Nonfiction November is the time the book community collectively decides to put away the fanciful, fantastical worlds of fiction and read books for information and reality. If you’re like me, I struggled initially to read nonfictional novels because the only recommendations I saw were memoirs and self-help (Think “Atomic Habits” and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”). No shade to these books, as I personally read and enjoyed “Atomic Habits” .

In this post, I will recommend 5 of my favourite nonfiction novels for each mood, and hopefully, you find your next pick amongst these.

Read if you’re looking for an unusual autobiography…

“Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi is a recount of the author’s life extending from her childhood in pre-Islamic Revolution Iran to her adolescence in Vienna, and final exile from her home country. Beyond the author’s personal life, it offers valuable insight into life in the Middle East prior to and post the Islamic Revolution. It is both a coming-of-age story, and an important recollection of a pivotal part of history. It is brilliant, funny, and moving. This is also a graphic novel, thus perfect for readers who prefer visual media.

Read if you want to love and be loved…

This novel is exactly what the title implies; the author interviews many ‘experts’ (because is there ever such a thing as a love expert), and her loved ones on love. I particularly enjoyed this collection because it explores a subject that is the very essence of human existence. It includes different thoughts on what it means to fall in love, to fall out of love, loss, heartbreak, grief, parenthood and friendships. It offers an opportunity to recalibrate your mind on what it means to love, expanding your mind beyond romantic relations. It might just surprise you how much this collection would resonate with you, and in these essays, there is definitely a kind of love for everyone.

Read if you want to experience the power of words…

I first read this book in March 2024, and it moved me to sobs. So raw, so visceral, so incredible. I loved it so much that I picked it up again October 2024 to reread and exist in Safiya’s world. “How to Say Babylon” is the author’s journey, growing up under strict Rastafarianism and an oppressive patriarchy. It is the author’s eventual rebellion, deconstruction of her faith and journey to finding her voice through poetry. It is also an important piece of Jamaican history and teaches about the Rastafarian religion, and postcolonial imperialism.

While the content is heavy, the writing is so urgent that moves you to the exact moment and mindset the author existed in. It is the evidence of an emergent voice in prose that I will be eager to hear more from.

Read for a bit of provocative history…

I read this last year, and it was a very good laugh. Sex is always a very nervous topic to approach and discuss, and I was immensely curious to explore the author’s thoughts. She explores the etymology of words commonly used to describe sex and its related parts, while simultaneously stripping them of shame. She considers social norms and unsaid rules that govern the act, with a light hand and equal dose of seriousness and humour.

While many prim readers may dismiss this book, I find education and information to be a great equaliser, and this is an opportunity to learn without shame.

Read if you’re interested in medical microhistory…

Published in 2023 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Roe v Wade, this is an overview of America’s abortion laws. It is an important part of American history as access to abortions and reproductive freedom remains a contentious issue. The author maps the path of grassroots activists in ensuring access to abortions and finds a fine balance between personal stories and fine research. This book is a winner for anyone interested in the path towards reproductive justice and what it means for women’s health and freedoms.