Non-fiction has the power to inform, inspire and challenge the way we see the world. From memoirs that bring personal experiences to life to reflective works exploring social change, a good book can offer both knowledge and comfort. Yet The Reading Agency’s State of the Nation in Adult Reading 2025 report shows that many adults find it increasingly difficult to focus on reading. Nearly half of UK adults admit that distractions often get in the way, while a third confess to multitasking while they read.
At All Top Books we believe that non-fiction remains a vital way to understand our world and ourselves. As an independent bookseller, we take pride in highlighting meaningful titles that speak to diverse interests and experiences. This article combines practical strategies for fitting reading into busy lives with our curated selection of new non-fiction books that we believe deserve a place on your reading list.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly half of UK adults struggle to focus on reading, yet just 30 minutes a week can boost life satisfaction by 20 per cent.
- Simple strategies such as micro-reading, audiobooks and ritualised routines help fit books into busy lives.
- All Top Books highlights carefully selected new non-fiction titles worth exploring.
- Featured books include cultural reflections, wellbeing guides and creative works, all chosen for their insight and accessibility.
- Mixing shorter and longer reads, alongside practical tips, makes it easier to form a regular reading habit.
Just 30 minutes of reading per week can boost life satisfaction by 20 per cent. Which short habit could change your week?
Why All Top Books Is the Perfect Curator
Readers deserve more than automated recommendations. All Top Books was founded on the principle that independent bookselling should be both knowledgeable and personal. Our team carefully selects titles that reflect quality and substance, ensuring that what we offer is more than just a passing trend.
We aim to provide more than convenience. When you order with us, you benefit from fast dispatch and accessible customer support that values a personal touch. Just as importantly, we support UK publishers, including smaller imprints that might otherwise be overlooked. By doing so, we help ensure that readers have access to a broad range of voices and perspectives.
At a time when distractions and busy schedules make it easy to push books aside, our role is to curate titles that are not only worth your time but also designed to re-engage you with the joy of reading. We see ourselves as partners in your reading journey, offering books that will inspire thought, spark conversation and encourage reflection.
The Challenge of Modern Reading Habits
The Reading Agency’s research highlights just how difficult it has become for adults to focus on reading. Distractions are everywhere and this is reflected in the statistics.
Adult Reading Data (2025)
Reading Behaviour | Percentage of Adults | Notes |
Struggle to focus due to distractions | 46% | Rises to 55% among 16–24 year olds |
Multitask while reading | 33% | Commonly while commuting, exercising or doing chores |
Fail to finish books | 31% | Highest among 16–34 year olds (43%) |
Read regularly | 53% | Down from 58% in 2015 |
What makes these figures significant is not just the decline in regular reading but also the missed opportunities. The survey shows that reading for just 30 minutes each week can increase life satisfaction by 20 per cent. Readers report feeling comforted, inspired and joyful after engaging with a book.
Initiatives such as Quick Reads, which produces affordable short books, and World Book Night’s Reading Hour are designed to help adults rediscover the benefits of reading. These structured opportunities are a starting point but the real challenge is finding practical ways to carve out space for reading in everyday life.
Practical Strategies to Fit Reading into Busy Lives
Reading does not always have to involve setting aside hours at a time. Short, consistent moments can add up to a meaningful habit. Here are some strategies to consider.
Micro-Reading Moments
- Keep a slim paperback or an e-reader in your bag or coat pocket.
- Use short gaps in the day, such as waiting for the bus, the kettle to boil or the start of a meeting.
- For those who feel overwhelmed by large books, try breaking them into small reading goals. Ten pages a day becomes over 3,500 pages a year.
Ritualised Reading Cues
- Pair reading with a regular routine. A few pages with your morning coffee or a chapter before bed can create automatic habits.
- Create a “reading corner” in your home with a comfortable chair, lamp and blanket. Associating a specific space with reading makes it easier to slip into focus.
Audiobooks and Multitasking
- Audiobooks are ideal for those who already multitask. Listen during commutes, walks or while preparing meals.
- Try speeding up or slowing down narration to suit your preference. A 10-hour book can be enjoyed in half the time with gentle adjustments.
Social Accountability
- Join or form a small book group. The focus does not need to be on long novels. Short non-fiction works, essays or Quick Reads can provide discussion points without heavy commitment.
- Try a “ten-page pact” with a friend where you both commit to reading ten pages a day and check in regularly.
- Share your progress on social media to inspire others and create accountability.
Optimise Your Space
- Keep books visible on your desk, sofa or bedside table. Out of sight often means out of mind.
- If distractions are an issue, use quiet spaces or calming background sounds to help focus. Consider pairing reading with a soothing soundtrack or ambient playlist.
Redefine Reading
- Remember that essays, poetry and short anthologies are all forms of reading. A complete book is not the only measure of success.
- Short formats can help restore a sense of achievement and momentum. Readers who finish one short book may feel motivated to start another.
Track and Celebrate Progress
- Use a simple reading log or an app to mark progress.
- Reward yourself for reaching milestones, such as finishing three books in a month or completing a reading challenge.
- Reflect on how your mood or focus has changed since you began reading more consistently.
By adopting these small changes, adults can reclaim reading time and rediscover the joy that books bring.
Featured Picks: New Non-Fiction Must-Reads
Cultural Insight and Social Reflection
A deeply researched and definitive account of Oasis, this book captures the sound, the attitude and the cultural significance of one of Britain’s most influential bands. With their reunion tour reigniting interest, this is a timely read for music lovers and cultural historians alike. It goes beyond the music itself to consider how Oasis shaped a generation, reflecting on identity, class and creativity. Readers who want more than nostalgia will find a work that situates the band within the wider story of British cultural life.
Set against the backdrop of Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, this book explores themes of home, inheritance and identity. It offers both a regional portrait and a universal meditation on belonging. The author blends family history with local detail, creating a work that is both specific and expansive. Readers with a love of landscape, history and personal narrative will find much to enjoy. This book speaks to anyone who has ever reflected on where they come from and how that shapes who they are today.
Practical Wellbeing and Self-Reflection
Adventures in Fermentation
Written by Dr Johnny Drain, this book introduces readers to the science and culture of fermentation. Combining history, practical advice and engaging storytelling, it is ideal for anyone interested in food, health and the hidden processes that shape our meals. From kombucha to kimchi, the book explains why fermentation matters and how it connects us to human traditions across the world. Both informative and practical, it provides insight into nutrition and creativity in the kitchen.
Designed as a practical guide, this journal helps students manage the pressures of academic life. With prompts for reflection and strategies for building resilience, it is an accessible tool that promotes mindfulness and self-care. This book stands out because it recognises the daily stresses of study and provides space for planning, goal setting and mental wellbeing. It is equally useful for young adults beyond education, as the reflective exercises apply to everyday challenges and personal growth.
Creative and Reflective Writing
This collection combines riddles, haikus and lyrical poetry to reflect on some of today’s most urgent themes, including climate change, artificial intelligence and European conflict. The language is inventive and meditative, offering a distinctive way of thinking about contemporary issues. Readers who enjoy experimental forms will appreciate the variety of styles and rhythms, while those new to poetry will find the short formats approachable. It is a reminder that non-fiction is not confined to prose alone and that creative expression can carry powerful insight.
How to Choose Your Next Non-Fiction Read
Choosing the right book often comes down to reflecting on what you need at the moment. If you want cultural insight, try works like A Sound So Very Loud. If you seek comfort and grounding, A Cornish Legacy or Student Wellbeing Journal may be the right choice.
At All Top Books you will find categories such as Non-Fiction Top 10, Newly Published and Biography that make browsing easier. Each category is updated regularly so readers can see the latest recommendations without feeling overwhelmed by choice.
When in doubt, variety helps. Alternate between a reflective, poetic work like Old World and a practical, hands-on book like Adventures in Fermentation. This balance prevents reading fatigue and keeps the habit fresh. Asking our team for suggestions is another way to ensure your next choice fits your current mood, schedule or personal goals.
Conclusion: New Non-Fiction Books
New non-fiction offers insight, reflection and inspiration at a time when many of us are searching for meaningful ways to spend our time. By adopting simple strategies and choosing books that are both engaging and accessible, reading can once again become a regular habit.
All Top Books is proud to highlight titles that we believe capture the best of contemporary non-fiction. We encourage you to explore these selections, embrace the suggested habits and take the next step towards rediscovering the joy of reading.
Discover your next inspiring non-fiction read with All Top Books today.
Further Reading
- How Reading Reshapes Your Brain and Boosts Cognitive Power: An accessible overview of recent research showing how reading strengthens language-related brain areas and supports cognitive function.
- How Are Habits Formed? The Psychology of Habit Formation: Insight into how habits develop through repetition and context, offering practical understanding relevant to building a reading routine.
- Why Slowing Down Is Essential for Growth: Exploration of how slowing down daily routines cultivates self-awareness, mindfulness and deeper focus—all helpful for better reading engagement.
