Dreaming Of A Better Life? Read These Inspiring Non-fiction Books

Right now, people around the world are living their best lives. Some of them are working their dream jobs, others are taking the steps to do incredible things. Thinking about all the people living their dreams can feel exciting but also a little discouraging because you aren’t feeling that same way. That is where super inspiring non-fiction books come in. 

Have you ever read a book and felt totally inspired by the author’s story? Maybe it inspired you to make a change in your life or changed the way you think about things. Or maybe, it gave you the motivation you needed to truly go after your dreams. 

Non-fiction books are fantastic because not only is it a great way to learn something new (think books like Atomic Habits) but they can also inspire you and light your soul on fire. They can give you those butterfly feelings in your stomach, spark such wild and outlandish ideas, and make you literally jump out of your chair and get to work. 

If you are looking to be inspired and motivated to start living your best life and to go after whatever dreams you have, keep reading to find out the must-read non-fiction books! 

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The best non-fiction books to inspire you

We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story by Simu Liu 

You may know the author of this book from a little movie called Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (you know, the Marvel movie). 

Simu shares his story of living in China with his grandparents as a child only to be uprooted to Canada to live with his parents who were away creating a better life. He shares the culture shock, growing up as an Immigrant, and all the trials and tribulations between then and finding Hollywood success. 

This book is not only relatable to so many people but it; inspiring to hear someone “so successful” share all the troubles they’ve had and failures they’ve experienced. It truly makes you think that if one person can do it, so can you! Maybe your dreams aren’t as big as becoming a Hollywood star but the insights can be related to any dream. 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle 

This is a great book if you feel like you’re voice has been shushed. If you feel like you’re just a fraction of what you could be. 

Glennon talks about how, as women, we are expected to be small. She urges you to step into your power and to take control of your life. She shares wonderful stories from her own life; one of those stories being how she fell in love with a woman at a conference and discovered how unhappy she was. 

I loved this story for a few reasons but the main one being, how powerful you feel when you decide to go all in on your dreams. I’m not even necessarily talking about taking action and living your dreams… just simply DECIDING that enough is enough and that you are worth it

Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets and Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong 

If you don’t know who Ali wong is go do yourself a favor and google her, watch some of her stand-up, and then come back.

Is there anything better than a non-fiction book that is both funny and helpful? I personally love getting insights and inspiration through stories that make me laugh. 

Ali shares personal stories about the things she has learned over the years about relationships, culture, and parenting all while being laugh-out-loud funny. If you are looking for a very relatable, funny, and sometimes vulgar book to help you feel some inspiration this is for you.

Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by 50 Cent 

Okay, hear me out… 50 Cent released a self-help book full of his own personal stories and actual helpful advice. Should you read it? YES! Even better, listen to it on audio because it’s read by him and feels extra personal. 

I loved this book! 50 Cent shares a lot of good info about careers, becoming a successful business person, and how to not get shot 9 times (kidding… kind of). 

It is kind of an odd addition to this list but in all honesty, his life story is one of struggle and tragedy. He really was not meant to succeed but against all odds, he did. I loved that he shared his journey from rock bottom. It really left me feeling like I could conquer anything because if this man somehow survived his trauma then I can definitely try to achieve my dreams! 

Winging It: Stop Thinking, Start Doing: Why Action Beats Planning Every Time by Emma Issacs

Looking for a book to encourage your business dreams? This is it! 

Emma shares her own personal journey to success as a voice in women’s leadership. She also shares tons of other successful women’s stories and how they got to where they are today. Lots of the information is more so inspirational than a “how-to” guide. However, I loved reading about the successes (and failures) of some very well-known women. 

There are also sprinkled in quotes from some of the women she talks about throughout the book which I really loved. I even took some pictures of the ones I liked and saved them on my phone!

From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle 

A book to add to your reading list 100%! This is a must-read for everyone in my opinion. 

A story about trauma, addiction, disadvantage, and resilience. Jesse shares a very personal and difficult story about growing up in foster care, not knowing who he was and succumbing to drugs and crime. I recommend this book even more if you are Canadian. Lots of tough to hear truths about racism, institutions, and the impact of colonialism.  

It may be a dark read but it’s a great story to remind us that we all have it in us to succeed even when it seems like the cards are stacked against us. Jesse shows that even the lowest of the lows can teach us valuable lessons and that we can find our way.

Stay Hungry by Sebastian Maniscalco 

Another funny but insightful read. If you don’t know, Sebastian is a stand-up comedian. Personally, I love his stand up and when I found out he had a book I jumped on it immediately. 

Sebastian talks about “staying hungry” when it comes to our dreams. He mentions that often times when people have a dream and they reach it, that’s the end. However, it shouldn’t be the end. He says we should always KEEP striving for more and that is exactly how he has ended up where he is today. 

If you want a story about a hand-core Italian family, a guy who literally did everything he could to succeed in comedy, and some tips for “staying hungry” in your own life, I would highly recommend this one!

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert 

Big Magic was a great read when I was first starting my blog. I found her thoughts about fear to be really interesting and they definitely hit home with me. Oh also, this is the same author who wrote Eat, Pray, Love soooo, you gotta read this! 

Elizabeth shares some of her own creative practices and her beliefs about how ideas are forever endless. She has some really interesting insights into the creative process. I would recommend this to anyone who is in the creative field or is even interested in something in the creative field. 

I left this book feeling motivated to take action. I felt ready to leave my unnecessary fears behind and just do what I want to do! Shortly after finishing this book, I created this blog and never looked back.

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo 

THE book that will teach you that nothing is too big to figure out.

This book has helped me through a number of panic attacks and overwhelming moments and situations. Marie spends the whole book convincing you that you truly can figure everything out. No problem is too big for you! You can figure out anything. 

She shares her own personal stories of her upbringing, career failures, and not knowing what to do with her life, UNTIL, she changes her mindset. There are also stories from other people (just regular people like you and me with real problems) that I found to be really eye-opening and inspiring. 
I actually wrote a whole blog post about how this book changed my life. So, please read this book if you are wanting to go after your dreams because it will really help you through so tough times!

Tips for incorporating lessons from books into your life 

Hopefully, you find a book or two from this list that you want to add to your reading list. Hopefully, you can actually take something away from them! 

So, how do you start implementing the lessons you learn from non-fiction books into your daily life? Great question! 

Take notes when you read 

It doesn’t need to be anything extensive; we aren’t in school! But, if you read something in a book that makes you think or you find helpful, insightful, or inspirational, write it down! Chances are you won’t remember everything once you’ve finished. If you write it all down then you can revisit it later!

Take one small lesson and try to implement it over the next week 

If you came across a lesson or an idea while reading that you feel you could try out, do it! For example, a book you’re reading talks about changing your mindset around success and offers a few ways to do that. Make note of the tips and try following them for a week.

It doesn’t need to be a big thing and it’s not a whole new way of living for you… just try to follow the tips! The worst thing that could happen is it doesn’t work for you but it might and then you are one step closer to living your best life. 

Share the new information with a friend 

Sharing information with others is such a wonderful thing to do. Not only does it make you feel educated (lol) but it also acts as a type of accountability. If you’ve told your friend about a new habit you want to implement or a whole new way of thinking, you are more likely to follow through with actually doing that thing!

Related reads:

• How To Figure Out What You Want In Life + Journal Prompts
• Starting Something New? Read These 10 Motivational Books
• One Book That Changed My Life

So, what do you think about these books? Will you be adding any of them to your list? How do you have inspiration?