Time to make a reading list!

Here’s our ranking of the finest nonfiction from the first half of the year.

His book should be required reading in an election year, or any other.

1. When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi

Norbert von der Groeben/Stanford Hospital and Clinics

In stark pen-and-ink panels, he pours his heartache onto the page with painful honesty and profound grace.

Reasons to Stay Alive, Matt Haig

Depression is hard; terrible advice is easy.

2. The Gene: An Intimate History, Siddhartha Mukherjee

Deborah Feingold

3. Evicted, Matthew Desmond

Michael Kienitz

4. All the Single Ladies, Rebecca Traister

Sarah Karnasiewicz

5. Grunt, Mary Roach

Jen Siska

6. Rosalie Lightning, Tom Hart

Gabe Clark

7. Lab Girl, Hope Jahren

Erica Morrow

8. The Sound of Gravel, Ruth Wariner

James Reynolds

9. Reasons to Stay Alive, Matt Haig

Clive Doyle

10. A Mother’s Reckoning, Susan Klebold

J-K Photography