This week's host is Frances at Volatile Reader blog.
The topic is Choosing Nonfiction: There are many topics to choose from when looking for a nonfiction book. For example: Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Travel, Health, Politics, History, Religion and Spirituality, Science, Art, Medicine, Gardening, Food, Business, Education, Music. Maybe use this week to challenge yourself to pick a genre you wouldn’t normally read? Or stick to what you usually like is also fine. If you are a nonfiction genre newbie, did your choice encourage you to read more?
I have to admit that when it comes to nonfiction, I don't often go outside my favorite types: memoir, outdoors/nature, travel, health, and a sprinkling of history.
My current nonfiction on audio is squarely inside my comfort zone, but it's a genre I rarely read: science. I'm thoroughly enjoying listening to Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach. I've been meaning to read one of her books for many years, and I'm so glad I finally got to it. It's absolutely fascinating, hilariously laugh-out-loud funny, and really gross. My husband heard me laughing while I was cooking dinner while camping this week (he was outside grilling), and when he came in for dinner, he asked what was so funny. So I told him, as he looked at me open-mouthed and said, "We're eating dinner!" He has forbid me from sharing any more of the book with him. ha ha
What kinds of nonfiction do you prefer to read?
Can you remember a time when you tried something different? Did you enjoy it?
Let me know in the comments below!
I've only read one Mary Roach, but they are always on topics that sound gross, but turn out to be fascinating. I read Stiff and was impressed with what she does: taking a difficult topic and making it interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes ... and funny! I had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. She definitely has a talent for making science interesting and fun.
DeleteI also like memoirs, travel, and adventure nonfiction, but my favorite is history. I rarely read health books cover to cover, just dive in on a specific topic as needed.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are some books that shouldn't be shared over a meal!!!
I don't read much history, but I enjoy it if it is well-written (I've enjoyed several of Erik Larson's books). History/Social Studies was mu least-favorite class in school and seemed so boring, so I think I am still shaking off that perception! The first time I read a narrative nonfiction history book on my own (or even well-researched historical fiction), I was stunned that I found it so fascinating!
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