What nonfictions are you reading or have finished in 2024? > Likes and Comments

It's 2024! What nonfiction have you picked up or have just completed? How was it? Would you recommend it to others?

I'm currently reading Superlative: The Biology of Extremes. I'm really liking it thus far. Something for people who like little fun facts about the -est of animals.

Two books I started last year but just finished:

Nobody Said Not to Go: The Life, Loves, and Adventures of Emily Hahn, a memoir. I enjoyed it, and here is my long review

1177B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed listened to the updated and revised version that published in 2021. Very insightful. My review

I just re-read parts of "Osaka! Osaka!: A different kind of history" because the author posted an interesting video on YouTube related to something he wrote about. Here is the video:
https://youtu.be/zmtmha7nmww

I finished Pru and Me: The Amazing Marriage of Prunella Scales and Timothy West by Timothy West.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Recommend if you enjoyed the TV show, Great Canal Journeys.

Currently reading 3 nonfictions:

Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us

American Carnage: Wounded Knee, 1890

Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism

Completed Guests of the Ayatollah: The First Battle in America's War With Militant Islam by Mark Bowden

Currently reading Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. Very good, so far.

Laurel wrote: “Currently reading Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. Very good, so far.”

I read that a few years ago, and I’m surprised how frequently I still think of it these days. It makes me want to read a more full biography of President Garfield, which isn’t something I ever thought I’d want to do before reading this.

I’m reading The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World by Shelley Puhak. Fascinating early history of two Frankish queens who vied for power circa 600. Pretty well documented, too, considering the sparsity of source materials.

Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell

and

Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt

both very good so far.

spoko wrote: "I read that a few years ago, and I’m surprised how frequently I still think of it these days.”

He seems a most remarkable man. Only 5 chapters in, but I am already mourning his loss. Think what might have been if he had served a full term - or even two!

I've also read The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey and I definitely want to her her newest on the discovery of the source of the Nile River.

Just read The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean, I like it very much. My review

Laurel wrote: "Currently reading Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. Very good, so far."

Sounds interesting. Adding it to my list. Thanks for posting it here, Laurel.

Laurel wrote: “He seems a most remarkable man. Only 5 chapters in, but I am already mourning his loss. Think what might have been if he had served a full term—or even two!”

Yes, and such a pivotal time in our history. (Of course, when isn’t, I guess?)

Currently reading Founding Partisans: Hamilton, Madison. Jefferson, Adams, and the Brawling Birth of American Politics.

Laurel wrote: "Currently reading Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. Very good, so far."

Loved that book!

Learning to Live Out Loud
Piper Laurie
4/5 stars
I knew about Piper Laurie, the actress but I don't think I ever saw her in many films but I going to check out some of her older films. She was the mother in the horror film Carrie (which I did see). She also lived quite an interesting life. I really enjoyed her autobiography. She just recently died in 2023 at the age of 91.

Just finished Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America's Future, wow, a solid statistical analysis of generational differences in the US.

Highly recommended. My review

Camelia Rose wrote: "Just finished Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America's Future, wow, a solid statistical analysis of..."

Thank you for this review! I just found another book to add to my list.

My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand

In this memoir, Barbra shares most everything you'd want to know about her life....and especially her work.

The book is almost 1000 pages but I liked it all. 4.5 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Completed Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister: Three Women at the Heart of Twentieth-Century China by Jung Chang

In a culture that values boy babies over girls, it’s quite remarkable to that three women in a single family had such close proximity to such incredible upheaval in the shaping of modern China.

I just finished A Scurry of Squirrels: Nurturing the Wild by Polly Pullar.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It seems I'm too soft for this one about squirrels and UK wildlife!

Professions of Faith: Living and Working as a Catholic ed. By James Martin, S.J.
Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Professions of Faith: Living and Working as a Catholic | Goodreads

This is a wonderful collection of essays by individuals in various professions reflecting on the influence of their Catholic faith on their work and their work on their faith.

I just started Femina by Janina Ramírez. Purportedly it looks at Medieval history through the lens of women. So far, it’s holding my interest.

A Girl from Yamhill
Beverly Cleary
4/5 stars
This is one of two biographies written by Beverly Cleary. This is the first one and it details her life growing up in Yamhill, Oregon. This is a juvenile biography but I really enjoyed it and I think adults will really enjoy this book. I am going to read her second book My Own Two Feet and am looking forward to that one also!

The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner

I read this last year and finally wrote my review. It's something to consider for those with better health resolutions in the new year.

My review -- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Rowan wrote: "I finished Pru and Me: The Amazing Marriage of Prunella Scales and Timothy West by [author..."

That looks great!

My spouse and I watched a doc on JFK & it brought up more questions than answers.

Has anyone read a good non-fiction book on the day JFK died?
I have heard of a dozen or more theories. I don't know if Oswald
acted alone. I want a well written book where the author has
evidence to back his/ her theory. Thanks.

Currently working on these two now:

UFO: The Inside Story of the U.S. Government's Search for Alien Life Here―and Out There

Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars

Just finished When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt. I quite enjoyed it. I am surprised by the first two negative reivews ranked on GR. I wrote a refute here.

HR-ML wrote: "My spouse and I watched a doc on JFK & it brought up more questions than answers.

Has anyone read a good non-fiction book on the day JFK died?
I have heard of a dozen or more theories. I don't k..."

There are a lot of books out there, but nothing that is definitive. IMHO, anything written prior to the release of the JFK Assassination Documents by the Gov is somewhat speculative. There were almost 20K sealed documents, which casts doubts on any theory and feeds the speculation.

Between December 22 and July 23, most of the sealed documents were released.

I fully suspect that some reputable scholars are doing a deep dive into them and will have a new book published shortly (if not already) that takes those documents into consideration.

I've started these two now:

The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet

The Twenty-One: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the US Government Over Climate Change

Absolutely fascinating Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari

Guests of the Ayatollah: The First Battle in America's War With Militant Islam by Mark Bowden

Don't let its nearly -700 pages length deter you. It read pretty easily.

My review -
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

In her memoir Arbitrary Stupid Goal author Tamara Shopsin writes in an offhand, casual style about her life in Greenwich Village where her parents owned a restaurant.

My review:
https://mypointbeing.com/2024/01/18/a...

Weapons of Mass Delusion by Robert Drapefr
Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Weapons of Mass Delusion: When the Republican Party Lost Its Mind | Goodreads

A N.Y. Times journalist chronicles events from the 2020 presidential election through the attack on the capitol and the subsequent response of the Republican party. This account focuses on key congressional leaders who promoted demonstrably false conspiracy theories and disparaging accusations in the service of Trump and their own political career. Although I tried to be aware of all that was happening during this period, it was helpful to see the events laid out in a cohesive account. It does not answer my nagging question of “why” we are in this political space, but it did help me to recall how we got here.

Hi Porter---

Thanks for your response yesterday!
I don't favor a certain theory of who wanted JFK dead, but I like a book which shows actual research, and not just a supposition.

Irene wrote: "Weapons of Mass Delusion by Robert Drapefr
Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Weapons of Mass Delusion: When the Republican Party Lost Its Mind | Goodreads

A N.Y. Times journalist chronicles even..."

The blatant self-serving kowtowing to Trump by Republican politicians is so shameful, it's hardly believable (that's my opinion). I hope their 'legacies' reflect this.

Irene & Barbara,

My husband was apolitical till a few yrs ago, now he is MAGA. but does not wear a hat. He has been brainwashed. But the GOP candidate for POTUS is likely #45, even though he faces possible felony convictions.

Told husband most who complain RE their Constitutional rights have likely never looked at the US Constitution.

It used to be a journalist or non-fiction bk author cited his/ her sources. But these days a
podcaster or social media trend-setter is not compelled to give sources. I have read 20+ books about #45 to try to understand his 'thinking' & his cult. I can't support any politico, regardless of their party, if he/ she stirs up hate.

I am reading this - The Sadhguru - pack of 4 books https://amzn.eu/d/i8Pse0g. Learning about how to approach life and learn to find peace in everything is the main aim.

HR-ML wrote: "Irene & Barbara,

My husband was apolitical till a few yrs ago, now he is MAGA. but does not wear a hat. He has been brainwashed. But the GOP candidate for POTUS is likely #45, even though he face..."

I think the US has seen its glory days already. The way the American way of life has been influenced by very old and rich and conservative people operating through lobbying and think tanks. The thought behind this movement is always profit. And tax cuts. Oh well, I'll watch anime instead of cartoons. I'll buy Rakuten devices instead of Kindles. And I'll read nonfiction that has been written by the dying breed of journalists who can still be independent.

Luffy---

You have truth and eloquence in your words. The old and rich
have a stranglehold. You name the subject, the majority party
legislators in my state think they know everything. They think
they're MDs, educators, gun experts, library experts, baby
experts, school curriculum experts, public health experts,
environmental experts: NO to all these! No politico at the state
or federal level should shove their agenda on the rest of us.
What happened to "We the People?" Sorry, I feel strongly about this.

HR-ML wrote: "Luffy---

You have truth and eloquence in your words. The old and rich
have a stranglehold. You name the subject, the majority party
legislators in my state think they know everything. They think..."

And you too are eloquent. This is a grim subject. Thanks, and see you.

Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail by Andrea Lankford | 352pgs

Behind the scenes narrative of law enforcements over multiple jurisdictions, and public efforts to find hikers reported missing by their loved ones along the PCT. Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...



Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King | Narrated by James Cameron Stewart

An open to the public design competition for the completion of the dome to Florence’s newest cathedral yields a surprising winner. A goldsmith and clockmaker’s revolutionary idea of a dome construction without flying buttresses or center columns that still stands today. Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Two memoirs:

How to Be Human: An Autistic Man's Guide to Life, the title says all. My review

Congratulations, the Best is Over!, funny and sincere. My review

Finished The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World by Jacqueline Novogratz |

A frustrating read spanning thirty years. From youthful naïveté to an experienced woman who refuses to tame her idealism.

Starting this one now since I’m stuck home today. Really looking forward to this one. A Universal History of the Destruction of Books: From Ancient Sumer to Modern-day Iraq by Fernando Báez | translation by Alfred McAdam

King: A Life by Jonathan Eig. Finishing by tomorrow.

Bear in the Back Seat: Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Kim DeLozier

The topic is a serious warning to the nine million visitors who arrive at the park annually - a fed bear is a dead bear. The retired Ranger includes many humorous anecdotes about keeping the parks many hikers, casual visitors and nature’s many natural inhabitants safely distant from each other.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...



A Universal History of the Destruction of Books: From Ancient Sumer to Modern-day Iraq by Fernando Báez | translation by Alfred McAdam


An accounting of the many times over the course of human history books and libraries have been destroyed. From the earliest of ancient times of the Greeks and Pharaohs to Nazi book burning to today’s conquests. History is replete of one conquering group destroying the societal memories of the conquered.