Types of Nonfiction Books
S.R. Beaston
Crafty with words, wit, and wisdom, just add caffeine to make it more interesting.
$ $ Nonfiction is a beast I have not personally subjected myself to often. It doesn’t appeal to my need for adventure and fantastical things, but it certainly should have just as much of a place on my shelf as dragons and fairies do.
If nonfiction isn’t appealing to you, think of all the true crime podcasts you listen to. Think of the Victory stories you see. Think of the celevrity documentaries, like Billie Eilish's The World's A Little Blurry or Selena Gomez with My Mind & Me.
Though these are not your traditional nonfiction books you see lining shelves, they are the core of what nonfiction is: Truth.
Truth from a stranger's story can lead to a lot of development as a person.
Of course this all depends on the type of nonfiction you read, and there are many, but first:
What is Nonfiction?
Nonfiction is a genre of literature expressed through real events, both personal and historical. It’s the exact opposite of fiction, where imagination and made up events occur through imaginary people. It’s not fictitious.
Nonfiction books target specific demographics with specific points. Here are a few examples.
The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk
A kindergarten to 3rd grade book on what a big job the sun has to help us and the surrounding planets.
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
A story of an 11-year-old child with cerebral palsy and a look into the real struggles of disability, written for children ages around nine and up.
True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t by Shane Carley
Funny, lighthearted trivia that’s great for anyone who likes to pull out random facts to share with a crowd of friends. It’s great for game night where teens often feel they have no upper hand against a parent's vast knowledge.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
A memoir for young adults and older about the horrendous nature of growing up with a false security in fame and an abusive household, told through humor only one with such a life could have.
All of these books tackle important information, from education on our solar system, to random facts, to humanity and trauma. Truth can be approached in all manner of ways, and that’s where the types of nonfiction come in.
Types of Nonfiction
Though there are many types of nonfiction, they are generally subcategories of these four main types that authors use: Expository, Narrative, Descriptive, and Persuasive.
Expository Nonfiction
Simply put, expository nonfiction explains. The goal is to teach and describe something in detail through words, charts, and photos. You see this subgenre most commonly in academic fields.
Expository nonfiction is often clear and concise, getting straight to the point and providing ample information to leave little room for confusion. (This blog post, for instance, is expository.)
Narrative Nonfiction
Narrative Nonfiction, also referred to as "Literary Nonfiction" is nonfiction written as though it were fiction. It uses the literary style of prose, engaging the reader and keeping it entertaining while sticking to nothing but facts.
Memoirs are often written in this way to keep a reader interested, but narrative nonfiction could be as simple as your personal diary.
There is a difference between narrative nonfiction and fiction based on true events. Books like Room and The Lovely Bones are not considered literary nonfiction, as creative liberties were taken to take a true event and make it a fictitious story.
Descriptive Nonfiction
This type of nonfiction uses description to explain a specific topic. Taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell are all used to better convey the information.
This is most helpful in things like travel guides, police reports, as well as cross in with Narrative nonfiction in things like Memoirs.
Persuasive Nonfiction
If you’ve ever taken a political debate class, you’re no stranger to this one. Persuasive nonfiction is exactly as it sounds. It’s a piece of literature designed to persuade its reader. It helps encourage its audience while presenting logical points in an argument.
Newspapers and ads are littered with persuasive literature. You most likely hear them as opening and closing statements for cases in the courtroom, or at political campaigns.
I’m sure twitter is full of opinions trying to persuade people on one thing or another, but I’d be hard-pressed to call that literature.
I’m sorry, Ninja. You cannot convince me my blood pressure is less important than stating a game as… a game, and treating it as such.
Genres of Nonfiction
Genres are the most important decision when working on literature, as it’s your gateway to how you will tell your story, true or not. Just like fiction, nonfiction has a plethora of genres, even some you may not readily consider a genre.
Here’s a quick list of nonfiction genres.
• Memoir
• Biography
• History
• Science
• DIY
• Hobbies (Music, Art, Gardening)
• Cook-Books
• Parenting
• Psychology
• Religion
• Essay
• Journalism
• Education
Through all these genres and more, nonfiction can help people of any age with nearly anything they need.
Nonfiction is an integral part of child development and adult understanding. It is thought to help with cognitive thinking, analytical skills, and help with memory. Each type is created for the reader to react and reflect, and can perhaps help a reader with their own story to tell.
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