The year may be winding down, but there’s plenty to keep readers busy in the busy weeks ahead. December 2016 new releases are almost here and, as always, there are more books coming out than even the most hardcore bookworms can read. If you’re looking for the best nonfiction books of December 2016, that’s definitely true; your options are not limited.
Along with its holiday cheer, December brings everything from humorous guides to thought-provoking collections of essays by women and riveting true crimes. Sure, you may be trying to focus on gifts for other people, but no one would blame you if you happened to pick up a book (or two…or more) for yourself, too. After all, there’s nothing like a good story to help you wind down after a chaotic last-minute shopping session or a boisterous gathering of friends or family.
You are reading: Best books december 2016
It goes without saying that this month’s new books will have your to-do list growing as fast as a Christmas to-do list. with all the quality work coming out, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Below are 13 books to keep an eye out for in December, either as gifts or just because.
1. The Chibok Girls of Helon Habila (December 5; Columbia Global Reports)
novelist helon habila examines a real-life tragedy in chibok girls: boko haram kidnappings and islamist militancy in nigeria. The book delves into how the country’s history has led to current conflicts, including the infamous kidnappings of 276 schoolgirls in 2014. Habila also explores the stories of the girls and their families, and looks at the response of the government, community global and the media.
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2. glop by gabrielle moss (December 6; dey street books)
Glop: Expensive, Non-Toxic Ideas That Will Make You Look Goofy and Feel Pretentious by Gabrielle Moss spoofs the gooey lifestyle website. In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that Moss works on the bustle, but his book is so much fun that this list wouldn’t be complete without him. glop will teach you about the necessities of life, like cashmere yoga pants, drinking your food (to “get clean”, of course), and all things elitist.
click here to buy.
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3. the crystal universe by dava sobel (December 6; Viking)
Dava Sobel’s
The Glass Universe sheds light on the oft-forgotten role of women as “human computers” at harvard university’s observatory in the 19th century. Using excerpts from letters, memoirs, and journal entries, Sobel highlights the women themselves, as well as her influential discoveries.
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4. a woman looking at men looking at women by siri hustvedt (December 6; simon & schuster)
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Acclaimed novelist Siri Hustvedt explores themes from multiple points of view in A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women: Essays on Art, Sex, and the Mind. The collection of essays covers everything from feminism to neuroscience, examining gender biases, the human condition, and more.
click here to buy.
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5. eight flavors by sarah lohman (December 6; simon & schuster)
Foodies and non-foodies alike will appreciate Sarah Lohman’s look at America’s culinary history, Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine. As the title suggests, it highlights eight common flavors in American cuisine. Lohman not only reviews our past and how she has shaped the way we eat, but uses recipes to make her case. warning: this book may make you hungry.
click here to buy.
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6. george lucas de brian jay jones (December 6; little, brown and company)
The Star Wars franchise is alive and well, so Brian Jay Jones chose the perfect time to spotlight its legendary creator. His new book, George Lucas: A Life, examines the filmmaker’s life, work and lasting impact. There’s even insight from film industry insiders, including Lucas’s former co-workers.
click here to buy.
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7. the reporter who knew too much by mark shaw (December 6; post hill press)
Mark Shaw recounts an intriguing case in The Reporter Who Knew Too Much: The Mysterious Death of What’s My Line TV Star and Media Icon Dorothy Kilgallen. Though a coroner concluded the barrier-breaking reporter’s death was an accident, Shaw raises fascinating questions in this true-crime book. he even suggests a frank sinatra connection. tell me you’re not curious.
click here to buy.
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8. the writer’s path by charles johnson (December 6; writer)
National Book Award winner Charles Johnson offers insights on writing in The Writer’s Way: Reflections on the Art and Craft of Storytelling. however, this is not a direct instruction book. While Johnson provides lessons and hands-on exercises, he also ponders the craft.
click here to buy.
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9. waveform by marcia aldrich (December 15; University of Georgia Press)
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The Waveform: Essays by 21st Century Women by Marcia Aldrich presents 30 pieces from a diverse group of women writers. The anthology covers a variety of topics, themes, and experiences. If that’s not enough to intrigue you, let me add that her collaborators include Roxane Gay and Cheryl Strayed, among others.
click here to buy.
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10. an atheist and a christian walk into a bar by randal rauser, justin schieber (december 6; prometheus books)
randal rauser and justin schieber may have opposing views, but they join forces in an atheist and a christian walk into a bar: they talk about god, the universe and everything. The two authors share intriguing plotlines and entertaining stories as they ponder faith, morality, reason, and more.
click here to buy.
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11. get your sh*t together by sarah knight (December 27; little, brown and company)
if you have a penchant for self-sabotage, sarah knight is here to help with her new “no f*cks give guide”, get together: how to stop worrying about what to do so you can finish what you have to do and start doing what you want to do. she has tips for dealing with anxiety, achieving work-life balance, and generally making her life better. This is not a dry book of advice; Her lessons are full of humor.
click here to buy.
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12. books for living by will schwalbe (December 27; knopf publishing group)
will schwalbe speaks to book lovers with books for living. she examines the works that have marked her life, from the little prince by antoine de saint-exupéry to bird by bird by anne lamott and beyond. if you like to read, you will feel identified.
click here to buy.
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13. wediculous by jamie lee (December 27; harperone)
Jamie Lee puts weddings in perspective in Wediculous: An Unfiltered Guide to Being a Bride. the comedian uses her first-hand experience as a bride-to-be to help keep readers from going crazy during the planning process. the irreverent book will make you laugh, whether you’ve experienced the madness yourself or not.
click here to buy.
See Also: Must-Read Sci-Fi Books with LGBTQIA Characters