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.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mark. It was my pleasure to have you guest post on my newsletter, I enjoyed your review of the non-fiction books. The books your book club reads are similar to an online membership Instragram book club I'm involved in. I've read so many good book that I never would have read otherwise.
Based upon the demographics of my book club, many will be surprised when I see them next week that there is an IG site for history books. Cannot wait to shake things up!!!
Our lineup for 2023 is
JAN -- The Map of Knowledge by Violet Moller
FEB -- The Bone & Sinew of the Land by Anna-Lisa Cox
MAR -- Eleanor by David Michaelis
APR -- Imperfect Union by Steve Inskeep
MAY -- Isabella the Warrior Queen by Kristin Downey
JUN -- The Great Bridge by David McCullough
JUL -- 1947 Where Now Begins by Elizabeth Asbrink
AUG -- Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
SEP -- Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright
OCT -- An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxane Dunbar-Ortiz
Mar 19, 2023·edited Mar 19, 2023Liked by Gayla Gray
Oh in the review I thought Kirstin Downey was an EXCELLENT writer. Her book about Frances Perkins was amazing. She also wrote Isabella -- The Warrior Queen -- I only just started the latter but it is EXCELLENT. If not clear, send me an email and put SUBSTACK in the Subject so my SPAM filtering lets it pass. MRKJMSDLN@GMAIL.COM
The writing of Laura Hillenbrand is justifiably acclaimed. Her books are an easy choice. The story of Frances Perkins is one people should know! No sense in waiting for politicians to decide whether we should hear it!
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
I read a lot about what has happened in the last 10 years and the more I read, the more I just don't understand what happened to people. Can't wait to read what book you are reviewing on Thursday.
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.
Two of my favorite writers under one roof (Gayla & Jillian). Both of you exert a lot of effort in quality and consistency in your Newsletters. Never a disappointment. As for the Non-Fiction / Fiction thing. I find myself shading toward more and more fiction and it is making me happier!
I met Mark not too long after I started my Substack journey and I've enjoyed our "online" friendship. He's writes such interesting newsletters with topics that I never knew I needed to know more about. Those are just the best kind of reads to me.
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!
Wow Carol. I have read a few of Meacham's books. He is an excellent writer. We read The Radium Girls by the author of The Woman They Could Not Silence. It sounds like another of those untold stories we are all better by knowing about it.
Me too. Most of the nonfiction that I read is political in nature. I enjoy reading about things I've never heard much about. I'm in an online book club where we read NF about people from history. I've read some of the best books through this group.
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.
I have a lot of fiction authors that I have "confidence in the author" in reading their books. I enjoy knowing that I can pick up any book they've written and enjoy what I'm reading. I enjoy discovering new authors, but there's comfort in knowing there's a great book waiting for you from an author you love.
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!
Oh why does there have to be so much to read! There are so many books waiting for the reader and so little time. I really enjoy Hillenbrands books. The only problem I have is that she doesn't write enough. I realize that with her research and thoroughness, she can't write quickly, but the reader in me wants to read anything and everything she writes.
Mar 19, 2023·edited Mar 19, 2023Liked by Gayla Gray
Alas, Gayla, Laura Hillenbrand is severely challenged with an autoimmune disease and it has hamstrung her ability to research and write. I hope she gets better and can find some research help. I consider her one of the very best storytellers we have. I would buy ANY BOOK she writes. I would have never read a book about horseracing and it was one of the most delightful books I've ever read (Seabiscuit).
Emily, I had no idea the health challenges that she faces until Mark alluded to it in an earlier comment. I just thought that the long time betwen books was time to research and write, not because of health problems. I wish her well, I wish there was something they could do to solve CFS for her and millions that suffer through it.
I don't read a lot of non-fiction, so I enjoy it when I find someone who does. Since you like NF, be sure to check out Jaymi's newsletter below where it is all NF all the time. :)
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.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mark. It was my pleasure to have you guest post on my newsletter, I enjoyed your review of the non-fiction books. The books your book club reads are similar to an online membership Instragram book club I'm involved in. I've read so many good book that I never would have read otherwise.
Based upon the demographics of my book club, many will be surprised when I see them next week that there is an IG site for history books. Cannot wait to shake things up!!!
Our lineup for 2023 is
JAN -- The Map of Knowledge by Violet Moller
FEB -- The Bone & Sinew of the Land by Anna-Lisa Cox
MAR -- Eleanor by David Michaelis
APR -- Imperfect Union by Steve Inskeep
MAY -- Isabella the Warrior Queen by Kristin Downey
JUN -- The Great Bridge by David McCullough
JUL -- 1947 Where Now Begins by Elizabeth Asbrink
AUG -- Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
SEP -- Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright
OCT -- An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxane Dunbar-Ortiz
NOV --Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen
DEC -- Catherine de Medici by Leonie Frieda
Yes great read Mark. Pic of Denny nice touch. Could you leave a link to that author loves books. Seabiscut great movie
Which book? Denny is awesome
You mentioned a female author I think that would be a start.
Oh in the review I thought Kirstin Downey was an EXCELLENT writer. Her book about Frances Perkins was amazing. She also wrote Isabella -- The Warrior Queen -- I only just started the latter but it is EXCELLENT. If not clear, send me an email and put SUBSTACK in the Subject so my SPAM filtering lets it pass. MRKJMSDLN@GMAIL.COM
Ok , just sent you an email
Great, Sent you a note. Easier than comments sometimes!
Cool!! I dont review than much non fiction either. I’ll definitely check these out 🤗
The writing of Laura Hillenbrand is justifiably acclaimed. Her books are an easy choice. The story of Frances Perkins is one people should know! No sense in waiting for politicians to decide whether we should hear it!
I agree with Mark, Hillenbrands' books are wonderful; so good, hard to read at times and I can't wait until she writes more. :)
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
I read a lot about what has happened in the last 10 years and the more I read, the more I just don't understand what happened to people. Can't wait to read what book you are reviewing on Thursday.
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.
Two of my favorite writers under one roof (Gayla & Jillian). Both of you exert a lot of effort in quality and consistency in your Newsletters. Never a disappointment. As for the Non-Fiction / Fiction thing. I find myself shading toward more and more fiction and it is making me happier!
Sadly, it’s not surprising that fiction makes you happier. But I say, lean into that happiness!
Jillian -- if it is SciFi you are happier because you realize things could get a lot worse :)
I met Mark not too long after I started my Substack journey and I've enjoyed our "online" friendship. He's writes such interesting newsletters with topics that I never knew I needed to know more about. Those are just the best kind of reads to me.
Agreed!
I quite enjoyed Unbroken. Excellent writing. Good pick, Gayla.
Thanks Paul. I enjoyed working with Mark on the newsletter. And I agree, I enjoyed it although it was so hard to read at times.
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.
Texas wildflowers are the BEST!
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!
Wow Carol. I have read a few of Meacham's books. He is an excellent writer. We read The Radium Girls by the author of The Woman They Could Not Silence. It sounds like another of those untold stories we are all better by knowing about it.
I also read The Woman They Could Not Silence and it was really good.
Always interested in getting non-fiction recommendations!
Me too. Most of the nonfiction that I read is political in nature. I enjoy reading about things I've never heard much about. I'm in an online book club where we read NF about people from history. I've read some of the best books through this group.
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.
I have a lot of fiction authors that I have "confidence in the author" in reading their books. I enjoy knowing that I can pick up any book they've written and enjoy what I'm reading. I enjoy discovering new authors, but there's comfort in knowing there's a great book waiting for you from an author you love.
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!
Oh why does there have to be so much to read! There are so many books waiting for the reader and so little time. I really enjoy Hillenbrands books. The only problem I have is that she doesn't write enough. I realize that with her research and thoroughness, she can't write quickly, but the reader in me wants to read anything and everything she writes.
Alas, Gayla, Laura Hillenbrand is severely challenged with an autoimmune disease and it has hamstrung her ability to research and write. I hope she gets better and can find some research help. I consider her one of the very best storytellers we have. I would buy ANY BOOK she writes. I would have never read a book about horseracing and it was one of the most delightful books I've ever read (Seabiscuit).
I had no idea she had some medical problems; I hope the doctors can get it under control, whatever it is. :(
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
Emily, I had no idea the health challenges that she faces until Mark alluded to it in an earlier comment. I just thought that the long time betwen books was time to research and write, not because of health problems. I wish her well, I wish there was something they could do to solve CFS for her and millions that suffer through it.
Love reading non-fiction, so I'll definitely add some of these titles to my ever-growing TBR list.
I don't read a lot of non-fiction, so I enjoy it when I find someone who does. Since you like NF, be sure to check out Jaymi's newsletter below where it is all NF all the time. :)
https://www.letsreadnonfiction.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile