I [33f] recently went on a date with a guy [35m] who seemed cool and that we have a bunch in common. When we started talking about books and what we've been reading, I said I mostly love nonfiction and detailed a few of the books I've recently read about the history of WWII, Churchill, Bad Blood by John Carryrou, American Kingpin by Nick Bilton about the Silk Road, and The Least of Us by Sam Quinones about the fentanyl/P2P meth epidemic.

He seemed put off that I loved nonfiction, made a face with big eyes and a "oh, you're one of those" comment. It got kinda awkward so I just let it lie and we changed the subject to talk about his job.

What are one of those? What does it say about someone if they love nonfiction?

I've read a lot of fiction but lately I just really love well researched nonfiction. Should I not tell dates this?

Thanks for any thoughts!

I want to add some more nonfiction to my 2022 reading! What did you all enjoy from last year?

When I ask for your favorite book, I’m not asking for your favorite textbook, I’m talking about stories or books on cyber security theory. I just read “countdown to 0 day” and I absolutely loved it, but when I try and find other books like it I am just met with educational textbooks.

Edit: thank you everyone for your submissions, you definitely gave me plenty of reading material and I’m sure the newbies coming here will have a great resource to use when it comes to choosing books that help them understand cyber security and it’s infinite scope.

I'm not talking about historical fantasy- I've read that before. I mean something like a Ken Burns's "The Civil War" or Barbara Tuchman's "The Guns of August", but for a constructed world. I've always thought it was a cool idea to have an in-universe historian do a treatise on the Breaking of the World or the War of the Ring.

Title says it all, what’s your favorite nonfiction book? As a lit scholar I’m tempted to answer with an example of critical theory but that’s no fun. Recently I’ve been more interested in reading historical nonfiction in my free time and learning more about events I’m unfamiliar with.

That being said Phillip Gourevitch’s We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families would be my choice. It’s an excellent book that covers the Rwandan Genocide in great detail and is very well written, but may not be something you can power through. (Hence why I still need to finish it following a break). Anyway, what’s your favorite nonfiction book? What kinds of nonfiction do you feel most drawn to?

Librarian here! I have a patron whose looking for a nonfiction survivalist/military science book series that was published in the 1980s. Patron is sure that the author is Dirk Skinner, however, I can only find one book published by him entitled, "Street Ninja." Patron also says there are black and white ink drawings in the series, unfortunately they do not remember any titles. I'm thinking the series could have been from the 1970s or 1990s as well. I feel like I've exhausted my search strategies, but if anyone has any other strategies, that would be helpful as well!

There was this book I read when I was a kid, and it explained how to write stories and how they're set. It explained about how a protagonist might start in one area and then they go through a big journey, then they end up back to the area they started, showing the story go's full circle.

Or one about a girl I think in a farm, and she was expecting to talk to this man, but then he stole her wooden leg, subverting a readers expectation.

Or a person walking along a wall, I think at haloween, they were worried something would come up, but then something else did, changing that expectation also?

I think the book was quite thin, and I remember talking to my dad about the word protagonist, or maybe antagonist or something? He explained what it meant because he knew latin (his English wasn't great).

Apologies, don't know if there's many non-fiction (is that the right one?) book. Cheers!

I really want to try to get more into nonfiction because I’d like to learn new things, and I know there are a lot of interesting books out there! Unfortunately, I often find myself getting bored/distracted because most of the nonfiction I’ve tried has felt like reading a textbook. Any suggestions for any entertaining nonfiction books? I’m open to any topic.

I don’t know how to explain it exactly. Nonfiction movies seem like they could be fiction until the end “based on a true story.” Basically a nonfiction that doesn’t feel like you’re being told what happened, but actually living it. Ill take recommendations for anything that fits but bonus points if it’s mafia related.

Hello friends! I’m a big fan of narrative nonfiction and micro histories, particularly ones about food and culinary history. I’d love recommendations for what to read next. Titles I’ve read in the last two years are:

1. Mastering the art of Soviet cooking
2. Salt: a world history
3. What she ate
4. Gulp
5. Consider the fork
6. Three squares: the invention of the American meal
7. White bread: a social history of the store bought loaf
8. Coffeeland
9. Practically useless information on food and drink
10. Candy freak: a journey through the chocolate underbelly of America.

My favorites were probably consider the fork, white bread, and mastering the art of Soviet cooking. Coffeeland and salt were on the dry side, but still enjoyable reads. I’m fine with more academic reading, but there still needs to be a sensational element… this is still pleasure reading, after all!

Thank you all so much for your time. :)

I have a ton of fiction books on my to-read list for 2021 but I realized that I'm lacking in the nonfiction department. Can anyone give me any recommendations for books? I'm open to any topic, really, though I especially love science-y books. Thanks!

Hi! My fantasy and fiction to-read list is extensive, but my nonfiction list has just about run out! I enjoy reading really niche nonfiction that will teach me strange fun facts. Recent niche nonfiction books I've enjoyed are a history of fisheries and aquaculture, the story of the last corpse exhumed as a vampire in the U.S., and I just ordered one on mycology. Please dump your niche nonfiction book suggestions on me!

Would like to read some first person accounts of climbing a tall snowy mountain

I think Rome is so fascinating and would love to read a really good book about it. I prefer a historical book told like a story but that tries to stick to the facts as much as possible. Non fiction is also fine tho

I’ve been trying to get into nonfiction lately but I don’t know where to start. What are some good nonfiction books that you think everyone should read?

Edit: I can't reply to everyone, but I've read every response and want to say thank you to everyone for the great suggestions!

Just as the title states, I'm looking for any book-length nonfiction works, whether they be conventional books or essay collections or hybrid forms, that somehow integrate critical theory/philosophy texts/theories into the larger narrative(s). I'm in an MFA program myself, and my thesis project is going towards a certain direction that investigates my experiences growing up poor in rural Missouri, particularly from a Marxist and Gothic Marxist perspective. What I've been contemplating a lot lately, however, is how to best assemble this personal, nonfiction diegesis with elements that come from a more theoretical exegesis. How do I introduce theory and theoretical formulations without coming across as overly academic or explicative? How, also, do I introduce concepts that don't otherwise deflate my own prose? I'm also been thinking a lot about formal experimentations. But, I'm really lacking good examples! I've read works like Thalia Field's collection Bird Lovers, Backyard, Ann Boyer's The Undying, and Lauren Slater's Lying -- all of which do interesting things formally and narratively with theory and history, specifically psychology and biology. Please leave any recommendations that you think might help! Whether they be more subtle and conventional nonfiction narratives buttressed by theory, or more weird, heady works that play with form, anything is much appreciated!

I struggle to find “updated” nonfiction books at my local library. I tend to forget, but the year 2000 was a long time ago. We’ve made so many scientific advancements since then. For example, fishkeeping advice from that time rarely touches down on the nitrogen cycle, which hobbyists know today is crucial to keeping fish alive.

Hence, my request. I want to read books on fields/subjects that have progressed substantially since the early 2000s.

Some topics that come to mind are recent findings in general psychology, medical treatments, outer space, sociology, parenting, gender studies, linguistics, animal care, hobbies, etc. I’m open to more.

Basically, what’s the best of what’s new? Is there a book that made you realize a common perception of a subject is no longer accurate?

Edit: I’m noticing quite a few downvotes on thoughtful recommendations and this post. Downvotes aren’t going to diminish my desire to learn, so campaign this anti-intellectual nonsense somewhere else. Thank you to everyone for the suggestions.

Hello:) im planning a vacation with a couple of my friends to europe in a while and im craving a book on someones experience of doing the same. not looking for guides just experiences. Im grateful for any suggestions:) non-fiction is preferred but fiction is okay as well!

(I swear I'm not trying to offend anyone that likes reading pop nonfiction.)

Hi! I'm trying to find nonfiction books that are not purposefully dumbed-down. I feel that most books I've encountered recently (outside actual textbooks) have little to no substance. The pop science ones, for instance, although accurate for the most part, sacrifice so much trying to be simple and "easy-to-understand" that the only value of reading it becomes entertainment. To be clear, I don't think there's something wrong in reading pop nonfiction for entertainment and for picking your curiosity. But we have to recognize that the actual educational value of most of those books are limited.

The thing is that books that don't fit this category are hard to find. Most are probably forgotten on shelves of university book stores. I would appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

By Jan 10, I’m aiming to finish reading and implementing strategies introduced in James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” and Dale Carnegie’s “How to Make Friends and Influence People”. How do you guys make the most of the things you read/learn? Do you take notes on a book, notion, docs, etc. Do you follow any other reddit communities? Any advice is appreciated.

I'm doing research for a project and need some good nonfiction on the topic to read, bonus points if it contains stuff about Penthesilea. Thank you <3

looking for nonfiction that teaches you about something you never realized was so fascinating. narrow focus, really any topic (science, history, etc.—just no philosophy or psychology). something fun, not depressing. some comparable books might be The Book of Eels or Entangled Life

Welcome readers!

This is the voting thread for the best Nonfiction of 2021! From here, you can make nominations, vote, and discuss the best Nonfiction of 2021. Here are the rules:

#Nominations

• Nominations are made by posting a parent comment.

• Parent comments will only be nominations. If you're not making a nomination you must reply to another comment or your comment will be removed.

• All nominations must have been originally published in 2021.

• Please search the thread before making your own nomination. Duplicate nominations will be removed.

#Voting

• Voting will be done using upvotes.

• You can vote for as many books as you'd like.

#Other Stuff

• Nominations will be left open until Sunday January 16 at which point they will be locked, votes counted, and winners announced.

• These threads will be left in contest mode until voting is finished.

• Most importantly, have fun!

Best of 2021 Lists

To remind you of some of the great books that were published this year, here's the /r/Books' Megalist of Best of 2021 Lists

I’ve picked up “I Don’t Want To Talk About It”” by Terrence Real and I’m currently reading through “Complex PTSD” by Pete Walker. It’s a good read with valuable information so far, but I want a book centered around the specific topic of growing up without someone to look up to. I’m 26 and I feel like I’m never going to get over this completely, but maybe a book could possibly help?

I am looking for book suggestions that discuss whether god is a moral being and along those lines, if god deserves our respect. I am not really interested in discussion whether or not a god exists or not, so if it's in a book it should be minimal or something I can skip. Books with heavy focus on the bible or Christian doctrine are okay but I would prefer if it was more general. I don't know much about, philosophy or theological debates, so if you know of terms I should look up feel free to mention.

Edit: Feel free to keep posting suggestions but I've decided to read more about the history of atheism first.

Hello everyone!! I seem to really enjoy nonfiction adventure books, also survival stories! Some examples are The River of Doubt, Dead Wake, Into Thin Air, In the Heart of the Sea. I’m in a reading lull, does anyone have any book suggestions for me? Also would be interested in fiction books along this category. Thanks so much and happy reading!

I am looking for nonfiction books written by people who have attempted suicide or books that discuss the experiences of those who have. I am not interested in other books that involve depression, but having a hard time finding some. If they're from a female author, even better. So far found: Kevin Hines' books, Terry Wise's books, and the Burn Journals by Brent Runyon.

Whoa man. I was enlisted and got out right as she got into the Army, so our timelines don't overlap, but the core of what she wrote was so very exactly the same flavor of Army that I can smell the Army tents while I read her book, even now a quarter century after getting out. But I was not a lot like her; she seems socially competent. Very different people, but with somewhat similar experiences.

I don't know who the target audience is for this book. I think the title might be off putting to folks, but the writing is tight.

I'm having feelings while I read it, like, pit of my stomach feelings about my time in.

Hi all! Happy New Year!

For this year, my husband and I are thinking of reading 12 nonfictions - I mostly read fiction & he don't typically read (kindle hasn't been used in months 🙄)

Do you guys mind giving me recommendations along these themes? We like the themes to switch it up (reading challenge courtesy of Book'd Out). Will also look for lists on Goodreads, but thought to ask here as well.

1. Social History
2. Popular Science
3. Language
4. Medical Memoir
5. Climate/Weather ➡️ How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates (currently reading)
6. Celebrity
7. Reference
8. Geography
9. Companion to a podcast
10. Wild Animals
11. Economics
12. Published in 2022

Thanks!

I just finished a book about a WW2 platoon in Europe and loved following along with their journey on google maps, following their footsteps in a sense. I think part of the fun is 'exploring' a part of the world that I have never experienced, and reading about some event that occurred there. In that vein, I'd love recommendations about any interesting history that happened in the Sahara Desert, or North Africa generally. Please no comprehensive histories, but rather shorter term, more focused stories.

Thanks

Recently, I’ve gotten into writing foreign policy essays (short— think 2000 words), and I’ve had issues with my slow, tedious writing process. I try to write the perfect sentences on my first go through: good sentence structure, style, grammar, idioms, etc. However, this has caused me to linger, and each sentence takes minutes to spit out.

Am I doing this wrong? Should I just write whatever comes to mind for my first draft (with minimal attention to the above characteristics) and refine it on subsequent revisions?

Is anyone familiar with the writing process of column writers, i.e., those that write for foreign affairs magazine, foreign policy, or other think tanks?

Hi, reddit. I've done an AMA around the launch of each of my books since 2012, and here I am again.

I've written several novels, including The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down. Last month, I published The Anthropocene Reviewed. It's my first book of nonfiction--a series of essays reviewing a wide range of topics (from Super Mario Kart to bubonic plague) that is also an attempt to reckon with our strange historical moment, and my personal battle against despair.

Library Journal called the book “essential to the human conversation," and the San Francisco Chronicle called it "a reminder of what it is to feel small and human, in the best possible way." It was also chosen by Amazon as a best book of the year so far, and debuted at #1 on the NYT bestseller list, all of which meant a lot to me because this book is so different from my previous work and I had no idea if people would like it.

What else? With my brother Hank, I co-created several popular YouTube series, including Crash Course and the very long-running vlogbrothers channel. Crash Course is used by more than 70 million students a year.

Other things I work on: The Life's Library Book Club, an online book club of over 9,000 members that reads together and raises money for charity; a multiyear project with Partners in Health to support the strengthening of the healthcare system in Sierra Leone; the long-running podcast Dear Hank and John; and the podcast The Anthropocene Reviewed, which is where the book got its start.

Lastly, I did sign all 250,000 copies of the first printing of The Anthropocene Reviewed book (which took around 480 hours), so if you get the hardcover U.S. edition, it will be signed--at least as long as supplies last.

I read and loved Bad Blood by John Carreyrou. I like nonfiction, but I want it to read like fiction because 1) the author is such an incredible writer; and 2) the story and/or person is stranger/crazier than fiction. I also like biographies, such as Roger Lowenstein's on Warren Buffett. Any suggestions for me?

I'm looking for nonfiction that proposes a hypothesis that goes totally against the grain.

I [33f] recently went on a date with a guy [35m] who seemed cool and that we have a bunch in common. When we started talking about books and what we've been reading, I said I mostly love nonfiction and detailed a few of the books I've recently read about the history of WWII, Churchill, Bad Blood by John Carryrou, American Kingpin by Nick Bilton about the Silk Road, and The Least of Us by Sam Quinones about the fentanyl/P2P meth epidemic.

He seemed put off that I loved nonfiction, made a face with big eyes and a "oh, you're one of those" comment. It got kinda awkward so I just let it lie and we changed the subject to talk about his job.

What are one of those? What does it say about someone if they love nonfiction?

I've read a lot of fiction but lately I just really love well researched nonfiction. Should I not tell dates this?

Thanks for any thoughts!