While a lot of my nonfiction reads come in the form of celebrity memoirs or F1 autobiographies, I’ve made it a point to expand my horizons within the genre. There’s a lot to enjoy about the world and so many fascinating nonfiction novels to choose from depending on your interests or areas you’d like to learn more about. Here are some nonfiction recommendations, which span a few different subjects!
Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller
Lulu Miller blends biography, history, science, and memoir in her popular novel, Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life. Miller was interested in David Starr Jordan, who was a taxonomist who spent his life primarily studying fish. Why Fish Don’t Exist goes into Jordan’s life and field of study, as well as Miller’s personal life and relationship with him as it evolves the more she uncovers about him. And, it ultimately explains why fish don’t exist, and the significance of it in connection to the book's other topics. This is a fascinating exploration of science at a different time in history, and our connections to people and places. Fair warning, there are unsettling topics that are covered.
Racing Green by Kit Chapman
I have a dedicated review of Racing Green, so this description will be a bit shorter. Chapman explains how innovation and technology have an interesting relationship to motorsports. Since it has funds, technological development, and innovative minds, scientific achievements are often happening in motorsport and are able to be applied to other fields. This is a pick if you’re looking for something funny and informative, and it’s a nice bonus if you’re interested in motorsports.
The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger
Zoë Schlanger worked as an environmental journalist before deciding to focus on learning about plants, which is what she discusses in The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth. This book streamlines the science and history of how plants have been understood in an informative and enlightening manner. Much of this is still being studied and understood, so Schlanger presents research and expert opinions to showcase the development and new understanding of how plants function. If you’re interested in learning more about scientific curiousity and botany, this is a great option!
All About Love by Bell Hooks
Bell Hooks is a notable writer, who covers philosophical and theoretical topics with a lens of feminism and black voices. All About Love: New Visions is the first in a series exploring love. While written in 1999, the explorations that Hooks presents still hold relevance, since love is an ongoing concept and feeling. hooks explores different aspects of what love is, and what it means. This is a great pick if you’re interested in the philosophy of love and its relevance in various aspects of life.