Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books to Read If You Are In The Mood For NonFiction

Hello all!

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, and here is my latest offering!  This week the topic is “10 Books to Read If You Are In the Mood For [X].” I chose to replace X with NonFiction.  I’m going to make it quick this week; I may review a few of these in the future:

1)  The Soul of a Citizen – Paul Rogat Loeb
This is about the spirit of people who choose to join movements that are bigger than themselves.  The author has interviewed many people who are a part of social movements to discover their motivations, and what they have in common. I’m about halfway through it., and I’m really enjoying it so far, especially since I aspire to this kind of career.

2)  I am Jennie – Jennie Ketcham
This is a moving and very interesting story of how a girl became a very famous porn star, and what it took to get out of that business when she was ready.  I really enjoyed reading this book, and I think that the topic is for everyone, if only to humanize those engaged in sex work, whether or not you agree with the choice to do so (for those for whom it is a choice).

3)  Asking For It – Kate Harding (I keep mentioning this book, and it’s worth it!)
I have a review for this book coming VERY soon, but briefly – it is about the pervasive nature of rape culture and what we can do to combat it.  I have SO MANY thoughts after reading this book, and I can’t wait to post my review to share this book with anyone who will listen!

4)  The New Jim Crow – Michelle Alexander
Amazing book!  I’m not completely done with this one, but it is about how mass incarceration is our new Jim Crow system in America.  It’s powerful and hard-hitting, and I love it so far, even as it horribly disturbs me.  I already recommend it to any- and everybody. Seriously.

5)  Our Kids – Robert Putnam
I haven’t cracked this one open yet, but I have seen the author lecture about it, so I threw it onto this list.  It’s about the difference in how kids are raised and educated based on zip code (and other factors), and how despicable and irresponsible that is of us to allow to happen.  I think the primary audience for this book are people who aren’t very aware of the differences, but it can also be helpful in giving more information to anyone wanting vocabulary to voice their thoughts.

6)  On Leadership – Harvard Business Review
Harvard Business Review puts out collections of articles they have released, all “on” different topics: Leadership, Management, Strategy, etc.  I own On Leadership and On Management.  I like them both, but have read more articles in Leadership than Management right now.  If you’re interested in different ways to be a leader/enhance your leadership style, this is a good one to pick up.

7)  The Gift of Fear – Gavin deBecker
I haven’t completed this book either, but it is on my list.  However, it struck me from its first chapters and has stayed with me for years. Maybe even a decade at this point.  I lost the book in a move, and just haven’t replaced it, but I will!  It’s all about how fear is a gift that has evolved over time, and is typically the result of your brain piecing together elements of a situation before you realize it, and how to recognize that true, gripping fear – and to listen to it.

8)  Juice Fasting and Detoxification – Steve Meyorwitz
If you are interested in the benefits of juice fasting and detoxification, this book is pretty short and gives great information in an interesting, yet concise way.  I read it cover to cover, and it’s great for just understanding what to put into your body, even if you don’t choose to juice.

9)  Me, My Hair, and I – Elizabeth Benedict
This is a book of 27 essays by 27 women, all on the concept of hair.  It spans ages, cultures, and continents, and is SO GOOD!  I’m making my way through this book slowly, reading an essay or two (or three!) at a time.  I’m not in a rush, as I’m always full of thoughts after each essay.

10)  Pimps Up, Ho’s Down: Hip Hop’s Hold on Young Black Women– T. Denean Sharpley-Whiting
I’m not completely done with this, but it is one of my MANY nonfiction books about hip hop.  I should say – this isn’t a book that advocates for the eradication of hip hop culture, but just to decrease the misogyny and make it a bit more inclusive.  I love that take, and I’m sure I will review this one when I’m done with it!

Got suggestions for me?  Leave them in the comments!  See you all next time…