This week's topic for Nonfiction November, hosted by Doing Dewey, is all about our nonfiction favorites. I have to be honest, I haven't read enough nonfiction in recent years to have too many favorites, but I'll try my best!
It's hard to say what makes any book, regardless of genre, a favorite for me. There's something about the story and the writing style that just appeals to me. I enjoy both light-hearted and darker stories, really just depending on my mood. There are certain topics I gravitate towards in fiction, and the same could be said for nonfiction. I tend to read memoirs more than other sub-genres, although I wouldn't really say that any memoirs have been favorites for me, except for one.
Into Thin Air is an account by journalist Jon Krakauer of the 1996 disaster on Mt. Everest. This book was riveting, informative, and emotional.
I tend to enjoy nonfiction that reads like fiction, and that's probably why I enjoy Erik Larson's books so much. Larson has written several nonfiction books on a wide variety of topics, but I am always drawn in by his writing style: although obviously well-researched, his stories are never dry. Even if you're not a nonfiction fan, you've probably heard of Larson's Devil in the White City, about the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 interspersed with the chilling story of serial killer H.H. Holmes. Larson has also written about the US ambassador to Germany during the rise of Hitler; the sinking of the Lusitania; the Galveston hurricane of 1900; and Marconi's invention of the wireless telegraph.
If any of these topics interest you, I would highly recommend Larson's books. He has a huge talent for blending history, science, and great story-telling.
Have you read any of these?
I recently read a YA book that was based on the explorations of Mt. Everest. Ever since then I've been wanting to learn more about the mountain so I'll have to check out Into Thin Air. Larson's books also seem interesting! Great post, Angela!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Into Thin Air was so good - terrifying, but good!
DeleteI haven't read any of these, but I definitely want to!! Great post!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, hope you enjoy them!
DeleteNonfiction that reads like fiction is the best! Into Thin Air had me on the edge of my seat and I enjoyed the audio version of The Devil in the White City. Still need to read Larson's more recent books.
ReplyDeleteIt really is! It keeps me entertained, I guess I could say, while still imparting good information.
DeleteI haven't read any of these but will be looking into them now!
ReplyDeleteYay!
DeleteI love Erik Larson's books and can't wait to get to the last couple I haven't read yet. They are riveting.
ReplyDeleteI think I have all of them if you want to borrow any.
DeleteDevil in the White City was a real page turner. I'd like to read more Larson but have not yet.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy his other books!
DeleteGreat reminder! I need to read more Larson. I read Devil in the White City years ago! Into Thin Air is going on my list too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, I hope you love it!
DeleteThis is the second time I've seen Erik Larson mentioned in these NFN posts. I'm really going to have to pick up one of his books.
ReplyDeleteI would very highly recommend him!
DeleteI don't read a lot of nonfiction but these have me intrigued. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! :-)
DeleteOh, I loved Into Thin Air! I remember talking about it so much that my mom ended up picking it and reading it as well. I always hear so much about Erik Larson's books and I actually own two of them, but I still haven't picked them up for some reason. I am really hoping to pick up one very, very soon. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI found a copy of Into Thin Air at my library's book sale for $2, so now I'm looking forward to reading it again. I hope you enjoy Erik Larson's books!
DeleteI enjoyed Into Thin Air and Devil in the White City too! It's really amazing to me how much nonfiction is just as engaging as any fiction. It's actually far less common for me to pick up something that strikes me as dry or textbook-like than it is for me to pick up something that's fun to read :)
ReplyDeleteI know! I shied away from nonfiction for so long, because it wasn't often engaging, but there seems to be such a difference these days!
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