This Week in Nonfiction: The Class of 6.3.25

June’s newest grads are here. Some are raw and personal. Others bring the politics. A few are Pride-perfect—and one dives deep into 19th-century facial hair.

It’s another Pub Day—meet the nonfiction class of 6.3.25:

It’s a big class this week—memoir, mischief, media history, queer joy, climate chaos, and so much more.

Not sure where to start? Eight of these authors have active Substacks, which makes it easy to get a feel for their voice beyond the book. Whether you're into behind-the-scenes book updates, deep-dive essays, or just curious about their brains, they're already out there sharing more.

Here’s a look at this week’s nonfiction graduates, organized by general theme. (A ^ means the author has a Substack.)

Don’t forget to vote in the poll at the end—I'm curious what you’re reaching for first.

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Memoirs Worth Sitting With

• A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir by Jacinda Ardern

• ^ I'll Tell You When I'm Home: A Memoir by

  Hala Alyan

• ^ The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex by

  Melissa Febos

• Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey That Changed My Life by Noraly Schoenmaker

• ^ The River's Daughter by

  Bridget Crocker

• Submersed by Matthew Gavin Frank

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Big Feels, Queer Joy, and Real Talk

• Am I Having Fun Now?: Anxiety, Applause and Life's Big Questions, Answered by Suzi Ruffell

• Deep House: The Gayest Love Story Ever Told by Jeremy Atherton Lin

• So Gay for You: Friendship, Found Family, and the Show That Started It All by Kate Moennig

• Dining Out: First Dates, Defiant Nights, and Last Call Disco Fries at America's Gay Restaurants by Erik Piepenburg

• ^ Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with Pride by

  Justin Burke

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Ideas & Culture Shifts

• The Haves and Have-Yachts by Evan Osnos

• ^ Sound Affects: How Sound Shapes Our Lives, Our Wellbeing and Our Planet by

  Julian Treasure

• Shifting Sands: A Human History of the Sahara by Judith Scheele

• ^ The Big Hop by

  David Rooney

• Whiskerology: The Culture of Hair in Nineteenth-Century America by Sarah Gold McBride

• The Spinach King by John Seabrook

• ^Madame Queen: The Life and Crimes of Harlem's Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair by

  Mary Kay McBrayer

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Power, Work, and What Comes Next

• Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America by Sam Tanenhaus

• ^ Let's Retire Retirement: How to Enjoy Life to the Fullest Now and Later by

  Sara Stibitz

• Four Days a Week: The Life-Changing Solution for Reducing Employee Stress, Improving Well-Being, and Working Smarter by Juliet Schor

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Spotlight on Icons

• Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television by Todd S. Purdum

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Weather, but Make It Groundbreaking

• Cloud Warriors: Deadly Storms, Climate Chaos And the Pioneers Creating a Revolution in Weather Forecasting by Thomas E. Weber

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Life Tips and Dogs

• Almost 30: A Definitive Guide to a Life You Love for the Next Decade and Beyond by Krista Williams

• This Dog Will Change Your Life by Elias Weiss Friedman

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Family and Football

• Runs in the Family: An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging by Sarah Spain

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Congratulations, authors!

This week’s graduating class is full of strong personalities, big questions, and unexpected topics. I’ve already got a few on my syllabus—but I’m still deciding where to start. What’s calling your name first?

Click below for details and purchase links for any of these titles. I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy—but no pressure. Use it to browse, read synopses, or just see what catches your eye.

This week’s nonfiction grads are marching across the stage and straight onto your TBR. Who’s getting a seat of honor? Leave a comment below.

Happy Reading!
Jaymi

P.S. Missed last week’s lineup? Catch up here.

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