After doing the non-fiction meme I’ve been thinking/wanting a non-fiction book to read but I can’t find what I want in my stacks. I have quite a few memoirs but I’m not really in the mood for one of those right now. I’d like something more along the line of social issues or current affairs.
I even went to the library yesterday and I had a quick look through the books but nothing on the new shelves really jumped at me, and I didn’t have time to wander in the stacks. You know which non-fiction books I’d like to check out right now? Here are some that I think would be fascinating:
- Comfortably Numb by Charles Barber. A critical look at an overmedicated country.
- Against Happiness by Eric G. Wilson. I read about this book on NPR. I wonder if he’s read Comfortably Numb?
- The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Have heard such good things about this book.
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman. Combines science with speculation to take us on an audacious tour of what the planet might be like without us.
I am trying not to splurge right now because there’s a book sale coming up in a couple of weeks so for now I’ll see if I can put one of these on hold at the library.
And, so it’s back to the world of fiction for me. Currently I’m enjoying Immortal by Traci L. Slatton. Hope everyone is enjoying their sunday. I’ll be reading, maybe going to the bookstore and I’ll try to check in with other Sunday Salon readers.
When I was filling in my answers for that meme, I was thinking of several nonfiction books on my shelf I wouldn’t mind diving into right now, but I have other reading commitments I need to focus on right now. It might be easier if I didn’t like so many different kinds of books and want to take in so much, but then it wouldn’t be nearly as fun and I wouldn’t be me.
Literary Feline – I totally understand. Not only have non-fiction books been on my mind but I’ve been thinking of YA books and graphic novels. My mind is a swirl with all the books I want to read and there’s only so much right.
I’m trying to hold off on buying books because I know I’m getting a gift card for books soon. It’s hard, but I’m staying strong. Stay strong!
It is always so hard not to buy books – often when I go into the bookstore, i jot down things that look interesting and then go directly to the library and look for them there. Our library will also get books for me from any other library in the county (which translates to about 63 other libraries)…see why I love it so much?
I often have a non-fiction of some kind going at the same time I’m reading fiction. Usually it’s a memoir or essays, or a biography. I also like to read about writing, and have quite a collection of those books around too.
Comfortably Numb sounds intriguing…I do have an interest in medical matters.
Wow they all sound like really good non-fiction books, iliana! I’m interested in Comfortably Numb,The Omnivore’s Dilemma and even a bit intrigued by The World Without Us. What a difficult choice to make! I have bought way too many books lately, even if they have all mostly been cheap ones. I’m going to try really hard to be good (although I’ve said that before…..).
I am currently reading a non-fiction about Afganistan and Pakistan and Tibet during the time of the Raj and before.
I alternate it with fiction coz the non-fiction is rather hefty and a Chunkster book.
The World Without Us sounds fabulous, doesn’t it? I’m going to have to begin a new nonfiction book soon; I’ve been wanting to for a while.
ravenous reader – I’m going to see about some inter-library loans if I can’t find those books at my library. I’d love to spend some money on books right now but I’m trying to be a bit better. We’ll see how long I can hold out for though 🙂
litlove – Guess what? I lucked out and found out that my husband has The World Without Us on CD! I couldn’t believe that. I’ve loaded it up on my iPod and this will definitely be a first as I’ve never done an audio book!
Isabel – Oh that sounds interesting. Please keep me posted on that. And, let me know if it’s something you think the Borders book group would enjoy. I can nominate it for next year!
I can’t think of any non-fictions to read at the moment, but that’s because I’ve so many fictions in my shelf, hehe… Wait a minute, I think I bought a non-fiction some time ago about child discipline so whenever my child misbehaves, I’ll check that book for some advice. ;P
Hope you had a nice Sunday. The meme has made me think about some of the non-fiction on my shelves as well. Those that you mentioned sound interesting.
What a great list on non-fiction choices! Funny thing, I was just about to place an order on amazon, since I recently realized they have the new edition of Persephone’s Miss Pettigrew. My new book stacks have been growing exponentially lately….
Like you, I managed to get some reading in on Sunday. I think reading 2 books “simultaneously”, works best for me. It gives me the illusion of getting through my stacks quicker 🙂
I have a NF book started about Virginia Woolf, but I’ve been wrapped up in other novels, so I haven’t picked it up much lately. I also want to read the Pollan book and The World Without Us sounds good, too. I think they had some sort of documentary on that subject on the history channel (one of those channels anyway), as my library is getting it. You’ll have to let us know how Immortal is, too. I just saw it mentioned today and contemplated looking for it at the library, but I’m not quite sure about it.
Melody – Ha,ha.. I know what you mean. My shelves are mainly fiction and mysteries!
Tanabata – I know, that meme really sparked my interest again on the subject of non-fiction.
Tara – Isn’t that a lovely edition of Miss Pettigrew? I am curious how many of the Persephone books will get the new treatment. I guess I need to go visit their site but I’m scared – I’ll want new Persephones! 😉
Gavin – Hee,hee. I know what you mean. I usually have 2-3 books going on.
Danielle – Ooh I bet that would be a cool documentary. I don’t get cable but maybe I can find that on iTunes or something. Will check. So far Immortal is very good and I have to say I have no clue where the story is going so that’s a good thing.
I just got Omnivore’s Dilemma from the library, but it was actually by mistake. I would like to read it, but I meant to put Barbara Kingsolver’s book, Animal Vegetable, Miracle on hold instead! If I’m lucky, I’ll get around to reading both before they are due back.