As the holiday shopping season approaches, the search for the perfect gift can sometimes lead us down a path of predictable choices. This year, why not consider sharing the gift of knowledge and adventure? In the spirit of exploration, I’m excited to present my list of the top 15 nonfiction books I’ve read over the past year.

Devoid of memoirs and politically charged titles, these selections aim to inspire curiosity and offer a refreshing escape into diverse topics.

1. Winterlust: Finding Beauty in the Fiercest Season by Bernd Brunner
Winter may be upon us, but rather than dread the cold and darkness, immerse yourself in this captivating exploration of winter’s hidden joys.

2. The Falcon Thief: A True Tale of Adventure, Treachery, and the Hunt for the Perfect Bird by Joshua Hammer
Delve into the fascinating and unexpected world of falconry, complete with its own tales of theft and ambition.

3. The Feud: The Hatfields & McCoys, The True Story by Dean King
Uncover the enduring lessons of America’s greatest family feud, a gripping narrative that reminds us of the cyclical nature of conflict.

4. Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg
Explore the complexities of Charles Lindbergh, whose pioneering spirit was marred by moral controversy and a divided legacy.

5. The Heartbeat of the Wild: Dispatches From Landscapes of Wonder, Peril, and Hope by David Quammen
For lovers of nature, Quammen’s latest work offers informative and poetic dispatches that will resonate deeply with anyone who treasures the great outdoors.

6. John Colter: His Years in the Rockies by Burton Harris
Learn about the life of John Colter, the unsung explorer of Yellowstone, whose understated legacy adds depth to the narrative of America’s westward expansion.

7. Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon by Michael Ghiglieri and Thomas Myers
An exhaustive study on accidents within one of the world’s most beautiful national parks, this book offers both cautionary tales and gripping narratives.

8. Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon by Melissa Sevigny
Celebrate female perseverance as you dig into the remarkable story of the first women to navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

9. Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris by Graham Robb
If you’re planning a virtual vacation, this compelling history of Paris promises to capture your imagination and whisk you away to charming cobblestone streets.

10. Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters by Brian Klaas
Rethink your approach to life and fate with Klaas’s thought-provoking insights into the impact of randomness on our decisions.

11. Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion by Paul Bloom
Challenge the widespread belief that empathy is the solution to all our problems, paving the way for a more rational and compassionate understanding of humanity.

12. The Trials of Madame Restell: Nineteenth-Century America’s Most Infamous Female Physician and the Campaign to Make Abortion a Crime by Nicholas Syrett
Explore the historical roots of reproductive rights in America through the tumultuous life of Madame Restell—an eye-opening narrative that resonates with current debates.

13. Barrel-Aged Stout and Selling Out: Goose Island, Anheuser-Busch, and How Craft Beer Became Big Business by Josh Noel
For beer enthusiasts or curious entrepreneurs, this book provides a fascinating look at the intersection of craft and commercialization within the beer industry.

14. The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact, and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides
Engage with the complexities of exploration and cultural encounters through Sides’s engaging narrative of Captain Cook’s voyages.

15. Annals of the Former World by John McPhee
Don’t let its size intimidate you. This comprehensive journey through North America’s geological past is as engaging as it is informative—one you won’t want to miss.

As you navigate the choices ahead, I hope this curated list offers inspiration for your reading endeavors. Consider sharing these transformative books with someone you cherish, turning the holiday season into a time of discovery and intellectual engagement. Happy reading!