I have become a nonfiction fiend – something I had never imagined I would say about myself. But I love that my greatest flex as a reader is I can read just about anything. Reading nonfiction books has opened an interesting dimension to my reading and I cannot wait to explore more books in this genre!
Here are some nonfiction books that I think fiction readers who have not tried this genre would love to read:
Remnants of a Separation by Aanchal Malhotra
Sub-genre: History
What does it do to a person who has to leave their homeland because a few people decided that a random line in the sand turned one part into Pakistan and another to India?
Remnants of a Separation traces an answer to this question through interviewing people who lived through partition. An essential read.
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
Sub-genre: Memoir
This is the story of Facebook: the bad, the worse and the ugly. If you have ever felt a subliminal unease about social media, about how its unrecognizable from the time you used it around 2008-2010, then this book is for you.
The chapters on China and Myanmar are especially eye-opening.
Super Powers on the Shore by Sejal Mehta
Sub-genre: Nature
This book combines two of my great loves: Bombay and the sea. But what it also does is, helps you to have a new appreciation for nature and its smaller creatures that are not flashy looking or aesthetically beautiful.
It was a mesmerizing read and every time I visit a beach now, I look for these intertidal species.
Code Dependent by Madhumita Murgia
Sub-genre: Technology/AI
It was not long ago when the fear and impact of AI was lost on me. I couldn’t figure out why scientists are so against this tech.
I had thought of AI being this Matrix style machine that would take over the world and lead to a dystopia. This book helped me understand not only the human cost of this tech but the glaring limitations it has.
The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair
Sub-genre: Art/History
The book is divided into a colour spectrum starting with white (reflects all light) and ending with black (absorbs all light).
Reading this book, discovering history through the lens of colour and why military uniforms are certain colours or why some colours were considered royal was an unhinged experience. I loved every minute of it.
At the Existentialist Café by Sarah Bakewell
Sub-genre: Philosophy
Before this book, I had a vague idea of what existentialism meant. I liked its messiness and its attempts to make sense of the human condition. I liked it did not have any easy answers or a god you could blame all your problems on. After this book, I was even more in awe of this philosophy.
You can read my detailed review here.
The Truth About Me by A. Revathi
Sub-genre: Memoir
Reading this was an educative experience, especially since all of us have such set notions of who Hijras are. This book will not only teach you about the community and their way of life, it will also remind you of your immense privilege.
This was a hard read, especially when you realize the sport we have made of their lives.
Truck de India by Rajat Ubhaykar
Sub-genre: Travelogue
I had minimal expectations from the book. I thought it would be some interviews that the author would have done with some truckers and I’d get to read their stories. What I got instead was a journey that is filled with heart, anguish, history, catchphrases and so much warmth that I had tears in my eyes when I read the last line of the book. Read my detailed review of the book here.
Unearthed by Meghaa Gupta
Sub-genre: Environment
This is a children’s book which is why its perfect if you want to understand the complex topic of environment and why “fixing” climate change is such a challenge.
This book has humour, posters, heart and also some words of wisdom for us adults. It does not sugar coat the issue but also gives you hope. Read my longer review here.
I hope this will be an ever increasing list but for now, I have scoured my Excel and come up with these amazing titles that I enjoyed. If you’re new to nonfiction, I hope one of these sparks your interest.
This post is part of Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
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