Nonfiction November: My Year in Nonfiction So Far

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It’s Nonfiction November, and that always makes me get all wiggly with excitement.

Plus: the streets around me look like this…

…so what’s not to like about this time of year?

We’re starting the month with a question from Kim of Sophisticated Dorkiness, one of my favorite bloggers. This week, she poses this series of questions…

Your Year in Nonfiction So Far
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?

Favorite of the Year

Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm by Jeanne Marie Laskas

Every time I think of this book, I smile. It’s one of those. A definite comfort read, and especially lovely when times are good.

 

Topic

Memoirs! Oh my goodness… this year, the memoirs. I’ve been vicariously living lots of other people’s lives this year and it’s been a year of personal expansion in all kinds of ways. And reading about people experiencing terrific and terrible things has expanded my worldview. It’s one of many factors that make me feel like I’m becoming my better self.

Here are some of the life stories that have inspired me…

Most Recommended

Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs by Beth Ann Fennelly

It’s short, it’s clever, it’s succinct, it’s personal. It’s quite perfect. If you like tiny snippets of story, memoir in bite-sized pieces, poetic and perfect writing, and humor… this one’s for you.

 

Hopes for Nonfiction November

More great nonfiction recommendations by other bloggers. I can’t wait. Based on last year’s Nonfiction November, I read and enjoyed Sloane Crosley’s I Was Told There’d Be Cake (recommended at Books Are My Favourite and Best) and Michael Strahan’s Wake Up Happy (recommended by Kristilyn at Reading in Winter). I’m excited to learn about great nonfiction books that made other bloggers’ favorites lists.

32 thoughts on “Nonfiction November: My Year in Nonfiction So Far”

  1. Rory

    I’ve heard such great things about Educated, it’s one of the top books to read on my non-fiction list. And Portage sounds right up my alley (and the cover it perfectly retro).

  4. Melissa

    Born a Crime is one of my all-time favorite books! I listened to it on audiobook, but also bought a paperback copy to keep as well. I already have Noah’s second book preordered on Audible, and it doesn’t even come out until May 2019!

  8. Amanda

    I was told there’d be cake has been on my list forever and ever. I need to force myself to put it on my library shelf. I just always forget. I am really curious about West With the Night after reading your review! Even with the uncomfortable sounding parts of reading a book from that time, I think I’m going to have to get my hands on that.

  12. Louise

    I love a memoir too. Heating and Cooling sounds intriguing, and just my thing. I’ve got the audio of Born A Crime ready to go and hoping to listen to it soon.

  14. iliana

    Beautiful shot! I’m excited to join Nonfiction November too. I don’t read a lot of memoirs but some of the ones you mention definitely sound interesting to me. Enjoy your reading month!

  16. Kazen

    Oooo, thank you for reminding me about Heating and Cooling! For some reason I had it in my head that it was micro fiction, not memoir, so I didn’t even realize it would work this month. May your November be full of amazing books! 🙂

    • Unruly Reader

      Kazen — It’ll be perfect for this month! It’s tempting to read it fast because it’s in such bite-sized pieces, but if you can read it slowly I think it’ll be more satisfying. So much to savor in that book. Happy Nonfiction November!

  17. Tina Ristau

    I just reserved a copy of Fifty Acres and a Poodle from the library. I am enjoying your blog which I found through Nonfiction November. I, too, am from Iowa and see lots of similar reading tastes to yours.

  18. Unruly Reader

    Hi, Tina — it’s always great to hear from a fellow Iowan!* I hope you enjoy Fifty Acres as much as I did. (And if you like it, there’s a sequel: The Same Exact Moon)

    *I went to W-SR with a Ristau who was a wrestler. Not-so-common name — any relation? [because all us Iowans know each other : ) ]

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