This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is a School Freebie, which basically is anything to do with school or education. One of the possible topics listed was ‘non-fiction books’ so I’m going to run with that because last year I did a post on Books that Take Place in High School and On Campus.

Now, I’m not much of a non-fiction reader because reading for me is entertainment. Of course, some non-fiction books can be entertaining as well; usually memoirs are. Most non-fiction that I read is a memoir of some kind, or Christian living books. There are a few odd ones here and there. Anyway, here’s my list of favorite non-fiction books I’ve read.

10 of my Favorite Non-Fiction Books

1. I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka & Martin Ganda

This memoir actually reads like it’s fiction… it’s so good and Caitlin and Martin’s story is so sweet and pure. I always recommend this book when someone is looking for a memoir because of how it’s pen-pals becoming best friends (and still are to this day).

2. Living Among Lions by David & Jason Benham

I’ve read this book twice and it’s just as relevant this past year (or so) as it was when it came out in 2016. It’s all about living as a Christian in a world that’s turning further and further away from God, and how we can make sure we’re the light in a dark world. Or, as these guys say, be the chocolate chips in a cookie – don’t blend in with the world and stand out.

3. Vincent & Theo by Deborah Heiligman

One of my former co-workers recommended this book to me after she got me into art. While it’s just an occasional hobby for me, I have nothing but respect for artists because I could never have the patience to create like they do. Writing a book, sure, I can do that. But drawing or painting? Nope. Anyway, this book was about Vincent Van Gogh’s relationship with his brother, Theo, and it’s just a really good book.

4. Let Them Eat Pancakes by Craig Carlson

This is the follow up Carlson’s first memoir, and it’s all about a Connecticut man’s journey in Paris as he opens an American diner in the heart of France. It was a captivating tale, and I enjoyed every second of it.

5. Columbine by Dave Cullen

I’m not sure what possessed me to read this, but I’m glad I did. It gave me insight to one of the country’s most notable school shootings and how so many details got misconstrued because the journalists covering it didn’t take time to get the proper facts.

6. The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel

I’ve read this one twice as well and it hit hard in a different way each time. It’s such an eye-opener to living a life that is really following Jesus and I feel like every person who calls themself a Christian should read it.

7. On Writing by Stephen King

This is the only King book I’ve ever read and ever will read. It’s part-memoir and part-writing help, though I don’t agree with all of what he says about being a writer. He does sound pretty pretentious when he talks about writing, which isn’t surprising, and his memoir parts explained why he writes such messed-up fiction.

8. In Real Life by Nev Schulman

If you’re a fan of Catfish, then you’ll like this book by the show’s creator/host. In this book Nev talks about his catfish experience, creating the show, and how to prevent yourself from getting catfished online. It’s such a good read and still very relevant to today’s world.

9. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Whether you’re in a relationship or not, this is a book everyone should read. We all receive and give love in different ways, and that applies to family/friend relationships too, not just romantic ones. There are other versions of this book for Singles, Men, Women, and Teens (possibly more), but reading the original is just as well for anyone.

The only problem is my love language isn’t covered in here… books. My love language is books.

10. Called to Serve by Stefan Gulyas

I’m completely biased on this one because the author is my great-uncle Steve (he passed away in 2013) and this is his memoir of how he became a missionary who traveled all over America and Europe to spread God’s Word. There’s a bit of my family history in this book, which is so freaking cool, as well as my uncle’s life as a missionary because it wasn’t easy.

Have you read any of the books I listed? What are some of your favorite non-fiction books?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Check out her blog for upcoming Top Ten Tuesday topics!