As we prepare to shut down the library for summer, we want to remind everyone that most of the collection is available for summer loans! Here are some of the latest nonfiction titles we’ve added recently…
1,000 Books To Read: A Life-Changing List Before You Die by James Mustich — Encompassing fiction, poetry, science and science fiction, memoir, travel writing, biography, children’s books, history, and more, 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die moves across cultures and through time to present an eclectic collection of titles, each described with the special enthusiasm readers summon when recommending a book to a friend. “Mustich’s informed appraisals will drive readers to the books they’ve yet to read, and stimulate discussion of those they have” (Publishers Weekly starred review).
The American Revolution: A World War, edited by David K. Allison and Larrie D. Ferreiro — An illustrated collection of essays that explores the international dimensions of the American Revolution and its legacies in both America and around the world. “A fresh look at the Revolutionary War from an international perspective…a fine corrective to the traditional David-vs-Goliath account of our War of Independence, and a thoroughly entertaining read” (Kirkus starred review).
Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer O’Toole — At the age of thirty-five, O’Toole was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. Now, she exposes the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. “This insightful, candid book, filled with memories from own her life and the stories of others, will be a lifesaver for anyone facing similar challenges and those close to them” (Booklist starred review).
Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer L. Eberhardt — Unblinking about the tragic consequences of prejudice, Eberhardt addresses how racial bias is not the fault of nor restricted to a few “bad apples,” but is present at all levels of society in media, education, and business. “Compelling and provocative, this is a game-changing book about how unconscious racial bias impacts our society and what each of us can do about it” (Kirkus starred review).
Call Me American: A Memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin — As a child in Somalia, Abdi Nor Iftin learned English by listening to American pop artists like Michael Jackson and watching films starring action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger. But when the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab rose to power in 2006, it suddenly became dangerous to celebrate Western culture. Desperate to make a living, Abdi used his language skills to post secret dispatches to NPR and the Internet, which found an audience of worldwide listeners. As life in Somalia grew more dangerous, Abdi was left with no choice but to flee to Kenya as a refugee. “A harrowing success story of escaping terrorism, overcoming government bureaucracy, and experiencing pure luck, this insightful debut yields an inside look at a largely forgotten conflict that continues to rage” (Library Journal starred review).
D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed The Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II by Sarah Rose — Rose draws on recently declassified files, diaries, and oral histories to tell the thrilling story of three remarkable women recruited to spy for England during World War II. “Rose smoothly integrates developing events with biographical details and glimpses into French wartime society, creating a digestible and easy-to-follow story” (Booklist starred review).
Geek Girls Don’t Cry: Real-Life Lessons From Fictional Female Characters by Andrea Towers — Using examples from both real life and pop culture, entertainment writer Andrea Towers provides powerful tips on how women can overcome obstacles. “Even readers unfamiliar with one of the characters can still personalize and engage with Towers’ interpretation of her story…an enjoyable read for anyone interested in pop culture” (Booklist starred review).
Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan For Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis — Lifestyle author Hollis urges women to stop feeling self-conscious about their ambitions and to start pursuing their dreams with confidence. “Hollis’s writing is beautifully blunt, and she humbly thanks her fans for her success. Her actionable ideas and captivating voice will encourage women to believe in themselves” (Publishers Weekly starred review).
Losing Earth: A Recent History by Nathaniel Rich — Rich tells the human story of climate change in rich, intimate terms, revealing in previously unreported detail the birth of climate denialism and the genesis of the fossil fuel industry’s coordinated effort to thwart climate policy through misinformation propaganda and political influence. “By taking readers into the meetings and among the players, Rich shines a necessary light on the predominant issue of our time. Losing Earth is eloquent, devastating, and crucial” (Booklist starred review).
Parkland: Birth of a Movement by Dave Cullen — An account of the teenage survivors of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting who became activists and pushed back against the NRA and Congressional leaders, inspiring millions of America to join their grassroots #neveragain movement. “Chronicling how the mostly middle- or upper-class Parkland students eventually expanded their crusade to address other issues related to guns, Cullen memorably captures many of the interests they share with often stereotyped inner-city teenagers from violent neighborhoods” (Kirkus starred review).
Sissy: A Coming-Of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia — A heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and giggle-inducing memoir about what it’s like to grow up not sure if you’re (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above. “Always thoughtful, Tobia writes extremely well, with insight, lucidity, occasional anger, and, when things get too serious, wit. The result is, hands down, one of the best trans narratives available; it deserves a place in every library” (Booklist starred review).