Complete a Read Harder Challenge Task With These Nonfiction Nature Books
A new year means a new Read Harder Challenge! For ten years, Book Riot has rolled out a reading challenge that encourages participants to read beyond their comfort zone and explore new corners of literature. This year is no exception. In my next couple of newsletters, I’ll be sharing recommendations for some of this year’s reading prompts (all of which can be found on Book Riot’s main site). First up, we’ll tackle prompt 13.) Read a nonfiction book about nature or the environment.
Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist by Jasmin Graham
Let’s start off with a book all about sharks. Jasmin Graham, one of the three Black women to found Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), discusses her experience being a marine biologist in a field dominated by white male scientists. She shares her love of sharks and what inspired her to fight for more opportunities in marine biology for young women of color.
The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl
One of America’s best nonfiction writers tells us the story of her backyard, all through the point of view of the creatures that live there. The Comfort of Crows follows a year in their lives. Each section follows a different season, and Renly details the comings and goings that she sees around her property. Oftentimes, her short essays meander into ruminations on life and humanity’s role in nature.
World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Nature lovers are sure to adore World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. Many of you may already know this, but I love this book so much. From the anecdotes of Nezhukumatathil’s life to the cute illustrations by artist Fumi Nakamura, World of Wonders is the perfect package. Nezhukumatathil describes how her parents taught her a love of nature, but as Indian immigrants, she didn’t see a lot of people like her on nature trails. The different chapters of World of Wonders examine what it’s like to be a South Asian nature-lover in America.
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
I know I talk about Lab Girl a lot, but I just adore this memoir by botanist Hope Jahren. Her writing is like a meditation on plants. Jahren brings so much of herself to the page as she describes how her life has been influenced by her work in her scientific field studying and cataloging plants. She also shares what it’s been like for her, as a woman, to work in a male-dominated field. And the prose of this book is incredible, making it a joy to read.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
If you haven’t read it already, this prompt is the perfect chance to read the modern classic Braiding Sweetgrass, written by botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer. She combines her background in science and the traditions of her Indigenous heritage to write this beautiful book that focuses on the wisdom of plants. Her incredible prose and her depth of knowledge combine to create a one-of-kind reading experience.
For more nonfiction, check out the best nonfiction books of 2024, and new nonfiction to read in January.
