The Nonfiction Digest, Issue #8
This Week in Nonfiction: Hollywood Confessions, Wild Rabbits, and Alaskan Adventures
It’s that time again—your exclusive pass to the Nonfiction Book Party is here. 🎉 This month, we’re all about female writers and icons. Plus, I’m posting a daily quote over on Notes, and if you’ve missed any, don’t worry—they have a permanent spot of honor here ⬇️.
And if that wasn’t enough? My friend
at The Sports Librarian and I have teamed up for a fun post hitting your inbox tomorrow for International Women’s Day. You won’t want to miss it.But first, let’s get into this week’s news:
📺 Pop Culture & Memoir: A Hollywood icon spills the behind-the-scenes tea—and some unexpected confessions.
🏀 Sports Spotlight: A college basketball star is making moves beyond the court.
🌊 Coming Soon: This book about whales, water, and womanhood belongs on your radar.
🐇 Review Roundup: A deeply personal memoir meets the natural world.
❄️ Author Spotlight: An all-women expedition to Alaska? You know we’re talking about it.
🎨 Cover Showdown: This week’s battle: A book about rest and retreat. Which cover matches the mood?
Let’s do this.
Pop Culture Pick | Say Everything by Ione Skye
In 1989, I was 16, and Diane Court was it—the effortlessly cool, impossibly smart, quietly confident dream girl my nerdy self wanted to be. And last night, for a couple of hours, I got to step back into that world. My little Gen X heart is bursting. Thanks to Live Talks LA for another memorable event.
Jon Cryer was the perfect host for a conversation with Ione Skye about her new memoir, Say Everything—calling it generous, lovely, and even “unapologetically horny.”
Ione was everything I hoped—ageless and luminous, but also funny, sharp, and down-to-earth. I only made it through a few chapters before the event, but now I’m even more eager to keep reading. Safe to say I’m running on pure ‘90s nostalgia—and my forever crush on Diane Court.🤩
Sports Spotlight: Caitlin Clark’s Next Move
Details about the upcoming Netflix series are still under wraps, but fans are eager to see how Caitlin will balance her life as a college athlete and her venture into acting. Will the show follow her basketball journey, or will it dive into something unexpected? Either way, Caitlin Clark’s influence is stretching far beyond the court, and we’re here for it. Coming June 2025.
Coming Soon: My Oceans by Christina Rivera
If you love books that mix nature, personal stories, and a little bit of magic, this one’s for you.
writes about whales, water, and womanhood in a way that makes you feel completely immersed. Want even more ocean-themed nonfiction? Make sure you’re subscribed to Moby Bytes for extra reflections and insights.
Review Roundup | Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton
“I am so grateful to have this special book to read right now. It is so good. So glorious. So quiet. So cozy. So perfectly written.”—Amy Sedaris
Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton blends personal storytelling with nature in the best way. There’s a great review over at AP that really captures how beautifully Chloe writes about her connection to the world around her. If you love books that make you want to go outside and think deeply, this is one to check out.
Author Directory Spotlight | Cassidy Randall
just released Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women's Ascent of Denali, which tells the incredible true story of the first all-women expedition to the highest mountain in North America. I just happened to see she also had a piece in Writers Digest where she shares her top tips for writing great adventure nonfiction, and honestly, they’re super helpful for any kind of writing. Check out her writing tips HERE.
Cover Showdown | Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
This month’s cover battle is between the US and UK editions of Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by
No contest for me—the UK edition wins hands down.What about you? Cast your vote in the poll below!
A special shoutout to reader Shannon M for sharing that she looks forward to this section every week—your feedback makes my day!
That’s it for this week! What are you reading to celebrate Women’s History Month?
If you love this little nonfiction hangout, why not bring a friend? Subscribe here or pass it along!
Happy Reading!
Jaymi
You know I’m looking forward to CC’s docuseries…
Raising Hare was simply a lovely listen. A reminder of the gift of nature and animals.