Giftable nonfiction even non-knitters will like

If you knit, then audiobooks are your friend.  But they, as well as the print books on which they are based, are friendly for everybody else too.  Especially those people you love, and suddenly realized you don't have time to knit for after all.  Ahem.

Tim Conway wrote an entertaining look at how a guy could break into comedy in the 1960s

It's not news that books make great gifts at this time of year but I noticed that the memoirs and historical nonfiction I've queued up into my audiobook wish list (or listened to recently) would suit an awful lot of people.  So today I'm sharing... just in case you're looking for good ideas or panicking generally about contingency plans.  Back to knitting tomorrow.

(note: all links to Amazon, but if you have access to a smaller bookstore and plan to pick up any of these titles, please do consider supporting it!)

As You Wish, by Cary Elwes: as one of the hordes who loved the film version of The Princess Bride, I could not wait to download the audiobook of the behind-the-scenes memoir.  But I'm sure the hardcover version is good too... even though it doesn't have the voices of so many other people involved in the production.  And after you've finished this book, you are totally going to watch the movie again, if only to see just how successfully Mr. Elwes pulled off a broken toe the day he didn't have time to see a doctor before filming.

I Must Say, by Martin Short: I can't see any reason not to buy the audio version of this book because MARTIN SHORT.  He is so much more than Ed Grimley. Though Ed Grimley is pretty good too.

If You Ask Me, by Betty White:  Again with the audio link because who doesn't want to listen to Betty White's voice?

I Remember Nothing, by Nora Ephron:  I haven't read any of Nora Ephron's books so I have nothing about her life to remember, but I loved her movies and know I'll really enjoy this book.


And on a more serious note:

Uncle Tungsten, by Oliver Sacks: it's hard not to be enthralled by the stories Oliver Sacks tells about neurological conditions and their treatment, and yes, I do realizie how implausible that sentence sounds!  He's a really good writer and makes all of these journeys very approachable and interesting.  And loving his other books as I do, I can't wait to hear about his own life.

Ghengis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, by Jack Weatherford: this book gets great reviews and covers a part of history that, speaking for myself, isn't one I come across too often.  I'm excited to learn more!

Citizens of London, by Lynne Olsen: this book also gets great reviews and looks at the birth of the partnership between Britain and the United States during WWII.  Perfect for anybody interested in that period, or in statesmanship, or war generally don't you think?


Oh!  And let's not forget today's cover book - Tim Conway's What's So Funny?  I read it as an e-book and it was a fun look at his life, what the comedy business was like in the 60s and 70s, and behind the scenes stuff from The Carol Burnett Show.  So enjoyable.

(if you think you'd like What's So Funny, don't miss Carol Burnett's own memoir This Time Together - she reads the audio version herself and if you grew up watching her show it's like visiting an old friend.)


Okay, go have a good day whether you spend it book shopping or not, and I'll see you tomorrow!