Few things are as satisfying when choosing a gift for a woman as a good book. And when that book happens to be narrative nonfiction, it can be even more rewarding, as it offers the opportunity to learn something new while entertaining.

Here are some of the best narrative nonfiction gift books for women, yet these books can be good reading for anyone:

1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama - This memoir by the former First Lady of the United States offers a c

   

   Look at her life and experiences, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. It’s a powerful story of determination, resilience, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.

2. 

   “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951 and used to create the first immortal human cell line. Skloot weaves Lacks’ personal story with the scientific breakthroughs from her cells, raising important questions about ethics, race, and medical research.

3. 

   “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed—This memoir chronicles Strayed’s 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, which she undertook to heal and find herself after her mother’s death and the dissolution of her marriage. It's a powerful story of self-discovery and resilience, and a tribute to the healing power of nature.

4. 

   "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson tells the story of the Great Migration, the movement of millions of African Americans from the South to the North and West between 1915 and 1970. Through the stories of three individuals who made the journey, Wilkerson brings to life the challenges and triumphs of this momentous time in American history.

5. 

   "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown - This book tells the story of the University of Washington's rowing team and their quest for gold at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. It's a thrilling and inspiring story of perseverance, teamwork, and the triumph of the human spirit/ for everyone. 

6. 

   “The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls - This memoir tells the story of Walls' unconventional upbringing by her dysfunctional and nomadic parents, who believed in self-sufficiency and shunned the trappings of mainstream society. It's a powerful story of resilience and the enduring bonds of family.

7. 

   "Educated" by Tara Westover - This memoir tells the story of Westover's unconventional upbringing in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho, and her journey to overcome the limitations of her upbringing to pursue an education and a life outside of the narrow confines of her childhood. It's a powerful story of the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.

These are just a few of the many great narrative nonfiction books that would make great gifts for women.

Whether she's interested in history, memoir, or social issues, there's sure to be a book out there that will captivate and inspire her.

If these are inappropriate for your gift recipient, write your own gift or see more options here.