The Nonfiction Digest - Issue #3

This Week in Nonfiction: Scammers, Drama & Wild Dogs

Welcome to issue #3 of the Nonfiction Digest! It’s the 97th day of January, but I’ve got plenty of nonfiction news to brighten these endless winter days. Let’s get into it!

Pop Culture | Book to Screen Adaptations

Do you know the name “Belle Gibson”? Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar is the latest scammer saga, inspired by the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. It follows the rise and fall of a fake wellness empire built on lies about life-threatening illnesses.¹

Dropping February 6 on Netflix, it promises drama and insight into the wellness industry, but I can’t help but wonder: are we exposing these cons—or glorifying them? What’s your take? Will you watch? Here’s the official trailer:

What’s The Drama? | Mel Robbins New Book

I was scrolling through my Substack feed when I came across a post that really surprised me. I’ve been curious about Mel Robbins’ new book, but I didn’t expect to see a discussion about her NOT crediting the original author of the Let Them Poem from 2022. There’s now a follow-up post to the original story, and I’m linking both below. I’ll be keeping an eye on this as the facts come out and will share any updates with you. Will this affect whether you pick up this book?

Mel Robbins and Plagiarism

Can Mel Robbins Trademark Your Words?

Coming Soon | Food for Thought: Essays and Ruminations by Alton Brown

Ever been to an author event? Williams Sonoma is hosting Alton Brown for his new book, Food for Thought: Essays and Ruminations, which comes out February 4th, with events across the country. Is he heading your way? Check the schedule here.

I’m kind of a big deal! From @theocbookgirl Instagram

Review Roundup | Woody Allen: A Travesty of a Mockery of a Sham by Patrick McGilligan

I wouldn’t read this book if you paid me² but for those looking for an in-depth review of the book, this review is worth reading. It seems to give a pretty fair take—it covers the book’s thorough research, the details of his life and films, and doesn’t shy away from the gross allegations that have loomed since the ‘90s.

Neither Allen nor Farrow come across very well, as the bitter emotional and legal battles are entwined with a mystifying continuance of their relationship and several attempts at reconciliation. Click here to read the rest of the review.

Quote of the Week | Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks

I’m enjoying this book so much—it comes out on February 4th. From the author of Horse³, this is a memoir of the time spent on a tiny island honoring and remembering her husband, who died suddenly.

“I was glad to have my boys at home, glad to have unexpected extra innings of mothering. Glad of the quiet. And I was glad of the end of the need to pretend that things were normal. Nothing was normal for anyone. Grief was everywhere.”

Cover Showdown | Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth): A Memoir by Markus Zusak.

I’ll bet you didn’t know that the author of The Book Thief just released a memoir about his life with three unruly rescue dogs. His new book sounds like a funny, heartfelt story about his family taking them in and turning the chaos into family. We’ve always been a one-dog family so I can’t even imagine.

Which cover do you prefer? The tan one is the UK version, and the black and blue one is the US version.

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So what’s been on YOUR mind? Whatcha reading? Hit reply—I’d love to hear!

Maybe this Groundhog Day we’ll wake up and find out it was all just a bad dream. Wouldn’t it be nice? Until then, I’ll be here with my nose in a book—see you next week.

If you love this little nonfiction hangout, why not bring a friend? Subscribe here or pass it along!

Happy Reading!
Jaymi

PS: If you have nonfiction books or nonfiction authors to recommend, put them in the comments.

1. I already don’t like her.

2. Tell me how you really feel. Jaymi

3. She had only written half of Horse when her husband passed away.