Reading nonfiction with an open mind does not mean accepting every claim. It means staying willing to understand an argument before deciding whether it persuades you. Start by noticing the author’s central question and the kind of book you are reading: reported narrative, memoir, history, science writing, or a collection of essays may use different forms of evidence.
As you go, distinguish between observation, interpretation, and conclusion. A writer may describe an event, explain what they think it means, and then connect it to a wider claim. Asking which step you agree with can make your response more precise than a simple yes or no. Pay attention to examples and to what the author acknowledges they cannot know.
Consider the perspective shaping the book. Who is speaking, whose experiences are included, and which voices are missing? These questions are not automatic reasons to reject a work. They help you understand its boundaries and read its claims in context. When a subject matters deeply, consulting another credible perspective can show where interpretations differ.
You do not have to fact-check every sentence to read thoughtfully. Note questions that seem important and return to them after finishing. A strong nonfiction book can change your mind, sharpen a disagreement, or lead you to ask a better question. Remaining curious and critical at the same time is part of the pleasure.