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Nonfiction November Week 1: Your Year in Nonfiction

Hooray, Nonfiction November is here! Nonfiction November — hosted this year by Julie (JulzReads), Sarah (Sarah’s Book Shelves), Katie (Doing Dewey), Rennie (What’s Nonfiction) — is a month-long celebration of everything nonfiction. Each week, we’ll have a different prompt and a different host looking at different ideas about reading and loving nonfiction.

I’m excited to be hosting the first week, where we want to look back at your year in nonfiction:

Week 1: (Oct. 29 to Nov. 2) – Your Year in Nonfiction (Kim @ Sophisticated Dorkiness): Take a look back at your year of nonfiction and reflect on the following questions – What was your favorite nonfiction read of the year? Do you have a particular topic you’ve been attracted to more this year? What nonfiction book have you recommended the most? What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?

What was your favorite nonfiction read of the year?

I’ve read a lot of good nonfiction this year, so I can’t pick just one. Two memoirs I’ve loved are Educated by Tara Westover and Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride. Both are incredible stories by courageous, smart women that really got me right in the feels. Two straight nonfiction books I’ve loved are Never Caught by Erica Dunbar and Vincent and Theo by Deborah Heiligman.

Do you have a particular topic you’ve been attracted to more this year?

I’ve been amassing and reading a bunch of Obama administration memoirs this year. The insanity (and long-term horror) of the current administration has caught up with me, and I am craving nonfiction that hearkens back to a time when our biggest scandals were tan suits and Dijon mustard rather than collusion/admiration of dictators.

Two of my favorites have been From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein and Yes We (Still) Can by Dan Pfeiffer. The two closest to me on my TBR are West Wingers, edited by Gautam Raghavan and To Obama by Jeanne Marie Laskas.

What nonfiction book have you recommended the most?

This is another terrible question! I couldn’t pick just one so here are three:  

  • I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara for it’s news value and for people looking for genuinely scary (but not lurid or sensational) true crime.
  • Bad Blood by John Carreyrou for its intense reporting and bananapants story.
  • The Library Book by Susan Orlean for everyone who needs a charming love letter to an institution as amazing as libraries.

What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?

As I was sorting through my list of nonfiction for the year, I realized that most of my nonfiction reading has been pretty white. I’ve read lots of fiction by authors of color, but apparently much less nonfiction. So, I hope that I can find some great recommendations to round out my reading for the rest of the year.

Now it’s your turn! Link up your Nonfiction November blog posts below, or answer them in the comments. We’re skipping round up posts this year, so be sure to also click through and see what other people have shared. And hop on over to Instagram, where we’re doing a photo challenge starting on November 1.

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  • Jade @ Reading with Jade October 29, 2018, 5:49 am

    That’s great to hear about Educated being one of your favourites so far this year, as it is my main book pick for Nonfiction November – I’ve heard such great things. I love your aim of what you’re hoping to get out of Nonfiction November this year; good luck with that & happy reading!

  • Kazen @ Always Doing October 29, 2018, 6:23 am

    I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is so good! I did a bit of a Serial Killer Summer so I read that along with some classics in the genre and the newly published Dead Girls: Essays on Surviving an American Obsession. Amassing Obama-era memoirs sounds much more reasonable and uplifting! 🙂

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:27 pm

      Haha, yes, Obama memoirs are probably a little more cheerful than serial killer books… but I kind of love those too 🙂

  • Angela October 29, 2018, 6:39 am

    From the Corner of the Oval is one I’m planning on reading this month! Adding Vincent and Theo to my TBR!

  • Kate @ booksaremyfavouriteandbest October 29, 2018, 7:31 am

    Thanks again for hosting – it’s going to be a great month!

    Vincent and Theo will go on my TBR list – looks interesting.

  • Rachel October 29, 2018, 8:04 am

    I’ve heard such great things about Educated. I should really read it. Thanks for hosting!

  • Andi October 29, 2018, 8:31 am

    I’m definitely going to have to get in on this. I feel like I’ve been seeking out a lot of non-fiction, thought I can never keep up with reading as much as I’d like. Thanks for hosting this first week, Kim!

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:28 pm

      I never read as much as I want either. There are just so many books!

  • Allison October 29, 2018, 9:26 am

    I’ve heard some great things about The Library Book–it sounds like one I would love.

    Interesting point about reading authors of color for both fiction and nonfiction. I read so much fiction and try to make sure it’s diverse, but I think about it less with nonfiction (mostly because I’m trying to make sure I ready any nonfiction at all). I realize now that I had quite a lot of diversity in my nonfiction reading last year, but not so much this year. Definitely something to consider.

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:30 pm

      I hadn’t really thought about it until I was looking at my books read in the year. I think it’s because there are fewer authors of color writing on the topics I’m usually drawn to, whereas I’m a bit less picky in my fiction reading.

  • bermudaonion (Kathy) October 29, 2018, 10:01 am

    I love your nonfiction recommendations so I jotted down a couple of the titles you loved.

  • Sarah's Book Shelves October 29, 2018, 11:44 am

    I just finished Bad Blood on audio – crazy story! How did she hoodwink all those big name investors?! I did get lost sometimes in the science and engineering, though…maybe because I was listening to it on audio?

    My post is going up tomorrow.

  • Emma October 29, 2018, 11:54 am

    wow, I prepared this a week ago, without scheduling it, and almost forgot to post it!
    I heard someone present Educated, sounds actually so horrible I don’t think I want to read it

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:31 pm

      Parts of it are truly awful, but I think it’s so well written and ends in an optimistic way. I loved it.

  • Tina October 29, 2018, 12:46 pm

    Great recommendations! Somehow “Tomorrow Will be Different” was not on my radar- added!

  • Helen October 29, 2018, 2:21 pm

    The Library Book sounds great! I’m taking part for the first time in the hope that I’ll be inspired to read more nonfiction and I’m already finding books to add to my TBR. 🙂

  • Ellie October 29, 2018, 3:16 pm

    Thanks for hosting! I always get loads of great recs from Nonfiction November.

  • iliana October 29, 2018, 4:11 pm

    Thank you so much for hosting again this year! I will definitely participate so working on my post now. Can’t wait for all the recommendations to add to my list! 🙂

  • BuriedInPrint October 29, 2018, 5:33 pm

    OOps. I mistakenly posted this on JulzReads in response to your post: “I’ve really been enjoying listening to all the interviews (promotional stuff, etc.) with the various Obama-administration memoirs too; I don’t remember thinking that was quite so interesting when the US last moved from a left-leaning to a right-learning administration, so either I am just older or more curious, or the extremes here are more intriguing. Either way, it does make for interesting stories. I’ll check out some of your other recommendations as well, and I look forward to seeing what other participants are reading too. I’ll have my post up this week, but am running out of hours already today!”

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:34 pm

      I think I love them because everything seemed like less of a trash fire then. I think the make me feel optimistic that things can be less insane, eventually.

  • Lory @ Emerald City Book Review October 29, 2018, 6:55 pm

    I think I read mostly psychology nonfiction the most this year, probably seeking help for getting through the drama of my personal life. (It did help!) Since things have settled down, I would like to read more from some of my other favorite genres, like history, science and literary topics. I especially want to read The Library Book; it sounds terrific.

  • Tara @ Running 'n' Reading October 30, 2018, 4:17 am

    I’m excited to see I’m not the only one who couldn’t resist adding Educated to my list of favorites; I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is another great one! Thank you for reminding me of From the Corner of the Oval (this is why I love Nonfiction November so much!) and Bad Blood; I have heard such great things about both of these. Thank you so much for hosting week one, Kim!

  • Rennie October 30, 2018, 7:20 am

    I absolutely loved The Library Book and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and Bad Blood are up there on my list too. The Obama-era memoirs are definitely appealing and I think the concept of To Obama sounds interesting. Thanks, Obama was my favorite of the administration memoirs, on the off chance you haven’t read that one yet – it’s so funny and sweet!

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:35 pm

      Thanks for the suggestion, I am always looking for more Obama memoirs!

  • Tina Ristau October 30, 2018, 7:27 am

    I’m excited to take part in Nonfiction November this year….I can’t wait to add lots of books to my TBR!

  • Michael October 30, 2018, 10:35 am

    Nice recommendations! I’ve just started reading The Library Book, and am in love with it so far. Orlean writes so engagingly. Thanks for hosting: looking forward to participating this month.

  • Paula Bardell-Hedley October 30, 2018, 11:26 am

    Many thanks for hosting the first week of Nonfiction November, Kim. Some excellent questions. I have posted my answers for Week 1 and left the info with Mister Linky! 😃

  • Nickimags October 30, 2018, 1:37 pm

    I’m excited to be joining in this year!

  • Eva @ The Paperback Princess October 30, 2018, 5:21 pm

    Educated and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark were in my top 3 this year for sure. And I’m with you on my nonfiction reading being super white. I’d say that’s actually true of my reading overall this year and I’m really disappointed in myself.

    Thanks for hosting! I always get so excited for this event!

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:37 pm

      Diverse nonfiction can be kind of tricky. There are some subjects and topics that are just overwhelmingly written about by white authors, and so if that’s where your interest is then it’s basically impossible. I got a little lazy about diversifying my reading because, overall, it’s pretty good — I just need to pay attention now.

  • Unruly Reader October 30, 2018, 9:09 pm

    Educated really got me, too. I nearly had to stop reading (listening) because of the brutality (I’m a gentle soul), but I needed to see her through to the sunshine on the other side. Remarkable story about human fortitude.

    • Kim November 4, 2018, 9:23 am

      It’s so remarkable. Every time she went back to Idaho, I just had this sense of dread. But it’s such an interesting read.

  • Rory October 31, 2018, 10:36 am

    I really enjoyed I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, but reading it made me sad that she never got to finish it (or know he was caught). I haven’t been able to read any of the Obama literature, but I know I will someday (and I’ll enjoy it).

  • Melissa October 31, 2018, 2:58 pm

    Some great recommendations! I’ll Be Gone.. is one of my most recommended books. And even though I haven’t gotten around to it yet, I’m really looking forward to From the Corner of the Oval (random fun fact – I used to cat sit for Beck, including some of the trips she probably talks about in the book!)

    • Kim October 31, 2018, 8:38 pm

      That’s so interesting! I think you’ll enjoy From the Corner of the Oval, especially having a personal connection to it.

  • louloureads November 1, 2018, 4:41 am

    The Library Book and To Obama both sound amazing – I will definitely be picking them up!

  • JoAnn @ Lakeside Musing November 1, 2018, 6:19 am

    Educated is one of the most memorable books I’ve read in a very long time. I can’t wait to read The Library Book… my daughter heard Susan Orleans speak in NYC last week and is reading it now. Thanks for hosting NF November again!

  • booker talk November 1, 2018, 11:48 am

    given your interest in the Obama administration I take it you’ll be reading Michelle’s memoir when it comes out – I think publication is this month isn’t it?

    • Kim November 4, 2018, 9:26 am

      It’s on my list! I probably should just pre-order it so I make sure I get a copy before the holds list gets too long. Or maybe on audio? Actually, now that I’m typing this out I know audio is the way to go!

  • Debbie Rodgers@ Exurbanis November 1, 2018, 12:56 pm

    Has anyone found a Nonfiction November link on #32 or #33?

    • Kim November 4, 2018, 9:27 am

      I didn’t, unfortunately 🙁

  • Carrie @ Other Women's Stories November 1, 2018, 1:02 pm

    Thanks for hosting again. It’s great to be back for another year!

  • Brandy November 1, 2018, 3:02 pm

    I really enjoyed The Library Book by Susan Orlean. It managed to weave together a variety of stories into a great book for library lovers.

  • Amanda November 2, 2018, 10:34 am

    I am loving from the Corner of the Oval! So glad you talked this one up Kim!

    • Kim November 4, 2018, 9:29 am

      YAY! I am so glad to hear this!

  • Sue at Book By Book November 3, 2018, 5:19 pm

    Thanks for co-hosting Nonfiction November! I am really looking forward to this month because I read almost exclusively fiction. I’ve only read 4 NF books so far this year!

    Looks like you’ve had a great NF year so far – I really want to read Educated, after hearing so much about it.

    Sue

    Book By Book

  • Dee November 3, 2018, 8:11 pm

    whoops – I wrote my blog post and then forgot to drop the link (I swear, I would forget my brain if it wasn’t attached some days!) thanks so much for hosting Nonfiction November – I can’t wait to participate and find some great new books to read

    • Kim November 4, 2018, 9:30 am

      I feel the same way! If I don’t write something down on my to do list, it just flies out of my head. It’s ridiculous.

  • Lisa Hill November 4, 2018, 8:20 pm

    Thanks for hosting, I’ll be doing my best to wave the flag for Australian NF here!

  • Lance November 4, 2018, 8:24 pm

    Hi…just found this and joined! Hope I am not too late. I review sports books, almost all are non fiction, so this sounds great!

    • Kim November 25, 2018, 10:34 am

      Never too late, thanks for joining us!

  • Jaymi November 5, 2018, 3:46 pm

    Joining in late! Hi everyone!

  • Katie @ Doing Dewey November 5, 2018, 11:10 pm

    I always get to the question about favorite nonfiction and think ‘why do we even ask this question?’ (in the tone of voice of ‘why do we even have this lever’ from the Emperor’s New Groove, of course). It’s such a hard quesiton to answer!

    I’m excited to see Bad Blood and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark on your list too. I enjoyed them so much! And I passed on The Library Book, because I thought The Orchid Thief was only OK, but I’ve heard great things about it from you and Rennie, so I’m reconsidering that decision 🙂

    • Kim November 25, 2018, 10:35 am

      I think the writing style of The Library Book is pretty similar to The Orchid Thief, so maybe it won’t work. But I think the emphasis on books and libraries gives it a little extra juice for bookworms, so maybe that would push it from good to great?

  • Andrea P November 6, 2018, 9:27 am

    I don’t have a blog but I love seeing all the non-fiction recommendations and links being shared this month! Happy reading to all! I just read a great and moving non fiction book in September called “We Can Do It: A Community Takes on the Challenge of School Desegregation” by Michael Gengler and it details how Alachua County in Florida in the late 60’s moved to desegregate schools and how everyone came together to accomplish that goal. It is amazing how looking back to the history of where people have come can give new perspective today, even when we have come so far. You can find out more about it here: http://www.wecandoitbook.com

    • Kim November 25, 2018, 10:36 am

      That sounds fascinating, thanks!

  • Lynn @ Smoke & Mirrors November 15, 2018, 3:36 pm

    Like you, I feel I really need to add more diversity to my nonfiction reading. I believe I will begin with Michelle Obama’s Becoming!

    • Kim November 25, 2018, 10:36 am

      Good choice! I’m listening to that on audiobook and enjoying it a lot.