It feels like fiction is having its moment.
Every day people are coming into the bookshop to pick up their next amazing story, or ordering their favourite romance series online. I am a huge fiction reader, but let me take a brief detour to try to convince you to add a little sprinkle of non-fiction to your reading list! I’ll share some tips for incorporating more non fiction, some of my recent favourites, and a few that are on my own TBR.
Why should you read Non-Fiction?
I do not subscribe to the idea that non-fiction is somehow more important than fiction, or that we learn more from fiction. I think that a well told story can be just as informative, and create a sense of connection and empathy between readers and the rest of humanity.
This is not an argument for abandoning fiction in favour of non fiction, but just a nudge that mixing up your reading might delight and engage you in ways you didn’t expect. I think people put non-fiction to the side thinking that it will be too dense, too dry, and just not entertaining, but the best non-fiction reads like a novel that you can’t put down.
Yes they may take a little more brain power at times, or have more research involved (although I think novels just hide the author’s incredible research behind their writing, whilst in non-fiction the research is more clearly referred to), but I like the way that non-fiction books activate my brain differently and expand my ways of thinking in conjunction with the many novels I’m reading.
Two tips for incorporating more non-fiction (if you’re not already a big non-fiction reader!)
Tip 1: Read both! I love having non fiction and fiction on the go at the same time. I truly think this means I read more because when I’m needing a break from my novel, I’ll pick up the non-fiction book I’m reading. Because they do seem to activate my brain in subtly different ways, I feel like they compliment each other nicely in my reading and don’t compete with each other like reading two novels sometimes can.
Tip 2: Choose something that you are interested in. Yes, this seems obvious, but I think the most important part of reading non-fiction is choosing the right book. Just like how within fiction there are a huge number of genres to choose from, within non-fiction there is a huge range of choice in terms of what you try. Whether it’s celebrity memoir, books about quantum physics, the latest self-help, or true crime - think about what you enjoy reading and learning about and then pop in and chat with a bookseller and get some recommendations (or comment on this blog and I’ll help you out!).
Lizzy’s Recent Favourites
I’ve read some truly excellent non-fiction books recently, and they all are quite different to each other.There’s self help, narrative journalism, NZ history, celebrity memoir and more. I wish I could narrow my preferences down (it would really help with my ever overwhelming TBR) but I do tend to love a bit of everything.
The Valley by Asher Emanuel
For two years Asher Emanuel followed closely the roles of three men in the criminal justice system and district courts of the Hutt Valley. Two of which were in and out of prison and court and struggling to get the support needed to change path, and one who was increasingly disenfranchised as he struggled to represent them in court and ultimately stop them returning.
It’s narrative journalism done incredibly well, and I think in this year leading up to the election it’s incredibly important reading for everyone.
I nearly didn’t pick this book up and then once I did I could not put it down. Despite my love of non-fiction, I really thought I might not be smart enough to grasp or enjoy this but it was the absolute opposite - engaging, frustrating, and cleverly telling the story of a system through three people operating within.
The Chief and the Empire by Eugene Bingham
Another piece of amazing New Zealand writing, Eugene Bingham tells the story of Te Pahi - a Māori chief who displayed incredible curiosity and courage in being one of the first to cross the Tasman, and then was the victim of a misunderstanding (or framing) that left shame echoing across time for his iwi.
Whether you already know a bit about Aotearoa's history, or if it's something brand new, this is an excellent choice. It reads like fiction with all its twists and turns and the amazing characters who's actions leave massive footprints on the future of Aotearoa.
This reads like part historical story, part true crime, and is not only well researched but extremely interesting too. Another one outside my usual preferences that I am so glad I took a risk on.
Famesick by Lena Dunham
Time for a celebrity memoir - Lena Dunham who is the writer behind iconic TV show ‘Girls’ comes through with her sharp and clever writing style and her fascinating insights into a life in and out of the public eye.
She talks very openly about creating and working on the show and being catapulted into a new life whilst struggling with addiction and most importantly constant underlying and extremely difficult chronic health problems.
This was both hilarious and tragic, both gossipy and self-reflective, and if you ever watched Girls and like me loved its awkward representation of what it’s like to be a woman in the world, you’ll love this memoir too.
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
Patrick Radden Keefe needs little introduction to most, but for me I’d managed to completely accidentally avoid him until this year’s Auckland Writers Festival where I spur of the moment decided to go along to his talk with the amazing host, Jack Tame (you can read about other events we attended here). Listening to him talk about why he chooses certain stories to investigate and write about, the way he balances the needs of those he is writing about with those he is writing for, and the way his writing has uncovered incredibly important things about society had me convinced.
I immediately read his book, London Falling, which is about the death of 19 year old Zac Brettler, and the things that are happening in London behind the scenes. It's a story about family and grief, but also a story of image and the underworld of wealth in the city. It was incredible and I now want to read his entire back catalogue.
Why Does Everybody Hate Me? by Alex Partridge
Self-Help style books can get a bad wrap, but I’ve always had a soft spot for them (blame it on listening to my wonderful father’s Tony Robbins tapes in the car in the 90s).
This book is for anyone with ADHD who suffers with RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria). It had me tearing up in the first few pages and feeling seen and understood in a way I didn’t know was possible. Not sure this one even counts as self-help, but it helped me and if you also experience RSD I can’t recommend this one enough. If you’re interested in more books on ADHD, I have a whole blog post for you!
The Empire of AI by Karen Hao
Lastly but definitely not least, another Auckland Writer’s Festival book that I couldn’t not read after listening to Karen Hao talk. Empire of AI looks at the recent history of AI in America, most specifically through the company Open AI.
It’s definitely a critique of AI in terms of the large-scale impacts and attitudes behind the big companies driving it’s development but importantly Karen believes AI can be done differently. It’s another example of a book that is incredibly well researched (Karen spent time with Open AI herself in their early days) and it’s teaching me a lot about how we got to where we are now.
It’s also making me feel like a more interesting person who can actually participate in conversations about AI which I previously would have shrunk away from.
Plenty more Non-Fiction on my TBR (to be read!)
Best believe I’ll be reading plenty more non-fiction soon. When I create a little reading menu each month I always pop a few non-fiction titles on there to help keep reading interesting and varied for me. Dylan is also a big fan of Non-Fiction and has a blog for you if you're interested in adding to your own list with books he says will change your life.
Here are some of the ones at the top of my list currently:
Don’t burn anyone at the stake today by Naomi Alderman
A small but gorgeous book about what it is like to navigate the absolute information overload we are experiencing
Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe
Keen to now read Patrick Radden Keefe’s back catalogue, this book is about the Opioid crisis in America and the Sackler family behind it all.
Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
I love Ezra Klein, and books about how we can and must do better. This is primarily about politics in America but I think is relevant here in Aotearoa too, especially with the election around the corner.
Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About by Isabel Klee
A memoir about New York, dog rescues, and creating community. I don’t actually know much about Isabel Klee who is big on social media, but I loved the cover of this one and it also just sounds like such a gorgeous heart warming read.
A World Appears by Michael Pollan
I love Michael Pollan, and after a customer came in and told me that this book was permanently rewiring his brain, I couldn’t not take home a copy to read myself. This is Michael’s search to understand and comprehend human consciousness and I can’t wait to have my own brain rewired by it soon.
Strangers by Belle Burden
This one seems to constantly pop up in our Book Briefingswith controversy and discussion, but it’s a memoir about the abrupt breakdown of a marriage and the self-discovery that came after.
Lizzy
Lizzy makes sure the Book Hero bookstore is an integral part of our local Hobsonville community, welcoming readers of all ages with a genuine kindness and love of books. The Fantastic Mr Fox ignited her passion for books as a child, and now she’s read thousands of books and loves matching the right book to the right reader - both in our bookstore and online. When she’s not recommending her next favourite read, she’s enjoying life’s small joys and adding to a home library so large her husband Edd is constructing a massive bookshelf to try and keep up.
