#NonfictionNovember Wrapup Post

Although this readathon doesn't officially end until the 30th, I know that I will not be reading any nonfiction before then so I am completing my wrap up now.

I was pretty satisfied reading 3 nonfiction books this month.

The Secret by Rhonda Bryne. There is nothing new in this book but I still enjoyed refreshing myself on the concepts behind the law of attraction. Probably would have packed more of a punch if it was not quite as repetitive. A solid 3 out of 5. I liked it.

Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of their Runaway Slave, One Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. This was the History Book Club selection for November. I liked the way she blended her thoughts into what Ona could have been thinking or feeling etc but since it was nonfiction, I wish there was just a bit more to the story. It is really hard to write a book such as this one since there is so very little written documentation. It just wasn't enough to write an entire book around we thought. I gave this one a solid 3 out 5. I liked it.

 Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I am a big fan of several of her shows so I was excited to read this one this month. I thought that it was interesting. I enjoyed her stories but didn't quite buy that she was so uncomfortable with all the attention she gained since she appeared to be such a diva. I thought that she had some really good takeaways...nothing new but a good reminder of things we should already know and practice. 3 out of 5. I liked it.

Nonfiction November Week 4: Nonfiction that Reads Like Fiction

Nonfiction November theme for this week is nonfiction that reads like fiction. You can see what others chose over at What's Nonfiction?

Week 4: (Nov. 19 to 23) – Reads Like Fiction (Rennie @ What’s Nonfiction): Nonfiction books often get praised for how they stack up to fiction. Does it matter to you whether nonfiction reads like a novel? If it does, what gives it that fiction-like feeling? Does it depend on the topic, the writing, the use of certain literary elements and techniques? What are your favorite nonfiction recommendations that read like fiction? And if your nonfiction picks could never be mistaken for novels, what do you love about the differences?

This was an interesting prompt. I love a well written nonfiction book that feels like fiction. This can be a tricky thing for authors to pull off though. I want it to be very fact based without a lot of assumptions from the author. A book that fits this prompt is one that I read just this month.

Our history book club pick, Never Caught: The Washington's Relentless Pursuit of their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge, read very much like fiction. The author did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life. This was a difficult thing to do as so little was recorded about Ona.

Drawing from newspaper ads, interviews and customs of the time, Dunbar did a really good job of fleshing out Ona's world. This isn't a story that I had ever heard before. After reading this, my thoughts on the Washington's have definitely changed.

Nonfiction November Week 2: Pair Ups

Week 2 of Nonfiction November! This week's theme is pair ups. 

Week 2: (Nov. 5 to 9) – Fiction / Nonfiction Book Pairing (Sarah’s Book Shelves): This week, pair up a nonfiction book with a fiction title. It can be a “If you loved this book, read this!” or just two titles that you think would go well together. Maybe it’s a historical novel and you’d like to get the real history by reading a nonfiction version of the story.

One of my favorite things to read about is World War II so I am going to suggest Sons and Soldiers again.  It would pair so well with one of my favorite books of all time - All the Light We Cannot See.  

Reading about this subject isn't always easy but I think that it is important to learn from the past. Both of these books are well written and engaging. 

If you're participating in Nonfiction November, share your link below. I would love to see what you are reading!

Nonfiction November Week 1: My Year in Nonfiction

Nonfiction November is here. Week one is being hosted by Kim at Sophisticated Dorkiness. This week we are talking about my year in nonfiction. 

I am a huge fan of nonfiction and read it quite a bit. This year, so far, I have read:

What was your favorite nonfiction read of the year?

So far, I would have to say that I enjoyed Sons and Soldiers the most. Although it was a heartbreaking read, I found the stories so interesting. We read this one for History Book Club. 

Do you have a particular topic you’ve been attracted to more this year?

I am endeavoring to start a network marketing company so I have been reading about social media marketing quite a lot.

What nonfiction book have you recommended the most?

I don't recommend many books to people. 

What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?

I am hoping to be more aware of what nonfiction I am reading so that I will read a wider variety. As I mentioned above, I have been more interested in business books this year.