New & Recommended Nonfiction

There’s nothing like a geeky practical joke to highlight those dedicated people’s obsession with their field. In this fantastic voyage across the periodic table of elements, from hydrogen to copernicium, Kean introduces us to the real people behind the poster that launched a thousand chemistry classrooms’ interior decoration. (Don’t miss the gallium spoon alluded to in the title, which melts in boiling water, to the shock of your unsuspecting guests….) —Adrienne

In his book Four Fish, John Greenburg proclaims sea bass, salmon, tuna, and cod as the last wild food. These fish populations are quickly disappearing, Greenburg explains, and fish consumption is increasing per capita every year. This painful truth—that we need to greatly reduce our fish intake—is easier to take from a fisher and lover of seafood himself, and Greenburg lets us down gently. Four Fish is by no means a downer; Greenburg provides plenty of alternatives and sustainable options, and throughout his book he has a tone of optimism and hope. If you liked The Omnivore’s Dilemma, you’ll love Four Fish. —Brittany

After a number of tragic suicides by LGBT students who were bullied in school, columnist and author Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller uploaded a video to YouTube to inspire youth facing harassment. It became a phenomenon (20 million views in the first 3 months alone) and launched the It Gets Better Project, which now includes over 6,000 videos and this book. A collection of original essays and expanded testimonials from celebrities and everyday people, It Gets Better reminds teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone—and that it will get better.

“This companion book [to the PBS series Bill Moyers Journal] recaptures [the show’s] compelling discussions on issues that matter, covering politics, economics, race, foreign policy, and the environment. Among the 47 interviewed are Michael Pollan on our unsustainable food producing and eating habits...and journalist William Greider on Wall Street corruption. Each interview is preceded by background on the interview subject and the context of the the conversation. In the style for which he’s known, Moyers probes with respect, intelligence, curiosity, humor, and graciousness.” —Booklist, starred review