Hello and happy Friday, nonfiction friends! As you’re reading this, I am probably still trying to decide what audiobook or podcast to queue up for a long drive this weekend. I just finished an epic re-listen of the Harry Potter series, so I’m craving something a bit different – I might finish up Becoming by Michelle Obama or take a deep dive into The Dropout from ABC Radio. We’ll see what fits my mood!
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In this week’s nonfiction news, I get to share updates from several favorite authors – some prizes, some sales awards and some upcoming titles. Let’s dive in!
Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Emperor of All Maladies, has been awarded the 2019 Lewis Thomas Prize, an annual award that honors scientists as inspirational writers. He’s a truly amazing writer, and I’ve recommended his biography of cancer to many, many people – don’t let the length deter you, it’s so worth it.
Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, may be the most successful memoir of all time. Last week, her publisher announced the book has sold almost 10 million copies, a number her publisher claims makes it the highest-selling memoir of all time. That’s pretty impressive. I’d be willing to put down some dollars that Barack Obama’s upcoming memoir (no title or release date yet) will challenge that number when it comes out – also super awesome.
Claudia Rankine, author of the amazing poetry collection Citizen: An American Lyric, will be publishing a new book with my favorite Minnesota publisher, Graywolf Press, in 2020. The essay collection is called Just Us: An American Conversation, and “takes place in transitionary spaces … where presumed neutrality gives way to American culture’s overwhelming whiteness.” Oooooo.
A book celebrating the life and career of the late Anthony Bourdain is set to be published this spring. The book, Anthony Bourdain Remembered was originally created by CNN as a keepsake for his daughter, but will now be released to the public. It includes “photos, memories and quotes from the late chef’s fans and famous collaborators.” I expect there will be waterworks reading this one.
And that’s all the nonfiction for this week! Before I wrap up, I also want to mention that Book Riot has launched a new podcast about children’s literature, KidLit These Days. On the show, co-hosts Karina Yan Glaser and Matthew Winner pair the best of children’s literature with what’s going on in the world today. Check it out!
You can find me on Twitter @kimthedork, on email at kim@riotnewmedia.com, and co-hosting the For Real podcast here at Book Riot. Happy reading! – Kim