I've had a bit of a slower reading week this week, but a nonfiction I loved is one Katie mentioned too- FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough. I listened to it, Julia Roberts narrates Lisa Marie's parts, Riley narrates her own, and then there's actual audio of Lisa Marie's voice recordings as she was making tapes about her life before her death. She had intended to write a book someday. The entire audio experience enhanced the reading experience for me. I grew up listening to Elvis's records. I have vivid memories of my grandma putting Jailhouse Rock on her record player and my brother and me jumping and dancing on the bed to it. Throughout the years, Lisa Marie was in the news a lot, but I don't think anyone ever really knew the full story or "the truth" if you will and this book gives us so much- I for one always wondered about her marriage to Michael Jackson. I found this to be quite emotional - Lisa Marie's childhood and teenage years combined with the Riley's stories of her family, especially her relationship with her brother, were filled with love and heartbreak. So much of their story is tragic. I didn't expect to cry but as I drove home from my son's I found myself crying in the car without tissue- just an fyi:) I loved this, one of my favorite nonfictions of the year!
I really want to read TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Strout and PRIVATE RITES by Julia Armfield (Dec 3)
I've read some great nonfiction this year, a couple favorites are: WHEN YOU FIND MY BODY by D Dauphinee , THE BACKYARD BIRD CHRONICLES by Amy Tan, and THE SECRET LIVES OF BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS by James Patterson
Unfortunately not much of my reading lately has been memorable. I started THE SURGEON by TESS GERRITSEN yesterday. I read THE SPY COAST earlier this year and I wanted to give her back list a try.
I have BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS on my list. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to TASTE by STANLEY TUCCI a couple of years ago.
And then I’ll start on my end of the year reading which includes every Hallmark Channel type Christmas book I can get my hands and ears on. Thanks Renee.
Between Halloween and November 5, I read three 5⭐️ books. ALL THAT IS MINE I CARRY WITH ME BY WILLIAM LANDAY, A SEASON OF PERFECT HAPPINESS BY MARIBETH FICHER, and THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN BY MARJAN KAMALI. I really do not have a list of books that I want to read by the end of the year. But a few books have popped up that I may push to the top of my TBR. They include, THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON BY ELLEN BAKER, THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY ELLE SHAFAK, COLORED TELEVISION BY DANZY SENNA, THE ANGEL TREE BY LUCINDA FULLER. The first book that I mentioned was compared to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. No doubt this list will change. But definitely am focused on that first book. My current read is THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDRICK FIFE BY ANNA JOHNSTON. I am sure it is going to be a heart warming story but it is too early to tell if it is going to be worthy of a four. Seven star rating. I have no nonfiction books that I’m anxious to read. I do have a list of several on my library wish list That are quite interesting and two numerous to list as I am typing on my phone. Call me strange but I love reading nonfiction books about the afterlife and also books about manifesting. They have been on my list for probably a year. Perhaps I should try manifesting me reading them. Lol happy weekend everyone.
haha you should absolutely try to manifest getting those books read! You're speaking my reading love language with mentioning the afterlife and manifesting, two things I also really love in my reading . I think I have a copy of the Ellen Baker book, if you read it soon let me know if it truly does compare to Water for Elephants and I'll bump that right up my tbr. You had an amazing run of 5 star reads! I'm glad to see you loved The Lion Women, I had planned on reading it then just forgot
I will gather a list of the books that I have on my wish list at the library and send them onto you later. I think that I’m going to read that book that’s compared to water for elephants next so I would definitely will let you know if it’s worth the read. It’s a longer book. I think it’s close to 16 hours.
I am waiting for the Elif Shafak book. So many of the people whose reading tastes and recommendations are good for my style have really enjoyed/loved that book. I ordered it from Blackwell's cause you can get it as a trade paperback now in the UK. I really dislike hardbacks and don't use my Kindle unless forced, so it is a couple weeks wait.
I just finished two great memoirs on audio. The first is Connie by Connie Chung, narrated by the author. I grew up watching Connie Chung on the news and to hear her story was just incredible and very interesting.
I just finished today another memoir today called A Light in the Dark: Surviving Ted Bundy by Kathy Kleiner Rubin and Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, PhD, narrated by Roxana Ortega. The narration is superb. The author survived death three times. She was diagnosed with lupus at 13 and went into kidney failure and was treated with chemotherapy. Then, she survived an attack by Ted Bundy while she slept in bed at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University. I read The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule about Ted Bundy 30 years ago. In A Light in the Dark I learned about a different side to Ted Bundy that contradicts what has been said about him being charming. I read true crime and nonfiction serial killer books, but I have never read a book from a survivor of a serial killer. We also get a front row seat to his execution in the electric chair. I knew he was executed this way, but in this book we get the details and how Bundy was that morning from an observer. After the author survived lupus and Ted Bundy, she then was diagnosed with breast cancer and survived that. This is truly a miraculous story and I recommend it. It has a 4.19 rating on Goodreads and StoryGraph.
That memoir sounds harrowing and also one that I feel like I need to read. I've never heard of it! I did read The Stranger Beside Me. To have survived all of those things- I need to know this lady's story, thanks for sharing this rec
Finishing a Tana French In the Woods right now and listening to The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop. The next nonfiction pick for me will be Corrections in Ink by Keri Blakinger.
In the Woods was a ch a great book. I enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed the characters I did and did not like, the description of the setting, and the writing was so good.
I absolutely love her. I think I would choose The Likeness as my favourite but honestly all of them are excellent! I’m primarily a character driven reader so her character development really resonates with me. As you said both likeable and unlikable characters are well drawn and if not liked at least understood. I also love that I feel like I’m in Ireland when I’m reading her.
I would love to hear which is your favourite if you continue with the Dublin Murder Squad series.
I agree with the feeling of being in Ireland. 2025 will be a special year for me because I’m planning on going there at the end of August. I’m really looking forward to it.
I'm currently reading 'THE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO MURDER' by Beatriz Williams, Karen White, and Lauren Willig. It's a light, fun mystery, and exactly what I need right now.
I read this post this morning — https://jamc.substack.com/p/art-magic-and-friendship-in-kavalier — and now I want to re-read THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY by Michael Chabon before the end of the year. And as a go-along, THE TRICK by Emanuel Bergmann. Both have a warm vibe with high emotional stakes and strong settings. Perfect (for me) for November before I dive into all the Christmas-themed mysteries I like to read in December.
If you want to read some unconventional nonfiction, Dave recommended two illustrated books about walking in Seattle in our podcast today. They're very, very cute, and aside from telling you cool stuff about Seattle, they both drive home the idea that if you open your eyes and your heart, your hometown can become a place of wonder. They're SEATTLE WALK REPORT and SECRET SEATTLE by Susanna Ryan. You can hear him talk about them here: https://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2024-11-08-seattle/
Thank you for these links! I've got your Seattle episode ready to go to listen to this weekend - I LOVE books about walking! And you have my interest piqued with your book mentions above- I'm all about high emotional stakes
I’m making little to no plans before end of year. I really don’t feel like I missed anything critical but I may feel differently in December. We shall see.
As a nonfiction lover I’m always looking for recommendations but here are a few recent recs from me:
Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show by Bethany Joy Lenz
Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
I was just sitting down to make my “before the end of the year list” last weekend and I would really like to read BABEL (I have been intimidated by this one but your recommendation Renee makes it seem achievable 😊) IN MEMORIAM, SAME AS IT EVER WAS, THE BERRYPICKERS, and TOM LAKE
As for non fiction recs I have a few that have stayed with me since I read them years ago. MY LOVELY WIFE INTHE PSYCH WARD. Maybe not the most well written book but definitely memorable. I will say it has been the start of many good conversations (“what would you do if…?”) and I think of it often. This one comes up whenever I talk with anyone about the books that have scared me the most. I would highly recommend AMERICAN KINGPIN: THE EPIC HUNT FOR the CRIMINAL MASTERMIND BEHIND THE SILK ROAD. Fast pace, page turning and incredible story. Lastly THE CRANE WIFE: A MEMOIR IN ESSAYS. I gave all of these 5 stars.
Currently I am reading : THE SHRED SISTERS, DEAR SISTER: A MEMOIR OF SECRETS, SURVIVAL, AND UNBREAKABLE BONDS and listening to THE UNWILLING. I’m enjoying all of them even though I’m still in the beginning of all of them.
Babel is a bit on the long side but yes it's achievable and I was intimidated by it too. Same with The Goldfinch. Thanks for these nonfiction recs, the only one I've heard of is The Crane Wife - American Kingpin sounds right up my alley, I'm going to grab that on Libby
I have so many books I’d like to read before the end of the year, haha! I don’t have a specific list so I can lean into whatever mood I’m feeling at the moment. As far as current reads, I just started THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt.
I’ve put my nonfiction recs below:
• LETS PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED by Jenny Lawson
Good for you! You're on track to complete your 10 before the end- I think I'd have more of a chance of success if I did 5 before the end, I swear as soon as I set a goal with a specific number of books and titles my mood ends up taking me somewhere else
I started "Five Before the Finale" last year, and I created my list a couple of weeks ago. On it are:
The Safekeep- Read
Private Rites- own, from Blackwells and should read it this month
The New Menopause- on hold on audio
Becoming Mrs. Lewis- easily gotten backlist that's been on my TBR forever
The History of Sound- have had on old FOREVER and I don't think I'll get it before the end of the year : (
Recent non-fiction I've really enjoyed: From Here to the Great Unknown which I also loved. I felt like Riley Keough did a beautiful job of making her mother really seen as a 3 dimensional human being. It was so deeply sad to me. I also loved Ina Garten's memoir. Her narration and story were so soothing and enjoyable to me. Just lovely.
I'm currently reading The Need by Helen Phillips. I'm not really sure what's going on but it's impressing the hell out of me. I just finished The Versions of Us on audio which was just okay for me until the last 20%- then it gave a super strong finish. I'm also halfway through What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci.
I love how organized you are! I just mentioned in another comment that I think I'd do better with a 5 before the end list- let me know if you do start Private Rites, I also have it from Blackwell's and want to read it before the end of the year
I just finished Libby, Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth. It was really delightful but check wherever you check for triggers warnings cause they abound. Not sure if listing them might not spoil plot points. I think it fits quite well into UpLit or Healing Fiction. I laughed out loud and smiled most of the way through...when I wasn't sobbing!
For NF suggestions: I just pre-ordered the Cher memoir on audio. I am a Cher girlie and she narrates parts-I love her deep, almost growly voice. Playing Believe in the car at volume always cheers me up and Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves started my lifelong interest in 7th grade in the Romany people. Really looking forward to it. But for some recommendations that I have read: All That She Carried (The Journey of Ashlee's Sack) by Tyra Miles; Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacoal in Many Lands by Mary Seacoal (Everyone knows about Florence Nightingale but not as many of us know about Mary. Let's change that); City Limits-Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of American Highways-Megan Kimble (I couldn't have been more surprised that I loved this. Wow! What a mess we have created.); if you like Salman Rushdie, you must read his memoir about the almost fatal attack on his life, Knife. It was harrowing. And Rushdie reads the audio himself; Tits Up by Sarah Thornton (yes, it's a whole book about breasts and it is both riveting, funny, maddening and enlightening); Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg; The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop (this book was my happy place during all the tumult occurring in our world this week. I have seen exactly 1 episode of Gilmore Girls and still loved it.). And some amazing NF in translation: A History of Women in 101 Objects by Annabelle Hirsch; The Autists -Women on the Sprectrum by Clara Tornvall; and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson; and if you have not read Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon, I say what are you waiting for? It is long but so smartly written and interesting. It can be your next slow but steady.
I would've said I don't read much NF but this year, that would've been wrong. I read several more that were just 3 stars. All that I recommended were at least 4 stars and the majority were 4.5 or 5.
Enjoy your the holidays and your reading time this month!
Thank you for all those nonfiction recs! Tits Up is one of the best titles ever. I'm so curious about Cher's memoir- will you let us know how it is after you read it? I love love love her song Believe- that's one of those songs that stands the test of time and makes me feel good every time I hear it
Thank you for these! I’ve heard of the Ann Patchett but haven’t read it and I love nature writing so will check out the Living Mountain which I haven’t heard of
Nothing on the TBR list that can’t wait until 2025 (yes glare at me TBR but wait in line!) I do have a few books languishing on the currently reading shelf. So, grand gesture, I WILL finish Radical Help by Hilary Cottam I have enjoyed this sharing of her work creating more impactful ways of delivering social care. I think I have learnt I enjoy listening to non fiction more than reading it.
Other non fiction I enjoyed this years was Her Husband: Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath--A Marriage by Diane Middlebrook which sent my down other rabbit holes and increased the TBR list. I have also just started reading Wintering by Katherine May.
I’m continuing with my year long read of War and Peace and the Cromwell trilogy as with many historical based works knowing what is going to happen doesn’t make it any easier or my muttering be careful Thomas isn’t going to change anything!
Going down bookish Rabbit holes are something I love to do and it always increases my tbr:) I'm determined to actually finish Wintering this winter, I started it late last winter and then wasn't done when by spring and set is aside. I really liked it though
I’m new to Substack and for some reason I can only see the first line of your reply! Can’t work out how to expand … anyway I think you’re asking for my favourite KM - I loved Wintering, it really resonated - I think the timing was perfect for me. Electricity is also very very interesting and worth reading - again maybe certain circumstances or timing can help books like these land.
Thanks! I haven’t had that issue with comments happen so I don’t have any advice for you- if you continue having trouble the substack help area in your settings might be able to give you suggestions
My nonfiction recommendation is THE WIVES by Simone Gorrindo. I enjoyed this debut memoir and learning about the lives of military wives and also their husbands. The training for the men is so severe, and I came away with a new respect for military men. I also especially liked reading about the daily lives of the wives as they bonded together and supported each other. The writing is good, and I was engaged from start to finish.
For my end of year reading, I would like to read BEAR by Julia Phillips, WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE RIVER by Shannon Bowring, and SWIMMING LESSONS by Claire Fuller.
I am currently listening to HOW TO READ A BOOK by Monica Wood and enjoying it. Thanks, Renee for recommending this one!
thank you for the nonfiction rec- I know The Wives got great reviews but I forgot to put it on my tbr- it does sound super interesting. I'm very happy you're enjoying How to Read a Book!! I thought Bear was one of the more thought provoking reads I've read this year- if you read it let's discuss:) And I LOVED Swimming Lessons!!
I've had a bit of a slower reading week this week, but a nonfiction I loved is one Katie mentioned too- FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough. I listened to it, Julia Roberts narrates Lisa Marie's parts, Riley narrates her own, and then there's actual audio of Lisa Marie's voice recordings as she was making tapes about her life before her death. She had intended to write a book someday. The entire audio experience enhanced the reading experience for me. I grew up listening to Elvis's records. I have vivid memories of my grandma putting Jailhouse Rock on her record player and my brother and me jumping and dancing on the bed to it. Throughout the years, Lisa Marie was in the news a lot, but I don't think anyone ever really knew the full story or "the truth" if you will and this book gives us so much- I for one always wondered about her marriage to Michael Jackson. I found this to be quite emotional - Lisa Marie's childhood and teenage years combined with the Riley's stories of her family, especially her relationship with her brother, were filled with love and heartbreak. So much of their story is tragic. I didn't expect to cry but as I drove home from my son's I found myself crying in the car without tissue- just an fyi:) I loved this, one of my favorite nonfictions of the year!
I really want to read TELL ME EVERYTHING by Elizabeth Strout and PRIVATE RITES by Julia Armfield (Dec 3)
I've read some great nonfiction this year, a couple favorites are: WHEN YOU FIND MY BODY by D Dauphinee , THE BACKYARD BIRD CHRONICLES by Amy Tan, and THE SECRET LIVES OF BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS by James Patterson
Looking forward to your thoughts on Private Rites! x
Unfortunately not much of my reading lately has been memorable. I started THE SURGEON by TESS GERRITSEN yesterday. I read THE SPY COAST earlier this year and I wanted to give her back list a try.
I have BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS on my list. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to TASTE by STANLEY TUCCI a couple of years ago.
And then I’ll start on my end of the year reading which includes every Hallmark Channel type Christmas book I can get my hands and ears on. Thanks Renee.
I love that- "hallmark channel type of Christmas book" - I hope you'll share some of them here as you read them:)
I am admitting that I also enjoy Hallmark ❤️
I’ll be doing the same in regards to the Hallmark Channel Christmas books!!
Between Halloween and November 5, I read three 5⭐️ books. ALL THAT IS MINE I CARRY WITH ME BY WILLIAM LANDAY, A SEASON OF PERFECT HAPPINESS BY MARIBETH FICHER, and THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN BY MARJAN KAMALI. I really do not have a list of books that I want to read by the end of the year. But a few books have popped up that I may push to the top of my TBR. They include, THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON BY ELLEN BAKER, THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY ELLE SHAFAK, COLORED TELEVISION BY DANZY SENNA, THE ANGEL TREE BY LUCINDA FULLER. The first book that I mentioned was compared to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. No doubt this list will change. But definitely am focused on that first book. My current read is THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDRICK FIFE BY ANNA JOHNSTON. I am sure it is going to be a heart warming story but it is too early to tell if it is going to be worthy of a four. Seven star rating. I have no nonfiction books that I’m anxious to read. I do have a list of several on my library wish list That are quite interesting and two numerous to list as I am typing on my phone. Call me strange but I love reading nonfiction books about the afterlife and also books about manifesting. They have been on my list for probably a year. Perhaps I should try manifesting me reading them. Lol happy weekend everyone.
haha you should absolutely try to manifest getting those books read! You're speaking my reading love language with mentioning the afterlife and manifesting, two things I also really love in my reading . I think I have a copy of the Ellen Baker book, if you read it soon let me know if it truly does compare to Water for Elephants and I'll bump that right up my tbr. You had an amazing run of 5 star reads! I'm glad to see you loved The Lion Women, I had planned on reading it then just forgot
I will gather a list of the books that I have on my wish list at the library and send them onto you later. I think that I’m going to read that book that’s compared to water for elephants next so I would definitely will let you know if it’s worth the read. It’s a longer book. I think it’s close to 16 hours.
I am waiting for the Elif Shafak book. So many of the people whose reading tastes and recommendations are good for my style have really enjoyed/loved that book. I ordered it from Blackwell's cause you can get it as a trade paperback now in the UK. I really dislike hardbacks and don't use my Kindle unless forced, so it is a couple weeks wait.
I'm not crazy about hardbacks either
I loved the William Landau and Ficher books. I do want to try the Kamali at some point.
Oops Landay
I just finished two great memoirs on audio. The first is Connie by Connie Chung, narrated by the author. I grew up watching Connie Chung on the news and to hear her story was just incredible and very interesting.
I just finished today another memoir today called A Light in the Dark: Surviving Ted Bundy by Kathy Kleiner Rubin and Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, PhD, narrated by Roxana Ortega. The narration is superb. The author survived death three times. She was diagnosed with lupus at 13 and went into kidney failure and was treated with chemotherapy. Then, she survived an attack by Ted Bundy while she slept in bed at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University. I read The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule about Ted Bundy 30 years ago. In A Light in the Dark I learned about a different side to Ted Bundy that contradicts what has been said about him being charming. I read true crime and nonfiction serial killer books, but I have never read a book from a survivor of a serial killer. We also get a front row seat to his execution in the electric chair. I knew he was executed this way, but in this book we get the details and how Bundy was that morning from an observer. After the author survived lupus and Ted Bundy, she then was diagnosed with breast cancer and survived that. This is truly a miraculous story and I recommend it. It has a 4.19 rating on Goodreads and StoryGraph.
Wow! Adding to my tbr.
me too!
That memoir sounds harrowing and also one that I feel like I need to read. I've never heard of it! I did read The Stranger Beside Me. To have survived all of those things- I need to know this lady's story, thanks for sharing this rec
Wow. Thanks for sharing about these.
Finishing a Tana French In the Woods right now and listening to The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop. The next nonfiction pick for me will be Corrections in Ink by Keri Blakinger.
I've enjoyed every Tana French I've read but In the Woods will forever be my favorite!
In the Woods was a ch a great book. I enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed the characters I did and did not like, the description of the setting, and the writing was so good.
I’m still reading it. It is so good! 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed Corrections in Ink and hope you do too.
Thanks. I’ll get back to you and let you know
Oh Tana French! ❤️❤️
Do you like her novels?
I absolutely love her. I think I would choose The Likeness as my favourite but honestly all of them are excellent! I’m primarily a character driven reader so her character development really resonates with me. As you said both likeable and unlikable characters are well drawn and if not liked at least understood. I also love that I feel like I’m in Ireland when I’m reading her.
I would love to hear which is your favourite if you continue with the Dublin Murder Squad series.
The Likeness is one I still need to read! My favs are Faithful Place and The Trespasser
I agree with the feeling of being in Ireland. 2025 will be a special year for me because I’m planning on going there at the end of August. I’m really looking forward to it.
Jealous ( in a kind way lol). That is a bucket list trip for sure!
It is time for me during my retirement. Bucket list here I come. 🥰
A new author for me to read but not unknown. Many many people have told me they enjoyed her books. The characters are so well crafted
Hello, it's Mel!
I'm currently reading 'THE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO MURDER' by Beatriz Williams, Karen White, and Lauren Willig. It's a light, fun mystery, and exactly what I need right now.
I read this post this morning — https://jamc.substack.com/p/art-magic-and-friendship-in-kavalier — and now I want to re-read THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY by Michael Chabon before the end of the year. And as a go-along, THE TRICK by Emanuel Bergmann. Both have a warm vibe with high emotional stakes and strong settings. Perfect (for me) for November before I dive into all the Christmas-themed mysteries I like to read in December.
If you want to read some unconventional nonfiction, Dave recommended two illustrated books about walking in Seattle in our podcast today. They're very, very cute, and aside from telling you cool stuff about Seattle, they both drive home the idea that if you open your eyes and your heart, your hometown can become a place of wonder. They're SEATTLE WALK REPORT and SECRET SEATTLE by Susanna Ryan. You can hear him talk about them here: https://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2024-11-08-seattle/
Thank you for these links! I've got your Seattle episode ready to go to listen to this weekend - I LOVE books about walking! And you have my interest piqued with your book mentions above- I'm all about high emotional stakes
I’m making little to no plans before end of year. I really don’t feel like I missed anything critical but I may feel differently in December. We shall see.
As a nonfiction lover I’m always looking for recommendations but here are a few recent recs from me:
Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show by Bethany Joy Lenz
Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
The Sing Sing Files by Dan Slepian
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Glad we could talk about Here to the Great Unknown - and thanks for the Sing Sing reminder👍🏻
Yes! Don't forget Sing Sing. Lots of great nonfiction for you to get to this month.
I was just sitting down to make my “before the end of the year list” last weekend and I would really like to read BABEL (I have been intimidated by this one but your recommendation Renee makes it seem achievable 😊) IN MEMORIAM, SAME AS IT EVER WAS, THE BERRYPICKERS, and TOM LAKE
As for non fiction recs I have a few that have stayed with me since I read them years ago. MY LOVELY WIFE INTHE PSYCH WARD. Maybe not the most well written book but definitely memorable. I will say it has been the start of many good conversations (“what would you do if…?”) and I think of it often. This one comes up whenever I talk with anyone about the books that have scared me the most. I would highly recommend AMERICAN KINGPIN: THE EPIC HUNT FOR the CRIMINAL MASTERMIND BEHIND THE SILK ROAD. Fast pace, page turning and incredible story. Lastly THE CRANE WIFE: A MEMOIR IN ESSAYS. I gave all of these 5 stars.
Currently I am reading : THE SHRED SISTERS, DEAR SISTER: A MEMOIR OF SECRETS, SURVIVAL, AND UNBREAKABLE BONDS and listening to THE UNWILLING. I’m enjoying all of them even though I’m still in the beginning of all of them.
Babel is a bit on the long side but yes it's achievable and I was intimidated by it too. Same with The Goldfinch. Thanks for these nonfiction recs, the only one I've heard of is The Crane Wife - American Kingpin sounds right up my alley, I'm going to grab that on Libby
I also highly recommend Babel. It was excellent on audio as well.
I have so many books I’d like to read before the end of the year, haha! I don’t have a specific list so I can lean into whatever mood I’m feeling at the moment. As far as current reads, I just started THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt.
I’ve put my nonfiction recs below:
• LETS PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED by Jenny Lawson
• THE ART THIEF by Michael Finkel
• BURN IT DOWN by Maureen Ryan
• PERSEPOLIS by Marjane Satrapi
• THE COMFORT OF CROWS by Margaret Renkl
I hope you enjoy The Goldfinch! I have heard The Comfort of Crows is so good- and I bought a copy just haven't got to it yet
I loved it! She inspired me to create a backyard journal of the creatures and plants that live there.
I love that! We have a family of rabbits in our backyard as well as regular deer who hang out
You should start Comfort of Crows on the first week of winter!
Thanks for mentioning that. I enjoy seasonal reading
Jenny Lawson is pretty darn funny!
A new one coming out next year too I think ❤️
Agreed!!
Looking forward the reading THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES and THE HUSBANDS
I’m listening to The Barn and reading Olive Days. I have read 2 books from my 10 Before the End stack, hoping to tackle more soon :)
Good for you! You're on track to complete your 10 before the end- I think I'd have more of a chance of success if I did 5 before the end, I swear as soon as I set a goal with a specific number of books and titles my mood ends up taking me somewhere else
I started "Five Before the Finale" last year, and I created my list a couple of weeks ago. On it are:
The Safekeep- Read
Private Rites- own, from Blackwells and should read it this month
The New Menopause- on hold on audio
Becoming Mrs. Lewis- easily gotten backlist that's been on my TBR forever
The History of Sound- have had on old FOREVER and I don't think I'll get it before the end of the year : (
Recent non-fiction I've really enjoyed: From Here to the Great Unknown which I also loved. I felt like Riley Keough did a beautiful job of making her mother really seen as a 3 dimensional human being. It was so deeply sad to me. I also loved Ina Garten's memoir. Her narration and story were so soothing and enjoyable to me. Just lovely.
I'm currently reading The Need by Helen Phillips. I'm not really sure what's going on but it's impressing the hell out of me. I just finished The Versions of Us on audio which was just okay for me until the last 20%- then it gave a super strong finish. I'm also halfway through What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci.
I love how organized you are! I just mentioned in another comment that I think I'd do better with a 5 before the end list- let me know if you do start Private Rites, I also have it from Blackwell's and want to read it before the end of the year
I just finished Libby, Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth. It was really delightful but check wherever you check for triggers warnings cause they abound. Not sure if listing them might not spoil plot points. I think it fits quite well into UpLit or Healing Fiction. I laughed out loud and smiled most of the way through...when I wasn't sobbing!
For NF suggestions: I just pre-ordered the Cher memoir on audio. I am a Cher girlie and she narrates parts-I love her deep, almost growly voice. Playing Believe in the car at volume always cheers me up and Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves started my lifelong interest in 7th grade in the Romany people. Really looking forward to it. But for some recommendations that I have read: All That She Carried (The Journey of Ashlee's Sack) by Tyra Miles; Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacoal in Many Lands by Mary Seacoal (Everyone knows about Florence Nightingale but not as many of us know about Mary. Let's change that); City Limits-Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of American Highways-Megan Kimble (I couldn't have been more surprised that I loved this. Wow! What a mess we have created.); if you like Salman Rushdie, you must read his memoir about the almost fatal attack on his life, Knife. It was harrowing. And Rushdie reads the audio himself; Tits Up by Sarah Thornton (yes, it's a whole book about breasts and it is both riveting, funny, maddening and enlightening); Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg; The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop (this book was my happy place during all the tumult occurring in our world this week. I have seen exactly 1 episode of Gilmore Girls and still loved it.). And some amazing NF in translation: A History of Women in 101 Objects by Annabelle Hirsch; The Autists -Women on the Sprectrum by Clara Tornvall; and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson; and if you have not read Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon, I say what are you waiting for? It is long but so smartly written and interesting. It can be your next slow but steady.
I would've said I don't read much NF but this year, that would've been wrong. I read several more that were just 3 stars. All that I recommended were at least 4 stars and the majority were 4.5 or 5.
Enjoy your the holidays and your reading time this month!
I will let you know. Fingers crossed that’s it well done and she spills a lot of tea!🍵 🙈
Oh absolutely fingers crossed for overflowing tea!!!
Thank you for all those nonfiction recs! Tits Up is one of the best titles ever. I'm so curious about Cher's memoir- will you let us know how it is after you read it? I love love love her song Believe- that's one of those songs that stands the test of time and makes me feel good every time I hear it
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett is a wonderful collection of essays - heartfelt, funny & inspiring.
Devorgilla Days by Kathleen Hart for a moving memoir about overcoming midlife challenges with wild Scottish scenery and cold water swimming.
The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd for beautiful, gentle nature writing.
I can’t not mention Gift From the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh.
Thank you for these! I’ve heard of the Ann Patchett but haven’t read it and I love nature writing so will check out the Living Mountain which I haven’t heard of
Again, I can only see the first line of your comment! I’m sure I’ll work it out. I have so many nature writing recs… Barry Lopez springs to mind!
Nothing on the TBR list that can’t wait until 2025 (yes glare at me TBR but wait in line!) I do have a few books languishing on the currently reading shelf. So, grand gesture, I WILL finish Radical Help by Hilary Cottam I have enjoyed this sharing of her work creating more impactful ways of delivering social care. I think I have learnt I enjoy listening to non fiction more than reading it.
Other non fiction I enjoyed this years was Her Husband: Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath--A Marriage by Diane Middlebrook which sent my down other rabbit holes and increased the TBR list. I have also just started reading Wintering by Katherine May.
I’m continuing with my year long read of War and Peace and the Cromwell trilogy as with many historical based works knowing what is going to happen doesn’t make it any easier or my muttering be careful Thomas isn’t going to change anything!
Going down bookish Rabbit holes are something I love to do and it always increases my tbr:) I'm determined to actually finish Wintering this winter, I started it late last winter and then wasn't done when by spring and set is aside. I really liked it though
Wintering is wonderful, actually I enjoyed all of Katherine May’s books (her Substack is great too)
I subscribe to her Substack too! Do you have a very favorite book of the ones you've read by her?
I’m new to Substack and for some reason I can only see the first line of your reply! Can’t work out how to expand … anyway I think you’re asking for my favourite KM - I loved Wintering, it really resonated - I think the timing was perfect for me. Electricity is also very very interesting and worth reading - again maybe certain circumstances or timing can help books like these land.
Thanks! I haven’t had that issue with comments happen so I don’t have any advice for you- if you continue having trouble the substack help area in your settings might be able to give you suggestions
My nonfiction recommendation is THE WIVES by Simone Gorrindo. I enjoyed this debut memoir and learning about the lives of military wives and also their husbands. The training for the men is so severe, and I came away with a new respect for military men. I also especially liked reading about the daily lives of the wives as they bonded together and supported each other. The writing is good, and I was engaged from start to finish.
For my end of year reading, I would like to read BEAR by Julia Phillips, WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE RIVER by Shannon Bowring, and SWIMMING LESSONS by Claire Fuller.
I am currently listening to HOW TO READ A BOOK by Monica Wood and enjoying it. Thanks, Renee for recommending this one!
thank you for the nonfiction rec- I know The Wives got great reviews but I forgot to put it on my tbr- it does sound super interesting. I'm very happy you're enjoying How to Read a Book!! I thought Bear was one of the more thought provoking reads I've read this year- if you read it let's discuss:) And I LOVED Swimming Lessons!!
I’ve thought about reading THE BEAR. Read mostly audiobooks. Hope it is enjoyable for listening. Sounds like a unique story
I do think the audio is pretty good