I love reading books and the ones I’ve chosen as my top ten non-fiction books are no exception.

Some of them bring back fond memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. Others are cautionary tales that have taught me valuable lessons. Overall, these books helped me to grow as a human being, they helped me to look at the world through different viewpoints, and they helped me to gain new perspectives about myself and the world around me. Quite frankly, every one of these excellent reads had a profound impact on my life.

Maybe you’ll feel the same way after reading through my list of favorites.

1. The Elements of Style: A timeless classic for those who have just begun to learn the art of writing and for seasoned veteran writers who want to improve upon what they already know. This definitive style manual is not big in volume but it is big in the amount of information contained in it that will assist anyone wanting to improve their writing skills.

2. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings: A gripping autobiography by Maya Angelou. This lyrical and powerful book details her unstable childhood as an African American female growing up during the Depression, the adversities she endured, and the lessons she learned about herself and others as she developed and matured as she rose in prominence as a best selling author and poets.

3. On Writing: This is Stephen King at his best. It’s an excellent memoir that expounds upon fundamental writing techniques every writer should have while weaving the story of his life through each lesson. I couldn’t help but get sucked into this short memoir as I was transported back to the days of his mischievous childhood, his raucous college days, and the accident that nearly killed him. Like Maya Angelou, he’s one of my favorite authors.

4. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: I saw Malcolm X in a different light after reading this book. Often portrayed as a violent revolutionary, it book tells the story of his volatile young life, his transformation from a street hustler to his rise in the ranks within the Nation of Islam, and the momentous events that profoundly changed his life forever. I was deeply affected by this book.

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People: Dale Carnegie’s influence in the genre of motivational books continues to endure. Making others feel important, looking at situations from another person's point of view, and making friends with just about anyone are some of the subjects covered in this book. He gives simple, common sense advice on how to improve your relationships and how to let go of those who are impossible to get along with and move on. This is one of the best self-help books ever written.

6. Dreams From My Father: A Book on Race and Inheritance: This refreshing, conversational autobiography written by President Barack Obama, details his happy childhood, his coming of age as a mixed race young adult in Hawaii and Indonesia, his formative college years, his growing political aspirations, and the relationships that impacted his view of himself and those in his sphere of influence. I was pleasantly surprised with the poignancy and candor of this book.

7. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal: An eye-opening exposè on the impact fast food has upon the health of those who consume it regularly. Journalist Eric Schlosser gives an incisively, informative, thoroughly researched, and easily readable account of the history of fast food and how it has changed the canvas of the American diet through deregulation and lack of federal oversight. After reading this book and watching the entertaining yet frightening documentary, “Super Size Me”, I rarely (if ever) “have it my way” anymore.

8. Black Boy: An alcoholic by the time he was six-years-old, Richard Wright overcame tremendous barriers to become one of the best African American writers in the 20th century. The autobiography of his life describes in vivid detail the harshness of his childhood and his coming of age in the South during the infamous Jim Crow era, as well as, the resentment of African Americans as he aspired to break the bonds of his poverty-stricken environment.

9. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany: One of the darkest times during the 20th century, this definitive historical record tells the story of Hitler’s rise to prominence and how he almost pulled off ruling the world. Written over half a century ago, this book is still considered one of the most monumental historical works of all time as it traces the grisly fanaticism of Germany’s leader and his equally fanatical followers.

10. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West: Written by Dee Brown, this disturbing account of the treatment of several Indian tribes during the 1800’s is a genuine American classic retelling of how the West was really won. I was emotionally touched and moved by the loss of Indian land, the destruction of their way of life, and the near destruction of an entire people group. I was amazed with the resilience of this proud people group.

These are some of the best books ever written, in my opinion. Many of them are my favorites because they are simply iconic, one-of-a-kind works of art.

I hope you enjoyed reading about these treasures. Share this article with your friends and leave your comments below.