Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Nonfiction November - Choosing Nonfiction


This weeks Nonfiction November is hosted by Rachel at Hibernators Library.


What are you looking for when you pick up a nonfiction book?

~ Honestly? I like to learn about new things or learn more about subjects that I am interested in. I find I enjoy narrative nonfiction more than drier stuff, but that doesn't mean I won't try something that interests me regardless of the writing style. I also like an original approach. I have read a lot of books about Canadian history, but even though The Promise of Canada covered topics I was familiar with, for example, it was done in an original way.

Do you have a particular topic you’re attracted to?

~ I find that if I browse my shelves or my wish list, I typically read books on the history of Canada and books about World War II. Canadian history has not been perfect, but I enjoy going back and seeing where we came from and how we have progressed. And, then, I thought I felt the same way about World War II, but recent events have me rethinking my thoughts that people had learned from those experiences... I will also read memoirs if I have an interest in the person. And, I just like history in general. Oh, and books about books will catch my eye as well.


Do you have a particular writing style that works best?

~ I like nonfiction that reads like a novel. I like when the author works their own experiences into the narrative while also talking about the larger issue. I find that makes it easier to relate to the subject matter. I also like when a writer is funny. That doesn't necessarily mean a comedian memoir, but like Mary Roach, for example. 

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.

~ Titles and covers always catch my eye. Like this for example. I would have read it anyway, but the title is fun and reminds me of the movie, so it makes it that extra special and noticeable. I like the cover, too.

9 comments:

  1. I've been trying to read more non-fiction this year and haven't done too badly with about a quarter of my books this year being that. Have fun!

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  2. Bill Bryson is another great nonfiction writer who is funny.

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  3. I like these things too. Funny always helps harder topics stick with me.

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  4. I should really read As You Wish, it seems popular.

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  5. Sounds like we like the same type of writing when it comes to nonfiction. Wish I could find more authors like Mary Roach. Think I'll take Lory's advice above and try something by Bill Bryson... can't believe I haven't read him yet.

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  6. I'm with you, I enjoy nonfiction when it feels like a novel. That is a great cover for As You Wish. I haven't read any nonfiction in a while and really should add a title to my current reads.

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  7. Mary Roach is great! Seconding Lory's recommendation of Bill Bryson, though TBH I have to be in the right mood for his books. And maybe try Jenny Lawson?

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  8. It seems a lot of us like books about books. I guess that kinda makes sense!

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  9. I love love love love learning about new topics -- if I only could transmit all information from all nonfiction books straight into my head, that'd be just swell. There aren't nearly enough hours in the day to match how many nonfiction books I want to read.

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