Today on Lydia’s Books I’m sharing a stack of nonfiction books that dive into true crime, Hollywood scandals, punk history, and dark philosophy. These real stories are unsettling, harrowing, and perfect for Nonfiction November. If you enjoy deep dives into strange corners of history, this lineup should keep you thoroughly fascinated, and maybe wide awake at night…
Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger
Punk 365 by Holly George-Warren forward by Richard Hell
The Nazi War on Cancer by Robert N. Proctor
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
Rue Morgue Magazine #227
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Fast Fiction by Denise Jaden
Dexter and Philosophy by various contributors
✮ Mergers and Acquisitions ✮
Some of these were picked up at library and workplace book sales!
Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger
Punk 365 by Holly George-Warren forward by Richard Hell
The Nazi War on Cancer by Robert N. Proctor
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
Rue Morgue 227
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Fast Fiction by Denise Jaden
Dexter and Philosophy by various contributors
Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger
Found at a Library Book Sale, and so far I’d say it is our best find; or more accurately, Chris’ best find. He had the second book so this completed that set. If there were any way to publish book three that would be a treat, if it actually exists. I hope it does.
Punk 365 by Holly George-Warren forward by Richard Hell
A great book with important photos about all your favourite bands, and a few extras, but all kind of mixed up. Odd presentation for a fabulous topic. Love this brick of a book that one could use as a weapon.
The Nazi War on Cancer by Robert N. Proctor
A book I have recommended a few times, and it becomes more timely these days with the rise of conspiracy, conspirituality, MAHA, and yogamama crazes. This shows a lot of parallels and explains to me my discomfort around certain crunchy people. Not all crunchy people! I come from a long line of crunchy folks. The art is fantastic but of course, harrowing, knowing what propaganda machine it came from.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
My grandfathers copy of a book that described the difference between ‘that Germany’ and ‘our Germany’ to me when I was a kid. We came here, as the Yerkie family, in the late 1860s, from a very different Germany. This was told to me before I could really read it. I used this book a little in a paper I wrote on antisemitism in high school, and again now after listening to a great multi-part podcast series on Last Podcast of the Left.
Rue Morgue Magazine, no. 227
A really great issue, with a fabulous interview with Guillermo del Toro, deep dives into religious horror, and just a lovely companion to the Frankenstein film out now. I was so pleased to find out the dog sled scene was shot on Lake Nipissing, near my hometown.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
I keep meaning to get to this, and after watching a documentary on how wild it was to have Truman Capote come to Holcomb, Kansas, researching this book. Being the first sensationalist true crime novel, it sparked a whole genre that I do love. Not as much for the exploitative nature, but the explanatory nature; we need reasons to keep your head on a swivel these days with no sabre toothed tigers left to chase us.
Fast Fiction by Denise Jaden
I am using this in drafting my current work in progress. A novel or novella that crosses urbex, the paranormal, and creator culture in an unexpected way. I’ve also never fast drafted anything longer than 7,000 words so this will be interesting.
Dexter and Philosophy by various contributors
I’d revisited a few episodes of Dexter lately, hoping to rewatch the series and get to the new show. I really had fun with this show, watching it after it first aired, then reading two of the novels. I think this will be a slower read, where I peruse an essay or two as I watch.
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