I have no memory of if I mentioned this last week, but I have been really into Abraham Lincoln. I finished Team of Rivals, which was excellent, and then I’ve been going through my library’s Lincoln-themed audiobooks. Only they don’t have enough! Not enough Lincoln! What a mystery of a person! Depths that can only be plumbed by taking in book after book.
Anyway, so that’s how my March has been going. I’ve also been reading a lot of Chinese or Chinese American sci-fi/fantasy? I have no idea why. But it is GREAT. So if you got any recs for that that aren’t Cixin Liu or Ken Liu, @ me on Twitter.
Here are the new releases!:
The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium by Barry Strauss
This all about the Battle of Actium! After Caesar was assassinated, Antony and Cleopatra got involved and Egypt battled with Rome. Hundreds of ships fought! This battle determined who would rule the Roman Empire, and ended in the deaths of Antony and Cleopatra. Ancient world drama, right here.
Crossing Borders: The Reconciliation of a Nation of Immigrants by Ali Noorani
Noorani is the executive director of the National Immigration Forum, an immigrant advocacy group that works for increased immigration and acceptance of refugees. In his newest book, he focuses on Honduras, Mexico, and Texas, focusing on why immigration happens and how we can be more compassionate.
Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts by Evan Ross Katz
Ok here’s a confession: I’ve only seen two seasons of Buffy. But I know people love it! So here’s a book about it. This is all about the history and cultural impact of a show my coolest professors were all really into. Katz interviews the cast, creators, and crew and talks about his own time in the Buffy fandom. Hurray, TV history!
The Sex Lives of African Women: Self-Discovery, Freedom, and Healing by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Based on Sekyiamah’s blog of over ten years, she interviews African women around the world about sex. This includes talking to members of a queer community in Egypt, what it’s like to be polyamorous in Senegal, and chatting with “a pansexual Canadian of Malawian heritage.” The women range from ages 21 to 71 and are from thirty-one countries. Super cool.
Girls on Film: Lessons From a Life of Watching Women in Movies by Alicia Malone
You may recognize Alicia Malone from her hosting work on FilmStruck. Here she examines the representation and impact of women on film. Each chapter “looks at a female character representative of a stereotype or trope,” which is awesome and very helpful for people like me. I’m still using the phrase “Smurfette principle,” because it easily illustrates an issue. Hoping for more like that from this book!
Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!
For more nonfiction reads, check out the For Real podcast which I co-host with the excellent Kim here at Book Riot. If you have any questions/comments/book suggestions, you can find me on social media @itsalicetime. Until next time, enjoy those facts, fellow nerds.