I am a die-hard fan of fiction. When I go to the library, I head straight for the fiction section. I scan Amazon and book blogs for new books to read. For me, reading is an escape, and fiction is the greatest escape. This is not to say that I don't read nonfiction. I simply don't seek it out as quickly.
I have read and enjoyed several things of the nonfiction variety. But, I don't feel as though I have read enough. I've read biographies and autobiographies. I've read books about food and true crime books. I'm not a total neophyte, but I am definitely not as versed as I should be at 30 years old in the world of nonfiction. Reading M.F.K Fisher's The Art of Eating, has opened my eyes to just how rich nonfiction can be. So, of course I want more.
So, dear readers, I am seeking your advice. Toss some titles my way. I've said it before, and I will say it again; I will read anything once. That's not to say I like everything I read, but I like having the option of liking or disliking something.
What are your favorite nonfiction titles?
Comments (21)
Try this book : 1421 : The Year China Discovered America". It's an interesting piece of non fiction which attempts to prove by mostly circumstantial evidence that China was a great seafaring nation. It links to a lot of other stories about seafaring and mapmaking, and it's very interesting.
I like a bit of non fiction every now and then, I mostly read history and science books.
Posted by Fruey (Let's Have It) | June 4, 2008 9:10 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:10
Try either of Jim Rogers first books, "Adventure Capitalist" is a good start.
Posted by allan | June 4, 2008 9:11 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:11
For a riveting non-fiction read, try "The Fatal Shore" -- a history of Australia -- by Robert Hughes.
Posted by Daniel Barkowitz | June 4, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:13
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Interestingly inspirational read. Soul-searhing non-fiction. Aye, read it if you will mate.
Cheers :)
Posted by moppiedude | June 4, 2008 9:14 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:14
I love Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bordain... and "On Writing" by Stephen King
Posted by EnergyPaws | June 4, 2008 9:16 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:16
"A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers- a young man's surprisingly humourous attempt to bring up his younger brother and explore life after losing both of his parents to cancer. It does exactly what the title says.
Posted by Col79 | June 4, 2008 9:16 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:16
Absolutely American, by Rolling Stone contributing editor David Lipsky. Also, I haven't read it yet but I've heard great things-- Matt Taibbi's Spanking the Donkey. (I think he also worked for RS).
Posted by marjo moore | June 4, 2008 9:17 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:17
I'm reading an Ann Rule book right now. Any I've read have been good so far, but I haven't read them all. I read True Crime sporadically.
Posted by Annalee Blysse | June 4, 2008 9:19 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:19
Funny enough, most of the nonfiction I read is created online. Slashdot would be a favourite title.
Posted by Christopher Trottier | June 4, 2008 9:20 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:20
I just started reading Elbert Hubbard's "Little Journeys to the Homes of" ... Eminent Orators (... is the issue I have. Tells the tales behind all kinds of people that had an impact on their times. Wonderful writing. The series contains titles such as Eminent Painters, Artists, Statesmen, Famous Women, Businessmen, Musicians and so much more. Use Bookfinder.com /Hubbard/Little Journeys or check eBay.
Posted by prying1 | June 4, 2008 9:20 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:20
I used to read non-fiction nonstop. I'm always concerned about people who are bored by nonfiction or claim all nonfiction is boring - real life is often so much more vivid, humorous and weirdly intriguing than any fantesy. Anyway. I liked Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, and And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts. The first one made me laugh and the second one made me cry - read 'em back to back and it should all shake out in the wash.
Posted by Kachina Crowe | June 4, 2008 9:21 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:21
I'm currently reading Whisky Sour by J.A. Konrath. So far it's great and I'd really recommend it to anyone who likes mystery fiction with strong female main characters. Interestingly enough Konrath is a man.
Posted by Janette | June 4, 2008 9:22 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:22
Oopsie- read much? I just saw that you asked for NON-fiction. Well in that case I'm also reading The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman. Although I may not always agree with Friedman's analysis (read that as rarely) he is a compelling writer. I admit that I always read what he writes.
If you have any interest in globalization this book seems to be a good primer. Will I agree with Friedman's conclusions at the end? Probably not but I always respect his opinion.
Posted by Janette | June 4, 2008 9:23 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:23
Most interesting.
Your first comment is credited to me, at my blog.
I did not write it.
I have not read that book.
Perhaps it is one of my students?
For the record I would suggest "Adventure Capitalist" by Jim Rogers.
Posted by allan | June 4, 2008 9:24 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:24
"The Nearest Faraway Place" by the late (great) Timothy White; the best non-fiction tome about the Beach Boys. I always was a fan of TW's writing (and the B. Boys)
Posted by kitty | June 4, 2008 9:25 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:25
Hi -- I am a non-fiction reader, a realist at heart. I am not a professional writer. (I am sure you can tell ;-)) However, I understand why people do not want to read true crime all of the time.
Posted by stebbijo | June 4, 2008 9:26 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:26
I recently came across books by Alex Kava, have so far read all of her books and really enjoy them.
Greg Iles is another author I like.
Posted by Mik | June 4, 2008 9:26 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:26
Oops I should fully wake up before commenting you said non-fiction titles, d'oh! 'scuse me.
Agent 146 by Eric Gimpel is one I just read about a German WWII spy in the US.
Posted by Mik | June 4, 2008 9:27 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:27
Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh - really engaging story and well-written.
Posted by C | June 4, 2008 9:43 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:43
I'm just a random reader wandering by through BlogExplosion, but I wanted to recommend Katherine Ramsland's two books - Piercing the Darkness: Undercover with Vampires in America Today and Ghost(if you're not put off by slightly creepy topics.) I'm not usually much for non-fiction books, but these two books were recommended by a friend, and I found them compelling.
Posted by Lorie | June 4, 2008 9:44 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:44
If you haven't read this already ..
Susan Sontag's 'Against Intepretation'
Collection of essays on literary theory.. written in an accessible yet insightful style. Essential reading yah!
Great site by the way .. keep it up
Posted by Red Elephant | June 4, 2008 9:45 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 21:45