The Nonfiction Digest, Issue #5.5
This Week in Nonfiction: New Release Giveaway, A Must-Read Review, and Your Weekly Cover Showdown
Welcome to the Nonfiction Book Party, where your TBR grows, your opinions matter, and your vote in the cover matchup is highly encouraged. Let’s talk books.
Watch This, Win That | Gentle by Courtney Carver
Watch author Courtney Carver discuss her upcoming book, Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want, hitting shelves next week! Her approach to prioritizing rest, releasing what weighs you down, and finding renewed purpose is both inspiring and refreshingly doable. Honestly, this sounds like a book we could all use right now.
Want to Win a Copy?1
Thanks to our friends at Hachette Books, I’ve got two finished copies to give away to US readers! Just drop a comment with your favorite way to stress less, and you’re entered. Good luck!
Review Roundup | Permission: The New Memoirist and the Courage to Create by Elissa Altman
’s latest book, Permission: The New Memoirist and the Courage to Create, considers what it takes to tell your own story—especially when others might not want you to. She explores the risks, responsibilities, and emotional weight of writing memoir.Here’s a little peek at a review from the Shelf Awareness newsletter:
While acknowledging the emotional pain of being cut out of her family, Altman responds with a defiant mantra she recites to her students: "If this particular story touched you directly, you have every right to write it." To illustrate, she draws on a stunning roll call of autobiographical works: Barry Lopez coming to terms with childhood sexual molestation; Honor Moore revealing her bishop father's bisexuality; Dani Shapiro learning that her father was not biologically related; Tara Westover and Jeanette Winterson enduring religious abuse.
You can read the full review here.
Have you ever thought about writing a memoir? I'm very curious to read the practical advice she offers. Preorder this one—it’s out March 11!
Author Spotlight | Jefferson Fisher
Jefferson Fisher, a Texas trial attorney I’ve been following on social media (for reasons that will become obvious), offers incredible insights on communication. His advice is both practical and impactful, which is why I’m excited to share that he has a new book coming out in March, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.
Here he is discussing his podcast and the upcoming book.
Be sure to check out his videos on Instagram and YouTube—and, just saying, you might catch yourself developing a little crush too.
Let me know if you check it out!
New Resource | Nonfiction Author Substack Directory
The Nonfiction Author Substack Directory now features over 50 authors—and it’s still growing! I’m so pleased to see how well it’s been received, and I appreciate all the positive feedback. Some of the authors I’ve just added include:
| | | | |If you’re looking for new nonfiction writers to follow, check out the list here!
Cover Showdown | Everything, Nothing, Someone by Alice Carriere
This week, we’re comparing the hardback (left) and paperback (right) covers of one of my favorite memoirs, Everything/Nothing/Someone. Which one catches your eye first? Who do you think each cover is trying to appeal to?
And if you’ve read this one, let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for spending a little time in the Nonfiction Book Party—hope your TBR forgives me. See you next time!
Got a friend who loves nonfiction too? Bring them to the party! Subscribe here or share the fun!
Happy Reading!
Jaymi
Giveaway ends 2/21/25. The winners will be notified by email and must be able to provide a US mailing address.
I've learned to say "no" to things that stress me out, but it's a struggle! As an introvert, I still feel like I'm wrong not to enjoy crowds and activities. What I do to relax: I love working out with a book in my ear and ending each day in a puppy pile with my two big dogs and fuzzy blankets while hubby and I watch some mindless TV before bed.
I have started walking my dog and just paying attention to nature and what's around me-no music, no podcast, and that helps me relax. I feel calmer and grounded when I return home!