Welcome to Ask a Book Critic, a members-only feature packed with personalized book recommendations from senior correspondent and resident book critic Constance Grady. To get your own recommendation, ask Constance here, and subscribe to the newsletter here.

Hi! I’m a little embarrassed to say, but I recently got back into reading after a long time. My re-introduction was through fantasy books (I know, please don’t judge me), but I want to read nonfiction, to be more aware of what is happening in the world, and why things are the way they are, but don’t know where to start. Thank you!

First of all, there’s no need for embarrassment on any of this. Lots of people go for long stretches without reading — it happens! The world is a busy place filled with lots of distractions, and I don’t think you need to feel awkward or ashamed for having taken a break. There’s also absolutely nothing wrong with reading fantasy books, which, after all, only means that you’re reading a genre

© Vox