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Brilliant non-fiction books you can read in a weekend

Brilliant non-fiction books you can read in a weekend

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Image: Flynn Shore/Penguin

Books can be a brilliant way of changing your outlook or attitude to something, whether that's your wellbeing, career or the environment.

Inside these to-the-point reads you'll find practical ways of making a difference in whatever aspect of life you'd like to improve – in less than a weekend.

Manifest by Roxie Nafousi (2022)

It feels like everyone has been talking about “manifesting” their dreams and ambitions lately, but what does it actually mean? With her helpful seven-step guide, self-development coach Roxie Nafousi unpacks the science and philosophy behind the concept, showing you how to establish your vision to and trust in the universe while sharing her own personal manifesting journey. And for those with a little more reading time and an interest in the world of intentional living, check out the Sunday Times bestselling follow-up, Manifest: Dive Deeper.

Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite by Paul Arden (2006)

Something of a contrarian? This is the book for you. A seasoned ideas man, Paul Arden spent 14 years as the Executive Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, conjuring up ad campaigns for household name brands. A bestselling author, Arden’s second book proves the power of risk-taking, and will leave you feeling confident enough to take the plunge to make work more enjoyable than you ever thought possible. If you’re looking for motivation, or the opportunity to kickstart change in your life, Arden’s book is worth a read.

Food Rules: An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan (2010)

With so many different opinions regarding what we put in our mouths, Michael Pollen’s to-the-point book can help you see food differently. Pollen, an internationally acclaimed journalist, became a best-seller with his previous book, In Defence of Food, and was ahead of his time with Food Rules. Thinking about cutting back on meat to save the planet? Pollen’s easily digestible book will give you the knowledge you need to know what to eat.

A Little Happier by Derren Brown (2020)

Let’s face it, we could all be a little happier. Derren Brown might be known for his television magician antics, but his book Happy helped thousands of people – among them Stephen Fry, who said it was “crammed with wisdom and insight”. A Little Happier is the elemental version: 17 inspiring and reassuring lessons to help you work out what makes you happy, and then achieve it.

Street Haunting by Virginia Woolf (1927)

Whether you’re a die-hard Woolf fan or just want to expand your literary horizons, this bitesize compilation of essays runs the gamut of hot takes on a range of topics – from the evolution of female novelists, to wandering the streets of London, to musings on the act (and art) of reading. Reading about reading may sound dry, but Woolf’s observations are inflected with quotable aphorisms and clever analogies at every turn, making her thoughts as relatable as when she penned them almost a century ago. A couple of hours (and 176 pages) later, you’ll be feeling very thoughtful and erudite indeed.

No. More. Plastic by Martin Dorey (2018)

Overwhelmed every time you take the bins out and want to know where to change? Martin Dorey’s got just the book for you. Approved by nature experts Chris Packham and Julia Bradbury, anti-plastics expert Dorey’s 2 minute solution has been inspiring people to make small changes to have a big impact.

Get Promoted by Niamh O’Keefe (2020)

Getting a job is one thing, getting promoted is another. In this helpful book, leadership advisor Niamh O’Keefe draws on more than 25 years of strategy consulting experience to help solve your career frustrations. Working hard without recognition? Watching your peers fly up the ladder while you linger around on the lower rungs? Get Promoted can help prepare you for that one conversation that could change everything.

SOS: What you can do to reduce climate change – simple actions that make a difference by Seth Wynes (2019)

Unfortunately, the climate crisis isn’t going anywhere. But, as Greta Thunberg has made clear, no-one is too small to make a difference. Seth Wynes, a climate change researcher, has outlined actions beyond the obvious to help reduce your carbon footprint – and change the attitudes of those around you. Simple and effective, this book will help you to re-think your role in changing the future of the planet.

A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind by Shoukei Matsumoto (2018)

Calm house, calm mind: nobody knows this better than Shoukei Matsumoto, a Japanese Buddhist monk who applies the teachings that monks live by to the effects of living in a busy modern world. Mastsumoto can help you to re-think your day, from when you get up, to preparing food and being more conscious of the objects around you, with the ultimate goal of easing you into a more gentle way of living.

How To Calm It by Grace Victory (2021)

This is not your average mindfulness book. Written by mental health and body positivity advocate Grace Victory, with a foreword from mental health charity Black Minds Matter UK, How To Calm It is a practical and inclusive self-help resource that acknowledges the structural barriers to accessing mental health services. As well as sensitively explaining complex and difficult issues from anxiety to generational trauma, this book will prepare you for the week ahead with a toolkit for self-care, slowing down, and tackling your stress at the source.

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