Are you a fan of nonfiction? What’s your favored form? This week for Nonfiction November we are discussing nontraditional forms of the genre. You can learn more about Nonfiction November in my introductory post or through these lovely hostesses: Katie at Doing Dewey, Kim at Sophisticated Dorkiness, Becca at I’m Lost in Books, and Leslie at Regular Rumination. This week is hosted by Becca at I’m Lost in Books.
While there are numerous nontraditional forms of nonfiction my favorite is the audiobook. I daresay over 75% of the audiobooks I have are nonfiction. Although I’m fairly picky about the narrators. For example, Brené Brown’s books have had some fantastic narrators. BUT, I’ve watched both of her Ted Talks enough times to only expect her voice to come through the speakers. The same with Andy Stanley’s books. I’ve been listening to his program Your Move every Sunday night for years. So when I hear a stranger reciting The Principle of the Path or The Grace of God it just does not come across well {for me}.
So on to a few books I’ve really enjoyed.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. I am such a champion for this book. For most introverts, this book is a validation and a cheerleader ~ a validation for the good {and not so great} quirks that we introverts share and a cheerleader for celebrating the special brand of leadership we bring to the table. For anyone who is an introvert, knows an introvert or loves an introvert this book is a fabulous resource.
Yes, Please by Amy Poehler. I feel like I’ve been living under rock. Who knew Amy Poehler was so darn funny! Narrated by Amy Poehler herself, this audiobook gets you up close and personal with the girl next door. She does have a few added narrators that chime in, which at times adds to the performance and others, becomes a bit disconcerting. Amy’s development and dedication to Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls is so inspirational and makes me love her more. APSG is “……dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. We emphasize intelligence and imagination over “fitting in.” We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves.” Overall, this audiobook rocks! Inspiring, positive, and most definitely, smart.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling. Truly my first introduction into comic memoir. Narrated by Mindy. I only listened to this one while walking so I would stay motivated to walk. It’s not that there were really that many profound moments, more that Mindy and I were ‘hanging out in a coffee shop’ and she was regaling me with her life story. Entertaining, humorous and engaging.
Not conducive to audio so I have this next one in hardback. This nonfiction is through photography and narrative:
It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War by Lynsey Addario. An engrossing storyteller both through the written word and with her photographs, Addario’s memoir is a must-read {and this is from someone who has never been a big fan of memoir!}. Her compassion and empathy are apparent in each photograph she publishes. If you read the New York Times you’ve most likely seen her photos. If you are on Instagram look up her account – stunning, heartbreaking and oh so real. This is nonfiction at its best. For a sampling of her work visit
LynseyAddario.com
I’d love to know ~ where do you stand on nonfiction? Do you have a favored medium?
AND, if you could, share a few humorous nonfiction audios I should be on the lookout for.
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