Nonfiction November is one of my favorite reading challenges. I don't usually participate in all the monthly memes/activities, but I love getting recommendations for new books, as well as spending the entire month reading nothing but nonfiction.
So far this year, I've only read seven nonfiction books, which surprises me. I would've thought I'd read a higher percentage in relation to the 48 books I've finished so far in 2020, but I guess not. To date, I've read the following (click on the links for my reviews):
The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett Graff (5/5)
Inheritance by Dani Shapiro (3/5)
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg (5/5)
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson (3/5)
Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher (2/5)
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (4/5)
When My Time Comes by Diane Rehm (4/5)
The above photo is an optimistic selection, so I may continue reading from the dozen I've pulled from my shelves (several of which have been there for decades!) until the end of the year.
I've read 14 so far. In your picture, Tom has read Isaac's Storm, and I've read Midnight... , Reeve's book, and the two Susan Hill's. I'm thinking from here on that I'll be reading Christmas books only. I've read one, and am on my second. "We need a little Christmas, right this very minute" - Indeed!
ReplyDeleteNan, I'm eager to read Isaac's Storm and I also have his new book (The Splendid and the Vile), which I forgot to include in my stack. Rod really enjoyed that one. I read about 100 pages in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and couldn't get interested. I think I'll watch the movie, though. Have you seen it? My mom read both of the Hill books and I'm looking forward to reading them, probably in December. Yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. I plan to start decorating after Rod's surgery.
DeleteVicki, have you read any others by Woodson? You grandson sounds like an amazing young man!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read a single non-fiction book this year. Can't recall one. Educated was on the 'vote list' for our afternoon book group's 1st quarter 2021 selections. Don't think it will be picked probably, but maybe. I've gotten a little weary of the thrillers too and am reading The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs right now. It's a book full of heart so far. Plus books. I decided to listen to Deborah Crombie's mystery series on audio again and am now on book #4. I love the characters and though I've read all the books before, I'm enjoying them again as I walk and drive. Enjoy your non-fiction reads for the rest of the year, Les!
ReplyDeleteKay, do you typically read nonfiction? Unless it's a memoir or something by Kelly Corrigan, I lean more toward fiction most of the time. I'm looking forward to Educated. I bought it in McMinnville the first time I met Robin there for lunch. A book by Susan Wiggs sounds like a great comfort read right now. I've only read a couple by her, but as I recall, I enjoyed them. Take care. I'll be in touch.
DeleteI never join this challenge but, I do like NF (10) so far this year. Inheritance, Shapiro was a good one. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteDiane, good job on the NF reads this year! Yes, Inheritance was a good one. I didn't love it (I thought her other book, Devotion, was better), but I'm glad I read it.
DeleteYou have read some notable nonfiction this year! I don't read much nonfiction either -- but I'm trying to improve that (maybe for 2021). I'm sure The Only Plane in the Sky is going to blow me away -- if I ever get to it (I've sort of been saving it for a good chunk of time). It seems like you suggest getting the print version of that instead of the audio. I have the author on my twitter feed and I like his thoughtful comments ...
ReplyDeleteSusan, The Only Plane in the Sky was remarkable in spite of the subject matter. If I ever decide to read it again, I may go with the audio, but for a first reading, yes. Print is better. It's a pretty quick read, as I recall.
DeleteI'm not doing as well as I hoped with nonfiction November. I started two books and neither is really pulling me in. Plus, I think my ebooks have now expired. Sigh. But hopefully I can make up for this with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and have some time off to devote to reading. I can't wait to hear what you end up choosing.
ReplyDeleteIliana, I think we all were too distracted in the first week of the month to really get into the challenge. I've started three and ditched all of those (even after reading over 100 pages of the first). I'm hoping the next one I pick does the trick!
DeleteI’ve not read anything by Sheryl Sandberg, I must give her a try.
ReplyDeleteHeather, her book (Option B) was so relatable and an easy read. I would like to try Lean In someday, although I'm not longer in the work force, so it may not be relevant.
DeleteWell, at least this post has reminded me of books you've reviewed that I added to my list--and have not yet made any progress at acquiring!
ReplyDeleteJenclair, which ones are you considering? There have been a few winners so far this year!
DeleteI planned to read only nonfiction in November, but (who knows why?) the nonfiction books have not been really drawing me in. I will think I will turn in most of what I have from the library and try something else.
ReplyDeleteDeb, my nonfiction reading hasn't been very successful, either. I'm going to continue on into December and see if I can knock some of these older titles off my stacks.
Delete