In July 2026, five significant non-fiction books caught my attention, showcasing a diverse range of themes and styles. Here are brief reviews of each.
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**Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About** by Isabel Klee presents the heartfelt journey of a dog foster mom in New York City. Klee shares her experiences in search of love and the invaluable role her dogs played in that quest. Her warm and genuine writing style quickly draws readers in, making them feel like lifelong friends.
**Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online** by Fortesa Latifi explores the world of family vloggers. Latifi examines whether there is a right way to parent online and highlights disturbing practices within the influencer space. The book provides a critical look at the pressures and moral dilemmas faced by families on social media, particularly those influenced by the LDS church, which allegedly promotes its doctrines through mommy bloggers. Latifi's writing will reshape how readers view online influencers.
**Famesick** by Lena Dunham takes a raw and honest look at her life, including her struggles with chronic illness and the pressures of early fame. Known for her sharp humor, Dunham does not shy away from confronting her past missteps, offering insights into her creative journey. Readers will find a mix of humor and pathos in her exploration of whether her ambitions have been worth the toll on her mental and physical health.
**A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides** by Gisèle Pelicot recounts Pelicot's traumatic experiences with her ex-husband, who drugged and abused her. Choosing to waive her right to anonymity, Pelicot’s memoir is both harrowing and powerful, making it a necessary read. It emphasizes the courage required to share such a personal and painful story.
Lastly, **Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed** by Lori Gottlieb presents a blend of patient narratives alongside her own therapeutic journey. Gottlieb highlights the struggles of her clients while also navigating her emotional crises, providing readers with an insightful and often humorous look at the human experience.
**Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me** by Adrienne Brodeur offers a compelling narrative about family secrets. Through food writing and personal reflection, Brodeur details her mother’s affair and its impact on her own life, revealing the complexities of their relationship. This memoir reads like fiction, highlighting the emotional turmoil that can arise from familial deception.