Non-Fiction Reads I’m Prioritizing in 2026

In 2026 I want my non-fiction reads to challenge me, ground me, and expand how I see the world!

These are some of the non-fiction books currently on my TBR - each one offering a different lens on identity, growth, burnout, and resilience.

EDUCATED by Tara Westover

This is a powerful memoir about growing up, isolated from formal education and the transformative pursuit of learning. I hear there are some intense, traumatic things in this book, but I am confident it is eye-opening, and unforgettable.

YEAR OF YES by Shonda Rhimes

‘Year of Yes’ follow Shanda, Rhimes, as she spends a year saying ‘yes’, to opportunities that scare her. It’s reflective, motivating, and honest about growth, fear, and confidence. Looking forward to reading her rise to the challenges!

DEAR MOTHERHOOD by Emma Heaphy

This was the book I bought off of TikTok shop in 2025 and I’m looking forward to reading it this year! Written as poems, this book is deeply personal and raw exploration of motherhood, identity, and the Mental load carried by women. As a first time, mom, I am sure I’ll feel so validated reading these vulnerable pieces.

FIRST GEN by Alejandra Campoverdi

This one feels like someone might have finally put into words, the pressure, pride, and exhaustion of being the “first” in your family to do certain things - especially as a Latina! Reviews talk about how eye-opening it has made them about systems and expectations - especially if you’ve never felt like you were navigating rooms without a map.

BURNOT IMMUNITY by Kandi Wiens

We might all benefit from picking this book up! If you’re tired of just push through culture, this is for you. It’s practical without being preachy and actually focuses on sustainability not hustle. I’m hoping to learn a few things about recognizing Brno and adopting healthy habits to address it.

#bookishalgorithm #lemmon8partner #readinggoals

1/20 Edited to

... Read moreAs someone who's passionate about expanding my worldview through reading, I find that non-fiction books can truly reshape the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. In 2026, my personal reading list is focused on books that offer deep reflections on identity, resilience, and mental well-being. For example, I recently started reading "Educated" by Tara Westover. Her memoir struck a chord with me because it highlights the incredible journey of overcoming isolation from formal education to embracing knowledge as a transformative force. The raw and sometimes traumatic experiences shared encourage a powerful reflection on family dynamics and personal growth. Shonda Rhimes’ "Year of Yes" is another read that I'm excited about. I admire how she takes on fear and says yes to challenging opportunities, offering a motivational and honest look at confidence-building and self-transformation. It's inspiring to see how intentional openness to new experiences can foster personal development. Additionally, "Dear Motherhood" by Emma Heaphy offers vulnerable poetry that delves into the mental load and identity struggles many moms face—especially resonating with first-time mothers like myself. This authentic expression feels validating and reminds me of the importance of self-compassion. "First Gen" by Alejandra Campoverdi speaks to the unique pressures faced by first-generation individuals, especially within Latinx communities. Her insights on navigating systemic expectations and feelings of being 'the first' in one’s family truly open up discussions about belonging and pride. Lastly, "Burnout Immunity" by Kandi Wiens challenges the pervasive 'push through' culture by emphasizing emotional intelligence and sustainable habits. In today's fast-paced world, learning to recognize and manage burnout is essential for long-term wellness. These books collectively offer lenses through which to examine social identity, personal limits, and growth strategies. For readers seeking reflective and motivating non-fiction in 2026, this selection provides a balance of memoir, poetry, and practical guidance, making the journey both enriching and grounding.

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