September’s Best Reviewed Nonfiction

The Castle, Adventures in a World of Unraveling Men, authored by Jon Ronson, and published by Riverhead, tops the list of the best reviewed nonfiction titles for September. This is Ronson's first book in 11 years, and he delivers a captivating read with no clear-cut endings. The Castle delves into modern masculinity and the mental health crisis among men, prompting readers to reflect and understand the underlying issues better.

Sinead Gibney from The Irish Times calls it a great attempt to unpick the complex topic of contemporary masculinity.

American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn's Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump, by Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark, is the second best reviewed nonfiction title of the month. Published by Scribner, this book chronicles the rise and fall of Roy Cohn, a prominent figure in the midcentury political landscape, who played a significant role in McCarthyism and the rise of Donald Trump.

Bird and Goldmark provide a riveting and addictive account of Cohn's life, filled with shocking twists, daring maneuvers, and escapes from justice. Laura Miller from Slate commends the book for its engaging and informative narrative.

Said the Dead, a genre-bending work of history and fiction by Doireann Ní Ghríofa, is the third best reviewed nonfiction title for September. Published by FSG, this emotionally charged book intricately weaves together documented history with imaginative reconstruction to portray women who lost their freedom and agency. Caught between the burgeoning women's rights movement and the grip of paternalism, Ní Ghríofa respectfully portrays these women and their struggles.

Joelle Egan from Booklist praises the book for its emotionally charged narrative and its ability to blend historical facts with imaginative storytelling.