Tuesday, October 31, 2017

My Year in Nonfiction

NonFiction 2017 

I'm joining in Nonfiction November for the first time this year.  So far I have finished 5 NonFiction books this year. I'm currently listening to a non fiction audiobook (how timely!). Obviously this isn't a Genre I pick first, but I know it is important to be well rounded. Im excited to add a few new ones to my to read list that are recommended by others!

My favorite NonFiction book so far in 2017 is:

1.  The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

 I gave it 4/5 stars and you can read my mini-review here

2.  I won a Goodreads giveaway for A Hope More Powerful than the Sea by Melissa Fleming



I am so glad that I was able to read this book and share it with other teachers that work with Refugee children at our building.  I gave the book 4/5 stars but the content was tough to read at times.  I haven't posted my review of it, so here are my thoughts (via Goodreads)

Wow! I'm glad I read this book but it unfortunately is just one of so many sad and horrible stories from Syria. The scary part is that parts of the book matches stories told by my students. (Thankfully not the boat escape)I'm learning so much from them and their resilience is amazing just like Doaa's in the book. I feel honored to have won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

3.  A local publisher gave us the opportunity to read Lowi &G: Living outside the Lines and meet the authors at book club!

This book gave me so much more appreciation after talking to the ladies and hearing the steps to writing it.  It was fun to hear their essays and a bit more information.  After seeing their fun personalities the book means so much more!  A fun opportunity and I am happy to spread the word on a great book.  Short stories that are fun to read and completely relatable!  5/5 stars



4.  I also read The Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

Although this book was a favorite of my bookclub, it didn't really work for me.  I did appreciate the discussion we had at book club but only gave it 2 stars.  My mini-review is here.  Some of the ladies in Book Club loved it so much they went to see Glennon Doyle Melton at a local event. Maybe I can revisit one of her books another time!

5.  Another Book Club book was Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City  by Matthew Desmond

I gave it 3/5 stars.  It was the same sad story over and over, important information, but I didn't love it.


Currently Reading (and enjoying) : Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life by Jenna and Barbara Bush 


It's currently my Audiobook and its a quick but fun look at life as a kid in the WhiteHouse. I love Jenna Bush Hager from The Today Show and I'm learning how different she and Barbara are!  This is a great November read for me!  Love listening to them and their Secret Service detail.  This isn't political and that makes it refreshing too!
















8 comments:

  1. Glad to know you are enjoying Sisters First. I love to listen to nonfiction and that's one of the titles I'm considering.

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    1. Yes! I prefer memoirs read by the authors when possible! The girls alternate chapters so its like having 2 narrators.

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  2. I'm happy to hear that Sisters First doesn't get political! I'll keep it in mind as a quick, fun read if I get bogged down by other nonfiction this month.

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    1. I listened to more today and there is discussion of things when their dad was President and 9/11 but it was informative about their life and experiences and not anything trying to persuade me or teach me. Its a great approach to keep it neutral with political topics (if that make sense). I really really like it!

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  3. My twin sister is going to read Sisters First soon, so I'm waiting for her to tell me how it is! But I'll probably read it anyway!

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    1. Fun to have a twin with a book about the presidential twins! How great you have family to have book discussions anytime! So fun!

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  4. I don't normally enjoy memoirs, but Sisters First sounds interesting. I may add it to my list!

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    1. I'm enjoying it. For me finding nonfiction is still a challenge so this has been a good one! Its a good one to keep in mind!

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