The New York Times previews 29 nonfiction titles for this fall, promising a mix of stranger-than-fiction Cold War thrillers, explorations into hip-hop and AI, and memoirs from Francis Fukuyama and Sylvester Stallone, alongside other history, culture, and technology deep-dives.
A PEN America analysis finds non-fiction books banned in US schools nearly doubled in the 2024–25 year, with over 1,100 of 3,743 titles (29%) banned, many focused on activism, social movements, and LGBTQ+ or people of color; overall bans reached a record 5,668 in 2025, signaling a broad anti‑intellectual trend and ongoing censorship with implications for learning.
Tracy Kidder, the Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning author known for immersive narrative nonfiction such as The Soul of a New Machine and Mountains Beyond Mountains, has died at 80. Random House confirmed the loss; over decades he turned subjects from computer engineering to nursing home life into bestsellers through meticulous reporting and empathy. A Harvard and Iowa writing program alumnus who served in Vietnam, Kidder rejected labels like 'literary journalist' and believed nonfiction can use storytelling techniques without fabrication. His work reshaped readers' understanding of technology, education, and global health, and it continues to influence writers and even pop culture.
Book Riot highlights eight standout nonfiction releases in March 2026, spanning biographies, memoirs and essay collections—from Rebecca Solnit and Terry Tempest Williams to Judy Blume and Lindy West—showcasing a diverse slate focused on history, memory, politics, and personal narratives.
Lit Hub's list highlights the most anticipated books of 2026, featuring a diverse range of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and genre-bending works from acclaimed authors, reflecting themes from societal issues to personal stories and experimental narratives.
Barnes & Noble released its most anticipated books for 2026 across various categories, highlighting titles like George Saunders' 'Vigil' and Tayari Jones' 'Kin', along with debut novels and collections. The article also discusses American reading habits in 2025, revealing that the median number of books read was two, and shares cultural moments like Zohran Mamdani's swearing-in with a Qur'an from the Schomburg Center. Additionally, it reviews popular literary activism stories from 2025, organized by themes.
The article highlights six noteworthy books for January, including Brad Meltzer's latest novel 'The Viper,' offering gripping stories about secrets, identity, ambition, and courage to start the year on a high note.
Despite a bleak political year, 2025 saw the publication of ambitious and serious books, including novels about millennial ennui, histories of the West, and investigative reports on AI, offering readers a rich selection of important titles.
The article previews notable nonfiction books set to be published in 2026, covering topics such as personal memoirs from figures like Sylvester Stallone and Lena Dunham, social and political analyses from authors like Naomi Klein and Jared Diamond, and explorations of culture and identity through works on music, masculinity, and history.
The popularity of nonfiction books has declined in recent years, influenced by factors such as reader fatigue, competition from online content and podcasts, and a shift towards escapism and personal development genres. Despite a rise in audiobook sales and some subgenres remaining strong, the industry faces challenges in maintaining high-quality, impactful nonfiction amid risk aversion and changing media consumption habits.
The New York Times has announced their top 10 books of 2025, featuring five fiction and five nonfiction titles, with notable literary fiction including a WWI stream-of-consciousness novel and a family saga. The list was curated from their 100 notable books of the year, and discussions about the selection process are available in their podcast.
The 2025 National Book Awards finalists across five categories—Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature—were announced, featuring both returning and first-time honorees, with finalists reading at events in November and winners to be announced at a ceremony in New York City, with substantial prizes and lifetime achievement awards.
A lifetime subscription to Youbooks AI Nonfiction Book Generator, which uses AI models like ChatGPT to help users create comprehensive nonfiction manuscripts quickly, is now available for $49, down from $540, offering unlimited book creation with full commercial rights.
The article discusses the announcement of the 2025 National Book Awards nonfiction longlist, highlighting favorite picks and predictions, and also celebrates Beverly Cleary's character Ramona Quimby and her impact, along with some humorous collective nouns for librarians and current bestselling books.
The 2025 National Book Award for Nonfiction longlist features ten diverse authors, all newcomers, with works covering topics from historical movements and social issues to personal grief and artistic expression. The finalists will be announced in October, with winners revealed in November, highlighting a broad spectrum of compelling nonfiction titles.