It’s week two of Nonfiction November.
“What are you looking for when you pick up a nonfiction book? Do you have a particular topic you’re attracted to? Do you have a particular writing style that works best? When you look at a nonfiction book, does the title or cover influence you?” – hosted by Rachel
I had to think about this topic for a long time. I’m not sure what exactly draws me to a book. I’m 100% a mood reader so what I want to read varies day by day. Here are a few characteristics that will keep me interested in a book though.
A Year in the Life
I’m a complete sucker for books written because the author takes on a challenge for a particular period of time. You decided to stand on your head on top of every mountain you could climb in the course of a year? I’d totally read your book.
The Year of Living Danishly – The Unlikely Disciple – Rejection Proof
Go On A Quest
I love books where the authors travel to research their topic and tell the story of the journey along with what they found.
Naked At Lunch – Trip of the Tongue – Meet Me In Atlantis
Obviously the topic can be anything.  Make it a fun journey and I’m in.
Talk About Food
Obviously, I’m a bit obsessed on the topic of books about food. I do have a Foodies Read monthly link up on the topic. I love reading the stories of ingredients or the food business. Even though I’m a vegetarian/wannabe vegan I’ll read books about farming too.
Banana – Truffle Boy – Locally Laid
Change The World
Books about fighting injustice or helping people always catch my eye.
Outcasts United – A Path Appears – Headscarves and Hymens
These all sound like non-fiction areas that would suit me too. Sometimes it’s so hard to put your finger on what works but you’ve done it so well.
Thanks!
I’m all over those “go on a quest” books, too, and need to investigate all three you mentioned. Have you read The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck…. it fit’s into that category and I really enjoyed it last year.
I hadn’t seen that one. It sounds perfect for me. I love mules!
I’m a sucker for challenges and quests too 🙂 I think I like living vicariously through the authors’ interesting experiences.
What a great way to articulate nonfiction themes! I find ‘A Year in the Life’ concepts particularly appealing too.
I, of course, love books about food. I also like biographies and autobiographies.
I don’t think I’ve ready anything that falls into any of your categories! Much as I love eating , I’m not a fan about reading all about it. Perhaps the quest is the closest I’ve come to, but not really in the way you’ve meant it. It’s fascinating what a variety is out there in non- fiction!
I’m with you on food nonfiction!
Your “A Year in the Life” category is right up my alley as well, though I didn’t give it much thought until just now! I’ve also seen these called “stunt” books, but I kind of feel like that has a more negative connotation.
Admittedly, I haven’t read books that would fit into all of these categories. I’m trying though. 🙂 I especially like the thought of reading books on subjects that create change.
All of those ideas are definitely a reason why I would to check out a book, but I don’t read many about food. Not sure why that is. lol
I love your categories! They’re very similar to what draws me to a nonfiction book, only I didn’t realize it till now. The Year of Living Danishly looks good 😉
Your category #1 made me laugh! I love that kind of book too — and so do many other people, judging by how many of them are being published these days.