In 2025, I’m dedicating myself to reading and learning more. Since I’ve now finished my Master’s degree, I have not been reading as much as I used to (I needed a break post-thesis) and I’m finding myself drawn again to video essays and documentaries to scratch my learning itch. But there are some great non-fiction books coming out this month that you and I should definitely check out! Below you’ll find my recommendations of new releases for January, and you can also check out my other post on new fiction releases.
January 7
Bad Naturalist
Paula Whyman
In Bad Naturalist, Paula Whyman takes readers through her restoration project of 200 acres of farmland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy the scenery and reflections on conservation and nature, and star the new year a little more hopeful.
Revolutionary Algorithms
Torey Akers
As a creator and consumer on TikTok, Torey Akers explores how the app can encourage solidarity and community building in the face of global conflicts. Revolutionary Algorithms provides an optimistic look to how TikTok can integrate and create equitable spaces.
The Master’s Tools
Michael McCarthy
The Master’s Tools suggest that to address the malfunction of democracy in current era, the answer lies in the democratization of financial institutions. McCarthy’s political and social theory provides a reflection of how democracy and financial equality can be improved through financial governance and the empowerment of historically excluded groups.
Against Platforms
Mike Pepi
In Against Platforms, Mike Pepi makes the argument that the neutral presentation of digital technology and the utopian promise of social media have harmed our societies, fragmenting our lives. By exploring these tools and where ‘things went wrong’, Pepi seeks to bring to light the hidden ideology behind technologies and platforms so that we can move forward and use technology to our collective benefit.
January 14
Land Power
Michael Albertus
In this book, Albertus, a political scientists, walks readers through how land ownership can determine much about a society. From colonialism to collectivization, Land Power explores history and politics and how who owns the land has led to systemic discrimination and the climate crisis.
The Containment
Michelle Adams
In The Containment, legal scholar Michelle Adams shares the story of the struggle to integrate Detroit schools. By highlighting important figures such as Coleman Young and Justices Marshall, Rehnquist, and Powell, and activists during the time Adams brings to light the story of Detroit’s schools and the origins of current racially-motivated reactions against policies such as affirmative action.
the space between men
Mia S Willis
A highly personal ethnographic poetry collection exploring family history, faith, queerness, and Blackness.
Being (Sick) Enough
Jessica Graham
Jessica Graham shares essays on navigating life living with disability and chronic illness. From personal stories and practical advice, Being (Sick) Enough shares reflections on pain as well as joy and existing as your whole self.
January 21
For the Love of a Son
Scott Oake
A devastating memoir about addiction, loss, and recovery. Scott Oake’s eldest son Bruce struggled with substance abuse and in 2011 sadly passed due to accidental overdose. Scott, his wife Anne, and their younger son Darcy strived to keep Bruce’s memory alive and support other families and launched the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre which provides free care, with staff themselves in addictions recovery. A story of love, and a call to action.
Strange Beach
Oluwaseum Olayiwola
A collection of poems exploring relationships, masculinity, death, love, conflict – all shared through a queer Nigerian-American perspective.
January 28
Everything Must Go
Dorian Lynskey
In Everything Must Go, author Dorian Lynskey explores our morbid fascination with the apocalypse and its representations in literature, art, music, and film and how this interacts with science, politics, and culture.
Written in the Waters
Tara Roberts
Tara Roberts was inspired to join the underwater archaeology group Diving With a Purpose, to support the mission of seeking the wrecks of slave ships in the Atlantic. This memoir tells Roberts’ story of family history and her own identity, while connecting with other divers, scholars, and archaeologists.
Which of these books will you be checking out? I’m a memoir girlie so I will for sure be grabbing For the Love of a Son and Written in the Waters <3
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