I figured I should do at least one post for Nonfiction November before November becomes December.
So, I am combining some of the prompts into one sort of comprehensive post.
Here's what I read or in the midst of reading:
History
- John Adams, by David McCullough - a reread about my favorite founding father
- Paired with The Ninth Daughter, by Barbara Hamilton - Abigail Adams solves a murder mystery in 1773
- A Field Guide to Gettysburg: Experiencing the Battlefield through Its History, Places, and People, by Tom Vossler - really helped me get a handle on what I wanted to focus on during our October visit
- The Battle of Gettysburg, by Bruce Catton - excellent review of this decisive battle
- Paired with Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara, reread in Jan 2025
- Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War, by Tony Horwitz - a reread, prepping for my stop at Harpers Ferry in October
- The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace, by H.W. Brands - excellent bio of a complex man
- Winter King: Henry VII and the Dawn of Tudor England, by Thomas Penn - a reread but so interesting
Gardening/Nature
- The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World, by John Forti - so much wisdom and knowledge packed in this beautiful book
- The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Robin inspires me to be more grateful and more generous--there is enough for all of us!
Memoirs
- Be Ready When the Luck Happens, by Ina Garten - I'm ready!
- The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir, by Kelly Bishop - Emily is my favorite Gilmore Girl
- What I Ate in One Year, by Stanley Tucci - always inspires me to eat more pasta
- The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, by Jane Goodall - very calming
- Making It So, by Patrick Stewart - inspired me to watch a few seasons of Star Trek: Next Generation
- The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, by Helene Hanff - so fun to visit London with Helene
Still Reading
- The Art Thief, by Michael Finkel - what a selfish pair of twits!
- The Caledonian Canal, by A.D. Cameron - planning a trip to Scotland in 2026 with a focus on hiking at least part of the way from Fort William to Inverness
- The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, by Bettany Hughes - I got stuck on the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus but plan to finish it up by year's end.
Picking Favorites
- All the reading I did around the American Civil War was so interesting and helped make my October visit to Gettysburg as good as it turned out to be. This part of American history has been a strong interest since I was in high school.
- Both of the gardening/nature books were incredible and while not-exactly life-changing were definitely life-affirming.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Scotland - we are planning a trip to Scotland and so I will be reading both fiction and nonfiction about this region of the world.American Revolution - with the new Ken Burns documentary and my recent reread of John Adams, I will likely be reading up on this time period, again both fiction and nonfiction.American Civil War - not done with this topic by a long shot
Art and Music - I have a slew of books on art, and since resuming piano lessons in 2024, I am interested in reading up on composers, music theory, etc.
Memoirs - I like memoirs of people I have admired over the years and rely on fellow bloggers' post almost exclusively in this area. So, thanks in advance!
I read a lot of memoirs and will add Jane Goodall's to my list for next year. She was such a lovely human being!
ReplyDeleteShe truly was. So inspiring in so many ways.
DeleteI just snuck in a single Nonfiction November post, too. Couldn't let the year get away without noting some outstanding nonfiction! I'm impressed with your Civil War reading this year and remember listening to Winter King several years ago on a drive south. I missed foodie memoirs this year! Ina's book was a favorite last year and I must get to What I Ate in One Year in 2026. I will look forward to following your Scotland reading!
ReplyDeleteFoodie books are my weakness! I wonder if there are any Scottish foodie books!!!
DeleteIt seems you read a lot of nonfiction this year. More than fiction? I like all your topics ... especially the history books. I have much to read in your footsteps. What are some good Scottish fiction authors? Hmm. That will be fun to read before going there. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteI didn't do an official tally, but nonfiction was about 20ish percent of my total. I am a novel reader, but I do like nonfiction as well for balance.
DeleteI am compiling lists of Scottish fiction authors--maybe I should post about that! Also looking for recommendations.
Scotland is amazing! I loved my trip there, though it was too short and I didn't get to see everything I wanted. It's a place I would love to revisit. And that's a lot of very interesting nonfiction books that you've read. I want to read more about the Revolutionary War next and some of our Founding Fathers next year. I have a list of about 12 books already, and am hoping to read at least 10 of them. :D
ReplyDeleteI think the best trips are when you get back and say that you want to return someday!
DeleteTen to twelve nonfiction books a year seems like a great pace to me.
I like reading non-fiction and memoirs. You have some good ones featured here. Thanks for introducing me to these books!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I appreciate the comment.
DeleteHi Jane, Thanks for letting us know about the nonfiction books you read in November. Regarding memoirs recently I read Educated by Tara Westover. It's wonderfully written although I found it a depressing read. But Tara Westover is a very talented author. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI read Educated a few years ago, and yes, I agree, very depressing and so interesting.
DeleteI had the best of intentions to start plowing through my nonfiction TBR, that did not happen. I'm kinda bummed.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know the feeling!
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