14 Comments
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Holly Dyer's avatar

I've really appreciated the amount of detail, effort, and thoughtfulness you've brought to all of your Nonfiction Files posts! Love the recs especially in the "lighter" nonfiction section.

Your ethics section was great, and it made me think of something loosely related. I'm currently reading NO MORE TEARS and it has me thinking about the legal ramifications of expose books like this. I remember Patrick Radden Keefe mentioning that with EMPIRE OF PAIN, and I know that was a big story with CARELESS PEOPLE. I'm not sure if that's anything you know about - I guess the question is: how do authors/publishers go about publishing a book that could potentially get them sued? Maybe that could be a topic for a later post or podcast?

Traci Thomas's avatar

Yes that’s a great question. I think it depends on the author, the publisher, and the content. I will try and work on something around this!

Resh Susan's avatar

I love the chart. I read very little non fic and I lean towards personal and investigative journalism when I do. And also food writing and cookbooks. Love to see the different categories very clearly

Traci Thomas's avatar

So glad you find it helpful.

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC's avatar

I love your thoughtful and detailed responses here - thank you! The questions are fantastic and have really got my wheels turning now, too. I had to chuckle at your comment about making a hefty nonfiction book your whole personality while reading it - I can totally relate! :-) Thanks for sharing!

Traci Thomas's avatar

Hahaha glad I’m not alone there.

Amanda Hartman's avatar

🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

Leigh Kramer's avatar

I love that someone got into baseball after reading Charlie Hustle! The power of a good book.

Traci Thomas's avatar

Right?!? So great.

Lauren Flanagan's avatar

This was a fun read! And I had no idea Patrick Radden Keefe had something coming out next year 🎉

Traci Thomas's avatar

Yes! They just announced it on Wednesday so you’re not late.

Bo Forbes's avatar

Thank you for this! Where would you put narrative non-fiction "science" in the taxonomy when it's not self-help? (I'm thinking of books by journalist like Zoe Schlanger and Ed Yong but also by non-journalist scientists, psychologists, etc.) Thanks!

Traci Thomas's avatar

It depends on the book. Usually in reported or expository. You don’t have to be a “journalist” to write journalism style works.

Bo Forbes's avatar

Thank you.