[Rosepickles]

Hi all, would love recommendations for any good non-fiction books you have read lately or whenever really. Im not really into biography or autobiography type books, more interesting reads on history, politics, philosophy or just any interesting topic really. I am not very well read outside of the fiction world, but read Guns, Germs and Steel last year and enjoyed being educated (on something outside of my uni work) whilst i read. I guess i would prefer books that are not too difficult to read, i have to read academic articles all the time so something a little entertaining would be nice
Thanks

[Sugared]

At Home by Bill Bryson is an interesting read

[peckingbird]

I'm reading a biography about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was a theologian and dissident anti-Nazi, with associations with the Resistance movement and was also involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler.

He was living in the USA during the war but made the decision to return to Germany because he felt morally obliged to continue the fight against the holocaust even though it meant leaving the security of the US and putting his life at risk by returning to Germany.

Very interesting read, and as I have just returned from a trip to Europe, where I visited Dachau, it is very relevant for me at the moment.

ETA: Ergh, should have read your post properly, I'm an idiot. You've said you're not into biographies, duh. Sorry. It's still a really interesting read!

This post has been edited by peckingbird: 14/01/2013, 01:36 PM

[Jess1983]

Most of the non fiction books I read are sports related or autobiographies but I really enjoyed The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson.

[Soprano-Cat]

I know you said you're not really into these genres, but I loathe nonfiction, so they're the best I have to offer.

If you're into Dr Who, "A Writer's Tale" documents the progression of emails of ideas etc between the author and Russel T Davies during the 2nd last season of David Tennant's run. It's a highly enjoyable read.

I also enjoy the two Stephen Fry Autobiographies I've read - Moab is my Washpot and Fry Chronicles. It's an interesting look into addiction and his bipolarness

This post has been edited by Soprano-Cat: 14/01/2013, 01:47 PM

[Rosepickles]

Thanks all, i know i said no bio types but still interested in the really good ones. Its more that i dont like the sports star and celeb ones so much.
Am excited as i have a book store voucher to spend and i only usually go to the library so want to get something good!

[nellista]

As Sugared mentioned, At Home by Bill Bryson, would tickle your history bone.

I listened to the audiobooks, and it was so good! He read it himself and some of the interesting stuff he talks about had me stopping it and thinking back over it again..... fully intend to read the book in the future.

The author of Guns, Germs and steel also has a couple of other books out, and another coming out soon.

I am reading an advance copy of a book called Consider the Fork by Bee Wilson, and it is about the development of kitchen tools over time. Very interesting and she has a writing style similar to Bill Bryson in a way, almost conversational.

[FiveAus]

The Emperor of All Maladies is a good read, it's the history of cancer and its treatments in a very readable version.

Best bio I have read, by a country mile, is Michael Caines "What's it all about?"
I have read lots of bios from people of various walks of life, and a lot of them unknown to the general public, but this one stands out above all the others, as being a ripping good read.

This post has been edited by FiveAus: 14/01/2013, 01:52 PM

[Tomahawk]

History on Trial : My Day in Court with David Irving by Deborah E. Lipstadt

(Not sure if you know but David Irving is a Holocaust denier, sorry if you do)

I highly recommend it.

[Chicky whicky]

A short history of nearly everything by Bill Bryson. Really good.