As a kid I remember trying to avoid reading nonfiction books. They all seemed rather boring, and if you grew up in the 80s like me I'm sure you remember the rather pathetic nonfiction books we had to pick from.
But as an adult, I can't get enough of nonfiction. Things have certainly changed in the nonfiction book world.
I had a hard time whittling my list down and ended up with eleven amazing nonfiction books that I think any reader would enjoy.
The Teachers: A Year Inside America's Most Vulnerable Important Profession by Alexandra Robbins - as an educator this one was a must-read. Robbins does a great job of giving an inside look at schools today. She writes about three teachers in different schools/grade levels/locations and shares the ins and outs of what their job is really like. Parents should read this one, too...it seems everyone has an opinion about schools but if you haven't spent any time in one aside from your years as a student, this would be a good place to start in forming your opinions instead of relying on your own childhood memories.
In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross- lately I've been getting into true crime and before reading this one I had just a very basic knowledge of the Polly Klaas abduction that occurred in the 1990s. Cross' writing is excellent and she has done a great deal of research about this case, putting every detail and twist and turn into this in-depth look at a heartbreaking crime.
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari- I started this just a week ago and read it overnight. I also dog-eared pages and am purchasing a copy that I can annotate. Hari's research shows how we are losing our ability to focus; how reading on screens isn't helping us retain what we read, how our attention spans have shortened, how technology is affecting us (it's not good), and gives a variety of ways we can try to counteract the negative impact we are seeing. Every teacher and parent should be reading this one.
Unacceptable : Privilege, Deceit and the Making of the College Admissions Scandal by Melissa Korn - I remember watching the news a few years ago as Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin were arrested for their part in paying their daughters way into college. Korn's book is an in-depth look at the admissions scandal and how Rick Singer created a profitable business by promising affluent families he could make their child's college dreams a reality.
While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence by Meg Kissinger - I loved Kissinger's memoir about her large Catholic family that struggled with mental illness. This is a personal story for Kissinger, and she shares her family's private struggles in an effort to help others who are also dealing with mental health issues.
Generations: The Real Difference Between Gen Z, Millenials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents- and What They Mean for America's Future by Jean Twenge - I found this book fascinating as Twenge explores the six different generations that make up our country. Much of our politics, parenting, and beliefs can be credited to the generation we were born in, and I could pick this book up and re-read it and learn something new each time.
Good For a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World by Lauren Fleshman - Fleshman is a decorated runner who shares her own personal story in addition to exploring how females participation and treatment in sports differs from males. Although there are many opportunities for girls in athletics, many drop out as they hit puberty and they see a dip in their performance as they mature. Fleshman addresses that along with mental health struggles, eating disorders, injury - and the idea that we have moved past the era where females should just be happy they can participate. Every parent, educator, coach and athlete needs to read this one.
It. Goes. So. Fast: They Year of No Do-Overs by Mary Louise Kelly - a memoir by a respected NPR and BBC journalist, Kelly shares the last year that her son lived at home before graduating from high school. As a mom who has already sent two children to college, I could appreciate her desire to make every moment count while still juggling her work life.
It Was An Ugly Couch Anyway by Elizabeth Passarella - I loved Passarella's first book, and loved this one, too. In this memoir/essay collection Passarella writes about her family's quest to move to a bigger apartment in the building they already lived in (in NYC), the former home of a hoarder. Things don't go quickly or smoothly as Passarella and her family work through this event.
The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing and Healing by Laura Love Hardin- I think I read this entire book in one sitting; Hardin seems like a normal, suburban mom - and that is what she wanted people to think she was at one point. But she and her husband were opioid addicts. After losing custody of her children and spending time in prison, Laura battles her way back - and eventually becomes a highly paid ghostwriter. Her story is one you won't want to miss.
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant - Grant has written another self-help book, Think Again, that is a best-seller, and his latest one is also excellent. I have dog-eared several portions, read parts aloud to family and friends, and think this is one that most people will find plenty of little nuggets of wisdoms they can apply to their own lives.
Tomorrow I'll be sharing my favorite fiction reads of 2023- and starting my 2024 reading as well!
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