All five of my favourite non-fiction books this year have two things in common:

1. They are written simply.
2. They tell excellent stories.

This combination is the most effective form of non-fiction writing I have seen.

When you write simply, you allow the reader to spend less energy on your prose, and more on your ideas. And when you tell a good story on top, these ideas will stick even more.

Gone are the days of never ending sentences, digressions and jargon. Clear and emotive writing is the way forward.

And in case you were wondering, these are the five books:

1. Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention – Johann Hari
2. Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope – Johann Hari
3. The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness – Morgan Housel
4. Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes – Morgan Housel
5. The Body: A Guide for Occupants – Bill Bryson