Jacob Shymanski

The author and the listener.

And I think there's something kind of romantic about that.

Imagine, if aliens were observing us and noticed behavior that the humans partake in, they'd be like, wow, isn't that adorable?

They write stories for each other.

That's so cute.

But again, it doesn't matter if the story is good or bad.

But nonfiction, on the other hand, when it's bad, doesn't have that earnest feeling to it at all.

Bad nonfiction feels like you're being lied to.

Bad nonfiction feels like you're being talked at by an annoying stranger at the bus stop.

Bad nonfiction feels like listening to someone only talk about themselves and never ask about you.

Now, to be clear, I'm not saying this to disparage nonfiction entirely.

It can be just as engrossing as nonfiction, but it needs a few key elements.

Today, we're attempting to define quality nonfiction.

This is Audiobook Cafe.

I'm Jacob Szymanski.

And when I say we, I'm including Mr. Red Sale.

He's the host of My Life in Books on AMI-audio, also available as a podcast.

He's connecting from London, UK.

What's up, Red?

Hi, Jacob.