The Non-Fiction Book Tag #NonfictionNovember

Posted November 21, 2022 by Stephanie in nonfiction november / 16 Comments

The Non-Fiction Book Tag is created by Thoughts on Papyrus.

 

 

1. What non-fiction book would you recommend to everyone?

The Woman Who Would Be King by Kara Cooney

I’m always recommending this book because it’s written by my favorite Egyptologist and it’s about my favorite ancient Egyptian (female) Pharaoh, Hatshepsut. It’s an amazing biography and beyond fascinating!

 

2. What is your favourite non-fiction sub-genre?

Obviously my favorite nonfiction subgenre is anything historical, especially ancient history. But lately I’ve also gotten more into true crime and memoirs.

 

3. What sub-genre in non-fiction do you tend to avoid?

I don’t read books about politics, cooking or economics.

 

4. A non-fiction book that you found particularly insightful?

Antigone Rising: The Subversive Power of the Ancient Myths by Helen Morales

This is one of my absolute favorites and so insightful! I loved learning about the social commentary on the links between ancient mythological stories and current conversations on gender identity, racism, violence, sexuality and waaay more!

 

5. A non-fiction book that made you sad or angry? 

From the Children’s Home to the Gas Chamber: And how some avoided their fate by Reinier Heinsman

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read but a sad and angry-making one, needless to say. It’s about children that were being deported to concentration camps only to be killed in gas chambers and a few who got away. Sad for sure but so worth a read!

 

6. Pick three non-fiction sub-genres and make from them three recommendations.

History  ↠ In the Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny by Daisy Dunn
Self-Help ↠ Chill Out and Cheer Up: A Ten-Step Guide by Grace Grossmann
True Crime ↠ Crimson Petticoats: The Betrayal, Brutality and Bloodshed Behind the French Maid Massacres by Ryan Green

 

7. What non-fiction book has been on your TBR list for longest?


A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc Morris

This biography of Edward I has been on my TBR at least since 2016 but I just can’t seem to get around to reading it.

 

8. A non-fiction book you read (used to read) (too) many times? 

I don’t think there’s a nonfiction book I’ve re-read although there are many that I want to re-read sometime!

 

 A non-fiction book (not a future or recent release) you are hoping to read soon?

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold

I’ve already listened to the Bad Women podcast by Hallie Rubenhold which was based on her book so of course I want to read the actual book as well.

 

10. Name a future (recent) book release you are excited to read? 

Spare by Prince Harry

I am really curious what Harry is going to say in this memoir of his. It’s coming out in January 2023.

 

 

Do you have any favorite Nonfiction books? Or what nonfiction subgenre is your favorite?

 

16 responses to “The Non-Fiction Book Tag #NonfictionNovember

  1. This is a great tag! Very interesting to see your answers + what books you choose. I definitely need to check out several of these. I agree on your with what non-fiction I wouldn’t read, well OK, I love reading about cooking, but a big nope to politics or economics. Snooze!

  2. Part of me is curious about Harry’s book and part of me is not – considering the half-truths and outright lies he and his wife have told in the past couple years, I’m not sure I can rely on his memoir to be accurate!

    • When I read it I will try to post updates on my social media and maybe post a review. What kind of lies, btw? Obviously I don’t know *everything* about them and the british royals.

      • When they did the Oprah interview, they said they had a secret wedding days before the big royal wedding; that Archie was denied a title and security (and implied it was because of the color of his skin); Meghan had all her IDs and passport taken away (but was still able to fly all over the world)… just little things that are easily disputed.

  3. Great choices here Stephanie. I read a historical fiction about Hatshepsut many years ago. This one sounds interesting. As well as Antigone Rising. Concerning Edward I, did you see the film The King with Timothée Chalamet? A great film and TC makes a fantastic performance. I can not guarantee how historically correct it is though. Maybe, if you watch the movie you will be inspired to read the book.
    I am still considering this week’s challenge. Like you, I mostly read history nonfiction, and I don’t know if any of these inspire you for the future.

    Lisbeth@The Content Reader recently posted: German Literature Month

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