Our top non-fiction books of 2021

We did a lot of reading in 2021 and here are the non-fiction books that rose to the top for us and continue to offer daily lessons. Coincidentally, they are almost all by female authors. Also, check out our top fiction books of 2021 here.

Purchase these books at your own independent book store or through Mahogany Books in Washington, DC, Literati in Ann Arbor, MI, One More Page Books in Arlington, VA – all three are fantastic stores.

1. Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo
If you don’t consider yourself a big poetry reader, start with this. He has a way of cutting directly to the heart of my greatest challenges.

2. A Woman’s Guide to Power Unbound by Kasia Urbaniak
She had me at “trained as a Taoist nun and dominatrix.” Yes, you read that right. She teaches you how to discover what you want (a problem for so many of us) and then how to ask for it. And, most importantly, she acknowledges that sometimes it’s not all within your control.

3. The Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
With the number of opportunities to speak up and push back to make the world (our homes, our teams, our neighborhoods) a better place, Luvvie gives you all the encouragement you need to actually do it.

4. Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Probably a classic, but one that was re-released this year and probably by the biggest name on our list. Read this one and listen along to the podcast with Brené and her sisters.

5. Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Change Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski
You may think this one is only for the women but if you are in a relationship with a woman you’ll be a lot better in that relationship if you read this book. This one is hefty so you may want to start with this article from Syracuse University about a talk Nagoski gave.

6. Know My Name by Chanel Miller
If you read one book this year, it should probably be this one by Chanel Miller who beautifully walks us all through what it was like to be sexually assaulted by a Stanford student and the effects on her life. Her writing is exquisite.

7. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Talk about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, Lori Gottlieb provides us the perfect opportunity to get into the therapist’s chair in a way that is so gentle and entertaining. This book will make you a better person.

8. 101 Essays that Will Change The Way You Think
Short essays that pose questions that will make you look at life and your approach to it differently and a quick read, this book is praiseworthy. Note that this one is only available on audio right now.

9. Strategize to Win by Carla Harris
This one sticks a little closer to the “business” and “leadership” books than others on this list but we dare you to walk away from this book and not be a Carla Harris fan girl. This one is especially good for those looking to climb the ladder and do it in a way that is true to themselves. Watch Carla Harris here