National Nonfiction November is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a stack of brand-new releases hitting the shelves? This year’s lineup of new releases won’t disappoint. From memoirs to history to big ideas, here are 14 books to add to your TBR (to be read) list.
Memoirs
The Look by Michelle Obama
On November 4th, former First Lady Michelle Obama is releasing her new book, The Look. This book takes us on a journey through Michelle Obama’s style evolution, featuring over 200 photographs. From the first moment she became a public figure during her husband’s U.S. Senate campaign until now, she shares how she uses the beauty and intrigue of fashion to draw attention to her message. The novel features voices from Meredith Koop, her stylist, Carl Ray, her makeup artist, as well as other designers. Obama wrote this book to share the behind-the-scenes of her most memorable looks and deliver a powerful story about how we present ourselves.
Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood
The long-awaited memoir from one of the greatest storytellers of our time is set to arrive in bookstores on November 4th. The memoir is a story about her life, from her childhood in northern Quebec to writing books that have shaped our literary landscape. This must-read memoir reveals bohemian gatherings, major political turning points, and Hollywood actors that connect Atwood’s life to her stories.
Bread of Angels: A Memoir by Patti Smith
Artist and writer Patti Smith takes us into her childhood imagination and teenage years with her new memoir. With Arthur Rimbaud and Bob Dylan as role models, Smith begins writing poetry that expands into lyrics. Smith takes readers on her journey through marrying the love of her life, profound losses, and starting a family. She turns to the one constant in her life — writing — to express her imagination and transform pain into hope. On November 4th, readers can dive into the memoir of the American singer, songwriter, poet, and author’s account of her life.
Heart Life Music by Kenny Chesney and Holly Gleason
The novel by Kenny Chesney and Holly Gleason tells the story of Kenny Chesney’s life, from his high school football career to finding himself on a barstool with a guitar. On November 4th, readers can learn about the story behind the creator of No Shoes Nation, formed through unlikely connections with people and Nashville’s creative scene. Readers can expect to explore Chesney’s adventure in self-discovery and his musical journey to becoming a #1 bestseller in Country Music.
History
Black-Owned: Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore by Char Adams
In Black-Owned, longtime NBC News reporter Char Adams writes about the reported history of Black political movements from the viewpoint of Black-owned bookstores. Available on November 4th, the book dives into stories of activism, espionage, violence, and perseverance through bookstores that served as centers for organizing abolition movements. Adams uses theatrical storytelling and vibrant characters to tell a story of community, resistance, and celebration.
The American Revolution: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns
Being released on November 11, 2025, this novel expands on the landmark, six-part PBS series, also airing in November. In this book, Ward guides us through the international forces at play and tells the story of the American Revolution through the perspectives of our Founding Fathers, ordinary soldiers, and underrepresented populations. The book includes guest essays, prints, drawings, paintings, texts, maps, and pamphlets from the time period.
Spiritual/Self-Help
Guided: The Secret Path to an Illuminated Life by Laura Lynne Jackson
Laura Lynne Jackson guides audiences on how to live an illuminated life. But what does that really mean? On November 11th, readers can discover this path by learning how to walk it and being open to guidance sent to us from the Other Side. In the novel, Jackson shares unforgettable experiences of people who have learned how to discover their higher paths and respond to messages from their Teams of Light. Through motivating stories, this book can inspire us all to live a more enlightened life.
My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving by Beth Pinsker, CFP®
Certified Financial Planner Beth Pinsker has drafted a guide on how to navigate end-of-life financial decisions for aging parents or loved ones. Drawing on personal stories and the latest legal, financial, and healthcare resources, Pinsker offers actionable insights into the end-of-life financial decisions many face. With the mix of emotions that arise during this process, the award-winning journalist wants facing these decisions to be as seamless and pain-free as possible. The practical handbook will be available on November 4th.
Conversations on Faith by Antonio Spadaro and Martin Scorsese
Also being released on November 4th, legendary film director Martin Scorsese and Father Antonio Spadaro discuss how Scorsese’s relationship with faith has impacted him throughout his life and work. The book accounts for the in-depth and profound conversations between the two discussing everything from Scorsese’s childhood to the understanding of the soul. The inspiring and sincere conversation about faith will help readers gain insight into one of the most famous directors of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life by Dick Van Dyke
On the eve of his 100th birthday, November 18th, legend Van Dyke releases his autobiographical collection of stories, reflections, and life advice through his 100 years. He reveals his secrets for remaining joyful and making the most out of life. Through inspiring stories of his childhood, moments on set, family, and love, readers can appreciate humanity’s inherent wonder.
Technology
The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity by Tim Wu
This nonfiction book by Tim Wu encourages us all to recognize the influence of today’s dominant tech platforms. As some of the most effective methods of wealth extraction, Wu explains that tech platforms take money, data, and attention from us all. The former White House official examines the risks and rewards of these platforms, as well as how society can foster a better life and a more balanced economy as technology continues to evolve. Available on November 4th, the novel offers proposals for reclaiming control and ways for how technological advancements can maximize positive impact.
Film History
Staying Gold: The Oral History of The Outsiders by Danny Boy O’Connor and Jimmie Tramel
The definitive oral history by Danny Boy O’Connor and Jimmie Tramel explores the legacy of The Outsiders. Taking readers behind the scenes of the filmmaking process, as well as revealing how the author of the original novel, S.E. Hinton, became the director and a major influence on the film and its actors. The novel explores the historical impact The Outsiders has had on fans for over 60 years and includes interviews with the actors, casting directors, and others significant in the process. The book is hitting shelves near you on November 4th and offers readers a unique perspective on the beloved story.
Politics/Social Commentary Memoir
Fire in Every Direction by Tareq Baconi
A memoir of political and queer awakening, Tareq Baconi takes us across generations, countries, and continents to share how political consciousness is passed down. After feeling trapped from a sense of not belonging during his childhood in Amman, Tareq moves to London for college and begins to understand himself as a queer man. This highly anticipated book, released on November 4th, shares Tareq’s life during the Iraq War and recounts his mother’s stories as an activist in Beirut. He grapples with living in liminal spaces, struggling with his Queerness in Amman and his Palestinian identity abroad. This book is an account of Tareq’s journey to find himself and discover the meaning of home.
Science/Environmentalism
Under a Metal Sky: A Journey Through Minerals, Greed, and Wonder by Philip Marsden
In this novel by Philip Marsden, discover Earth’s precious metals and how they have shaped our world. Minerals from the orcher during prehistoric times, radium from Marie Curie’s wonder, and lithium from our mobile phones each have a story and impact on human history. Hitting our shelves on November 4th, this book takes us on a journey through the wonders created on Earth, but also through plunder and exploitation that have guided us toward our own extinction.
As National Nonfiction unfolds, these new releases offer something for every reader. Whether you enjoy memoirs, history, or pieces that challenge the way we see the world, there’s no better time to dive into nonfiction.
Looking for more Nonfiction recommendations? Check out our Nonfiction page!
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