The Nonfiction Digest, Issue #7
This Week in Nonfiction: Must-See Interviews, Family Breakups, and Travel Hacks
It’s that time again—your exclusive pass to the Nonfiction Book Party is here. We’ve got new books to discuss, pop culture to dissect, and, of course, a little friendly cover comparison. Let’s do this.
What’s on TV This Weekend? Tune in this Sunday for three great interviews featuring new titles nonfiction lovers won’t want to miss.
A New Take on Family Bonds What if the real reason for family breakups isn’t what you think? A new book might just change your perspective.
Unlocking the Secrets to Smart Travel Could you be traveling smarter? One expert’s advice might just change the way you plan your next trip.
A Thought-Provoking Quote This week’s quote could have you rethinking how we all see words. Ready for it?
Cover Design Face-Off Two covers, one book—only one can win. Which one catches your eye?
Pop Culture | Wait… How Did I Not Know About This?!
Did you know there’s an entire TV show dedicated to nonfiction books?? Book TV airs every Sunday on C-SPAN2, featuring interviews on topics like history, politics, and current events. Consider my mind officially blown.
Here’s what’s on this Sunday, 3/2:
11:00 AM EST: Pagan Kennedy, The Secret History of the Rape Kit (The story behind a crucial forensic tool in sexual assault cases.)
12:00 PM EST: Charles Piller, Doctored (A deep dive into fraud in Alzheimer’s research.)
1:00 PM EST: Kevin Fagan, The Lost and the Found (A look at homelessness in America through the lives of two unhoused individuals in San Francisco.)
Watch live on C-SPAN2 or stream anytime at booktv.org.
Coming Soon | The Power of Parting by Eamon Dolan (April 1, 2025)
I just read a post on Substack about navigating relationships with family members who voted for you know who—and while political divides are one reason for family estrangement, they’re hardly the only one.
Enter The Power of Parting: Finding Peace and Freedom Through Family Estrangement, a book that challenges the idea that cutting ties with toxic relatives is a tragedy. Instead, it frames estrangement as a path to peace and freedom. Combining research, reportage, and memoir, the author explores why so many people are making this choice and how it can be an empowering step toward healing.
Timely? Definitely. Needed? For many, yes.
Would you read this? Or do you prefer books that focus on reconciliation?
Review Roundup | How To Win At Travel by Brian Kelly
Do you love to travel? Whether you're a points pro or just looking to make your next trip more affordable, Brian Kelly (a.k.a. The Points Guy) has you covered.
In How to Win at Travel, Kelly shares insider tips on making the most of points, miles, and loyalty programs—so you can travel more, for less. As the founder of The Points Guy, a go-to resource for millions, he’s built an empire around helping people unlock travel perks.
🔗 I Was Doing Rewards Travel All Wrong—Until I Read This New Book from The Points Guy [Read the full review here.]
Would you rather splurge on luxury or stretch your budget for more trips? Let’s discuss!
Quote of the Week | Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Kory Stamper
This week’s quote comes from my current read, Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Kory Stamper—thanks to
for the recommendation! As expected from a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster, this book is expanding my vocabulary at an alarming (and delightful) rate.A few words I’ve highlighted so far: hagiography, fricative, abstruse, oreil, minyan, foofaraw, and poniards—just to name a few.
Be honest—how many of these do you know without looking them up? And have you read this one?
Cover Showdown | The Burning of the World by Scott W. Berg.
This week, we’re looking at the hardcover and paperback editions of The Burning of the World by Scott W. Berg.
The hardcover (left) features more of the city skyline, giving a broader view of the setting, but the starburst edges might be a bit distracting.
The paperback (right) leans into the fire theme with bold flames and a striking title design—white text against a darker background, which makes it pop. I think I’m leaning toward the paperback for that reason!
Which one would you be more likely to pick up? Vote below and let me know why!
And that’s a wrap on this week’s Nonfiction Digest! Don’t forget to cast your vote in the cover showdown and share which books you're adding to your list. See you next time!
If you're enjoying this nonfiction party, why not invite a friend to join?
Happy Reading!
Jaymi
It’ll be interesting to see how The Points Guy’s tips translate to a book
Always a great post with good resources! Does Brian Kelly have a podcast? I wonder if I'd enjoy that more than an entire book. I'd love some travel tips though.