Recs if you like Salt: A World History...
Teach me something new and oddly specific π¬
Niche nonfiction, aka micro-histories!
The history of *[niche subject]*
Do you want to be hot and smart but are tired of trying to find a nonfiction book that appeals to you? Why don't you try finding a fun subject and become the life of the party at your next gatheringπ everyone will stand up and give you a round of applause when you share these cool factsπββοΈ
microhistories: βhow do you even know that??β
microhistory: the intensive historical investigation of a well defined smaller unit of research (such as an event, community, individual or a settlement); it aspires to "ask large questions in small places"
smut/smart pairings
compliments and credit for this incredible idea go to @leshka.
has this ever happened to you? do you read a bunch of smutty smut and feel guilty bc itβs not βproper booksβ? well, do i have a answers for you!
find below a curated list of smutty smut titles paired with complimentary classics and/or nonfiction smarty books to make your brain bigger!*
*individual bigger brain results may vary
π§this list is under constructionπ§
Is food that deep? Yes.
Nonfiction books about food and what it means to us. Cultural connections to food, food justice, sharing food in community, etc.
in a material world
From dirt and sand, to rope and fabric, to coal and oil--nonfiction about seemingly simple materials and the ways they've influenced the course of human history.
supermarket sweep
Was anyone else obsessed with Supermarket Sweep as a child? Just me? Anyway, born from that, here's a list of books that delve into supermarkets, grocery stores, and the produce and products on their shelves.
Nonfiction that feels like fiction
real stories just as strange and entertaining as fiction
New Perspectives
Well that was enlightening
Please feel free to comment suggestions!
Highly Specific Nonfiction
No sweeping ambitions here. We are taking a long, thorough look at one thing. (More or less.) Very open to suggestion!
pangbobooks' micro history recs for 2026π§π
The Best Microhistory Books to Read in 2026 | https://pangobooks.com/blog/microhistory-book | just a fun little list for nonfiction fans to enjoy! not made by me so no recs please
Edible Histories
From spice routes to soup pots, this list explores how a single ingredient can shape empires, economies, and everyday meals.
Find out more about: Food & Nature
Books that delve deeper into interesting species, ecosystems and above all food.
grocery list
What are you buying at the grocery store? This list includes books that are titled after food, spanning all genres and topics. I think it's interesting how food symbolism can be used to explore themes of family, culture, status, and more. Please leave any recommendations so we can continue adding to our grocery list. (Note: I did try to limit titles to only include food. For example, I included "Lemon" but not "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow". But I'm open to repeating titles. I mean, there are different brands for a reason ;)
Microhistories for Curious Foodies
Hungry for more? Try these nonfiction books about food!
food
Non-fiction food based books
Book Recs from Fictional Characters in a Book
A compilation of the books mentioned in The Last Page by Katie Holt. The story is set in a bookstore and each chapter starts with a staff pick recommendation from one of the employees there. Gonna be relying on this for the Bookception prompt of HRCYED 3.0
The Secret Life of Objects
Coolest Person at the Cocktail Party
A list of the books that give you so many neat fun facts that will make you the coolest person to talk to at any function π
Anthropology π
Books I want to read to keep the way I see the world anthropological because anthropology is everything and everywhere.
