As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the literary world is buzzing with anticipation for the forthcoming nonfiction titles of 2024. From thought-provoking essays to groundbreaking investigative works, the nonfiction landscape promises to offer readers a wealth of insightful, informative, and inspiring reads. In this article, we will delve into some of the most highly anticipated nonfiction books slated for release in 2024.

Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine by Dr. Uché Blackstock MD (1/23)

Dr. Uché Blackstock brings her years of advocacy and experience to her debut book, Legacy. Weaving in a generational memoir that tells the story of her Harvard graduate mother and twin sister, Dr. Blackstock sets the stage with decades of observing and operating in the medical system. She then exposes the role this plays in both the inclusion of black, female physicians as well as the health outcomes within the Black community. In this searing indictment, she shines a light on the reality of racism in healthcare and drives a strong call to action for a better future.

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Be A Revolution by Ijeoma Oluo (1/30)

In Be A Revolution, Oluo focuses on showcasing how people across the United States are actively working to create positive changes in various systems such as education, media, labor, health, housing, and policing. She emphasizes the importance of intersectional racial equity and offers ways for readers to get involved and make a difference in these areas, whether by initiating change locally or adopting effective strategies from elsewhere. This book aims not only to educate but also to inspire action and transform conversations about race and racism into constructive and loving actions. Be A Revolution serves as both a timely record of this pivotal moment in history and a motivational call to drive change.

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I Heard Her Call My Name by Lucy Sante (2/13)

Renowned writer Lucy Sante’s memoir is a finely crafted reflection on a life devoted to pursuing artistic truth while concealing her own gender identity. Born in Belgium to conservative Catholic parents who later moved to the United States, Sante only found her true sense of belonging in the vibrant atmosphere of 1970s New York City among fellow bohemians, some of whom met tragic ends due to drugs and AIDS. Sante’s journey unfolds in two intertwined narratives—the trajectory of her life and her recent transition towards inner and outer alignment with her true identity as a woman. Her memoir skillfully explores the complexities of gender identity and personal growth with grace and empathy.

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Grief Is For People by Sloane Crosley (2/27)

Sloane Crosley’s memoir, Grief Is for People delves into the complexities of loss after her dearest friend’s tragic death. It’s a poignant examination of friendship and bereavement, enriched by Crosley’s signature wit. Following her friend’s suicide, she seeks solace and answers through friends, philosophy, and art, hoping for a more practical framework than the conventional stages of grief. Crosley and her friend Russell shared much of their adult lives in New York City, working and reveling together. However, a pre-death break-in at her apartment shatters her security, leaving a mystery in its wake. Russell’s subsequent suicide propels Crosley on a quest to find closure, all while exploring the concepts of family and possessions amid a pandemic-stricken city.

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Radiant by Brad Gooch (3/5)

In the 1980s, New York City’s subway stations became a canvas for art, adorned with thousands of chalk drawings, all created by the iconic artist Keith Haring. Haring, a pivotal figure of that era, broke down barriers between high art and popular culture, using his accessible artwork to provoke social change. He was part of a cultural elite, alongside figures like Andy Warhol and Madonna. Brad Gooch, a noted biographer, gained access to Haring’s extensive archive and has penned a definitive biography. Through interviews and research, Gooch captures the enduring allure of Keith Haring, a visionary artist with a profound impact on culture.

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Who’s Afraid Of Gender? by Judith Butler (3/19)

In Who’s Afraid of Gender? Judith Butler addresses the rise of “anti-gender ideology” in right-wing movements. These groups depict gender as a dangerous threat to society, inspired by public figures’ rhetoric. Butler explores how this notion of “gender” is used to undermine reproductive rights, erode protections against gender violence, and deprive trans and queer individuals of their rights. This book doesn’t propose a new gender theory but examines how “gender” has become a symbol for authoritarian regimes and exclusionary feminists. It’s a vital call to reject alliances with authoritarianism and unite for equality and justice.

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There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib (3/26)

In There’s Always This Year, Hanif Abdurraqib reflects on the 1990s basketball era in Columbus, Ohio, where LeBron James rose to prominence. Abdurraqib artfully weaves personal experiences into a lyrical examination of success, societal expectations, and the concept of role models. His emotive writing, akin to his previous works on music and history, evokes a spectrum of emotions, from joy to outrage. Ultimately, There’s Always This Year is a poignant call to reconsider our cultural perspectives and self-identities, offering a heartfelt exploration of both basketball and the human condition.

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Like Love by Maggie Nelson (4/2)

Like Love is a collection of essays by Maggie Nelson, spanning two decades of her work. These essays cover a diverse range of topics, from artists like Prince and Carolee Schneemann to discussions on love, friendship, feminism, and queer issues. They explore themes such as rebellion, transgression, and the role of the critic in relation to visual and performance arts. The essays are organized chronologically, offering insight into Nelson’s evolution as a writer and thinker, and they provide a glimpse into the vibrant world of art and artists that have inspired her. Ultimately, Like Love celebrates the profound influence of art and artists on Nelson’s life and offers a portrait of her intellectual journey.

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The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann (4/8)

Booksellers and librarians, the unsung heroes of our literary world, share their incredible, heartwarming stories in this collection. These dedicated individuals wear many hats—detective, treasure hunter, matchmaker, advocate, visionary—all to create “book joy.” They offer us a glimpse of a place where curiosity thrives, new voices emerge, and every reading need is met. It’s a world of rainbow magic and unicorn dreams, but it’s also a bustling book business. Within these pages, you’ll meet the brilliant minds who reside there, eagerly guiding you to your next beloved book.

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