Fantastic Non-Fiction

I read a lot of non-fiction – probably something that makes me a bit different from a lot of book bloggers who (quite rightly) focus on the wealth of glorious fiction out there. I love fiction, read fiction and spent my academic life on (classic, modern and feminist) fiction.

But I have insomnia and a night-time non-fiction audiobook habit!

With this in mind, I thought I’d update on some of the brilliant non-fiction books that I’ve listened to or read recently.

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‘Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius’ by Nick Hornby

Ever thought about the ways in which Victorian writer Charles Dickens and American pop star Prince are eerily similar? Nope, me neither, so just as well Nick Hornby has done the thinking for us! In this short book, Hornby considers how their lives shared key features, from early success, work ethic and the sources of their creativity.

My feelings on both Dickens and Prince are quite limited – I can allow that ‘Great Expectations’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘Purple Rain’ and ‘Little Red Corvette’ might be works of genius in different ways, but I needed a bit of convincing on their similarities. Luckily, Hornby approaches his task with enthusiasm, wit and a fresh perspective so – views on Dickens and Prince notwithstanding – this was a fun and lively read.

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‘Superfreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance’ by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt.

I’ll admit that maths wasn’t entirely my thing at school, but this book on the surprising conclusions to be drawn from economic data won me over. The audiobook is read by one of the authors (Stephen J. Dubner) and is an eye-opening and often humorous look at some really surprising topics, from prostitution to the climate debate.

I haven’t read the original ‘Freakonomics’ book but it is now on the TBR.

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‘William Blake vs the World’ by John Higgs

As an English teacher, I’ve often taught Blake’s poetry – ‘London’, blah blah, Romantic poet, blah blah, ‘Poison Tree’, blah blah, painter, and so on. Still, I didn’t actually know much about the man himself – and it is quite a life story!

Higgs takes the position that Blake was often at odds with the society around him for various reasons, not least because he was a misunderstood figure who was a visionary in many ways. Some of the ‘visionary’ arguments made my brain hurt (the block universe theory of time, anyone?) but this is a lively and interesting book about a fascinating man.

The audiobook is read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it (mainly between the hours of 3 and 5am – curse that insomnia!)

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‘Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne’ by Katherine Rundell

I always keep a close eye on Baillie Gifford Non-Fiction prizewinners as they have been some of the best books I’ve read in recent years. This one is no exception.

As with Blake, I had only a vague overview of John Donne, this time mainly from my (traditional, canonical) university course back in the Dark Ages. This book opened up an interesting life – one shot through with contradictions as Donne breezed through many careers and was both a society insider and outsider at points in his life. This book is beautifully written, meticulously researched and read engagingly by Jamie Parker.

Highly recommended, even if (like me) you have only a tiny clue about who John Donne was!

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‘Hungry’ by Grace Dent

I’d heard great things about this book – an autobiography by the journalist and food writer about growing up in Carlisle. It’s about food, family, and being hungry for more as Dent works her way up to prestigious and high-profile jobs on national newspapers and Masterchef – and the ties that keep her coming back to her ageing parents.

The audiobook is read by the author and is just lovely. It’s packed with humour, nostalgia and the joy to be found in food – whether that’s haute cuisine or 1980s school canteen fare.

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‘A Taste for Poison: Eleven Deadly Substances and the Killers Who Used Them’ by Neil Bradbury

This is a fascinating look at a whole range of poisons that have been used throughout human history. Bradbury combines some (often stomach-churning) biological details on the effects of the different toxins with fascinating true crime history. It’s like a behind-the-scenes tour of your favourite Agatha Christie novel combined with Patricia Cornwell forensics!

The audiobook is read well by Derek Perkins.

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‘What Writers Read: 35 Writers on Their Favourite Book’ edited by Pandora Sykes

This is a lovely collection of short essays in which writers discuss their favourite books. It’s a real treat to get an insight into books loved by some of the finest modern writers and I enjoyed this hugely. It even added to my (already extensive) TBR – I don’t know how I haven’t read ‘Cold Comfort Farm’ but I certainly need to now that Marian Keyes has recommended it! There are some great books included – it was delightful to read that Deborah Levy shares my love of ‘I Capture the Castle’ and there was real comfort to be found in so many familiar choices.

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‘Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain’ by Sathnam Sanghera

This is an interesting book about how so much in modern Britain is actually deeply rooted in our period of Empire. It’s insightful and engaging, especially when focused on Sanghera’s own perspectives as a Sikh growing up in Wolverhampton and later graduating from Cambridge University. It would be an uncomfortable listen for those who think that Empire is in the past – but an important one for us all.

The audiobook is read by Homer Todiwala and is excellent.

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Header photo by Claudia Wolff on Unsplash