What I Learned from Reading Nonfiction in 2025: From Feminism to Forensics

Read time: 3 minutes

If you’re anything like me, nonfiction isn’t your go-to genre. But every now and then, a book comes along that feels like it was written just for you, whether it’s about AI, forensics, or the history of bookstores. Here are a few nonfiction titles that changed my mind and taught me something new, all while feeling personal, urgent, and surprisingly fun.

The Books That Made Me Rethink the World

• The New Age of Sexism by Laura Bates: Bates shows how sexism is being hard-coded into AI and digital platforms. If you’ve ever felt like the internet treats women unfairly, this book will validate your instincts and give you a roadmap for change.
• Enshittification by Cory Doctorow: Doctorow’s term for how online platforms get worse over time, squeezing users and creators, explains why everything online feels so exhausting. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever wondered why their favorite apps and sites keep getting worse.​
• The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss: This one is for anyone who loves the smell of old paper and the quiet magic of browsing shelves. Friss traces how bookstores shaped American culture and why they still matter in the age of Amazon.

The Books That Made Me Rethink Myself

• The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell: Montell unpacks how our brains invent irrational beliefs to cope with modern life. If you’ve ever Googled symptoms at 2 a.m. or convinced yourself a celebrity is your soulmate, this book is a funny, honest look at the mental shortcuts we all take.
• Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud by Helen Anne Petersen: Petersen celebrates the women who refuse to be quiet or “appropriate.” It’s a powerful reminder that being loud and unapologetic is its own kind of strength.
• Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World designed by Men by Caroline Perez Criado: Shows how data and design often ignore women, changing how you see everyday life. “From medicine to urban planning, the world isn’t neutral. it’s built for men.”
• Dare I Say It by Naomi Watts: Watts’s candid take on menopause is eye-opening and relatable. If you’ve ever felt like no one talks about the realities of midlife, this book is a breath of fresh air.

A Glimpse into Forensics & Crime Investigation

While not one of the six featured, I also dove into nonfiction about forensics and criminal investigation in 2025. From DNA analysis to criminal psychology and even physics in crime-solving, these books reminded me that science is full of stories waiting to be uncovered. If you love puzzles, real-life mysteries, or just figuring out how the world works, Solving Crimes with Science: Forensic Series is endlessly fascinating.

Why These Books Worked for Me

These titles stood out because they didn’t feel like textbooks or lectures. They felt like conversations with friends who had fascinating stories to tell. Each book helped me see the world, myself, or my favorite genres in a new way.

Who Should Read These Books?

• For fiction fans: If you want to understand the real stories behind your favorite genres, these books are a great place to start.
• For anyone who feels overwhelmed by technology: Bates, Doctorow, and Montell explain why the digital world feels so messy and how to navigate it.
• For anyone who wants to feel seen: Petersen and Watts’ memoirs offer honest, funny takes on women’s lives and bodies.

Final Thoughts

Nonfiction doesn’t have to be intimidating or dry. Sometimes, the best books are the ones that make you say, “Oh, that’s why things feel like this.” If you’re looking for something new, give one of these titles a try.