When I tell people I’m an English Major, their most common reactions are “Wow, so you want to be a teacher,” or “You must really like to read!” While the first statement is false (teaching is an amazing profession, but not all English majors become teachers, in the same way that not all Bushes become President!), I do love a good book. However, since I spend my time at college reading literature, during the summers, I seek out nonfiction reads. Contrary to popular belief, nonfiction need not take the form of a dry, heavy tome. In reality, nonfiction represents a diverse and varied collection of genres, voices, and forms. Below are some of my favorites!
Bossypants, Tina Fey (2011)
Full disclosure: I have read this book not once, not twice, but three times! Each time I spend an afternoon with Ms. Fey, I discover new jokes or witty lines I missed on previous reads. Alternating between wry, scathing humor and warm reflection, Fey’s book showcases her prowess as a writer, as an observer, and of course, as a comedian. As an added bonus, the book also includes some of Fey’s personal photos (my personal favorite: a shot of elementary-aged Tina sporting a bowl cut). This book is perfect for a rainy afternoon or a poolside perusal; it’s sure to make you smile, and, at times, even laugh-out-loud.
The Time of Our Lives: Collected Writings, Peggy Noonan (2015)
If you watch or have watched Meet the Press, there’s a good chance you’ve listened to Peggy Noonan discussing politics. Conservatives will appreciate Noonan’s credentials; as a former speechwriter for Ronald Reagan and a current columnist for The Wall Street Journal, her knowledge of Republican policies and politics is impressive. Liberals will admire the ease and clarity with which she conveys her positions. Really, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, Noonan’s prose and patriotism will captivate you page after page. This book is more than a collection of essays and columns; it’s a meditation on what it means to be an American, from a woman who has spent her life engaging with American politics.
My Beloved World, Sonia Sotomayor (2013)
Touching on events from Sotomayor’s childhood in the Bronx to her appointment as a federal district judge in 1992, My Beloved World presents a series of captivating snapshots in the life of one of the Supreme Court’s most interesting justices. From her connection to her family to her student activism at Princeton as a member of Acción Puertorriqueño, Sotomayor’s experiences reflect her sincere commitment to the concepts of community and equality. Heartfelt, honest, and perceptive, My Beloved World is a pleasure to read. Though Justice Sotomayor plays a political role, in this book, she gets really personal. Here, she is not Justice Sotomayor, one of the most influential legal minds of our time, but Sonia, a compassionate and brilliant woman whose love of family and country will leave you inspired.
American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson, Joseph J. Ellis (2009)
A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Ellis is a leading scholar of American history. Don’t let his academic distinctions deter you, however; this book is not dry! Instead, Ellis manages to present a captivating portrait of one of American history’s most complex and divisive figures, Thomas Jefferson. If you love TJ, you may not love this book, as it points out Jefferson’s idiosyncratic tendencies and moral blind spots. Still, Ellis’s compelling narrative style and impressive research are sure to keep both Jefferson’s most ardent admirers and his most passionate critics entertained.
