This captivating biography shines a light on Eileen O’Shaughnessy, George Orwell’s first wife, revealing just how instrumental she was to his success. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Funder reclaims Eileen’s place in literary history, showing how her intellect, creativity, and sacrifices directly influenced some of Orwell’s most famous works. The tone is both intimate and revelatory, making history feel personal and urgent.

I selected Wifedom because it challenges us to reconsider the untold stories behind iconic figures—perfect for readers who loved The Paris Wife or Zelda. It left me feeling both inspired by Eileen’s brilliance and frustrated at how easily history can erase women’s contributions.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair

In this stunning memoir, Sinclair shares her journey from a strict Rastafarian upbringing in Jamaica, ruled by her father’s unyielding beliefs, to carving her own path as a poet in America. Her lyrical prose captures both the beauty and the suffocating control of her early life, weaving themes of identity, art, and liberation. The result is a powerful testament to resilience and self-discovery.

I chose How to Say Babylon because it’s a memoir that lingers in your heart long after the last page. For readers who appreciated Educated or Heavy, this is an unforgettable exploration of how personal freedom is both fought for and cherished. It left me awed by Sinclair’s courage and her ability to transform pain into art.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

The Dictionary People by Sarah Ogilvie

This charming and meticulously researched book uncovers the lives of the volunteers who helped compile the Oxford English Dictionary—the greatest crowdsourcing project in literary history. Ogilvie brings each contributor to life, showing how their quirks, passions, and dedication shaped the English language as we know it. It’s a celebration of words and the community that loves them.

I included The Dictionary People because it’s a love letter to language and the hidden hands that craft it. For readers who enjoyed The Professor and the Madman or Word by Word, this is a delightful mix of history and human stories. It left me smiling and with an even deeper appreciation for the beauty of words.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

Which of These Will You Add to Your TBR?

I’d love to know—which of these 2023 Fall Reading Guide Nonfiction Books are you most excited to read? Will you dive into the untold story of Orwell’s wife, be inspired by a poet’s journey to freedom, or lose yourself in the fascinating world of dictionary makers? Share your picks in the comments.