I always intend on reading more non-fiction but truth be told I am primarily a fiction fiend. I enjoy an occasional foray into non-fiction. And I am so glad I read some really good non-fiction books this year.
So let's jump into my favourites from this year.
My favourite non-fiction reads of 2019 are:
1. I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara: The true story of a journalist's obsessive search for the Golden State Killer- a serial rapist and murderer linked to over 50 cases of sexual assault and murder. Michelle McNamara interviewed as many victims as she could, tracked objects stolen from the crime scenes that were taken as mementos, worked together with other amateur detectives to try and track down the Golden State Killer. This book is a true labour of love and a must-read for all true crime buffs.
2. At Home in Mumbai by Chandrima Pal: A great little book about the different kinds of homes and the people who live in them. From apartments to heritage bungalows to little tenements on the side of the street. For every kind of dwelling in Bombay, there is a story and this book is a fantastic way to learn about the maximum city. Full review here.
3. Last Girl by Nadia Murad: The story of captivity and sexual slavery by ISIS and above a story of surviving and overcoming a nightmare of a situation. This book wasn't easy to read, not at all. It was heartbreaking to read about Nadia's family and her community being torn apart by extremists and their bigotry. Taken from her home, her little village and thrown into sexual slavery. This was a hard but necessary read. A relevant read about 'othering' and how it impacts and tears apart lives.
Such an amazing and brave story.
4. We Are Displaced by Malala Yousafzai: A series of stories from across the globe, different people all with one thing in common- they are refugees and displaced. Simply written but moving and seeing the human stories behind the headlines is always a moving experience. To see that these are people, like you and me, and they've had to leave everything behind to escape an impossible situation and try to find a home in a new land, amidst new people and overcome the hardships they've faced. It's not easy being a refugee and to be then met with hostility in your new home must be heartbreaking. An important read that I immensely enjoyed.
5. In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park: I am always equal parts intrigued and horrified by the enigma that is North Korea. I am always interested in reading both fiction, but especially non-fiction from this country. And Yeonmi Park's story of escape and survival is something else. A young girl escaping North Korea and surviving on her own in China and then making it to South Korea and building her life from scratch was just amazing. Women are incredible. Such a great read. So glad I finally read it this year.
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