I’ve talked about getting into non-fiction before, and I’m happy to say that I am still keeping up with it. I’ve read several over the last couple of months and added a few to my TBR list. I’m enjoying seeing real people’s views on the world and getting a glimpse into their lives, so here’s a few non-fiction titles that have gained my attention lately.

1. Big Magic

This is Elizabeth Gilbert’s book on living a creative life. While it bordered on being a bit too… self help-y for me, it has a some good anecdotes and stories about pursuing creativity. It gets you thinking about being creative and makes you want to get up and make something. I’ve never read any of Gilbert’s other books, so I can’t compare, but fans of hers might like the insight into her writing process and the background info behind some of her books that she provides.

2. You Only Live Twice

At the FOLD, I was lucky enough to sit in on a panel about defying boundaries featuring writer and media artist Chase Joynt. This book is a collaboration between him and movie artist Mike Hoolboom. It features letters between the two regarding their lives, art, and more. I’m not entirely sure I understood everything, as there was a lot of discussion of artists and film makers I am not aware of, but I found the language mesmerizing. The discussions of living second lives – Chase’s transition from male to female and Mike’s near-death from AIDS – is fascinating and insightful.

3. Laughing All the Way to the Mosque

This is another book I picked up from the FOLD. The author, Zarqa Nawaz, is the creator of Little Mosque on the Prairie. I enjoy learning about the lives of creative people and was delighted to get some insight into the Canadian entertainment industry (we so often get overshadowed by the Americans). Nawaz’ writing is funny, as you might expect. I thoroughly enjoyed her reflections on being Muslim in Canada. From her worry after 9/11 to the day to day culture clashes, her observations and comments are insightful without taking things too seriously. Nawaz’ writing is entertaining and inviting, so I was glad to have the book with me while I was on vacation.