Must Read Backlist Books!
Backlist Nonfiction- Fiction Book Pairings Including: Undercover Drama & Suspense, Scandals of Disgraced Sports Stars, and Pop Culture + Juicy Celebrity Gossip
Hello!
Hope you’re having a good week! I’m going with a bit of a theme in today’s post- backlist nonfiction- fiction book pairings. I had a lot of fun putting these pairings together and I think they go together so well that if you read one and enjoy it, you’re likely to also enjoy the other one. I tried to put books together that have similar themes and tones, characters who could be in conversation together, and/or settings in common. I still have plenty more pairings so I’ll be sharing even more in the future!
UNDERCOVER DRAMA & SUSPENSEÂ
I love books detailing the world of undercover cops or agents of some kind. When I came across American Radical: Inside the World of An Undercover Muslim FBI Agent by Tamer Elnoury I knew I’d love it and I did. In fact, it’s one of my favorite non-fiction reads ever. Filled with suspense and intrigue, I often had to remind myself that it was all true (it reads like the best fiction)…which was scary, actually, considering it’s about terrorism against Americans.Â
Sirens by Joseph Knox focuses on a very flawed undercover detective and was itself a page turner. The story is edgy, realistic and full of dark, descending clouds of corruption, murder, and lies. This is a truly commanding and dynamic work of crime fiction. I especially loved that there were TWO well plotted mysteries I couldn’t solve in this story!
THE DRAMA & SCANDAL OF DISGRACED SPORTS STARSÂ
I absolutely binged Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict. The author, a well known journalist, took a story I thought I knew and really dissected, investigated, and offered a riveting account of the rise and fall of Tiger Woods. I loved it! Side note: you do not have to enjoy golf to enjoy this book, but if you do I predict you’ll love this. This would also be a great pairing with the recent behind the scenes Netflix documentary Full Swing- I highly recommend it!
In Play Dirty , Griff Burkett is a disgraced former Cowboys quarterback who gets involved with a wealthy Texas couple. What follows after he agrees to a rather unconventional agreement with them involves secrecy and murder. I think this would make a great book to toss in your pool or beach bag this summer!
POP CULTURE + JUICY CELEBRITY GOSSIP
I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual by Luvvie Ajayi. I listened to this, the author narrates and she was so engaging and quick witted. This book is her humorous essays that dissect our cultural obsessions and call out bad behavior in our increasingly digital, connected lives. It passes on lessons and side-eyes on life, social media, culture, and fame, from addressing those terrible friends we all have to serious discussions of race and media representation. Luvvie is a tell it to you straight lady and this audio felt like sitting down and having a great conversation with a smart friend.
According to a Source by Abby Stern was the absolute perfect book to listen to because the narrator, Therese Plummer, was fantastic and the story was downright addictive and fun. I have ALWAYS wondered who those "sources" were whenever I've read something that says " a source confirms or a source witnessed." What I really loved was trying to pair celebrities to their descriptions in the book. You see, no real names are used, rather, celebrities are referred to as "Former A list hot mess actress," "Not so innocent over sexualized pop star," "Sexy Indie Film actor, "Southern Girl Next Door movie star" and many more. This was just plain fun trying to figure out who they were. Add to that the behind the scenes juicy details of the inner workings of the Chateau Marmot and I couldn't stop listening to this book. Another book that would make a great summer read!
Happy Reading!