4 Non-Fiction Sites To Expand Your Mind
🍋 Hi Zesty! With the non-brain-rot trend going around, I wanted to share 4 sites that are great for expanding your mind.
When it comes to the word ‘non-fiction’, the first word that comes to mind is probably ‘news’, which is commonly associated with mainstream media.🤔 However, there are many more topics worthy of exploring beyond our mainstream media channels. The sites shared include formats such as long-form articles, essays, magazines, explainer videos and more. 🤓
Here are 4 sites I recommend if you want a different non-fiction read but don’t have the energy to deep dive into a book after a long day🔍:
1.Aeon🖱
This might sound ironic, but I first came across Aeon on TikTok. In fact, it's quite a niche side of TikTok focused on essay recommendations for the week. Since then, I have been jumping onto Aeon just to explore new topics, ranging from medicine to history and ethics. The site includes essays and explainers written by a wide range of contributors, and it is completely free. It explores subjects that don’t necessarily come to mind for me, and each essay gives unique perspectives. If you are looking for something new, you should visit Aeon.
Explore here: https://aeon.co/
2.National Geographic🦁
I loved National Geographic as a kid, whether it was the TV channel or magazines. I remember my primary school made everyone subscribe to National Geographic for English lessons, and I always looked forward to reading National Geographic magazines. However, since then, it has been many years since I read National Geographic magazines. That is, until I stumbled across the fact that you can read National Geographic magazines through NLB’s Libby for free. You can rely on National Geographic to explore topics such as the environment, culture, travel and science if those are areas you’re interested in. Personally, I love to look at the stunning images that are taken alongside the written articles, as it really brings what’s being talked about to life.
Explore here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
3.Longreads🏃♀️
Longreads is a unique site among all the options listed here. They curate long-form articles and essays from all sources, from well-known media outlets like The New Yorker to more independent, niche publications. It covers a wide range of topics and because they are carefully chosen, there is a guaranteed quality for the articles selected. However, I noticed one downside is that not all essays/articles are accessible as they might be behind a pay wall depending on the original publisher.
Explore here: https://longreads.com/
4.Vox🗣
Vox feels like a ‘hear me out' choice to be included as a recommendation, but I have come across some interesting comtent from Vox before. It is considered a news site but it is different in that the publication itself is focused on giving more in depth opinions and its audience is at its core. They cover a wide range of topics from politics to culture, but are ultimately U.S. centric in its content. They also do explainer videos and podcasts as well.
Explore here: https://www.vox.com/
Do you have any recommended sites when you want to read long form articles or essays? Will you explore reading long form articles or essays if you have not really done so? I hope these reccoemndations are helpful as a starting point for you.
Stay safe and happy reading! 🤗
#readingrecommendations #readersoflemon8 #MyFreeTime #mindfulliving #brainhealth
Diving into non-fiction online can be a refreshing way to keep your brain engaged, especially when books feel too demanding after a busy day. Aeon stands out with its unique essays on diverse topics like philosophy, ethics, and medicine, written by varied contributors, offering fresh perspectives for curious minds. National Geographic continues to mesmerize with its stunning visuals and compelling stories about nature, culture, and science, and accessing it for free via NLB’s Libby app is a huge bonus. Longreads offers a carefully curated selection of quality long-form journalism and essays across multiple subject areas, though some content might be behind paywalls. Vox, while primarily known as a news platform, excels in deep-dive explainers, podcasts, and videos that decode complex cultural and political issues, predominantly from a U.S.-centric point of view. Personally, I’ve found that these websites complement each other well. Aeon provides intellectual depth, National Geographic nurtures a visual connection with the world, Longreads offers variety and quality in storytelling, and Vox contextualizes current affairs with clarity. For anyone hesitant about diving into lengthy books, starting with these sites can be a great way to nurture a non-fiction habit without feeling overwhelmed. Incorporating these resources into daily reading routines not only expands one’s understanding of global issues but also cultivates critical thinking – a truly worthwhile brain-boosting exercise in the era of fast, often shallow information overload.
