Anyone who knows me and what I like to read is probably rolling on the floor laughing right now because I don’t read nonfiction. Stop it! You’re hurting my feelings. I don’t consciously discriminate against it, but if faced with two books and one is fiction and one is not, I’m going to dive at the fiction. This is scientifically borne out in my reading stats for 2016: Year-to-date only 6% of my reading has been nonfiction. I can give you a few thoughts as to why that’s the case, but they’re not scientific: too reminiscent of being back in school, doesn’t engage my brain the way fiction does so I stop-start and forget, no escapist factor, makes me sleepy.
Why then am I participating in something so far out of my wheelhouse? A couple of reasons. One, I spent October cocooned in Comfort Reading—finishing a grand total of 17 novels on topics as far away from American politics as I could get. It was helpful, but even though there is no end in sight for the nastiness I’m itching to get back into the swing of reading for reviewing. I have a handful of upcoming releases I’m looking forward to, but I feel like I need to stretch a bit and try some nonfiction. Two, I’m still susceptible to peer pressure and Sarah (Sarah’s Book Shelves), has been talking this up for months so I figured I should give it a go. Of course, I’m already running late on this introductory post, so hoping that’s not an omen!
What was your favorite nonfiction read of the year?
Thankfully, an easy question to start with! Adnan’s Story by Rabia Chaudry. Details about this outstanding book in the next question.
Followed by one that didn’t get much attention in the U.S.: The Time in Between: A Memoir of Hunger and Hope by Nancy Tucker. It’s the story of one young girl’s decades long battle with anorexia and bulimia and should be required reading for anyone with a teenager in their life. The story was compelling, but Tucker’s poetic prose made it even more powerful.
What nonfiction book have you recommended the most?
Again, Adnan’s Story. Despite being chock full of data and details I could not put this down. Adnan’s case is one of the worst miscarriages of justice I’ve ever heard about. The evidence to support his innocence is staggering as is the malfeasance of the Maryland criminal justice system.
What is one topic or type of nonfiction you haven’t read enough of yet?
Hard to say because I read so little nonfiction and unlike fiction, I really need to be invested in it to try it. The challenge is in reading it at all so I’m more likely to lean towards topics that interest me. For that reason, I’ll say food and cooking because I like to eat.
What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?
To be shamed into reducing my ever-increasing backlist of unread nonfiction and broaden my reading horizons. Plus, it will be fun visiting blogs that might not normally be on my radar.
Here’s a quick peek at the books I’m hoping to tackle this month:
I think six is a reasonable number to read so we’ll see. As mentioned, I’ve got a couple of food related books with Salt Sugar Fat and Extra Virginity. I’m also feeling a need to focus on strong accomplished women so thank you, My Life on the Road and Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman. Rounding things out is the highly recommended Behind the Beautiful Forevers and, because I need to find a way back to my yoga practice and de-stress, Do Your Om Thing.
Thanks to Katie at Doing Dewey for organizing this event!
Welcome to Nonfiction November! I hardly read any nonfiction either before I got involved in this event. And then the recommendations from other bloggers led me to so many books that sounded SO GOOD, and often when I tried them, they were. There are still times when I pick up a book that others have raved about and it just fails to grab me, but generally I’ve found there are definitely nonfiction books that are as compelling as a great novel. I hope you enjoy all of your picks – Beyond the Beautiful Forevers is one that I’ve been meaning to read.
Thank you, I think it will be fun! I just need to get better (more honest) about what interests me and what doesn’t. When I choose based on other people’s interests it never works.
I’m very proud of you! I’m going to find you some nonfiction that you’ll like 🙂 Have you checked out my Biogossip recommendation list? You might like something from there!
And – the olive oil book! I’ve heard about that…you’ll have to give me the scoop. And I need to read Adnan’s Story…would it be good on audio?
I bet it would be good- depending on narrator. There’s a lot of detail.
I can already tell it’s going to be a struggle to read the six I have so will bookmark your recommendations list!
You’ve got some great possibilities lined up for the month. Salt, Sugar, Fat was amazing on audio, and maddening, too. You’ll see the food industry in a whole new light. I read Behind the Beautiful Forevers a few years ago – a good book made even better when my book club had the opportunity to hear the author speak at a nearby university. I’m not familiar with either of your recommended books… off to investigate.
Reading Salt right now and yes, the food industry does not fare well, but when has it ever worked for the public good? The dollar wins out in every industry!
I had forgotten all about Nonfiction November, but then I’m just starting to get back to blogging after almost two months away! I can highly highly recommend the Steinem and Boo books! I’ll have to determine what I will plan for this!
Glad to hear I have at least two good options to look forward to!
Sarah is super persuasive. She got me too. Although I don’t have the same trouble with non-fiction that you do. I think you need to look at what you’re reading if it makes you sleepy!
I really want to read Adnan’s Story – his season of Serial was so eye opening (and addictive). It seems like progress is being made for him?
I think you will really like that Catherine the Great book – Massie is SO GOOD and he really knows his way around Russian royals. I’m terrified to read Salt Sugar Fat but probably really should. Keep us posted!
Oh lordy, I’m reading Sugar Salt Fat right now and it is depressing as hell- but interesting!
You should definitely try Adnan’s Story! Serial hardly scratched the surface.
I am about to read Good Girls Revolt by Lynn Povich and if its anything like the incredible series on Amazon Prime (which is a MUST see!) I will be thrilled. Keep you posted, literally.
Also, I just finished Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton. Liked about 1/2 of it. For the right person, it may be very helpful. I found it interesting and then too repetitive. She overcame a lot of obstacles and I admire that but its a very personal story and if you can’t relate it may not rock your world.
Oooh! I need to read My Life on the Road and Do Your Om Thing as well. I bought them both last year, started them then my hectic life got in the way. Damn you life’s distractions!
Do yourself a favor and get the Springsteen autobiography. I’m mid-way into it and loving it! I don’t read a lot of nonfiction either but this book is like ice cream to me. It’s so good (if you’re even a little bit of a Bruce fan). It’s a fast read too. Not sure what other nonfiction books might be on my radar: but I’ve wanted to read “H Is For Hawk” for a long while. Waiting for the right time perhaps. Fiction is usually more alluring for sure.
I’m a huge Bruce fan and am on the hold list at the library, but there are 375 people ahead of me so it will be awhile! Still, something wonderful to look forward to.
Like you, I would opt for fiction over nonfiction almost every time. I admire that you’re tackling participating in nonfiction November. I’ve read a couple of nonfiction and may get one more in, but think I’ll save actual participation for next year!
How have I not heard of Extra Virginity?! That sounds AMAZING. Another fascinating food book was Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World. Bizarre but great. Gloria Steinem was short and fabulous I thought. Catherine the Great was excellent but definitely not short!
You’ve totally sold me on Adnan’s story. I will get that on my library list.
We can listen to it in the car on the way to Eva’s house!