Nonfiction November 2025
Nonfiction November is an annual challenge hosted by bloggers Liz at Libro Fulltime, Frances at Volatile Rune, Heather at Based on a True Story, Rebekah at She Seeks Nonfiction and Deb at Readerbuzz designed to celebrate all things nonfiction. Helpfully, there are a series of weekly prompts to guide your posts.
The first prompt is hosted by Heather who invites us to answer a series of questions.
What books have you read?
Oh dear, looking back at the 81 books I’ve read so far this year only three were nonfiction, less than 1% of my reading. They were A Year in a Small Garden by Frances Tophill, The CIA Bookclub by Charlie English and The Story of a Heart by Rachel Clarke. Follow the links from the titles to read my reviews.
What were your favorites?
It seems unfair to choose one out of only three but if forced I’ll pick A Year in a Small Garden because, aside from reading, gardening is my favourite pastime and Frances’s approach to gardening – relaxed and wildlife-friendly – very closely matches my own.
Have you had a favorite topic?
I’d probably pick gardening and nature as my favourite nonfiction topic for both the practical advice it provides as well as the inspiration. In addition, gardening books tend to be beautifully illustrated which is a bonus.
Is there a topic you want to read about more?
I have a couple of memoirs and biographies in my TBR pile that I’m keen to read – Everything is Everything by Clive Myrie and Harold Wilson by Alan Johnson.
What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?
Encouragement to read some of the nonfiction books I already have in my possession as well as obtaining recommendations from other readers.
What Cathy Read Next... 
I’m attracted to A Year in a Small Garden, Cathy. I have read 5 non-fiction books so far in 2025. I picked up 6 in the library sale a few weeks ago so will start reading those soon. 💖📚
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I haven’t been to a library sale for ages. You’ve reminded me I must pop into my local library next time I’m passing. Or perhaps that’s a bit dangerous given my TBR pile…
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Thanks for sharing your year of nonfiction, 3 is better than none! I hope your are motivated to pick up those nonfiction books you have this month.
Happy Nonfiction November
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I’ll certainly try. My husband’s been nagging me to pick up Everything Is Everything by Clive Myrie ever since he finished it himself. It’s signed by the author as well…
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I love to read nonfiction; I’ve written some, too. The CIA Book Club looks fascinating; I’ll add it to my wishlist. Happy reading to you!
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Those are three great books!
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I like reading books on gardening as well, but I don’t think I read any this past year. https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2025/11/nonfiction-november.html
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If you’re not a ‘tidy’ gardener, garden organically and like to attract wildlife to your garden I think you’d enjoy it. She has another book out soon, A Wildflower Year which I’ve already put on my Christmas list.
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Funny that you picked A Year in a Small Garden because when I saw you were just picking one of the three I just knew you’d choose The Story of a Heart as your favorite!
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I am definitely going to have to get “The CIA Book Club”. I have been reading a few books on the idea of ‘books as resistance’ and it’s amazing to me how books and publishing were used all through the 20th century in and out of combat. Thank you for mentioning it on your list.
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I’m interested in reading
The Writing School: A Memoir by Miranda France. Has anyone any views on this
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