NonFiction November: Week 1

It has begun! NonFiction November is finally here. I am so excited!

---

Week 1: (Oct. 28 to Nov. 1) – Your Year in Nonfiction (Julie @ Julz Reads): Take a look back at your year of nonfiction and reflect on the following questions – What was your favorite nonfiction read of the year? Do you have a particular topic you’ve been attracted to more this year? What nonfiction book have you recommended the most? What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?

---

What was My Favorite Nonfiction Read of the Year?

These are all the NonFiction books I read (so far) in 2019. I thought there would be more but I think I kept some back specifically to read this month. My absolutely favorite was Atomic Habits. Whew. That book completely changed the way I think about myself and the habits that build who I am.

---

Do I Have Any Specific Topics That Attracted Me This Year?

There were two guiding things that drew me to nonfiction this year: self-improvement and holes in my knowledge. Each of these books was selected for one of these two reasons.

It is fairly clear which ones are for self-improvement. I am on an ever-changing quest to be the best version of myself. Some of these were better than others and I am certainly sick of the titles which are basically you + curse word.

I picked up Conan Doyle because I have always been curious about the creator of the world’s most famous detective. I want desperately to love Sherlock Holmes but I will admit, the stories bore me to tears. This was an amazing account of the real man though and I really enjoyed the book.

I’m from Springfield but I really didn’t know much about the Simpsons. Springfield Confidential made me finally feel that I could answer questions (questions people constantly ask me) about the show and its connection to my hometown.

Finally, Yes, Please I picked up because Amy Poehler is one of the few famous female comediens that I just haven’t completely embraced. I adore Tiny Fey but for some reason I all but ignored Amy. This book completely altered by perception of her and her comedy and has provided me with my new favorite quote to be used in the countless times I am given advice, “Good for her, not for me.”

Similarly, I don’t understand the Isreal / Palestinian conflict. A friend recommended the book Against Our Better Judgement to grasp the Palestinian perspective. It was interesting but written like a term paper.

---

What Nonfiction Book Have I Recommended the Most?

My most recommended nonfiction will probably always be The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum. But, if I limited myself to this year’s reads I could not stop recommending Atomic Habits. This book really changed the way I look at myself and my habits. Factfulness by Jans Rosling is another that I consistently recommend people read. These two books together made me feel like I was capable of great things while simultaneously trusting that the world wasn’t as awful as it seemed. The pure power of books.

---

What am I Hoping to get out of Participating in Nonfiction November?

I have two main goals for this year. First, I want to see all the glorious books people are reading. Second, I want to prioritize reading nonfiction. I’m keeping it simple!

---

Tell me, please!

What is Your Favorite NonFiction Book?

---