I’ve not read huge amounts of non-fiction this year but I wanted to join in with Nonfiction November, hopefully to spur me on a bit more. This week’s prompt is hosted by Doing Dewey.
What was your favorite nonfiction read of the year?
As I read a fair amount of post-apocalyptic fiction, I found The Knowledge fascinating. We take so much for granted, it’s both eye-opening and a little reassuring to read about how to make essentials from scratch. Some of this stuff I could do, not all, let’s be honest. I also learned we bought a house in the ideal location for survival (near forest and a body of water).
What nonfiction book have you recommended the most?
Probably The Road to Little Dribbling but mostly because of the local connection. Bill used to work for the Bournemouth Echo and he spends quite a bit of time on Dorset and the New Forest, so people at work are more interested in it. I’m not sure my tastes in non-fiction usually tend themselves to recommending to the average reader! “Have you read this book on rabies? it’s really good! Honest… OK bye!”
What is one topic or type of nonfiction you haven’t read enough of yet?
I’d like to read more travel fiction, not the soul-searching stuff, more about discovering places and cultures. I tend to stick to science writing if left to my own devices.
What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?
Whilst I’m constantly exposed to new and interesting sounding fiction, I hardly ever get non-fiction recommendations (exceptions for Hanna and the Other Ellie). I rely a lot on pot-luck from the local Waterstones’ table so I’m looking for more bloggers that read non-fiction and to fill up my wishlist with some great books.
Whilst not an official prompt, here’s the non-fiction I’ve read so far this year:
The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World After an Apocalypse by Lewis Dartnell
Timekeepers: How the World Became Obsessed With Time by Simon Garfield
The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Heads Found by Frances Larson
Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea by Guy Delisle
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
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Wait, though, what is the book about rabies? Because I actually think that sounds super interesting….
It's Rabid by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy. It looks at rabies from a cultural angle, really interesting!
I read that one. You aren't alone.
Severed Heads by Frances Larson….looks like fun despite its macabre subject matter!
Timekeepers is my second choice! Thanks for all your comments about tour non-ficton reading.
You know, I've never read any Bill Bryson, even though he's been repeatedly recommended to me. Maybe I'll let your post be the kick in the pants I need to finally move on that!
His writing is so easy to read. A few people don't like that he grumbles about things but generally I agree with what he's complaining about!
The Knowledge reminds me of a conversation I have with my husband a while back. Sounds great!
I read my first Bill Bryson this year; it won't be my last.
I really enjoy travel nonfiction, and have no idea why I haven't read Bill Bryson yet!
I loved Severed! Such a unique subject to write on. And it was well-written, too.
I also tend to stick to science writing and maybe a bit of history, but I'd like to branch out 🙂