Top 10 Nonfiction Books of 2024

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  • Опубліковано 16 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 90

  • @a_bookish_gemini
    @a_bookish_gemini 18 днів тому +25

    So, I have to admit, you’re number one is the book I’m least interested in from your list, BUT (hear me out), I’ve seen your transformation and have been silently but ardently admiring it with each new video. I have myself put on about 40 lbs over the last year and being the couch potato that I am, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. What I’m challenging myself with TODAY, after watching this video, is getting this book - your FAVORITE NONFICTION - and giving it an honest chance to give me a push in the right direction.
    This is why I love this community, this channel, and you. Thank you for sharing and being real and vulnerable with us, Olive. ❤

  • @laurenwhitaker17
    @laurenwhitaker17 18 днів тому +23

    If there is ever a time that you feel called to and comfortable with sharing your wellness journey, I would love to hear the story and lessons and knowledge you can share. ❤

    • @daram5257
      @daram5257 18 днів тому +1

      I was going to ask this too. I’d love to hear more about your journey. I think it would help me.

  • @RachelB.BookReferences
    @RachelB.BookReferences 18 днів тому +25

    You lost 120 lbs?! Holy cow. Nice work! I need to lose 50, and so I'll be putting The Joy of Movement on my TBR, lol.

  • @catsandbats77
    @catsandbats77 18 днів тому +5

    I haven't watched much of the video yet, but I absolutely adore your sweater. Edited to add that I need that tea book. In June, I got to see the oldest tea plantation in Japan, which is at a temple in the mountains in Kyoto.

  • @terrik8577
    @terrik8577 18 днів тому +3

    A Chorus Line has always been my favorite Broadway show, and hearing the behind the scenes stories from The Third Gilmore Girl was my favorite part. Dirty Dancing is one of my favorite movies and loved Kelly Bishop’s role. I bought Michael K Williams book when it first came out because I am such a huge fan. It’s now at the top of my TBR thanks to your review.

  • @JillYoung-v7p
    @JillYoung-v7p 18 днів тому +3

    Olive, you are an excellent book talker! I enjoyed your enthusiasm as you described each book. I plan to find infused and Joy of Movement. I congratulate you on your weight loss. Since my preteens I have been challenged with being overweight. Losing it and gaining it back again. Keeping it off is the real challenge. Thank you again for an wonderful presentation. Happy New Year!

  • @susanspisak65
    @susanspisak65 17 днів тому +2

    Hello, fellow Pittsburgh girl, here!!! Glad to have come across your channel! 😊

  • @jasmeenmalhotra2225
    @jasmeenmalhotra2225 16 днів тому +1

    I love hearing your enthusiastic and joyous reviews of your favourites! I always look forward to your lists My favourite non-fiction reads this year were Everything is Predictable by Tom Chivers, Growth by Daniel Susskind and The New Breadline by Jean Martin Bauer.
    Also I am blown away and so inspired by your fitness journey (I have always hated exercise and wish I didn’t)… and also by how you find time to work, exercise, READ SO MUCH, and be a loving wife and family member. I continually struggle to fit it all in! Hats off, as ever :)

  • @LeanneRose
    @LeanneRose 18 днів тому +5

    The Joy of Movement sounds brilliant and exactly what I need to read right now!

  • @Evalynn
    @Evalynn 11 днів тому

    I have become a bookseller within the past year, and I have loved your videos for years, especially as someone who grew up in and around Pittsburgh. We had Evolution of Beauty by Prum on the bargain cart, and this video reminded me to snatch it up to read this year! I also put Joy of Movement on order, as it seems like a great book to inspire helping my health along after years without movement that brings joy. Infused I had been wanting to read for awhile as well, and I also put it on order. 🍵
    My husband hears all of your videos play as I watch them around the house and the other night as I was showing him my books, he said, "The person you were watching talk about these books makes them sound so interesting." He is finally getting it, haha!! 💖 Happy New Year, Olive! 🌟

  • @dhutton77
    @dhutton77 18 днів тому +2

    I also read American Sirens this year (on your recommendation) and agree it is a great piece of work. This is your best video in a while, and I have added many of the others to my list. Please keep up the non-fiction reviews, Olive.

    • @jasmeenmalhotra2225
      @jasmeenmalhotra2225 16 днів тому

      Yes!!! I really loved this video too! I think because of how personal and real it was.

  • @Varba9
    @Varba9 14 днів тому

    This is the best list I’ve seen!! Thanks for sharing.

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  13 днів тому

      I'm so glad you liked it! 😊

  • @JesseJaneReads
    @JesseJaneReads 14 днів тому +1

    The power of music and movement hits different. I spent this year recovering from an injury that left me, as defined by the ADA, disabled. Music made it so much easier to do my PT homework.

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  13 днів тому +1

      So sorry to hear about your injury. I hope you're doing better after all the work you put in!

    • @JesseJaneReads
      @JesseJaneReads 13 днів тому

      @@abookolive Slowly but surely. It's a nerve and spinal issue so it's complicated. Music mad the pain and effort easier to bear. It's why my baby's favorite band is Halestorm.

  • @DCSinUSA
    @DCSinUSA 18 днів тому +2

    My favorite nonfiction this year is Mind Fixers: Psychiatry’s Troubled Search for the Biology of Mental Illness. Not for everyone, but the author does a phenomenal job of synthesizing a huge amount of information into a coherent, readable book. From your list I’ve added Infused to my 2025 tbr. Thanks for the wide-ranging nonfiction you included.

  • @ThatReadingGuy28
    @ThatReadingGuy28 16 днів тому

    Your enthusiasm and discussion of these books is an absolute joy in itself! It’s so infectious, and in the best way! Thank you Olive.

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  13 днів тому +1

      That’s so kind of you to say! I get super excited about books, it’s true. 😂

  • @irenamcg
    @irenamcg 18 днів тому +1

    I just want to say thank you for all the great nonfiction recommendations. I've started watching you this year and you read the best nonfiction books at least for my reading taste. Happy 2025 and hopefully it will have more amazing reads. 🎉

  • @coffemuse
    @coffemuse 17 днів тому

    Thank you so much for telling us more about book no.1. You hinted at this many videos ago and I've been hoping you'd tell us more about what this book meant to you. My relationship with exercise is all in the hate and detest category, so any push out of that is sorely needed. Thanks for taking a leaf out of those memoirist's books and being vulnerable!
    Also have just moved up my TBR the Phosphorus book and the Omnivore's Dilemma. Happy 2025 to you!

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  13 днів тому +1

      Ah, yes. I did hint about it, didn't I? I was trying to work up the courage to make a whole video about my newfound relationship with fitness, but I wasn't quite ready to talk about it yet since it was so, so personal. I feel a little more comfortable about it now. But only a little, haha!

  • @savagereads
    @savagereads 18 днів тому +1

    I always love nonfiction so much! I really enjoyed The Omnivore's Dilemma a few years ago. I am adding The Evolution of Beauty and Scenes from my Life to my TBR right now.

  • @jillbellaus385
    @jillbellaus385 18 днів тому +1

    I would love to hear about your health journey too. You are an inspiration!

  • @b_olson542
    @b_olson542 17 днів тому

    Great recommendations. I am not a nonfiction reader and stumbled upon your channel by accident. Some of these books are now on my tbr. Thank you! Hapoy New Year!

  • @cathybryant3029
    @cathybryant3029 18 днів тому +3

    Thank you for another great list of books. I also like to read nonfiction. I just finished "The Wide Wide Sea" by Hampton Sides. It's the story of the final voyage of James Cook. I really enjoyed this book and Sides' writing style.

    • @lisawallace1741
      @lisawallace1741 18 днів тому +1

      I'm really looking forward to reading this one!

  • @esliet
    @esliet 16 днів тому

    Your recommendations are always amazing. Will definitely read several of these

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  13 днів тому

      Hope you enjoy them! 📚❤

  • @BrunoMoving6
    @BrunoMoving6 19 днів тому +1

    What a wonderful selection of books, thank you Olive! - The ones that most call to me are the books on Phosphorus, Tea and your number one The Joy of Movement! Will definitely add them to my list!

  • @momwithdelusions
    @momwithdelusions 17 днів тому

    What a great list of recommendations! Thanks for sharing.

  • @juliemartin8767
    @juliemartin8767 17 днів тому +1

    I have just started “the Joy of Movement “ on audio book from library. Thanks for recommending!

  • @badfaith4u
    @badfaith4u 18 днів тому +2

    I loved The Omnivore's Dilemma.

  • @rupindersayal
    @rupindersayal 18 днів тому

    Great picks and excellent analysis! Thanks for sharing, and Happy New Year! 🎉🎉

  • @sandyokey7728
    @sandyokey7728 18 днів тому

    This year, I read a total of 27 non fiction books, which really surprised me. I didn’t realize it until just now when I added them up. And that pretty much is thanks to you and your channel. In years past, I would read some non fiction but the past few years has found me reading more and more. Some of the highlights from this year for me were The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston, Edith Wharton by Hermione Lee, and three tied for top, Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck, The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn and An Illuminated Life by Heidi Ardizzone. Thank you, Olive and Happy New Year 💙

  • @KatieCarwin
    @KatieCarwin 14 днів тому

    I really enjoy your channel. I want to read and educate myself more so I really appreciate your recommendations. I enjoy the way you speak and describe each book. Happy New Year 2025! I'm looking forward to your future recommendations.

  • @daram5257
    @daram5257 17 днів тому

    I printed out the part of the transcript where you talked about how you were adverse to exercise and how you came to value it...posting it on my wall to remind myself that it can happen. And I have the book....now I'll actually read it :). I put some of the others in my TBR and appreciate your recommendations and insight. But the learning to love exercise portion was reallly important to me right now. Thank you.

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  13 днів тому +1

      Not only CAN it happen, but given how many people come to value exercise over time, I'd say it's more like it WILL happen for you. Start with things you know you enjoy, then add some challenges. Try some new things. I'm willing to bet that if you stick with it - and that is the single most important thing, the CONSISTENCY - you will grow to love the place exercise holds in your life.

    • @daram5257
      @daram5257 13 днів тому

      @@abookolive Thank you for the response and the encouragment! You are right...this isn't a "dream big and it can happen"...this is a "do it and it WILL happen." I'm shifting my mindset on it!

  • @booksmitin
    @booksmitin 18 днів тому

    I'm currently reading Infused based on your recommendation and it's so good! The Joy of Movement is headed to my TBR now :) Have a great rest of the year :)

  • @diannegibb6515
    @diannegibb6515 19 днів тому

    Thank you for sharing these books. I want to focus more on non fiction this year. I am just putting 3 of these on hold at the library. Michael Pollans book (i have read some of his work and really benefited from it), Infused and The Joy of Movement. Happy reading this year!

  • @ToddsBookTube91
    @ToddsBookTube91 18 днів тому

    Merry Christmas Olive! I hope you got books for Christmas!

  • @KateIrish-y5c
    @KateIrish-y5c 18 днів тому

    What a great list! Just saved several in my Everand account....love listening to non-fiction while in the car or doing housework. Looking forward to them!

  • @nanimaonovi2528
    @nanimaonovi2528 19 днів тому +4

    I'm reading Robin Wall Kimmerer's new book: 'The Serviceberry'. It's just what we all need this season, help shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of reciprocity and abundance.

    • @zinahollis52
      @zinahollis52 18 днів тому

      I just recently finished this book. It was an absolute treasure! 😊

  • @britbc4461
    @britbc4461 18 днів тому

    You have gotten me in to nonfiction reading and I am loving it. A book I loved this year that I would recommend is Stoned by Aja Raden.

  • @KarlaCarlson-oh2fw
    @KarlaCarlson-oh2fw 18 днів тому

    This year I read 29 books, 5 of which were non fiction. I've always read some non fiction, but because of your channel, I've developed more of an interest in 'that side of the library.' And it's thanks to you! So thank you.
    I'd have to say my favorite non fiction book of this year, and one one that sticks with me is The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Crime Boss. This book is about the fencing system she developed, part of which are still in use today. It was all developed by a woman, and an immigrant at that. So good!

  • @jmsl_910
    @jmsl_910 18 днів тому

    ty: i love this channel!
    just reserved: joy of movement, the omnivore's dilemma & hidden potential!!

  • @Thecatladybooknook_PennyD
    @Thecatladybooknook_PennyD 18 днів тому +2

    🙌👏👏👏👏👏 For taking your health back.

  • @sandra7319.
    @sandra7319. 18 днів тому +2

    My favorite non fic books were The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace and Carville's Cure. The latter is a strong history of one of the US' last leper (Hanson's Disease) community in Louisiana , named after the Postmaster, James Carville's grandfather. Olive, I believe you would really like this book as it focuses on a niche but fascinating topic. Having Hanson's Disease was a sentence worse than prison as your community would shun you and run you out of town, different states had different laws regarding what "lepers" were allowed to do i.e. ride public transportation, work, etc. yet Hanson's Disease is not communicable among humans and largely results from 5%of the world has no natural immunity to the condition. Carville started as an isolated hospital and home for patients in an abandoned plantation and became a thriving community largely run by nuns where kids as young as 5 years old were dropped off and lived their lives there.

  • @jackiesliterarycorner
    @jackiesliterarycorner 18 днів тому

    My favorite non-fiction that I read this year was America is in the Heart by Carlos Bulosan. It was a heart wrenching and tough read. It's about this poet, who dreams of finding a better life in America but when he leaves the Philippines and arrives in America he is met with nothing but contempt and prejudice. His experience made angry, sad, and hopeful all at once.

  • @raquelfigueroa5539
    @raquelfigueroa5539 18 днів тому

    Year 2024 Im thankful, for finding your channel!!! I just need to pick the nonfiction books to read from your list, that Im really interest in reading. Its hard, I want yo read all of your reads. But I have to start somewhere 😂😂😂

  • @halfmanhalfbook
    @halfmanhalfbook 12 днів тому

    I can't bear tea, but having heard your enthusiasm for it, I now want to read Infused by Henrietta Lovell

  • @Sew_Country
    @Sew_Country 18 днів тому

    Beautiful list! ❤❤

  • @cathy2142
    @cathy2142 18 днів тому

    120👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 congrats Olive🎉😊

  • @cathy2142
    @cathy2142 18 днів тому +2

    Mother teresa by kathryn spink was so inspiring for me this year❤

  • @meljstephan
    @meljstephan 17 днів тому

    I normally never seek out “celeb memoirs”, but the two on your list clearly have more than just acting at the core. Both are going on my tbr

  • @abrareads
    @abrareads 18 днів тому

    I actually read 14 nonfiction books this year and loved all of them. The 5000 year leap was probably my number one.

  • @joanneskinner5169
    @joanneskinner5169 19 днів тому +2

    I Loved The Monk of Mohka (Eggers), so I know I will enjoy Infusion.

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  19 днів тому +1

      I have The Monk of Mohka on my shelf - guess I need to read it!

  • @stephenn3727
    @stephenn3727 18 днів тому

    Thank you Olive.

  • @socialbianca
    @socialbianca 16 днів тому

    Loved The Third Gilmore Girl ❤

  • @tonihammes33
    @tonihammes33 19 днів тому +2

    Love your list! And can you please tell me where you bought that top? I love it as well.

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  19 днів тому

      Thank you! I got this sweater from a Goodwill, but it's originally from Dress Barn. I did a quick Google search and it looks like someone is selling one here (not sure if it'll be the right size, but I thought I'd share it anyway): www.mercari.com/us/item/m45654219449/?srsltid=AfmBOoo_V9zIko1T9Bo_389yzPC_nJQlR_o127vXZOTxk0f1aNGUxdugQXI

    • @tonihammes33
      @tonihammes33 17 днів тому

      That is so sweet of you to go to all of that trouble! That’s why you are my favorite book tuber. You look great in that sweater and that’s awesome you got it at a Goodwill. I love thrifting, used bookstores, library sales, and cats. That may be why I like your channel so much in addition to our same book tastes. I bought my cat the bird toy you shared last year and they loved it so much I bought my mom’s cats and my daughter’s cats the same toy this year for Christmas. So get even more than great book recs from your channel. 😊

  • @TimeTravelReads
    @TimeTravelReads 18 днів тому

    I'm glad you're doing better.

  • @SophmoricSeptuagenarian
    @SophmoricSeptuagenarian 18 днів тому

    I can't even remember when I last read a book of fiction. Loved them when I was young though! :)

  • @leslie8423
    @leslie8423 17 днів тому

    Yay Olive! 💕

  • @tristanquezadadiaz4508
    @tristanquezadadiaz4508 17 днів тому

    The nonfiction I enjoyed the most this year was Just Kids by Patti Smith

  • @susanbybee1458
    @susanbybee1458 18 днів тому +1

    Ooh The City Game piques my interest.

  • @MMjones6459
    @MMjones6459 18 днів тому

    Read The Devil's Element on your recommendation. Thanks!
    And a recommendation: Overdose: heartbreak and hope in Canada's opioid crisis
    A Canadian relative just finished reading

  • @AshtheViking
    @AshtheViking 18 днів тому

    I haven't read it yet but saw it and immediately thought, "That's an Olive book"-- Woman, Watching by Merilyn Simonds. It's the biography of Louise de Kiriline Lawrence, who was an ornithologist and one of Canada's preeminent nature writers.

  • @jonigreenwell1778
    @jonigreenwell1778 18 днів тому +1

    Lovely color on you. Is that periwinkle? WOW! 120 lbs. Bravo.

  • @nildamager1649
    @nildamager1649 18 днів тому

    Love non fiction thanks

  • @pepperoni4045
    @pepperoni4045 19 днів тому

    thanks for the recommendation and love the purple vibe 💜💜💜💜💜

  • @mynameisno522
    @mynameisno522 18 днів тому

    I always have Storygraph open when I watch your videos because I know I'll add something to my TBR 😂 This time, it was Hidden Potential! And I've moved The Joy of Movement (which I'd heard of from you) higher up on my priority list 🫡👀 Thank you so much for sharing!!

  • @Showtunediva
    @Showtunediva 19 днів тому

    Olive Thanks for all of your great non fiction recommendations this year. Scenes From My Life and The Third Gilmore Girl were my favorites I also just finished Garlic And Sapphires and Tender At The Bone by Ruth Reichl and can’t wait to try the recipes, Happy New Year to you and your husband.❤

  • @rorygardner4525
    @rorygardner4525 12 днів тому

    What non-fiction books do you recommend for beginners?

    • @abookolive
      @abookolive  11 днів тому

      The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg!

    • @rorygardner4525
      @rorygardner4525 11 днів тому

      @abookolive Thanks. I will check it out.

  • @JoshsBookishVoyage
    @JoshsBookishVoyage 19 днів тому

    An amazing list as usual. I am intrigued by seceral, eapwciall the one on aptitude abd intelligence. As a first gen grad and PhD, i st onglt beleive everyone is capable if given the opportunity and support system to succeed.

  • @marimuthuelakkuvan1011
    @marimuthuelakkuvan1011 17 днів тому

    ❤❤

  • @sandeesandwich2180
    @sandeesandwich2180 18 днів тому +3

    Michael K. Williams -- such a loss.

  • @sarahrigg6000
    @sarahrigg6000 18 днів тому

    "glowing reviews". hahah

  • @diamondbolton2944
    @diamondbolton2944 18 днів тому

    Definí outgrown young adult. Lol