Guest writer Mark Dolan tells us about three non-fiction books that many readers will enjoy reading, and a little about the book club that is central to his reading life
It was very kind of Gayla to ask me to write about Non-Fiction history. Since my earliest attempts at writing on Substack, it has been this Newsletter I have enjoyed so consistently. It so perfectly mixes great links to discover more, a wonderful portrayal of books and her genuine love for reading and all things books. My reading tastes and interests have changed to include a whole lot more beyond history books. In some measure it is due to SoNovelicious.
I find myself attracted to nonfiction because I'm trying to understand what the hell happened in the last, say, 10 years. But I really need to return to fiction. Coincidentally, a novel review will be posted on Thursday at igreviews.substack.com
So great to see Mark featured here!! As an ardent non-fiction reader (and sometimes writer), I wholeheartedly agree with Mark. Non-fiction is often way crazier than fiction.
I'm going to off topic of books and say, "TEXAS WILDFLOWERS!!!"
We spent the first three months of Covid locked down in Georgetown, TX, and got to watch all sorts of Texas wildflowers bloom, including bluebonnets. It was AMAZING and I consider it an unintended gift from Covid.
I recently read a fabulous biography by Jon Meacham, And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle. The best nonfic I read last year was The Woman They Could Not Silence. Unbroken was soooo good! Thanks for sharing Mark!
I read quite a lot of non-fiction (mainly memoirs) but very little historical non-fiction, so these recommendations are very welcome. I love the phrase 'confidence in the author' which is new to me but describes the situation perfectly. Sometimes you just know that the author has the knack of telling a good story, and that's wonderful. They can write about any topic and make it come alive.
Thanks for these recommendations and for reminding me that I love non-fiction too. I read and enjoyed Seabiscuit but haven’t picked up Unbroken, so now that’s on the list. Can’t wait!
It was very kind of Gayla to ask me to write about Non-Fiction history. Since my earliest attempts at writing on Substack, it has been this Newsletter I have enjoyed so consistently. It so perfectly mixes great links to discover more, a wonderful portrayal of books and her genuine love for reading and all things books. My reading tastes and interests have changed to include a whole lot more beyond history books. In some measure it is due to SoNovelicious.
Cool!! I dont review than much non fiction either. I’ll definitely check these out 🤗
I find myself attracted to nonfiction because I'm trying to understand what the hell happened in the last, say, 10 years. But I really need to return to fiction. Coincidentally, a novel review will be posted on Thursday at igreviews.substack.com
So great to see Mark featured here!! As an ardent non-fiction reader (and sometimes writer), I wholeheartedly agree with Mark. Non-fiction is often way crazier than fiction.
I quite enjoyed Unbroken. Excellent writing. Good pick, Gayla.
I'm going to off topic of books and say, "TEXAS WILDFLOWERS!!!"
We spent the first three months of Covid locked down in Georgetown, TX, and got to watch all sorts of Texas wildflowers bloom, including bluebonnets. It was AMAZING and I consider it an unintended gift from Covid.
I recently read a fabulous biography by Jon Meacham, And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle. The best nonfic I read last year was The Woman They Could Not Silence. Unbroken was soooo good! Thanks for sharing Mark!
Always interested in getting non-fiction recommendations!
I read quite a lot of non-fiction (mainly memoirs) but very little historical non-fiction, so these recommendations are very welcome. I love the phrase 'confidence in the author' which is new to me but describes the situation perfectly. Sometimes you just know that the author has the knack of telling a good story, and that's wonderful. They can write about any topic and make it come alive.
Thanks for these recommendations and for reminding me that I love non-fiction too. I read and enjoyed Seabiscuit but haven’t picked up Unbroken, so now that’s on the list. Can’t wait!
Yes to Seabiscuit—one of my absolute favourites! And this story about the challenges she had to overcome to write awed me even more: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/magazine/the-unbreakable-laura-hillenbrand.html
Love reading non-fiction, so I'll definitely add some of these titles to my ever-growing TBR list.