We’ve written a lot about fiction, but the other day, a reader named Jennifer made a request: “Can there be a post about nonfiction books? There’s a lot of love for novels around these parts, but I’d 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.”

Yes! Great idea, Jennifer. Let’s talk non-fiction!

I love love love memoirs and biographies — here are a bunch I’d recommend — and I learn so much from them. It’s incredibly eye-opening to read what it’s like to live another person’s 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.

Here are 10 I’ve adored:
Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in 40 Questions by Valeria Luiselli
Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang
Normal Family by Chrysta Bilton
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar
So Help Me Gosh by Brooke Barker
Persepolis by Majane Satrapi
Heating and Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly
In Love by Amy Bloom
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi xo

However! Aside from memoirs, I haven’t read as much straight-up nature/history/science/psychology/etc. I’m so curious to hear what recommendations you have. Also, the New York Times made a list of 21 nonfiction books to read this spring (gift link), if you’d like to read.

Please share your recs below; I’m so eager to hear. And thank you, Jennifer, for the post request.

P.S. What’s something beautiful you’ve read, and what would be the title of your memoir?

(Photo by Studio Firma/Stocksy.)