Lory Widmer Hess's Blog, page 12

Nonfiction November: Choosing nonfiction

This week’s topic is hosted by Frances of Volatile Rune.

Week 2 (11/6-11/10) Choosing Nonfiction: What are you looking for when you pick up a nonfiction book? Do you have a particular topic you’re attracted to? Do you have a particular writing style that works best? When you look at a nonfiction book, does the title or cover influence you? If so, share a title or cover which you find striking.

I’m usually drawn to nonfiction books because I want to learn something that helps me in my life or to understand something else I’m reading or trying to find out about. Pretty much any topic could be made interesting for me, but I’m especially drawn lately to stories of trauma and recovery and to books about methods of healing from trauma.

I get a lot of reading ideas from other bloggers. I became interested in reading Spare only after Lisa said Prince Harry’s “vulnerability connects us all on a human level.” I’m sure I first heard of The Black Count during a past Nonfiction November, but it was a comment by Claire following my read of The Count of Monte Cristo that inspired me to finally pick it up, after reading her review. Not a blogger, but a French-speaking English student encouraged me to read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

Aside from other people’s recommendations, the “related books” feature of my e-library has led me to some good reads as I browse the catalog, including Run Towards the Danger.

Covers probably influence me less than with fiction, but I do love a good nonfiction cover! Here are some that I think are especially striking and effective. The books are all fantastic too.

How do you choose your nonfiction readings? Answer in the comments or share the link to your Nonfiction November post below.