I really enjoy reading non-fiction, so there are quite a few I could choose for this prompt. So, in typical form, I’m not going to limit myself to just one. Hope you’re okay with that! Here are a random assortment of the non-fiction books that have had the biggest impact on me.
Some of these made me feel connected to an element of the person’s shared experience (like Jenny Lawson’s work), some taught me something vital about being human, some shared with me what it is like to be in an entirely different set of circumstances than my own, others brought me some levity when I needed it or helped me feel connected to a larger community. But each one has stuck with me, in some cases for most of my life (I read Anne Frank’s diary over thirty years ago, and she has never left my side since). Each of these I would recommend highly. These definitely aren’t the only ones – there are so, so many more – these are just the first that came to mind.
What about you guys? Have you read any of these? Which book or books have had the greatest impact on you?
Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge is a blog hop hosted every Wednesday by Long and Short Reviews. The weekly prompts range widely, including both book-related and non-book-related topics. The idea is to get bloggers to interact, share a bit about their lives and connect with other bloggers. Click here for the list of upcoming topics, and visit here to join in the fun!
I honestly haven’t read any of these, but I will say that Jenny Lawson is awesome.
She most definitely is. One of my all-time favourite people.
I enjoy Bill Bryson’s style, and remember reading “Sunburned Country” aloud to my husband when he was using listening and laughter to control his blood pressure. I don’t know if I’d rate it all THAT high but he certainly makes facts fun to read! Living in the Appalachian Mountains, a little more than a day’s walk from the Trail, I really loved his “Walk in the Woods.” Have you read that one?
I feel like Bill Bryson is one of my favourites partly because of when I read them and where I was at the time – and that I went into them knowing nothing so it was a great surprise to discover the humour and entertainment value! I don’t think they’re life-changing books, but definitely enjoyable, particularly for armchair travelers! I have read A Walk In the Woods and I enjoyed it! (And admired him – I’d have lasted a day, if that!)
I had fun making my list, though I know in my heart that these aren’t all my favorites: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/todays-blogging-challenge-best.html
Thanks for the link! I’ll head over and check out your picks! (And I’m the same – no list will ever be everything…. there are always more!)
I usually (read — never–) participate in this link-up but I think I will today since I never got around to favorite nonfiction books of 2022. I love Born a Crime, The Diary of Anne Frank, and In a Sun Burned Country, too. The last is so funny.
Oooh good spin on the topic! I fully agree. All three are fantastic!
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race was really eye opening for me (as a white person). Jenny Lawson is amazing, she’s so funny despite everything she’s gone through and is still going through. I need to read the rest of her books.
My post.
I agree. On all counts! I loved all of her books, but I tend to feel like each book is a little bit better!
Anne Frank’s diary is such an important book. I’ve watched many a documentary about Anne, but her own words better show how ordinary life for an ordinary person can just change because of unnecessary hatred and persecution.
Yes. I read her book when I was around the same age she was when she wrote it, and it had such a huge impact. It was the first time I’d really become aware of what humans are capable of – both the horror and the bravery and kindness. It was an experience that fundamentally changed how I view the world.