I always love participating in Nonfiction November, because I get so many good book recommendations from the other bloggers. The first week’s topic is “celebrate your year of nonfiction” and is hosted by Based on a True Story.
What books have you read? What were your favorites? Have you had a favorite topic? Is there a topic you want to read about more? What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?
So far this year, I’ve read 20 nonfiction books (compared to 11 last year). Many of these were memoirs, but I also like to read about history, nature, and cooking. Here’s what I’ve read:
- Shout (memoir, writing)
- The Outrun (memoir, nature)
- By the Fire We Carry (history)
- As a Jew (history, current events)
- On Writing (memoir, writing)
- California Against the Sea (nature, current events)
- Unmasking Autism (psychology, health)
- Raising Hare (nature)
- I’ll Tell You When I’m Home (memoir, history)
- Liliana’s Invincible Summer (memoir, history, crime)
- Eat Up: Food, Appetite, and Eating What You Want (memoir, cooking)
- Cue the Sun! (history, entertainment)
- Spell Freedom (history)
- Be Ready When the Luck Happens (memoir, cooking)
- Barely Visible (memoir, health)
- The Rainbow Comes and Goes (memoir)
- The Rural Diaries (memoir)
- Twisted (history, current events)
- The Sweet Life in Paris (memoir, cooking)
- Beyond the Wand (memoir, entertainment)
Books about History:
I wouldn’t say I broke out of my comfort zone too much, but the books I read about history were among my favorites, because I learned so much and got a better understanding of things that are happening today.
By The Fire We Carry was excellent, a book that comprehensively researches the history of tribal land in the United States and the legal implications of treaties and tribal status. It also touches on some of the topics covered in Killers of the Flower Moon, where wealth acquired by Native peoples quickly turned to tragedy.
Another standout was Spell Freedom, which was the history of schools for adults during the civil rights movement. A network of schools throughout the South were used not only to educate African-Americans, but to encourage civic involvement and voting. This would be an excellent follow-up to Gilbert King’s The Devil in the Grove.
As A Jew: This book was exactly what I was looking for, a book to help me understand Israel’s creation and actions, as well as a thorough understanding of anti-semitism throughout history. I appreciated Hurwitz’ extensive research and comprehensive approach, and it gave me so much to think about.
Twisted: I gained a lot of new perspective from Dabiri’s presentations of the issues and history relating to black hair (and in some ways, my feelings about my own hair). Dabiri writes in an engaging, informative way, and I appreciated the way she weaves her own personal experiences with the history and analysis by experts. Her narration on the audiobook also sets a personal tone.
Two other books I loved were memoirs that told a personal story but also involved history. Liliana’s Invincible Summer and I’ll Tell You When I’m Home.
Books about Nature:
Books about Cooking and Food:
Areas I’d like to read more of:
I still have three books to finish for the Nonfiction Reading Challenge.
- Science: I’m reading To Boldly Go Where No Book Has Gone Before by Luke O’Neill
- Travel: I’m going to read The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2024
- Myth, Legend and Folklore: I’m planning to read Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes
I love reading travel narratives, and didn’t read anything like that this year. I also want to keep reading about Jewish history and issues. I’m interested in reading books about psychology, mental health, and education and I’m particularly interested in autism and neurodiversity. And I love reading books about family genealogy, like Dani Shapiro’s Inheritance and Nicole Chung’s All You Can Ever Know.
How was your year in nonfiction?
