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We\u2019ve written a lot about fiction<\/a>, but the other day, a reader named Jennifer made a request: \u201cCan there be a post about nonfiction books? There\u2019s a lot of love for novels around these parts, but I\u2019d like to hear if other CoJ readers are into books about history, nature, biographies, etc. Just throwing it out there to see if it sticks.\u201d<\/p>\n Yes! Great idea, Jennifer. Let\u2019s talk non-fiction!<\/p>\n I love love love memoirs and biographies \u2014\u00a0here are a bunch I\u2019d recommend<\/a> \u2014\u00a0and I learn so much from them. It\u2019s incredibly eye-opening to read what it\u2019s like to live another person\u2019s life with their specific struggles. Reading memoirs has made me feel so much empathy, understanding, and awe for others and also realize how many people are fighting huge battles we cannot see. I sometimes think if everyone were required to read 40 memoirs in their life, the world would be a very different place.<\/p>\n Here are 10 I\u2019ve adored: However! Aside from memoirs, I haven\u2019t read as much straight-up nature\/history\/science\/psychology\/etc. I\u2019m so curious to hear what recommendations you have. Also, the New York Times made a list of 21 nonfiction books to read this spring<\/a> (gift link), if you\u2019d like to read.<\/p>\n Please share your recs below; I\u2019m so eager to hear. And thank you, Jennifer, for the post request.<\/strong><\/p>\n P.S. What\u2019s something beautiful you\u2019ve read<\/a>, and what would be the title of your memoir<\/a>?<\/p>\n (Photo by Studio Firma\/Stocksy.)<\/p>\n
Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in 40 Questions<\/a> by Valeria Luiselli
Beautiful Country<\/a> by Qian Julie Wang
Normal Family<\/a> by Chrysta Bilton
Know My Name<\/a> by Chanel Miller
You\u2019ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey<\/a> by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar
So Help Me Gosh<\/a> by Brooke Barker
Persepolis<\/a> by Majane Satrapi
Heating and Cooling<\/a> by Beth Ann Fennelly
In Love<\/a> by Amy Bloom
When Breath Becomes Air<\/a> by Paul Kalanithi xo<\/p>\n