Hey everyone,

I’m trying to build a solid reading habit and shift toward more practical non-fiction. My background is mostly fiction—I’ve read a mix of fantasy and character-driven stories like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Hobbit, The Inheritance Cycle, as well as books like Watership Down, Lone Wolf, Firefly in the Dark, and a lot of manga.

Now I’m looking to get into non-fiction that actually teaches something useful, but I have a few preferences.

What I’m looking for (Finance):

– Books that explain how the financial system works (markets, institutions, etc.)

– Prefer narrative or story-driven explanations rather than dry textbooks

– Not too technical (I’m just starting out with investing)

What I’m looking for (Social / Personal Skills):

– Understanding people better (how they think, react, etc.)

– Improving body language and presence

– Influence without being manipulative or overly “self-help-ish”

What I want to avoid:

– Generic self-help / motivational books

– Overly technical or academic material

– Books that are just theory with no real-world context

So far I’ve come across:

– The Big Short

– Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises

– A Random Walk Down Wall Street

– How to Win Friends and Influence People

– Presence

Would love:

1. Validation (are these good picks for a beginner?)

2. Better alternatives if you think something fits my criteria more

3. Any “must-read” books that are engaging but actually teach you something real

Thanks in advance 🙌