NONFICTION NOVEMBER: My Year in Nonfiction

October29

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It’s been almost six months since my last post and I expect that quite a few of you didn’t expect to see me blog again. Truthfully, the longer I went, the more unsure I was that I would return. But more about that in another post.

For now, I’m breaking radio silence by taking apart in NONFICTION NOVEMBER hosted by five fabulous bloggers. To kick off the month, I’m looking back on my year of nonfiction and linking to this week’s co-host Kim at Sophisticated Dorkiness.

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In Pursuit of Memory_zpslocfwk5c.jpg My reading overall was down dramatically in the past year, and I had only 3½ nonfiction titles in the mix. They represented a wide range of topics: medicine, history and lifestyle.

I enjoyed all of them equally and rated each of them four stars out of five, but the one that has stayed with me is In Pursuit of Memory: The Fight Against Alzheimer’s by Joseph Jabelli.

In the foreword, we’re warned:

As the world’s population ages, Alzheimer’s is expected to affect 135 million people by 2050, overtaking cancer to become the second leading cause of death after heart disease.

and in Chapter 1:

[N]ew acceptance highlighted Alzheimer’s as ‘a major killer’—the fourth leading cause of death in America alone—and something far more ominous than previously thought. With the world’s population steadily ageing, Alzheimer’s could now be seen for what it truly is: a global and inescapable epidemic.

The author tells us about the origins of Alzheimer’s Disease, the research that’s being done, what we can personally do to prevent it, and what’s happening in experimental treatment.

He also includes a quote by Professor Nick Fox on a tour of a Science Museum:

‘One in three people in this room will get Alzheimer’s,’ Fox continued. ‘One in two will look after someone with Alzheimer’s.’ He paused and turned again. “As a society we’re sleepwalking into this.’

Don’t sleepwalk. Given those odds, you’ll be affected in some way by this disease. So, read this book.

I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else has been up to in their nonfiction reading. Be sure to visit the list of participants at Sophisticated Dorkiness.

It’s good to be back.

P.S. The links are affiliate links so I will receive a small percentage of any purchase you make after clicking through from this blog.

posted under Nonfiction November

40 Comments to

“NONFICTION NOVEMBER: My Year in Nonfiction”

On October 29th, 2018 at 3:18 pm Emma Says:
definitely an important topic! Here is my post: https://wordsandpeace.com/2018/10/29/nonfiction-november-my-year-2018-in-nonfiction/
On October 29th, 2018 at 5:09 pm Debbie Says:
Thanks for sharing, Emma. You definitely read a whole lot more NF in the past year then I did.
On October 29th, 2018 at 3:42 pm Jade @ Reading with Jade Says:
Nonfiction November is a great way to return to blogging – I hope you’re able to read some great titles within the month.
On October 29th, 2018 at 5:03 pm Debbie Says:
Thank you, Jade. I hope to find some titles that will get my reading synapses firing again. Welcome to Exurbanis!
On October 29th, 2018 at 4:29 pm Rebecca Foster Says:
I’m so glad you found In Pursuit of Memory worthwhile. I agree it’s a powerful read, and on a subject that is bound to touch all of us at some point. I have recommended it widely since I read it last year.
On October 29th, 2018 at 5:02 pm Debbie Says:
I’m sure I saw your recommendation, Rebecca – and I’m sorry that I didn’t credit you, and Naomi at Consumed by Ink, whom I’ve noted also applauded it.
On October 29th, 2018 at 5:35 pm Ellie Says:
In Pursuit of Memory is on my radar, I think Alzheimer’s is important to learn about since it is so prevalent now.
On October 29th, 2018 at 9:00 pm Debbie Says:
I agree, Ellie!
On October 29th, 2018 at 7:21 pm BuriedInPrint Says:
Glad you found this one so enjoyable. Maybe the event will kick start your blogging again? It would be nice to hear about your reading more often once more. But I understand, too, how time-consuming it is and that it’s a big decision.
On October 29th, 2018 at 8:57 pm Debbie Says:
I’m also hoping that this will kickstart my blogging, Marcie, although I think it may take a slightly different format. I’m writing that post 😉
On October 29th, 2018 at 8:42 pm Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness) Says:
Welcome back, and thanks for joining us! The book you mentioned sounds fascinating, and so timely given our aging population and struggle with how to support our aging population. Those stats are startling.
On October 29th, 2018 at 8:59 pm Debbie Says:
Thank you, Kim! This book was really fascinating. I admit that I’m more worried now about my brain betraying me than my body doing the same.
On October 29th, 2018 at 9:52 pm Angela Says:
As someone who’s had dementia/Alzheimer’s in my family, this definitely sounds like a book I need to read!
On October 30th, 2018 at 11:20 am Debbie Says:
I think you’ll find it worthwhile, Angela. He discusses the cutting-edge research as well.
On October 29th, 2018 at 10:46 pm raidergirl3 Says:
Good to see you again. I didn’t wait 6 months, but I only posted a few times in those 6 months, so I feel you. Nonfiction November got me posting again too.
On October 30th, 2018 at 11:21 am Debbie Says:
I’m so glad Nonfiction November is working for you too, Raider Girl. PEI needs to be well represented in the blogosphere!
On October 30th, 2018 at 4:13 am Kazen @ Always Doing Says:
In Pursuit of Memory looks interesting, and is so important! One of the books on my TBR is a memoir written by someone with early onset Alzheimers and it looks like they’d make a great pair. Here’s to a great Nonfiction November! 🙂
On October 30th, 2018 at 11:22 am Debbie Says:
Kazen, that memoir does sound like a good fit. Interesting that someone with Alzheimer’s could write a book.

Welcome to Exurbanis!
On October 30th, 2018 at 7:24 am Brona Says:
Welcome back to the blogosphere! NonFicNov is a great way to get back into the groove & I hope you feel re-inspired by the end of the month 🙂
On October 30th, 2018 at 11:23 am Debbie Says:
Thank you, Brona. I needed to break the ‘sound barrier’ and find my feet and I think this may just well work.
On November 1st, 2018 at 1:06 am Allison Says:
Alzheimers is in my family but I haven’t done much reading on it yet; this sounds like a great book to start with.
On November 1st, 2018 at 3:14 pm Debbie Says:
I’m sure you’d find it interesting, Allison.

Welcome to Exurbanis!
On November 1st, 2018 at 5:08 pm JoAnn @ Lakeside Musing Says:
Welcome back to blogging… Nonfiction November provided the perfect push to get back into things! In Pursuit of Memory sounds like an important read.
On November 1st, 2018 at 6:37 pm Debbie Says:
Thanks, JoAnn!
On November 1st, 2018 at 7:41 pm Reese Says:
Yes, welcome back! In Pursuit of Memory sounds both important and frightening.

Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your nonfiction November!
On November 1st, 2018 at 7:48 pm Debbie Says:
Thank you, Reese. I’m looking forward to what you have to say for NF November as well.
On November 2nd, 2018 at 1:51 pm Judy Krueger Says:
I must read that Alzheimer’s book I guess because it runs in two sides of my family. I have read 10 nonfiction books so far. That is a lot for me. Don’t know how that happened.
I too have been struggling with to blog or not to blog. I look forward to your thoughts on that. I have missed you!
On November 2nd, 2018 at 4:27 pm Debbie Says:
You’re such a prolific blogger, Judy, that I’m surprised to hear that you’re struggling! I would miss your book thoughts if you decided to quit altogether!
On November 2nd, 2018 at 10:25 pm Kate @ booksaremyfavouriteandbest Says:
I’ll certainly be looking his book up (and here I was thinking I’ read most of the pop-science about dementia!).
On November 3rd, 2018 at 6:32 pm Rennie Says:
Nonfiction November is a great reason to return to blogging, I hope you get to some great reads and have fun participating this month! 🙂

I’m so intrigued by In Pursuit of Memory, I hadn’t heard of it and what an incredibly important topic.
On November 5th, 2018 at 12:17 pm Debbie Says:
I’m sure I will have some fun this month, Rennie. Thanks – and welcome to Exurbanis!
On November 4th, 2018 at 11:42 am Rachel Says:
I have gone months without posting as well, but I always come back. I really thought I was done last time, but then I decided to move to WordPress and start over again. So far, I’m really glad I made that choice.
On November 5th, 2018 at 12:17 pm Debbie Says:
I’m already on WordPress, Rachel, so NF November will have to be my motivator. 🙂
On November 4th, 2018 at 11:58 pm Unruly Reader Says:
Alzheimer’s — such an important topic, and it’s good to hear there’s such a great book about it.
On November 5th, 2018 at 12:19 pm Debbie Says:
There are probably a number of great book on this topic, Stacey, but I read this one – and learned a LOT. 😉

Welcome to Exurbanis!
On November 22nd, 2018 at 12:14 am Whispering Gums Says:
Nice to see you back in my in box… Sorry I’ve taken so long to reply as it’s been a busy few weeks. Hope all is going well.
On November 26th, 2018 at 3:39 pm Debbie Says:
Thanks, Sue! Sorry it’s taken me so long to reply to your comment. I seem to be behind in everything right now!
On November 26th, 2018 at 8:43 am Nonfiction November – New to My TBR | booksaremyfavouriteandbest Says:
[…] In Pursuit of Memory by Joseph Jabelli found at Ex-Urbanis. […]
On November 27th, 2018 at 1:18 am #NonFicNov wk 5 Thanks for sharing your books! | NancyElin Says:
[…] Debbie Rogers@ExUrbanis […]
On December 14th, 2018 at 8:42 pm Katie @ Doing Dewey Says:
Welcome back! In Pursuit of Memory sounds fascinating, but also a bit terrifying given the facts you shared!