The Book Review 17 Nonfiction Books We’re Looking Forward to This Fall
Sep 12, 2025
Get ready for a thrilling exploration of upcoming nonfiction titles, from Elizabeth Gilbert's emotional memoir to Matthew McConaughey's poetic insights. Delve into the intriguing life of Shakespeare’s rival with Stephen Greenblatt, and uncover personal stories from Arundhati Roy and Susan Orlean. Discover Bruce Lee's impact on American culture, and laugh along with Mary Roach as she unpacks human anatomy. Expect reflections on trauma, history, and the bonds of family, all packed into a vibrant discussion.
39:15
Gilbert's Intense Friendship Turned Romance
- Elizabeth Gilbert left her marriage to live with her friend Raya after Raya's terminal cancer diagnosis, turning a long friendship into a romantic, turbulent relationship.
- Both women struggled with addiction and recovery, which intensified the relationship's highs and lows.
Marlowe Rebuilt From Historical Fragments
- Stephen Greenblatt frames Christopher Marlowe as an enigmatic, brilliant upstart whose life must be reconstructed from sparse records.
- Greenblatt uses new historicism to situate Marlowe within dangerous, politically charged Renaissance contexts.
Roy's Memoir Mourns A Singular Mother
- Arundhati Roy's memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me mourns her mother and treats her as an enthralling subject for both daughter and writer.
- Roy reflects that perhaps a mother like hers deserved a writer like her as a daughter, and vice versa.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Recent Nonfiction Highlights
03:56 • 14min
Literary Passions and Upcoming Releases
18:19 • 4min
Memoirs of Connection and Community
22:44 • 5min
Exploring Bruce Lee's Legacy in American Culture
27:35 • 2min
Reflections of a Luminous Life
29:10 • 7min
Quirks of Anatomy and Titles
36:16 • 5min
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Paper Girl
Beth Macy
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Electric Spark
Frances Wilson
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Family of Spies
A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor
Christine Kuhn
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The Great Contradiction
The Tragic Side of the American Founding
Joseph J. Ellis
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The Tragedy of True Crime
Four Guilty Men and the Stories That Define Us
John J. Lennon
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A far cry from Kensington
Muriel Spark
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Water Mirror Echo
Jeff Chang
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The Wounded Generation
Coming Home After World War II
David Nasaw
#16866
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
History Matters
David McCullough
David McCullough’s work is celebrated for his books on American history and biography.
He received the Pulitzer Prize for his books on Presidents Harry Truman and John Adams.
#67538
Replaceable You
David Serlin
#7836
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Bonk
The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex
Mary Roach
In 'Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex', Mary Roach delves into the complex and often humorous world of sexual science.
The book addresses various intriguing questions such as whether one can think themselves to orgasm, why Viagra is less effective for women, and whether a dead man can sustain an erection.
Roach combines fascinating anecdotes with scientific insights, discussing historical accounts, social stigmas, and modern research in the field of human sexuality.
Her unique approach makes the book both entertaining and educational, challenging conventional notions and encouraging open discussions about sex.
#19666
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Dopesick
Beth Macy
In 'Dopesick', Beth Macy provides a detailed and empathetic exploration of the opioid epidemic, starting with the 1996 release of OxyContin.
The book combines historical context, statistical data, and personal stories of individuals and families affected by addiction.
Macy examines the roles of pharmaceutical companies, medical professionals, and societal factors in the crisis, and highlights the complex and often tragic outcomes for those involved.
The book also delves into the science behind medication-assisted treatment and the resistance to such treatments in some communities.
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Can't stop, won't stop
D.J. Kool Herc
Jeff Chang
Can't Stop Won't Stop chronicles the rise of hip-hop from its origins in the Bronx and Kingston, Jamaica, to its global influence.
The book explores how hip-hop became a defining movement for a multiracial, polycultural generation, transforming American politics and culture.
It includes interviews with key figures like DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Chuck D, and Ice Cube.
#8219
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Stiff
The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Mary Roach
Shelly Frasier
M Roach
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers is a non-fiction book by Mary Roach that delves into the history and various uses of human cadavers, from medical research to crash test dummies.
Roach's narrative is both informative and humorous, making the book an engaging read for those interested in medical history and science.
The book covers topics such as body snatching, decomposition, and alternative burial methods, offering a unique perspective on death and the human body.
#12632
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Gulp
Adventures on the Alimentary Canal
Mary Roach
In 'Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal', Mary Roach delves into the intricacies of the human digestive system, starting from the sense of smell and taste, through the mouth, stomach, and intestines, to the final stages of elimination.
The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes, historical accounts, and scientific insights, including visits to a pet-food taste-test lab, a fecal transplant procedure, and discussions on topics such as flatulence, constipation, and the stomach's remarkable abilities.
Roach's approach makes even the most taboo subjects engaging and entertaining, highlighting the complex and often surreal aspects of human biology.
#15800
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Blood, Bones & Butter
Gabrielle Hamilton
Blood, Bones & Butter chronicles Gabrielle Hamilton's life, from her bohemian childhood to her culinary career, including her experiences opening Prune restaurant in New York City.
The memoir is a candid exploration of her personal and professional life, marked by grit, humor, and passion.
Hamilton's story intertwines her love of food with her complex family dynamics and her journey to becoming a successful chef.
#23636
Next of Kin
My Conversations with Chimpanzees
Roger S. Fouts
Next of Kin chronicles Roger Fouts's odyssey from a novice researcher to a renowned scientist and advocate for animal rights.
The book explores his groundbreaking work with Washoe, the first chimpanzee to learn American Sign Language, and delves into the ethical implications of animal research.
It is a stirring tale of friendship, scientific discovery, and compassion that challenges our view of our biological next of kin.
#9887
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Will in the World
Stephen Greenblatt
Stephen Greenblatt's 'Will in the World' delves into the life of William Shakespeare, exploring how his experiences in Elizabethan England influenced his works.
The book provides a richly detailed portrayal of Shakespeare's life and times, analyzing his most famous plays and the historical context that shaped them.
Greenblatt also discusses the enigma of Shakespeare's personality and the enduring influence of his works.
#346
• Mentioned in 52 episodes
Greenlights
Matthew McConaughey
Greenlights is a candid and unconventional memoir by Matthew McConaughey.
The book blends wild stories, life lessons, and poetic insights, offering a roadmap to catching more 'greenlights'—those moments when everything in life seems to go your way.
McConaughey draws on his 36 years of journaling to share his approach to living, which emphasizes recognizing and embracing the greenlights in life, even when they are disguised as yellow or red lights.
The book is a celebration of life, gratitude, and self-dedication, and it provides practical advice on navigating life's challenges and finding success and happiness.
#12147
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Orchid Thief
Susan Orlean
The Orchid Thief is a non-fiction book by Susan Orlean that delves into the world of orchid collecting.
The story centers around John Laroche, a charismatic plant dealer who was arrested in 1994 for stealing ghost orchids from the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Florida.
Orlean's investigation leads her into a fascinating subculture of orchid enthusiasts, including aristocrats, fanatics, and smugglers.
The book explores the history of orchid collecting, the legal and environmental implications of Laroche's actions, and the author's own encounters with various figures in the orchid world.
It is a tale of obsession, passion, and the sometimes dark and humorous aspects of human fixation.
#3366
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
These Truths
A Brief History of the United States (Volume 2)
Jill Lepore
In this ambitious one-volume history, Jill Lepore examines the origins and rise of the United States, focusing on the core ideas of political equality, natural rights, and the sovereignty of the people.
The book spans over five centuries, from 1492 to the present, and delves into various themes such as the legacy of slavery, the persistence of inequality, and the impact of technological change.
Lepore's narrative is characterized by its elegant prose and comprehensive coverage of American politics, law, journalism, and technology, highlighting both well-known and lesser-known figures in American history.
#23120
Joyride
Lindsay Faith Rech
#4621
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
The War People
A Social History of Common Soldiers during the Era of the Thirty Years War
Lucian Staiano-Daniels
This book reconstructs the lives of seventeenth-century common soldiers in detail, using the transnational story of the Mansfeld Regiment to examine how ordinary soldiers, military women, and officers negotiated their lives within the chaos and uncertainty of the seventeenth century.
It sheds light on the intricate social world of mercenaries, their relationships, and the impact of the military revolution and the fiscal-military state.
The study is supported by statistical analysis from hundreds of records from the Thirty Years War, offering a human story of comradeship, hardship, and struggle during a period of significant conflict and social upheaval.
#3885
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
All the Way to the River
Love, Loss, and Liberation
Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert's 'All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation' invites readers on a deeply personal journey through the complexities of human experience.
Gilbert fearlessly explores the intricacies of love and heartbreak, sharing intimate reflections on loss and resilience.
As she navigates life's inevitable challenges, the author discovers the path to personal liberation, embracing self-discovery and empowerment.
With her signature blend of vulnerability and insight, Gilbert crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking solace and inspiration.
This memoir is a testament to the human capacity for growth and transformation in the face of adversity, reminding us that love and liberation are always within reach.
#5303
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy
The novel tells the story of Estha and Rahel, fraternal twins whose lives are shaped by the 'Love Laws' and the societal norms of 1960s Kerala, India.
The story is intertwined with the past and present, exploring the complex family dynamics, the lingering effects of casteism, and the impact of British colonialism.
The narrative is characterized by its non-sequential style, reflecting the process of memory and the resurfacing of painful memories.
The book is a poignant exploration of the loss of innocence, societal injustices, and the universal human tragedy of unfulfilled dreams.
#5773
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Memento Mori
Tom Ridout
#5344
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The swerve
Stephen Greenblatt
In 'The Swerve', Stephen Greenblatt explores the impact of Poggio Bracciolini's discovery of Lucretius' 'De Rerum Natura' in 1417.
This ancient Roman poem, which posits a universe governed by natural laws rather than divine intervention, had a profound influence on the Renaissance and beyond, shaping the thought of figures like Galileo, Darwin, and Einstein.
Greenblatt's book is both a biography of Bracciolini and an intellectual history of how this text helped shape modernity.
#15029
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Muriel Spark
The novel tells the story of Miss Jean Brodie, a forward-thinking and eccentric teacher at the Marcia Blaine School for Girls in Edinburgh.
She selects six students, known as 'The Brodie Set,' for special tutelage, teaching them about art history, literature, and her own personal life, including her admiration for fascism.
The story unfolds through flashbacks and flashforwards, revealing the complex relationships between Miss Brodie and her students, particularly Sandy, who ultimately betrays her.
The novel explores themes of education, morality, and the influence of a charismatic teacher on her students' lives.
#185
• Mentioned in 78 episodes
Eat, Pray, Love
Elizabeth Gilbert
In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States.
The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.
The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.
In last week’s episode of the Book Review podcast, host Gilbert Cruz and his fellow editor Joumana Khatib offered a preview of some of the fall’s most anticipated works of fiction. This week they return to talk about upcoming nonfiction, from memoirs to literary biographies to the latest pop science offering from the incomparable Mary Roach.
Books discussed in this episode:
“All the Way to the River,” by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Dark Renaissance: The Dangerous Times and Fatal Genius of Shakespeare’s Greatest Rival,” by Stephen Greenblatt
“Mother Mary Comes to Me," by Arundhati Roy
“Poems and Prayers,” by Matthew McConaughey
“The Tragedy of True Crime: Four Guilty Men and the Stories That Define Us,” by John J. Lennon
“We The People: A History of the U.S. Constitution," by Jill Lepore
“Electric Spark: The Enigma of Dame Muriel,” by Francis Wilson
“Joyride: A Memoir," by Susan Orlean
“Next of Kin,” by Gabrielle Hamilton
“Paper Girl,” by Beth Macy
“Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America,” by Jeff Chang
“Book of Lives," by Margaret Atwood
”The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of the American Founding,” by Joseph J. Ellis
“History Matters," by David McCullough
“The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II,” by David Nasaw
“Family of Spies: A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor,” by Christine Kuehn
“Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy," by Mary Roach
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