Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme that was originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted with Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Book Nook Bits has hosted since April 2022, with Dini at Dini Panda Reads as co-host from February 2025.
Let’s Talk Bookish 7th November:
Reading Non-Fiction
Prompts: Happy Non-Fiction November! Do you read non-fiction? If you do read it, what do you love about it? What are your favourite categories to read about (i.e. true crime, historical, memoirs, self-help), and what are some of your favourite NF books? Do you have any tips for those who want to get into reading more non-fiction? If you don’t read non-fiction, what don’t you like about it? Do you think that will change (or has it already changed) over the years?
I do read non-fiction, and I’ve made an effort this year to read more by doing a Non-Fiction Reading Challenge. It’s been really interesting, and definitely encouraged me to read some of the books on my TBR I might otherwise not have got around to yet. The best non-fiction, I find, manages to be both entertaining and informative. It can help you learn more about the world around you and sometimes see it in a new light.
I don’t have a particularly favourite category – my interests vary so much I’ll pick up almost anything! And whether it’s a topic I’m really familiar with or something I don’t know about at all, I often learn something new anyway. Some of my favourites are Gay Aliens and Queer Folk, Invisible Women (a recent read!), The Monster Show – particularly good if you enjoy reading about horror like I do, The Transgender Issue, and Anti-Social. I really could go on!
If you’re looking to get into reading more non-fiction, I absolutely recommend a reading challenge. The one I’ve taken part in this year contained an excellent variety of topics, and on Storygraph you can look at what other books people have used for particular prompts, if you’re struggling for suggestions. If you don’t fancy a reading challenge dictating topics, I’d suggest starting with something you’re already interested in. Pick up something that talks about your favourite genre, or if you like True Crime documentaries, podcasts etc, there are brilliant True Crime books out there. Have a favourite TV show? Someone has likely written about it!
I would also encourage you to use non-fiction to broaden your mind, and to read about experiences removed from your own. I have learned a lot by reading books that deal with race, gender, and sexuality, whether it’s books like The Transgender Issue or White Tears/Brown Scars. You can also gain a lot by reading books that align with your own identity/experiences – for me, this includes books such as Everyday Sexism and Invisible Women.
Have an open mind! If you’re willing to read a variety of non-fiction, you’ll learn so much. Start with your interests, sure, but be open to exploring different topics. Maybe areas you know a little about or something that promises to give insight on an area you’re familiar with. I don’t reach much science non-fiction, but I found Alien Earths truly fascinating. I will stress though – try and be aware of your limits. Don’t get intimidated, but there’s a lot of non-fiction out there aimed at more serious scholars, and I’ve found myself working through some pretty dense books before. They can still be interesting, but I think if you are interested in a topic and want to learn more, find something that’s more accessible or suitable for your own personal level of knowledge.
And, of course, if you have any non-fiction recommendations, throw them my way! I likely won’t read as much next year as I have over the last year, but I’m still hoping to get to some.
Unwrapping Words 