The New Year is always exciting for me, because it means a pile of new reads are going to be added to my TBR! 2021 is no different, with a variety of interesting nonfiction reads being released. Here are the ten I am most excited to read:
Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson
The author of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and Furiously Happy shares an account of the experiment treatment she underwent for depression. Lawson always deals with difficult topics in a relatable and hilarious way, and I’m sure this book will be no different.
The Babysitter by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan
In this true-crime read that sounds like a thriller novel, a women discovers that the charming, fun-loving babysitter she spent her summers with in Cape Cod is actually a serial killer. She explores the case while reflecting on her time with him in a whole new light.
Life Support: Diary of an ICU Doctor on the Frontline of the COVID Crisis by Jim Down
A moving account of the COVID crisis from a doctor at one of London’s top hospitals. Life Support is a testament to the heroic efforts of healthcare workers on the front line, and provides readers with insight into the stress, exhaustion, and grief the disease has caused. A timely and important book about a very real pandemic.
The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos by Judy Batallion
The true tale of a group of Jewish women became resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Poland. Smuggling weapons, collecting intelligence, seducing and killing German officers, and performing death-defying escape are just some of their brave exploits finally being brought to life. An exciting story that has already been picked up by Steven Spielberg.
Call Me Commander: A Former Intelligence Officer and the Journalists Who Uncovered His Scheme to Fleece America by Jeff Testerman and Daniel M. Freed
In 1998, a mysterious military commander appeared in Florida, schmoozing with top officials, establishing a large charity for veterans, and stealing millions of dollars before disappearing. Call me Commander is an action-packed true account about the search to discover the identity of a man U.S Marshalls called a “real-life Jason Bourne”.
What Doesn’t Kill You: A Life with Chronic Illness – Lessons from a Body in Revolt by Tessa Miller
Tessa Miller shares her journey with chronic illness, from its mysterious origins, her search for answers, its impact on her life and relationships, and coming to terms with the fact the she will always be sick. Miller’s inspiring story brings attention to an issue that many people suffer from in silence, and provides hope and wisdom for those facing chronic illness.
We Need to Hang Out by Billy Baker
The story of a middle-aged man who, upon realizing he doesn’t have any close friends, sets out on a journey to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and build relationships. This reminds me of the movie I Love You, Man and looks like a funny and entertaining read.
Work Won’t Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted, and Alone by Sarah Jaffe
In a world where success is often equated with being overworked, burnt out, or willing to work more for less, it’s easy for jobs to become all-consuming. Jaffe explores this toxic culture and encourages readers to know their worth and demand a better work-life balance.
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates
Bill Gates’ upcoming book, developed with a wide range of experts, discusses the dangers of climate change and greenhouse gases, as well as steps governments and individuals can take to help reach zero emissions and avoid disaster.
Remember by Lisa Genova
Lisa Genova’s moving fiction novels explore the impacts of brain injuries and illnesses on families – I’m still not over Still Alice! In her first nonfiction book, the author / neuroscientist discusses how memories are made, stored, retrieved, and lost, and what we can do to help protect ours.
