It’s time for another Nonfiction November post! This week Rebekah is the host and the prompt is mind openers. So below is a list of Nonfiction November mind opening books that I think everyone should read.

Week 4 (11/18-11/22) Mind Openers: One of the greatest things about reading nonfiction is the way it can open your eyes to the world around you–no plane ticket required. What nonfiction book or books have impacted the way you see the world in a powerful way? Is there one book that made you rethink everything? Is there a book that, if everyone read it, you think the world would be a better place?

JUST MERCY by Bryan Stevenson

Honestly, the first book that immediately came to mind is JUST MERCY by Bryan Stevenson. I read this before I started this book blog, but let me tell you, it was definitely a mind opener. I didn’t realize how twisted court systems could be in the U.S. just because someone is Black. It was sad to read about people who were put behind bars despite insufficient evidence. When I finished reading this book I bought two more copies and gave them as gifts. “A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to fix our broken system of justice–from one of the most brilliant and influential lawyers of our time.“

JANE AGAINST THE WORLD by Karen Blumenthal

I borrowed this book from the library after the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) struck down Roe v. Wade. This was a great history of women’s reproductive rights and the long game played by the right to get conservative judges on the bench. Absolutely worth a read. My review is here, for those interested.

EJACULATE RESPONSIBLY by Gabrielle Stanley Blair

My sister-in-law gifted EJACULATE RESPONSIBLY to me when I was going through COVID a couple years ago. With such an evocative title I wasn’t sure what I was about to get into. But I actually learned a lot about when a woman is actually fertile (spoiler: about 24 hours) vs. when a man is (spoiler: all the time). This book argues that the responsibility of pregnancy prevention should fall more on the man for a number of reasons. It was something I hadn’t actually thought about before. Quite a new perspective!

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann

I read KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON during the first year of the pandemic and am glad I stumbled upon it at the time. Although not a heartwarming story, I appreciated learning about something that wasn’t a part of my curriculum. I know school can’t cover everything, but it was still eye opening to read about the murder of some Osage people to get to the oil under their land. (I haven’t watched the movie yet, mainly because it’s 3.5 hours long!)

THE PREMONITION by Michael Lewis

I understand Michael Lewis is a well-known author, but THE PREMONITION is the only book of his I’ve read. For any averse to reading about the pandemic, this one might be ok. It doesn’t really talk about the details of people dying or the race to make a vaccine. Rather, it discusses what a crap show it was behind the scenes of various authorities, including the Center for Disease Control. At least, that’s what I took away from it.

RADIUM GIRLS by Katie Moore

Again, I read RADIUM GIRLS way before I started this blog, probably at least 5 years ago or more. I remember feeling astounded at the greed that allowed these women to ingest radium while making watches for the war effort. And those running the operation even knew what radium did to bones and the body! I think it eventually led to an effort to improve workplace safety.

And that’s a wrap for my list of Nonfiction November mind opening books. What nonfiction books were mind openers for you?