Check out our top-selling non-fiction books this year.
So many wonderful non-fiction books were published in 2023.
From Prince Harry’s memoir to a new Jamie Oliver cookbook, it was the year that kept on giving. Whether you go for inspirational reads, something more biographical or even cookbooks, you’ll find something you like among these bestsellers.
Keep scrolling to see what this year’s bestsellers were. How many have you read?
The 10 bestselling non-fiction books of 2023
Spare Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
Prince Harry’s Spare started 2023 off strong. Published in January, it was one of the first books of the year, and it continues to hold strong. Shedding light on his life inside the royal family, Prince Harry’s memoir intrigued readers around the world. The audiobook in particular was popular among readers, due in no small part to Prince Harry’s narration of his own story. Listen to a clip and check out some rave reviews for the audiobook here.
Atomic Habits James Clear
This perennial favourite had another wonderful year, as readers continued discovering how small changes can have a huge impact. With its simple tips, Atomic Habits will show you just how easy it can be to change your life and sustain those changes for the long run. Check out some of the most impactful quotes from the book, and read the author’s tips for making reading a habit.
Wifedom Anna Funder
This genre-bending masterpiece from Anna Funder made a splash in 2023. In Wifedom, the Australian author uncovers the often-overlooked life of George Orwell’s forgotten wife, Eileen O’Shaughnessy. Using newly-discovered letters from Eileen to her best friend, Wifedom paints a vivid portrait of the incredible woman. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down. Check out some of the wonderful reviews for the book here, and read a Q&A with the author.
Question 7 Richard Flanagan
Beginning at a love hotel by Japan’s Inland Sea and ending by a river in Tasmania, this rich book is about the choices we make about love and the chain reaction that follows. Fans and newcomers to Richard Flanagan alike will adore this thought-provoking read. Fellow author Peter Carey has even said that it might be ‘the most significant work of Australian art in the last 100 years.’ Watch a trailer and read a Q&A with the author here.
Ikigai Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
Who doesn’t want to live a longer and happier life? This is the promise of Ikigai. Not only does this book look beautiful, but it also helps you discover your reason for being. Full of relatable anecdotes and easy-to-follow illustrations, this book will change the way you think about your life’s purpose. Read a sample here, and learn more about the ten rules of Ikigai.
12 Rules for Life Jordan B. Peterson
In this book, Jordan Peterson combines a range of topics from mythology to romance to uncover ‘the hard-won truths of ancient wisdom’. With practical tips, this book will give you some insight into the modern problems we face. Learn more about the book here and check out other books from Peterson.
The Body Keeps the Score Bessel Van Der Kolk
In The Body Keeps the Score, one of the world’s foremost experts on traumatic stress, Bessel Van Der Kolk, explains how trauma impacts our everyday lives. Shedding light on the routes away from trauma, he also explores helpful practices like sport, drama, yoga, mindfulness and meditation. Discover 5 ways to re-establish control with these tips from the book, and listen to a sample of the audiobook here.
Outlive Peter Attia, MD
2023 was the year of learning to live longer, thanks to Dr Peter Attia’s Outlive. With groundbreaking research to back it up, this book offers a strategic approach to extending your lifespan and quality of life. ‘As the most accurate and comprehensive health guide published to date, Outlive is not just informative, it is important,’ says Andrew Huberman, PhD professor at Stanford and creator of The Huberman Lab podcast. Start reading the book here, and learn about which foods you should (and shouldn’t) eat for a longer life with this advice from the book.
5 Ingredients Mediterranean Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver was back with his famously easy recipes in 2023, and this time, they had a Mediterranean focus. Showcasing the age-old adage of ‘less is more’, the famous chef created over 125 delicious recipes inspired by the Mediterranean. Cooks of all skill levels will love making these recipes, from feta filo turnovers to herby steak and crispy potatoes. If you want to know more, watch this video to hear from the chef himself.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Dr Julie Smith
From TikTok sensation Dr Julie Smith comes this practical handbook for navigating mental health. Drawing on her years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Smith shares her secrets and strategies for staying positive and resilient – no matter what life throws at you. Whether you struggle with the occasional bout of anxiety or are feeling a bit low, her practical solutions might just change your life. Check out a breathing technique from the book, and read a sample here.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we asked some of our inspiring women authors to share the books they love.
Perfect book pairings to give loved ones this holiday season.
See what Penguin Random House employees chose as their favourite books of the year.
Take this quiz to discover what your summer read should be in 2023.
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a powerful book that will teach you how to transform your life through tiny habits. Check out some of the best quotes from the book.
‘One of the most startling explorations of life-writing in recent times . . . a genre-bending tour-de-force that resurrects an invisible woman.’
See some of the longevity expert’s top tips about nutrition, from his book Outlive.
Give the gift of the perfect book this Father's Day.
Nailing these essentials will help you discover your Ikigai and live your best life.
If you’re obsessed with Anna Funder’s new book, Wifedom, check out more books by the author to read next.
Anna Funder's book Wifedom has wowed some of the most plugged-in people in the book industry. Here's what they had to say.
The Atomic Habits author presents down-to-earth ways to work reading into our busy lives.