Top 100 Non-Fiction books from 2022

Highlights of 2022

Our list of the top 100 non-fiction books for 2022 includes the best in memoirs and biographies, poetry, local history, science and technology, health, cooking, music, art and architecture. We’ve selected an eclectic mix of acclaimed local authors, New York Times Bestsellers, Pulitzer prize winners and breakthrough newcomers, meaning there’s plenty of choice for the deep-dive readers and coffee book lovers alike (and everyone in-between).

2022 Non-fiction Highlights — Browse the full list
Browse the full list with all our picks, or browse just the topic you enjoy!

I'm glad my mom died / Jeanette McCurdyMy fourth time, we drowned / Sally HaydenAs ever, the compelling human stories encompassing grief, love, personal trauma and strengths of character shine through, with a hearty selection of memoirs and biographies to choose from, including Sally Hayden’s critically acclaimed My fourth time, we drowned. Topping our most heavily reserved new non-fiction title of 2022 was Jennette McCurdy’s hit memoir I’m glad my mom died. A little further off the beaten path, was Hua Hsu’s ‘quietly wrenching’ coming-of-age memoir Stay True, and the visual delight of Kate Beaton’s graphic memoir Ducks: two years in the oil sands.

Contributions to the local poetry scene were beautifully espoused in Khadro Mohamed’s We’re all made of lightning and in the visual expressions of the poet/painter collaboration within Bordering on Miraculous. Shining locally likewise, the great architectural designs in Making Space and HomeGround, which highlight design as a conduits to push social boundaries in Aotearoa New Zealand communities.

Regenesis / by George MonbiotCalls for climate awareness were made riveting in The Alarmist, Nomad Century and Regenesis. Our oceans were also a focal point for many this year, and explored in great depth, with Jellyfish age backwards, Secrets of the Sea and in Adrift: the curious tale of Lego lost at sea, among others.

The collapse of historic empires, stories of divided nations and political parties in turmoil were explored in a multitude of ways in the vast array of global history titles featured on our list. Included are Legacy of Violence: A history of the British Empire by Pulitzer prize winning Historian Caroline Elkins, and Fragments of a contested past: Remembrance, denial and New Zealand history by Joanna Kidman.

Wawata: Moon Dreaming / by Hinemoa ElderWe let the world’s first astronomers take us on a star gazing tour, and found daily wisdom in Hinemoa Elder’s Wawata: Moon Dreaming. Cap off 2022 by allowing yourself to become enveloped in worlds both near and far, and understand our past, present and future within the Top 100 non-fiction books of 2022 list. Pair with our Top 100 fiction books list, and you’re all set for your Summer Reading Adventure.

Science Behind the Scenes

This booklist explores the science behind the fictional inventions, mythical animals, unusual science jobs, science shows and much more. This blog is suited for scientists and people who would like to read something interesting.

The science of superheroes : the secrets behind speed, strength, flight, evolution, and more / Brake, Mark
“Discover the science behind the abilities of your favourite superheroes!  Superheroes fascinate their fans with their incredible superhuman abilities and impressive technology. But are they plausible or real examined through the scientific lens? For example, Can an Iron Man suit be made? How does Thor’s hammer work? Could any known forms of radiation cause superpowers? How many calories does Superman need each day? ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

Every tool’s a hammer : life is what you make it / Savage, Adam
“Adam Savage, star of Discovery Channel’s MythBusters shares his golden rules of creativity, through forty-plus years of making, molding, building and breaking, this book hope to save you a few mistakes (and fingers) and help you turn your curiosities into creations. This toolbox also includes lessons from many other incredible makers and creators, including: Jamie Hyneman, Nick Offerman, Pixar director Andrew Stanton, Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro, artist Tom Sachs, and chef Traci Des Jardins. ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

Worlds in shadow : submerged lands in science, memory and myth / Nunn, Patrick D.
“What’s beneath the ocean surface is a fertile ground for speculation, even myth-making, but also a topic on which geologists and climatologists have increasingly focused on in recent decades. This is the first book to present the science of submergence in a popular format. Patrick Nunn sifts the fact from the fiction, using the most up-to-date research to work out which submerged places may have actually existed versus those only exist in myth.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)

Unusual and awesome jobs using science : food taster, human lie detector, and more / Wendinger, Jennifer
“Discover fascinating facts, figures, and pictures while learning about the most interesting and extreme jobs that use science. Find out what kind of training it takes to be a food taster, how much money a human lie detector makes, and exactly what in the world a professional beard grower does!” (Catalogue)