Nonfiction Books with Buzz: May Releases from Wonks and Journalists

Once a bonafide progressive, former New York Times journalist Nellie Bowles, has gotten a number of side eyes for questioning the impact of the movement. While other progressives warned her she would be on the "wrong side of history," she dives in further with this irreverant takedown, criticizing the absurdity of a movement that may have lost its footing.

If anyone can commit to a bit, it's AJ Jacobs, author of The Puzzler. He read every word of Encyclopedia Britannica in a quest to become the smartest man in the world, lived the strict moral code of the Bible (think: stoning adulterers) for a year, and now he's back with his memoir of living the word of the Constitution as literally as possible. If the Supreme Court thinks it's reasonable, why shouldn't we?

Inspired by the "editorial" monologues in his hit HBO show Real Time With Bill Maher, this new book brings Maher's signature cutting commentary to our current moment, exploring everything from cancel culture to race and religion. Actor John Cleese said it was the "least boring book [he] has ever read."

Everyone knows the White House Situation Room, but few know what goes on inside. George Stephanopoulos takes us inside the Situation Room during the most critical moments in US history, from JFK's assassination to 9/11, as well as the events on January 6th, with a first-ever report. Booklist called this a "must-read for any history and policy wonk."

Sebastian Junger is no stranger to death. A longtime war reporter, he has had many brushes with death, but none as close as a ruptured aneurysm at home in the summer of 2020. In his near-death experience, he was comforted by a vision of his deceased father. Though he survived, Junger was left to puzzle over the question he thought he knew the answer to: what happens to us when we die?

Is Ozempic really a wonder drug, or are we minimizing its risks in the name of weight loss? Johann Hari traveled the world to interview leading experts on these new weight loss medications, learning about how society views obesity, shame, and willpower along the way. With 25% of the US population expected to take Ozempic in the coming years, this book is a must for anyone considering Ozempic, or who knows someone who is.

Jen Psaki knows how to tell a story-- and make you listen. Her new book, part memoir, part how-to on communicating more effectively, reflects on what she has learned in a career that has taken her to the campaign trail, White House, and beyond. Whether she is explaining unicorns to her young children or economic policy to the entire country, readers will love the behind-the-scenes look into how she makes hard conversations look easy.