I taught English for twenty years and read a wide range of books during that time as well as during college. I also spent time rereading books for class. Even though you think you might know a book, it is (or at least was for me) always important to reread (okay, maybe skim if I had been teaching it for several years). After leaving teaching in 2016, I went on a pop fiction spree and read several books of that nature (Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, David Baldacci, etc) for quite a while. Now, though, I hope to return to reading books that have been on my list for ages. Books that I never had time to read while preparing for class and grading essays over those classroom reads.
For years I kept a reading journal with thoughts and notes about the books I read. In the last year or so I moved away from that. Recently, I have listed books on Goodreads, but I am seriously considering going back to the reading log/journal. I enjoyed looking back through those to see what I thought about the books at the time I read them.
I will offer some book lists through this blog from time to time. This first list includes four of my favorite nonfiction works with a little synopsis, and hopefully, with no major spoilers. None of these on the list are new releases – just some of my favorites that made an impact. Maybe you have read them and can offer your thoughts and insights as well.
Killers of the Flower Moon – The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Gramm. Published April 2017.
It took awhile, and I’m certainly behind in the game. I heard about this book on CBS Sunday Morning several months back and added it to my “to-read” list. The segment peaked my interest not only because Osage County, Oklahoma is in my neighboring state but also because I have an affinity for historical writing.
I read it this past summer. A captivating, saddening, and frustrating book, Gramm recounts the mismanagement and disgraceful treatment of the Osage Indians who were relocated to Oklahoma. When oil was found on their land, they became “the richest people per capita in the world” (back cover of the book). Then, mysteriously, several of the tribe were killed and, ultimately, the newly formed FBI under J. Edgar Hoover took over investigating the deaths.
I have to say that this is one of my top favorite books of nonfiction. The historical impact and accuracy with which their story is told is compelling. It is full of pictures, maps, and extensive supporting notes. If you get the chance, read it. An interesting albeit left out portion of history of which we all should be made aware.
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang. First Published 1991.
The book traces the lives of Chang herself, her mother, and her grandmother and “reveals the whole tragic history of China’s twentieth century”*. Intriguing in-depth accounts of Chinese life, culture, and tumultuous history.
An eye-opening account of not only China’s history but also of Chinese history from the female perspective. The sad, oppressive state with which Mao held the people of China was suffocating. In the beginning many believed in the principles of communism and the party. Jung’s parents even sacrificed time with their own children to faithfully serve the Party – much to their regret and realization later in life. It is informative, heart-wrenching, and makes a lasting impact as it looks at history through the personal eyes and experiences of Jung Chang and her family.
Noted to be “both an important work of history and a remarkable human document”*. Published in over thirty languages and sold more than 13 million copies.*
A Long Way Gone – Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Published 2007. 
Ishmael lived in Sierra Leone. He took up arms in order to survive, in order to belong to something again after his family is murdered. To live such a life in a country ravaged by war and in turmoil, then live to tell about it, is remarkable. Under 16 when he becomes a boy soldier, he kills others mercilessly in order to numb the pain he feels over the losses he has suffered. He is a boy soldier who survives on drugs and killing until he rescued and rehabilitated at what is basically a refugee camp. Heart-wrenching.
“A breathtaking and self-pitying account of how a gentle spirit survives a childhood from which all innocence has suddenly been sucked out. It’s a truly riveting memoir.” ―Time**
Victoria: The Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire by Julia Baird. Published 2016. 
The book spans Queen Victoria’s life from her birth in 1819 to her death at 82 years of age in 1901. She ascended to the throne at age 18 in 1837 and reigned for 63 years, seven months and two days.
Even though quite long, I found it an interesting read and easy to follow (after all, it covers 82 years). The author’s organization and selection of details keeps the reader interested and engaged. After watching season one of Victoria on PBS, I was curious about her life and reign. This book is comprehensive with maps, diagrams of family trees, and copies of photos throughout.
If you have read any of these, I would welcome your thoughts and comments. If you haven’t yet, but are interested, please feel free to leave a comment.
*Jung Chang Official Website http://www.jungchang.net/wild-swans **https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Gone-Memoirs-Soldier/dp/0374531269