What are the characteristics of business books that read like novels?

They often have relatable characters. Take 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. The main character's journey through time is made more interesting because we can identify with his sense of wonder and fear. These characters help to drive the scientific concepts forward in an engaging way. Usually, they also simplify complex scientific ideas. In books like these, difficult scientific theories are broken down into understandable parts through the story.

Well, for one, they often have a strong narrative arc. Just like in a novel, there's a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Boys in the Boat' by Daniel James Brown, it follows the journey of the rowing team, with a clear progression of events.

One great option is 'The Big Short' by Michael Lewis. It tells the story of the 2008 financial crisis in a very engaging, almost novel - like way. It follows the different characters who saw the crisis coming and what they did about it.

They often have a strong focus on characters. Just like in fanfiction where fans explore and expand on their favorite characters, these books usually have really well - developed characters with complex personalities and relationships. For example, in 'The Hunger Games' series, Katniss's character is very multi - faceted and her relationships with Peeta and Gale are central to the story.

One great business novel is 'The Goal' by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. It presents a really engaging story about a factory manager trying to turn around a failing plant, and along the way, it imparts important business concepts like the theory of constraints.

In the case of 'Flash Boys', a characteristic is the exposure of the inner workings of a particular aspect of the financial industry. It shows the cut - throat nature of high - frequency trading and how it impacts the overall market. This kind of business fiction book often aims to educate the reader about the power dynamics and ethics within a business sector.

Books that read like genre fiction often have certain recognizable elements. For example, in a mystery genre - like book, there will be a central mystery to solve, like in 'Sherlock Holmes' stories. There are usually clues, suspects, and a detective - like figure. In science - fiction ones, there will be futuristic or otherworldly settings and concepts, as seen in 'Star Trek' novels. In romance genre - like books, there's a focus on relationships and love, such as in 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Well, engaging dialogue can also be a feature. Some nonfiction books that read like fiction include snippets of real - life conversations. This makes the story come alive. And they might also have a central theme or conflict that drives the story forward, much like in a fictional work. For instance, in 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks', the conflict between the medical community's use of her cells without permission and the recognition of her as a person with rights is a central theme that runs throughout the book.

They often have strong and unconventional ideas. For example, they might question the existing social order or power structures in a very bold way.

A strong narrative. These books usually have a clear plotline that drives the story forward. In 'Cold Mountain' by Charles Frazier, which is based on the American Civil War, the journey of the main character is a gripping narrative that keeps you turning the pages as if it were a fictional adventure.