2 Weeks, 16 New Nonfiction Books, and the Truths They Reveal About Our World

Good evening, book lovers! As we dive into the latest nonfiction releases, it’s impossible to ignore the pressing issues that shape our world. From politics and culture to history and science, these 16 books offer a deeper understanding of the complexities we face today.

But before we delve into the new releases, let’s take a look at what some notable authors are saying about the state of our world. Anne Lamott and Mel Brooks are urging us to register to vote, while Stephen King is speaking out against the dangers of unchecked power. These voices remind us that the personal is indeed political, and the decisions we make at the polls have a profound impact on our collective future.

Now, let’s explore the new nonfiction releases that caught our eye. Hillary Clinton’s Something Lost, Something Gained offers a candid look at her life, love, and politics. She shares stories from her time as a college professor, her friendship with other former First Ladies, and her activism for women and democracy. In Stench, David Brock takes a closer look at the conservative movement and its efforts to stack the Supreme Court with right-wing justices. Meanwhile, Timothy Snyder’s On Freedom challenges us to rethink our understanding of this fundamental concept.

We also see books that shed light on the darker aspects of our history. Ron Stallworth’s The Gangs of Zion chronicles his time as a Black cop in Mormon Country, while David S. Brown’s A Hell of a Storm explores the division of the United States in the 1850s. Rebecca Nagle’s By the Fire We Carry examines the fight for tribal land and sovereignty in eastern Oklahoma.

Other books tackle pressing issues like climate change and the environment. Lisa Baril’s The Age of Melt delves into the cultural significance of glaciers, while Christopher Brown’s A Natural History of Empty Lots celebrates the resilience of wild nature. Bruce Gordon’s The Bible offers a sweeping history of the world’s most influential book, while Francis S. Collins’s The Road to Wisdom seeks to navigate the intersections of truth, science, faith, and trust.

Finally, we see books that challenge our assumptions about the world and encourage us to think critically. Emily Witt’s Health and Safety chronicles her experiences in the underground dance music scene, while Mary L. Trump’s Who Could Ever Love You is a memoir about her family’s complex history. Jason Stanley’s Erasing History examines the dangers of rewriting the past, while Yuval Noah Harari’s Nexus offers a groundbreaking history of information networks.

As we close this week’s roundup, we’re left with more questions than answers. How can we cultivate wisdom and critical thinking in the face of misinformation? How can we protect our environment and preserve our cultural heritage? These books offer a starting point for these conversations, and we hope they inspire you to explore the world around you.