10+ Best Nonfiction Books for 17-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for insightful reads that challenge the mind and spark curiosity? If you're 17 or shopping for someone who is, diving into nonfiction can be a game changer. Our curated selection of Nonfiction Books for 17-Year-Olds is tailored to captivate young adults with themes and subjects that resonate deeply at this pivotal stage of life. Stick around as we explore a variety of compelling books that promise to both educate and inspire!

Fun Nonfiction Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts Tara Westover's journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho with no formal education to earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of resilience and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds. This book can motivate readers to value their education and strive for personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Those who love inspirational stories and anyone interested in the power of education.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the immortal cell line, known as HeLa, that came from Lacks' cancer cells without her knowledge in the 1950s.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores important themes like ethics in scientific research and the intersection of race and medicine. It's both educational and gripping, making it a great read for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and those interested in medical ethics and African American history.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): History, Science, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This book provides a sweeping overview of the history of humankind from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to consider the ways in which biology and history have defined human understanding and the societies we live in. It's thought-provoking and informative, ideal for expanding one's perspective.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy deep dives into history and philosophical questions about humanity.

• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
  • Genre(s): Biography, Adventure, Travel
  • Synopsis: This book chronicles the life and adventures of Christopher McCandless, who gave up his conventional life and savings to travel across North America and live in the Alaskan wilderness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling tale of adventure and the quest for freedom that resonates with young adults contemplating their place in the world and their personal values.
  • Perfect for: Adventurers and those who question societal norms and materialism.

• How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
  • Genre(s): Science, Psychology, Health
  • Synopsis: Michael Pollan explores the history and resurgence of psychedelic drugs, considering their potential for therapeutic and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a balanced look at the science and experience behind psychedelics, encouraging an informed discussion on a controversial subject. It's enlightening and potentially transformative.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology, mental health, and the science of mind-altering substances.

Educational Nonfiction Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
  • Genre(s): History, Geography, Sociology
  • Synopsis: Jared Diamond examines how environmental and geographical factors have shaped the major events of human history and contributed to the success or failure of different civilizations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of cultural development, critical thinking about societal progress
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling explanation for why the world developed the way it did, challenging readers to think about history and human society in new ways.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and those interested in the impact of geography on societal development.

• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
  • Genre(s): Science, Environmental Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book discusses the ongoing sixth extinction, caused by humans, and compares it to previous mass extinctions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, scientific literacy, critical thinking about human impact on the planet
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a crucial, eye-opening look at the impacts of human activity on the environment, written in an engaging and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Environmentalists and anyone interested in learning about biodiversity and conservation.

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Susan Cain argues that modern Western culture undervalues the traits and capabilities of introverted people, highlighting the advantages of being an introvert.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-awareness, understanding of personality psychology, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh perspective on the strengths of introverts and encourages all readers to better understand and value diverse personality types.
  • Perfect for: Introverts seeking self-affirmation and extroverts looking to understand their quieter peers.

• Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
  • Genre(s): Economics, Sociology, Psychology
  • Synopsis: This book uses economic theory to explore real-world phenomena, debunking common misconceptions and revealing surprising truths about how the world works.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Economic thinking, critical analysis, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an entertaining and enlightening read that applies economic reasoning to a range of unusual topics, from drug dealing to schoolteachers cheating.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy unconventional thinking and problem-solving.

• The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Neurology, Medical
  • Synopsis: Oliver Sacks recounts various case studies from his career as a neurologist, offering insights into the complexities of the human brain and the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of neurological disorders, empathy, medical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating and compassionate look at neurological disorders, providing a deep understanding of human psychology and the brain.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychology and medicine, and those fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind.

Challenging Nonfiction Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Economics, Cognitive Science
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the dual processes that drive the way we think: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional; and System 2, which is slower, more deliberative, and more logical.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex cognitive theories and presents ideas that challenge everyday assumptions about decision-making.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into how we think and make decisions, encouraging readers to understand and improve their cognitive processes.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology and decision-making, and anyone looking to understand human behavior in depth.

• The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined by Steven Pinker
  • Genre(s): Psychology, History, Sociology
  • Synopsis: Steven Pinker argues that, contrary to popular belief, violence has been in decline over long stretches of history, and he explores the reasons for this decline.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges preconceived notions about the state of the world through extensive historical data and psychological analysis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an optimistic book that provides a deep, analytical look at changes in society and human behavior over centuries.
  • Perfect for: History buffs, optimists, and anyone interested in the psychology and sociology of violence.

• The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
  • Genre(s): Science, Medicine, History
  • Synopsis: This book is a history of the gene and genetic research, weaving together stories of discoveries that have revolutionized human understanding of genes and heredity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex scientific concepts and the ethical dilemmas that arise from genetic research.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of genetic science from its inception to the latest developments.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and anyone curious about genetics and its implications on human health and society.

• Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty
  • Genre(s): Economics, Politics, History
  • Synopsis: Thomas Piketty analyzes wealth concentration and distribution over the past 250 years and discusses the economic forces that drive inequality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves detailed economic analysis and historical data to discuss complex issues of inequality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep understanding of economic inequality and its socio-economic and political implications.
  • Perfect for: Students of economics and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of wealth and inequality.

• The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee
  • Genre(s): Medical, History, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book is a comprehensive history of cancer from its first documentation to modern research and treatment methods.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses medical advancements and the complexities of cancer treatment through a historical lens.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enlightening and well-researched narrative that brings a human touch to the scientific and medical discussions about cancer.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in medical history and the ongoing fight against cancer.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 17 and diving into the world of nonfiction, you're in for a treat! Nonfiction books can expand your understanding of the world, introduce you to new ideas, and even help shape your future. To get the most out of your reading, here are some exercises designed to develop and enhance your reading habits. Let's get started!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with realistic goals and gradually challenge yourself as you progress.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main points.

• Discuss With Peers
  • What it is: Engage in discussions about the book with friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Provides deeper insights and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to view the discussion as a learning opportunity rather than a debate.

• Connect the Content to Real Life
  • What it is: Relate the concepts and information in the book to real-world situations.
  • How it helps: Makes the material more relevant and easier to remember.
  • Tips: Look for examples in your own life or in current events that relate to the content.

• Create a Mind Map
  • What it is: Draw a diagram that connects ideas and facts from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize relationships between concepts and improves memory.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the mind map more engaging and easier to understand.

• Teach What You've Learned
  • What it is: Explain the key points of the book to someone else.
  • How it helps: Reinforces your knowledge and clarifies any misunderstandings.
  • Tips: Use simple language and examples to make the information accessible.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your nonfiction books more, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding and retain more information. Happy reading, and remember, the key is consistency and engagement!