My Top 10 Nonfiction Books of 2025!

Christi Hegstad January 7th, 2026

I had a stellar reading year in 2025, particularly when it came to nonfiction! Out of the total 109 books I had completed when December 31 rolled around, 57 of them were nonfiction, and choosing my top 10 was not an easy task. Even when I also included five honorable mentions!

You can find my top 10 nonfiction books – as well as my top 10 fiction books, the key purposeful lessons I learned in 2025, how I’ve set up my planners and journals for the new year, and more – by subscribing to my Reading And Purpose newsletter here!

Announcing Our 2026 Nonfiction Book Club!

Christi Hegstad October 29th, 2025

The 2026 Reading And Purpose Nonfiction Book Club is ready!

Join us for a meaningful, growth-oriented, and delightful year powered by excellent books! Members will enjoy all kinds of benefits including monthly reading schedules and reflection guides, invitations to participate in online chats and book club discussions, bonus tools and resources, unique opportunities for in-person meetings, and more!

Whether you have a goal to read more nonfiction, wish to discuss important ideas with others, crave a deep reading experience with the additional resources you’ll receive, or would simply like to feel a part of a growth-oriented community while reading on your own, the Reading And Purpose Nonfiction Book Club is here for YOU.

The latest Reading And Purpose newsletter – which you can find here – shares all the details: the book lineup, monthly themes, numerous features included in membership, enrollment info, and more.

Come and join us – your future self will thank you!

When You Waffle In Indecision

Christi Hegstad October 22nd, 2025

I used to spend waaaay too long waffling in indecision. I’d create endless pro/con lists and try to research every possible outcome, obstacle, and even slightly-remote reason for doing or not doing something. Then, immediately upon (finally! at last!) making a decision, I would instantly head into second-guessing, buyer’s remorse, and the never-ending land of what if.

If you can relate, my latest Reading And Purpose article may help! The practices and resources I share there have certainly helped me.

You can subscribe to Reading And Purpose and read the full article here.

Monthly Reading Wrap-Up

Christi Hegstad September 8th, 2025

Looking for your next great book to pick up? Every month in my Reading And Purpose newsletter, I recap all the books I read, both nonfiction and fiction. August proved to be an outstanding reading month – including my top nonfiction book of the year so far!

Subscribe and read here!

Goals Gone Bad (And A Few Remedies, Too!)

Christi Hegstad August 13th, 2025

A few days ago, I reached into the refrigerator to grab the last remaining bit of spinach. According to the packaging, it had not yet reached its expiration date, but when I opened it up, the texture and – shall we use the word scent here – told a different story.

The end date hadn’t yet arrived, but the spinach was done.

Any chance some of your 2025 goals feel similarly?

If so, a) you’re not alone, and b) I’ve got some remedies for you. You’ll find them, as well as personal examples and book recommendations, in my Reading And Purpose newsletter. Subscribe and read here!

Becoming A Purposeful Reader

Christi Hegstad August 6th, 2025

Why do you read? When you open a book, what do you hope to gain?

As with most things, knowing your ‘why’ can help you make the most of the experience – and in the case of reading, it can also help you choose your books accordingly.

Today I’m sharing five ideas for becoming a more purposeful reader, from immersive strategies to connecting with others to some of my own personal bookish preferences. And for those asking why bother putting so much thought and effort into reading – can’t we just read for fun? (spoiler alert: yes!) – I’ve got some food for thought for you, too.

You can subscribe to Reading And Purpose and enjoy the article here!

The Reading And Purpose Nonfiction Book Club!

Christi Hegstad July 9th, 2025

If you’re not yet a member of the Reading And Purpose Nonfiction Book Club, now’s the time to become one! We’ve just posted details about our lineup for the second half of 2025, and plans for 2026 are well underway. Join us now and not only can you engage in powerful reading experiences, meaningful discussions, a brilliant community of growth-oriented people, and more – you’ll also be able to cast your vote for some of our 2026 picks!

You can find all the details and enrollment info in the recent Reading And Purpose newsletter here!

A Bookish Mid-Year Check-In

Christi Hegstad June 25th, 2025

Whether you’ve read one book or a hundred books so far in 2025, taking a bit of time to assess your reading life and create plans at this mid-year point can help you make the most of your precious reading time – a benefit for anyone who struggles with ‘so many books, so little time’! I’ve created a list of ten questions (plus a few follow-up questions) to help – you can subscribe to the Reading And Purpose newsletter and read the article here!

Reading Wrap-Up: May 2025

Christi Hegstad June 4th, 2025

Each month, I share a few thoughts on all the books – both fiction and nonfiction – that I read throughout the month, and my May wrap-up is now up! You can read it, as well as previous monthly wrap-ups, via the Reading And Purpose newsletter. Subscribe and enjoy!

The Nonfiction Backlist Summer Reading Guide!

Christi Hegstad May 28th, 2025

I have so much fun sharing all the books I read each month via my Reading And Purpose newsletter, but I have also been looking for a way to shine a light on some older favorites as well. Enter the Reading And Purpose Nonfiction Backlist Summer Reading Guide!

(Whew, say that 10 times fast!)

This guide offers over 30 nonfiction books, personally recommended by me and divided into several unique categories for your convenience. I’ve also included a few thoughts on each book to help you determine which ones sound up your alley.

You can subscribe to Reading And Purpose and enjoy the reading guide here!

Tag Archives: books