People Are Sharing The Non-Fiction Books That Changed Their Perspectives – Here They Are

"I fell in love with her approach to writing and way of putting words together. I’ve re-read it at least twice since, and I always learn something new!"

Recently, we asked our BuzzFeed Community to share the books they consider essential reading, and they didn't disappoint. So to kick things off, here are some non-fiction recommendations to add to your reading list!

Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

Penguin

The blurb says: "Invisible Women reveals how in a world built for and by men we are systematically ignoring half of the population, often with disastrous consequences. Caroline Criado Perez brings together for the first time an impressive range of case studies, stories and new research from across the world that illustrate the hidden ways in which women are forgotten, and the profound impact this has on us all."

The readers say: It opened my eyes about the world made for men (literally), made me more cautious and aware of medical biases, and taught me how to recognise them and point them out. It is a life saviour!" —luthy_one

"It shows how almost every aspect of a woman's life is disadvantaged by being designed for men. It's a fascinating and frustrating examination of how everything from – car crash testing, to medical research, to clothing – has been geared towards men." —lizzieee6969

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Penguin

The blurb says: "She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford's campus. Her victim impact statement was posted on Buzzfeed, where it instantly went viral – viewed by 11 million people within four days, it was translated globally and read on the floor of Congress; it inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge in the case. Thousands wrote to say that she had given them the courage to share their own experiences of assault for the first time." 

The reader says: "This book will change the way you view sexual assault, but also make you realise that there's a lot of sexism and racism in how we handle crimes, and how we view the suspects versus the victims. You don't realise how certain things are ingrained in our point of view and society before it's pointed out."

—xy8lu

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig

Canongate Books

The blurb says: "Aged 24, Matt Haig's world caved in. He could see no way to go on living. This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him, and learned to live again. A moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better and feel more alive, Reasons to Stay Alive is more than a memoir. It is a book about making the most of your time on earth."

The reader says: "This book completely changed my life. Matt Haig went from being a suicidal 20-something-year-old to a now award-winning novelist. This beautiful, honest, and surprisingly uplifting book is half-memoir, half-education on how to pick yourself up from any bad situation. Anyone who has ever struggled with their mental health would benefit from reading this." –apk

All About Love by bell hooks

Harper Collins

The blurb says:  "All About Love reveals what causes a polarised society, and how to heal the divisions that cause suffering. Here is the truth about love, and inspiration to help us instil caring, compassion, and strength in our homes, schools, and workplaces."

The reader says: This is one of those books that you underline a bunch of paragraphs to return to over and over again – it’s written with so much warmth, it feels like revisiting a friend. bell hooks’ commentary on society really resonated with me, and her exploration into the many dimensions of love is SO insightful. All About Love is a transformative experience and I want everyone on the planet to read it. –me!

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Bloomsbury Publishing

The blurb says: "Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert's books for years. Now, this beloved author shares her wisdom and unique understanding of creativity, shattering the perceptions of mystery and suffering that surround the process – and showing us all just how easy it can be.

By sharing stories from her own life, as well as those from her friends and the people that have inspired her, Elizabeth Gilbert challenges us to embrace our curiosity, tackle what we most love and face down what we most fear."

The reader says:  "If you’ve read any of Elizabeth's work, you’ll already know that it’s incredibly well-written, but I was actually impressed with how she made what’s essentially a self-help guide feel as gripping as one of her bestselling novels. I fell in love with her approach to writing and way of putting words and stories together. As a writer, I found it impacted how I approach my work, but even if you don’t have a particularly artsy job, I think you'll still find it inspirational if you’re in any way creative. I’ve re-read it at least twice since I first discovered it and I always learn something new!" –valezabakolli

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Pan / Souvenir Press

The blurb says: "The Artist's Way provides a course that guides you through the process of recovering your creative self. It aims to dispel the 'I'm not talented enough' conditioning that holds many people back and helps you to unleash your own inner artist"

The reader says: "This book came to me at a time when big changes were happening. It helped me get in touch with myself, and it helped me work through some anger, hurt, and disappointment." —kellicape

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

William Morrow Paperbacks

The blurb says: "With three hit shows on television and three children at home, Shonda Rhimes had lots of good reasons to say no when invitations arrived. Hollywood party? No. Speaking engagement? No. Media appearances? No. Profound, impassioned and laugh-out-loud funny, in Year of Yes Shonda Rhimes reveals how saying YES changed - and saved - her life. And inspires readers everywhere to change their own lives with one little word: Yes."

The reader says: "It's like having a conversation, she writes so well and she pushed her introverted self to say yes to things she normally wouldn't because it's outside her comfort zone. And it would work for anyone, because we all have comfort zones. 100% recommend!" –cathcer1984

How To Fail by Elizabeth Day

Fourth Estate

The blurb says: "Part memoir, part manifesto, and including chapters on dating, work, sport, babies, families, anger and friendship, it is based on the simple premise that understanding why we fail ultimately makes us stronger. It's a book about learning from our mistakes and about not being afraid."

The reader says: "It's such a beautiful way of looking at how our failures are human and are what makes us who we are. It's really changed the way I view 'failure' and I'm no longer so harsh on myself."

—gemmawalton94

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski

Scribe / Generic

The blurb says: Come as You Are reveals the true story behind female sexuality, uncovering the little-known science of what makes us tick and, more importantly, how and why. Sex educator Dr Emily Nagoski debunks the common sexual myths that are making women (and some men!) feel inadequate between the sheets.

The reader says: "It’s about female sexuality (all backed up by the research), debunks all the myths, and opens you up to a whole new perspective. A must-read for everyone, especially women." —elorajaii

Don't forget to share your non-fiction must-reads in the comments, and keep your eyes out for our Community readers' fiction recommendations!