They tend to be motivational. True stories of people overcoming great obstacles, like in 'I Am Malala', Malala Yousafzai's story of standing up for girls' education despite the Taliban's threats, inspire readers to be brave and strive for positive change in their own lives and in the world.
They are often very relatable. Since they are based on real events, readers can more easily put themselves in the shoes of the characters. For example, in 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls, the real - life struggles she and her family faced are things that many people can empathize with on some level.
They are often relatable. Since they are based on real events, audiences can easily put themselves in the shoes of the characters. For example, in 'The Blind Side', many people can understand the feeling of being lost and then finding a new family. Another characteristic is that they usually carry a strong message. In 'Hidden Figures', it promotes the idea of equality and the power of knowledge.
I also recommend 'Hidden Figures' by Margot Lee Shetterly. This book reveals the untold story of African - American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Their contributions were crucial, yet they faced discrimination. Their stories are a great source of inspiration for perseverance and breaking barriers.
Definitely 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl. It's based on his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and how he found meaning in the most extreme circumstances. Another inspiring one is 'The Power of One' by Bryce Courtenay. It's about a young boy in South Africa who overcomes great odds. And 'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai, which tells of her fight for girls' education against the Taliban.
One characteristic is authenticity. They offer real - life experiences and events, like in 'The Glass Castle' where Jeannette Walls shares her chaotic childhood truthfully. Another is the ability to educate. For example, books about historical events can teach us a lot about that time period.
They often have a sense of authenticity. Since they are based on real events, the settings and details tend to be more vivid and believable. For example, in 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson, the descriptions of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair are so detailed that it feels like you're actually there. Another characteristic is that they can provide real - life lessons. The characters in these books face real - world problems, and readers can learn from their experiences, like in 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson where the fight for justice is a central theme.
They usually have a lot of research behind them. Authors of these books have to dig deep into police reports, interviews with witnesses and survivors, and sometimes even court transcripts. 'Helter Skelter' is a prime example. The author had to piece together a complex web of information to tell the story of the Manson Family murders accurately.
Books with inspiring stories usually convey positive values. Take 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as an example. It promotes justice, equality and the importance of standing up for what is right. Through the story, readers are inspired to uphold these values in their own lives.
The top books based on true stories typically have a sense of immediacy. When reading 'A Long Way Gone', you can almost feel the chaos and danger that Ishmael Beah faced as a child soldier. They also have a power to change perspectives. 'The Glass Castle' makes you see the concept of family in a different light, as it shows the complex relationship within Walls' family. Moreover, they are often filled with real - life details that make the story more believable and engaging, like the details about NASA's operations in 'Hidden Figures'.
These books usually blend the known world with the unknown. They take real - life settings, like a small town or an old house, and introduce supernatural elements. For instance, a book about a haunted hospital might describe the normal hospital operations and then add in the apparitions, strange noises, and unexplained events. This contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary makes them fascinating. They also tend to play on our fears of the unknown and the afterlife. Since they claim to be based on true stories, it makes the supernatural elements seem more plausible and thus more terrifying.