Book Talk: Reality Bites

As I mentioned way back in January I really wanted to up my reading of non-fiction this year in an attempt to break out a little from my usual go to reads of crime, chick lit and YA.  And no knitting books do not count.

Finding non-fiction titles that would appeal to me has been a little bit of a challenge but luckily I let my fingers do the walking and courtesy of various book sites I have, so far, managed to find some really interesting and quirky reads.

Trust me.  Blurbs really do matter.  Especially if you want me to pick up your book. That and covers.  Boring covers will usually signal a boring read.  At least to me.

So here's a quick look at what's been grabbing my attention over the last few months.

White Like Her: My Family's Story of Race and Racial Passing by Gail Lukasik

Imagine finding out your Mother's biggest secret.  And imagine that this secret changes the whole way you view yourself and your family.  This is the story of how one woman discovers the secrets of her family and how race isn't always as obvious as we might think.

A fascinating read.

Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons

Start up companies.  A world of tech savvy young people, office politics and constant parties.  Enter Dan Lyons, a 50 years old journalist who takes up a position in the marketing department of one of these high flying companies.

Working in an office really can be hell.

Totally relatable in a "this is my life too".  

Loved it.

 

Why Mummy Drinks by Gill Sims 

Okay, I can't relate to this at all but Oh My God this is funny.  The trials and tribulations of a a mum who really doesn't want to be a mum and remains totally bewildered by the whole thing.  Solution?  Booze, swearing and a ton of chaos.

 

$2.00 a Day: Living On Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn Edin

Poverty has many faces.

A shocking look at life in America where for many it's a day to day struggle to make ends meet never mind getting ahead. 

Really makes you think.

Confessions of a Carb Queen by Susan Blech

Susan Blech speaks candidly about fat sex, eating binges, the lies you tell others, and the lies you tell yourself as she takes drastic measures to lose weight after her doctor tells her she could suffer a stroke at any moment.

My European Family: The First 54,000 Years by Karin Bojs

A wonderfully fascinating story of humans, genetics and DNA told through the story of one woman's DNA.

Totally got hooked on this book.  

And I can't wait to have my own DNA tested now.

Eat Like a Gilmore: The Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Gilmore Girls by Kristi Carlson

Totally my kind of book.  

Now I just need someone to make me every recipe in this book while I wait for the sequel to come out.  Because yes there is a sequel.

The Wellness Project: A Hedonist's Guide to Making Healthier Choices by Phoebe Lapine

Sick and tired of being sick and tired Phoebe Lapine decides to go on a 12 month pilgrim to get healthy, working her way through various issues.  Follow her as she eliminates caffeine and sugar, switches to all natural beauty products and a realm of other options on the path to good health.

Beyond Bullets: Creative Journaling Ideas to Customize Your Personal Productivity System by Megan Rutell

I don't even keep a journal and yet I totally want to do this.  I just need to learn how to draw and write neatly.  Something I'm pretty much hopeless at.  

I really need to stop reading books like this.