We are entering into week 2 (4-8/11) of the Nonfiction November challenge. Hosting this week is Frances at Volatile Rune. This week's theme is about how we choose the nonfiction we want to read.
What are you looking for when you pick up a nonfiction book?
I am looking for something to learn. Reading nonfiction is a little bit like studying something, but more relaxing. You don't need to do a test at the end of the session.
Do you have a particular topic you’re attracted to?
I mostly read about history which is one of my biggest interests. However, I would also find books on literature, biographies, memoirs, cook books (although to be careful not to read them while you are hungry), travel books and books about your mental, inner health.
Do you have a particular writing style that works best?
I love when they are written like a fiction book. They should not be too academic, although, of course, be based on such studies.
When you look at a nonfiction book, does the title or cover influence you? If so, share a title or cover which you find striking.
Mostly I look for the title, or in principal, what the book is about. The topic would be what makes me choose a specific book. I am currently reading Seneca's On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use, in Swedish and it happens to have a striking cover.
These are my thoughs about reading nonfiction. I mostly read about history, but think I should widen my horizon a little bit. I therefore added a few other topics for this year's nonfiction challenge. Of course a few history books as well.
Evolution
Bojs, Karin - Min europeiska familj, De senaste 54000 åren (My European family, the last 54000 years)
Desmond/Moore, Adrian/James - Darwin's Sacred Cause, Race, Slavery and the quest for Human Origins
Biography
Coote, Stephen - John Keats - A Life
Lee, Hermione - Edith Wharton
History
Banning, Tim - The Pursuit of Glory - The Five Revolutions that made Modern Europe 1648-1815
Wesseling, Henk, Imperiernas tid 1815-1919 (Europa's koloniale eeuw. De koloniale rijken in de negentiende eeuw, 1815-1919) Time of Empires
Diverse
Radden Keefe, Patrick - Empire of Pain
Strindberg, August - En dåres försvarstal (Le Plaidoyer d'un fou/the Defence of a Fool) a sort of memoir
Walker, Matthew - Why we sleep - unlocking the power of sleep and dreams - I hope this one will make me sleep better.
Oh I've had Darwin's Sacred Cause on my list! What do you think of it?
What a cover on Seneca's book! And what an intriguing title.
I love Edith Wharton! I agree, narrative nonfiction is so enjoyable to consume.
I would love to read both the John Keats and Edith Wharton bios. I am a long-time fan of Keats and Wharton really has an interesting life story.
I've always loved learning about history, and I enjoy narrative nonfiction, too - it proves that nonfiction doesn't have to be dry!