Holiday Reading List – Nonfiction
Hey readers – and I mean that on two levels. It’s the second post in my 2014 Holiday Reads roundup. That’s right, I’m touching on some of the hottest (and the coolest) nonfiction titles out there – from celeb memoirs to techie business books to nerd out over to some totally unexpected finds that’ll inspire you to no end. Read on to find the perfect nonfiction title for everyone on your shopping list – and maybe a few for your bookshelf as well!
Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s “Learned” by Lena Dunham – $32
Perfect For: Twentysomethings that watch or are similar to the characters on Girls.
What’s Up?: I can sum this book up in a nutshell: if you like HBO’s Girls, a show very much informed by the voice of New Yorker Lena Dunham, you will like this book of essays, lists and insights. In a slightly meta move, this book serves as a counterpoint to her TV alter ego Hannah Horvath’s failed attempts to get her own book of essays published and to ultimately fulfill her goal of becoming ‘a voice of a generation’. To be clear: Hannah and Lena are not the same people. What this book contains is an interesting look at the last 20 or so years through the eyes of a vibrant, accessible, self-deprecating, unpolished, savvy, intelligent, thoughtful woman, on everything from body image to rape to therapy to lesbianism to summer camp. For me, it was a treat to read because Lena and I are around the same age. It was a bit bizarre to see little minutiae from my childhood and preteendom thrown back at me through the eyes of someone that grew up rather differently than I did; in an artistic, seemingly privileged household in New York City of all places. I said that Hannah and Lena are not the same people, but Lena herself points out that HBO hired her to develop a show based on her experiences. Anyone that watches Girls then, will have fun recognizing the inspiration points from Lena’s own life that have been infused into the series – from a stint working at a pricey baby store to a brief mention of a punctured eardrum. A fab gift for any gal pals on your list!
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan – $29
Perfect For: Gatsby fans and literary enthusiasts.
What’s Up?: How do I know this is a wonderful choice for fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary The Great Gatsby? Because it is literally a book about WHY you are a fan of Gatsby. In it, author and lecturer Maureen Corrigan will reawaken a love for this sometimes underappreciated book that is arguably – in her words – the closest thing to the Great American Novel that exists. If you read this book in high school and have memories of it being a ‘school book’, trust me – this nonfiction take will give you newfound adoration for this slim yet loaded novel. To try and explain what it spans, well, we’d be here for awhile. But in a nutshell, it touches on the novel’s reception over time (it initially received a chilly reception), including its prevalence in pop culture today (the text itself was written around the time Baz Luhrman’s movie adaptation of the book came out, inciting another wave of Gatsby mania). It also explores the semi-tragic life of F. Scott Fitzgerald, with fresh insights on his life with Zelda and their daughter Scottie. And of course, it provides plenty of literary theory and exploration of really why this book is so ‘perfect’ and all of the subtle layers of meaning and thought that went into every single word. If you ARE gifting this book, make sure your giftee has a copy of Gatsby on hand after going through it – they’ll be eager to pick up and rediscover this gem of a classic novel.
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury – $18.99
Perfect For: Any rugged outdoorsman (or woman) on your list.
What’s Up?: If your idea of camping is sleeping on an inflatable air mattress with a solar powered tent so you can watch Netflix under the stars then um, this book is not for you. It’s meant for the adventurers, the rovers, the backpackers – the people who can rig up a makeshift tent with virtually nothing and find the dirt just as comfy as a pillowtop mattress. In it, survivalist expert Dave Canterbury hones in on the 5 C’s of roughing it: cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages. While it’s probably well-suited to those that are at least kind of used to tackling the great outdoors, it’s also a helpful guide for newbies, as it breaks down the best items to pack, strategies for ‘hunting and gathering’ (and cooking) your meals and ways to find at least a bit of comfort in the elements. The book itself is sturdily built as well – meaning your loved one can tuck it in their pack before heading off to get in touch with nature.
The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution by Walter Isaacson – $40
What’s Up?: I’ll admit, a big part of why I was so psyched to read this book is the way I devoured Walter Isaacson’s seminal biography on Steve Jobs. I suspect that book informed this one, as Isaacson extends his scope beyond the mercurial Apple leader to the titans that built Silicon Valley into what it is today. The book touches on the titular innovators – from Ada (Byron) Lovelace to Bill Gates- who individually and collaboratively developed both the computer and the internet. The result is not just a ‘history book’ (although it could very easily serve as an accessible way to learn about these two pieces of technology that have changed nearly every facet of our lives) but a guide to how collaboration fuels inspiration – and leads to better, more practical, more adaptable outcomes. To put it another way, the main takeaway from this lovely book for me was the fact that the sum was very much greater than the parts. Isaacson has an extremely approachable style too, so even if you’re not totally convinced that the subject matter is for you, I assure you – it’s plenty engrossing and will give you a newfound appreciation when you go online to tell your friends how much you loved it.
Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography – $31
Perfect For: Fans (casual or diehard) of the prolific, multi-talented performer.
What’s Up?: I read an interview a while back with Neil Patrick Harris, one of the fortunate few stars to make it through a childhood career, a young adult dry spell, and coming out whilst playing a lothario on TV completely unscathed. He basically said he recognized he had a kind of interesting story, but that he couldn’t picture writing a standard celeb biography – he doesn’t take himself seriously enough. So instead, the perennially creative star drew on a childhood source of inspiration – Choose Your Own Adventure books – to develop a wholly unique and entertaining take on a celebrity memoir, one that’s as entertaining to ‘get through’ as it is to read. The hopscotch nature of the book may feel a little gimmicky, but in fact it works on two levels. One, if you only really care about portions of NPH’s life, you can easily skip to them. Two, it also makes the book worth reading again in the future, as you go back to sections you passed on the first time around, and re-read some of the endearingly humorous, heartwarming, and honest portions that’ll stick with you well past your adventure ‘ends’.
Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover New Ideas. Advice & Projects from 50 Successful Artists by Danielle Krysa – $36.95
Perfect For: The artsy black sheep of the family.
What’s Up?: Sometimes people associate nonfiction with dry, fact-based reading. But in fact, nonfiction can be a fount of inspiration, particularly when applied to creativity-inducing workbooks like this fun tome, created by The Jealous Curator blogger Danielle Krysa. The name actually works on two levels – on the one hand, it is literally shaped like a block, and in opening it up, you’ll hopefully be busting through any sort of creative block you’re struggling with. Filled with imagery and insights from 50 successful and incredibly varied artists, the book touches on ways to get those creative juices flowing, including a bounty of quirky exercises supplied by each of the successful artists featured in the book (sample activity: pick a random object and in a single sitting, draw it 100 different ways – ex: a ring could be a diamond ring, a hoola hoop, a Saturn ring, you name it!) While it’s most definitely suited to the ‘artistes’ in your family – whether your art student niece or your budding Picasso son or your actually-making-a-living-at-fine-arts uncle – but it actually works well for anyone looking to infuse their spare time with a bit of off-the-wall creativity.
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert – $32
Perfect For: Any fellow biology nerds like myself, but also for any conspiracy theorists out there.
What’s Up?: I heard about this book quite awhile ago and I was instantly hooked on (and terrified by) the premise. Essentially, author Elizabeth Kolbert is posting that there have been five previous extinctions documented on our planet (example: the asteroid that KO’d the dinosaurs). The titular sixth one (referred to as the Anthropocene extinction) is actually already underway – and we’re responsible. The evidence supporting her case is compelling, if horrifying, as she shadows researchers who demonstrate the ‘disappearances’ already taking place in nature and how humanity played a part in propelling the end of species like Sumatran rhino and the Hawaiian crow. Admittedly, this isn’t the fluffiest of reading – while Kolbert does an admirable job of making the subject matter both compelling and accessible, the subject matter itself is indeed pretty darn grim. Although she infuses the book with great writing and a bit of dark humour, be prepared that this one will keep you up at night.
What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey – $28.99
Perfect For: Fans of the big O herself, as well as those who enjoy a good motivational read.
What’s Up?: This sweet little book looks and feels like the type of thing you should tuck into your purse when you’re looking for a mid-day pick-me-up. After all, it’s compact in size, has a built-in bookmark, and a durable cover…and it’s chockful of wisdom and wit from the queen of personal branding, Oprah. This book isn’t exactly new, in that it simply gleans some of Oprah’s favourite What I Know For Sure columns from her magazine, O, into one neat little package. But many of the essays have been revised and updated, and never before have Oprah’s writings from the magazine been bundled together in this format. The result is a nice book to have on your bedstand, to read a pleasant essay before drifting off to sleep, or to motivate you after a rough day at work, or to even page through over breakfast. Delivering messages of gratitude, strength, gut feelings, and gumption, it’s a perfect pick for anyone who’s already a subscriber to O, or could use a little of this force of nature’s insight in their life.
How Google Works by Eric Schmidt & Jonathan Rosenberg – $33
Perfect For: Young adults with an eye on the tech behemoth, or business managers interested in learning from the greats via ‘inside’ stories like Creativity Inc.
What’s Up?: Apart from Apple and maybe Facebook, no corporate culture is lauded or watched as closely as Google. From making a starring appearance in the comedy film to The Internship to making pretty much every ‘places I want to work at’ list for twenty and thirty-somethings, everyone and their dog is curious about what really goes on at tech giant’s corporate campus. What’s different about this compared to other similar ‘behind the curtain’ tomes is the fact it’s written by two Google execs who actually led an internal class for Google employees, and used their presentation materials to form its content. That’s right – you are literally not just pulling back the curtain, you’re given a guided tour as to how Google inspires and empowers its employees to create that oh-so-coveted culture of innovation that has driven the company to its current successful state. While there is a bit of self-congratulation, there’s also plenty of immensely readable insights that’ll be useful for any business professional looking to motivate their own team.
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett – $29.99
Perfect For: Anyone looking for a thought-provoking read, or your niece or nephew that’s about to go on a European backpacking trip this summer. Heed the warnings within…
“I never thought it could happen to me.” How many times have we heard that refrain when someone is struck by tragedy or misfortune in their lives? So goes the story of Canadian Amanda Lindhout, former Calgary cocktail waitress turned Somalian hostage for over a year of her young life. Her tale (originally released in late 2013 but now available in paperback), has struck a chord with audiences worldwide for its searing (not sensationalist) portrait of torture, rape, and brutality she suffered at the hands of her captors, as well as a clearer picture of the dangers of religious fanaticism in extremist countries and the conflicts driving their political and social turmoil. It’s a pulse-pounding read that’s as intense as any internationally-set thriller you’ll encounter – but perhaps more importantly, many people have called this tome a touchstone of faith. Not of the ‘I’ll say a prayer for you’ variety. The undercurrent here is the boundless faith Amanda has as she reassures herself she will make it through this horrible ordeal, that there is indeed a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously the story has a happy ending, but this is one eye-opening – as one of my friends that read it described: yes, this experience changed Amanda Lindhout’s life. But just reading about it will change yours too.
Once again, I’m very excited to be lining the bookshelves of one of my readers. One of you lucky ducks is going to score all of the nonfiction books I highlighted in this post, for a grand total of over $310. Interested in turning some pages this winter? Here’s how to enter:
1) First up: you must be a subscriber to the Canadian Gift Guide to enter this giveaway – I promise, it’s fun! Just find the ‘Gift of Gab’ box on the righthand side of this page and either hit Follow or enter your email address. Once you’ve done that, leave a comment on this post by December 20, 2014, telling me which of these titles you’re most interested in reading. You can pick as many as you like!
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 21, 2014 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Follow the super awesome publishers of these engrossing books on Twitter, and send then send out as many as 10 Tweets (one per book) that tags each publisher and the author of the book (if they have a Twitter account), as well as links back to this post. Then post each of your Tweets into a separate comment below. As a handy cheat sheet, I’ve highlighted the publishers below, including what titles they released, and their Twitter handles.
Hachette Book Group – How Google Does It and So We Read On
Adams Media – Bushcraft 101
Raincoast Books – Creative Block, The Sixth Extinction, What I Know For Sure
Random House of Canada – Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography, Not That Kind of Girl
Simon & Schuster – The Innovators, A House In The Sky
Canadian Gift Guide 
Not That Kind Of Girl
if i won I’d had a difficault choice to see which one would be first. They all look terrific!
I have heard such good things about A House In The Sky, that it is the one I am most interested in.
The sixth extinction. I’m fascinated by this stuff.
The Innovators for sure!
The Sixth Extinction sounds awesome.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I would really like to read The Sixth Extinction
I’d like to read So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan. And I can think of the perfect readers for Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury.
Oh, you’re giving away Creative Block! I’ve been wanting to read it for a long time. So many fabulous titles! Thank you!
I really want to read Lena Dunham’s ‘Not that kind of girl!”
I’m a big fan of Opray so I would love to read What I Know For Sure.
Totally interested in reading “The Sixth Extinction” ! Love those kind of books!
I’m actually most interested in Bush Craft 101.
I’m a subscriber and am eager to read Not That Kind of Girl
I would most like to read Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography
I’m definitely interested in reading “not that kind of girl”. I have watched all the seasons of Girls and absolutely love the show! This one is on my list to pick up.
the sixth extinction sounds good
I am dying to read Neil Patrick Harris’ Choose Your Own Autobiography (the first 2 days after I got them), then plowing right through for the next 2 weeks — they all look terrific!
My first read would be What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey. I see other titles in this group that would suit a few family members!
Interested in the Patrick-Harris bio
My first choice would be What I Know For Sure by Oprah WInfrey. I find people’s observations about life interesting food for thought.
I am most interested in the Bush Craft 101 book it would be great for my husband and grandson who like going on adventures thanks!
I’d like to peek through the Creative Block book since I loved doing the Artist’s Way program years ago.
I am a subscriber, but didn’t receive your e-mail this morning. Had to come check on you! 🙂
Have a great day and good luck everyone!
ps. just received your e-mail of the day. My Outlook seems to have been backed up! woah.
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury. My husband is such an outdoorsman, and I know nothing!
I want to read Lena Dunham and Oprah’s books
I’m most interested in reading “Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography”, “What I Know for Sure” by Oprah Winfrey, and “A House in the Sky” by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett.
I’ve been wanting to read The Sixth Extinction for a while, and Bushcraft 101 looks fascinating too.
I would like to read Oprah’s book “What I know for sure”.
The Titles i’m interested in are; the Google book, great gatsby, innovators and bush craft…
I love the sounds of the Neil Patrick Harris one – Choose Your Own Adventure flashback!
I’m a HUGE NPH fan, so ever since I read about his autobiography coming out, I’ve wanted that book!!!
I subscribe by email.
My fav would be Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury
I’d love to read Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury cause you never know when the zombie apocalypse is gonna hit so we might as well prepare while we can!
I’d like to read A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett
I would love to read The Sixth Extinction – An Unnatural History. A House in the Sky also looks good. I am going out to buy Bush Craft 101 for my son.
Would love to add to my collection
What could be better than getting books? So We Read On sounds interesting.
I’d like to read The Innovators.
Definitely interested in reading Oprah’s book
I would like to read Not That Kind of Girl since I like Lena Dunham.
Neil Patrick Harris
I’m a Google Adsense publisher, and have several blogs I run. So I’d be most interested in reading “How Google Works”. Because sometimes you wonder just what the heck is going on with them…
I am a huge reader. I usually like mystery etc but since I am curious you have a lot of books that will fill my needs. I would like to read Bush Craft 101, Not that kind of Girl, Creative Block, Google, What I know for sure and Innovators. Thanks!
Bush Craft 101 would be interesting
They all look incredible, but the comedy lover in me would just eat up Neil Patrick Harris’ Choose your own Autobiography. Plus I’m sure there’s some substance there as well!
Well I was going to say Neil Patrick Harris’ book but A House in the Sky looks very interesting as well.
What I know for sure looks great
The Innovvators
For me? Definitely Bush Craft 101!
Creative Block. I would tell you why but I can’t put it into words…
I tweeted re: Creative Block https://twitter.com/trysmallthings/status/542527816047149056
I would love to read any of these books especially What I Know For Sure.
I can’t wait to read Not That Kind of Girl. I’ve wanted to read it for months.
Bushcraft 101 because when (did I say when? I meant if) society collapses I’ll know how to get through the worst of it and the Neil Patrick Harris book because I loved Choose Your Own Adventures when I was a kid.
I’d love to read the book about the Great Gatsby!
I really want to read Neil Patrick Harris’ Choose Your Own Autobiography. Love him! The reviews are great, so I think I will really enjoy it.
Tweeted – https://twitter.com/aslancat/status/542697841568006144
The greatest Xmas gift I was ever given was a book when I was 8 years old, I have been devouring books ever since. I would like to read all of these, but especially “A House In The Sky”
Bush Craft 101. Not my typical read but I am curious!
I am most interested in A House In The Sky.
What I Know For Sure would be on the top of my list of holiday reading
I’d like Innovators and What I Know For Sure.
would love to read not that kind of girl and what i know for sure
There are a few of these books that look interesting, A House in the Sky is one i would definitely read.
Would love to read Creative Block and A House in the Sky.
The Sixth Extinction
I want to read How Google Works.
The Sixth Extinction
I am a follower of you already
Oprah is one of my heroes, so I would most love to read her book. The Sixth Extinction has also been on my “must-read” list for a while.
So We Read On. I re-read Gatsby at least once a year. Still mysterious.
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be and Why It Endures
I absolutely loved The House In The Sky, and look forward to reading most of these! Creative Block specifically. Thanks!
What I Know For Sure
I would like to read The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. I love conspiracy theories.
What I know for sure….love….love….love Oprah
I am reader, so they all look fascinating to me, but A House in the Sky has been so talked about and I have yet to read it -so is I had to narrow it down to one I suppose that would be it 🙂
I am an email subscriber.
I would most like to read So We Read On and What I Know For Sure.
I’m interested in reading the following: 1- The Innovators, 2- The Sixth Extinction as well as 3- Not That Kind of Girl.
Bushcraft 101,and so we read on
I subscribe by email
i would love to read not that kind of girl
I want to read so many of theses
I am dying to read Not That Kind of Girl and Neil Patrick Harris’ book!!!
I’m a subscriber! 🙂 I’m interested in reading, well, ALL of these books! But, the ones I am espcially interested in are: What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey, because I could use some uplifting thoughts right now, and, also, I’ve wanted to read “A House in the Sky” for quite a while now, as it sounds like an amazing story about resiliance.
all of them!!
Love to read Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography, What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey,The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
I can’t wait to read House in the Sky!
Hard choice, but I would be reading The Innovators or How Google Works first. Followed closely behind by Neil Patrick Harris’ Autobiography.
I’ve been wanting to read Not That Kind of Girl, and A House in the Sky and Bushcraft 101 looks good too.
A House in the Sky and The Sixth Extinction
What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey would be an interesting read.
I’m a subscriber.
“I’d love to read “How Google does it!
I would love to read the 6th Extinction and Not That Kind of Girl. I’ve read House in the Sky and it was amazing!
What I Know for Sure bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544707477002928128
Neil Patrick Harris bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544708137308024832
A House in the Sky bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544708831750549506
How Google Works bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544709648670941185
Bushcraft 101 bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544710944018812928
The Sixth Extinction bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544712200594534401
WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE COULD BE A GOOD ONE
The Innovators bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544712970974932992
Not That Kind of Girl bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544713473372868609
Creative Block bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544714020888911872
So we Read on bonus entry: https://twitter.com/suekitty13/status/544714648897855488
Definitely HOW GOOGLE WORKS, and WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE!
love to read oprahs book
Not That Kind of Girl – I have read A House in the Sky and it was excellent!
I’d love to read The Sixth Extinction – it sounds like it’d pick up right where my evolution course left off!
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett looks really interesting
Not That Kind of Girl
A house in the sky
OMG hands down the one I want to read the most is Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography, Not That Kind of Girl! I LOVE HIM.
I also want to say that I have been trying to find a way to subcribe to your site for a while now. I didnt realize that that is what the Gift of Gab button was for! Either way, happy to be subscribed now!
I would like to read Lena Dunham’s “Not That Kind of Girl”.
I am most interested in reading A House in the Sky – my friend read it and gave it a rave review!
How Google Does It Tweet: https://mobile.twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546321784094855168
Correction: https://mobile.twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546323308602736640
So We Read On Tweet: https://mobile.twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546322845400580097
i’m a subscriber – “bush craft – 101” many in my family are bush pilots – this would me fit it.
Bushcraft 101: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546469217068126208
I am most interested in reading What I Know For Sure and The Sixth Extinction-can’t wait to get my nose in them!
What I Know For Sure: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546493156725125120
Creative Blocks: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546496431667027968
The Sixth Extinction: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546497871886155776
Neil Patrick Harris: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546498548754554880
Not That Kind of Girl: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546499286977245184
The Innovators: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546502229621235714
A House in the Sky: https://twitter.com/katiebuys/status/546502978585497600
My top choice is Neil Patrick Harris’s Choose Your Own Autobiography.