Staff Non-Fiction Favorites

This collection of recommendations is great way to experience a selection of wonderful titles from across a variety of genres. If you're in the store, check out the Staff Non-Fiction Favorites shelf near the middle of the store, facing the information desk.

$13.95
ISBN-13: 9780618871711
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Mariner Books, 6/2007
No simple graphic novel, Bechdel has written a thoughtful and moving memoir about her relationship with her father. Each chapter discusses their lives as they connect (or don't) through their shared love of books. The story is smart, literary, beautifully illustrated, and simultaneously an easy and complex read. A great tale of growing up queer in rural America. -Ali

$24.95
ISBN-13: 9781585427918
Availability: Usually ships from warehouse in 1 - 5 days
Published: Tarcher, 7/2010
How does one go from being a wholesome Christ-following preacher’s son to experiencing soul-purging visions and ego death in many shamanic ayahuasca ceremonies? It’s not a straight path, that’s for sure. This engrossing memoir of personal psycho-spiritual development is about becoming a whole and complete person in the modern world. Clearly unique, yet relatable. -Ben

$15.95
ISBN-13: 9780470643891
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: John Wiley & Sons, 9/2010
This is a complete history of drugs and drug use in the U.S. from someone who knows what he’s talking about. Exceptionally well researched, Grim gives insight into drug culture, legislation (surprise! Big Pharma plays role), and the factors involved in tracking use and supply and demand. Humorous, shocking, and loaded with data, this is everything you need to know. -Flannery

$22.95
ISBN-13: 9780881929973
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Timber Press (OR), 10/2010
Full of useful advice on where to find, and how to use materials, as well as guidelines for tool use, and how to make nice with the neighbors, this book shows great way to recycle, and make your yard the most unique on the block! Make your yard exceptional using repurposed materials! –Flannery

$35.00
ISBN-13: 9780679434481
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House, 10/1995
I’ve always loved Dr. Seuss, for both his silly rhymes and his fantastical illustrations, but this book blew me away. Each piece is bright, bold, and completely surreal. His use of form, shape and color makes every illustration utterly original, not that they need any help. This is still the Seuss you know and love, but as you’ve never seen before. --Flannery

$19.95
ISBN-13: 9781856696319
Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability
Published: Laurence King Publishers, 8/2009
To be a tattoo artist, one should have skilled, steady hands, and an understanding of art, as everything you do will be permanently etched on someone’s skin. While most tattooists have only a living, breathing, and often clothed canvas on which to showcase their work, this book displays collected art from a variety of tattooists. I would entrust my skin to any of these talented artists. –Flannery

$15.00
ISBN-13: 9781439192528
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Gallery Books, 12/2010
Hoarding is a complex, difficult to treat, and mostly hidden condition. Here, Scholl bares all about her mother’s disorder and what it’s like to be the family of a hoarder. Like the TV show this is shocking, completely engrossing, and a little frightening. Scholl has a strong voice, and has done the research to back up her personal experience. A fascinating, unforgettable read. --Flannery

Race Matters (Paperback)

$14.00
ISBN-13: 9780679749868
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Vintage, 1/1994
Although originally published in 1994, this book is arguably the best on the concept of race in America. West is amazingly articulate, and I found myself blurting out over and over how smart and insightful he is (to the surprise of anyone nearby). A must read for any conscientious citizen looking to understand the social and political roots of race and how you fit into the construct. -AFM

The Souls of Black Folk (Mass Market Paperback)

$5.95
ISBN-13: 9780553213362
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Bantam Classics, 6/1989
This is one of the best historical accounts of African American history in the U.S. from Reconstruction (1865) to its final, author updated, edition in the early 1960’s. His writing is fluid, weaving a beautiful yet sorrow-filled account of a struggle for equality that continues today. You cannot understand RACE in America without having read Du Bois -AFM

$18.95
ISBN-13: 9780738212470
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Da Capo Lifelong Books, 6/2009
If you or your loved one has been touched by BRAIN INJURY, you NEED THIS BOOK! After 3+ years of care-giving for someone with mild Traumatic Brain Injury – I am saddened that I didn’t have this book to hand-hold me through this journey but glad that you don’t have to. This book is designed for family, friends or caregivers. You will find solace and answers here. -AFM

$9.95
ISBN-13: 9781583229170
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Seven Stories Press, 4/2010
Alice Walker has compiled a powerful collection of short essays regarding the plight of women whose stories she could no longer remain silent about. From speaking to survivors of the Rawandan genocide to Iraqi women rebuilding their lives to Palestinian families struggling to survive, Walker gives voice to those women who are our global sisters, mothers, aunts, and equals. –AFM

$15.99
ISBN-13: 9780061836541
Availability: Usually ships from warehouse in 1 - 5 days
Published: Harper Perennial, 10/2010
“Seed” magazine has put together an amazing collection of science thinkers to cross their intellectual swords with a worthy adversary from a different discipline. This book strives to illustrate the interconnectedness of science with the arts and humanities in a thoughtful but accessible way. This is a great book for science buffs, art theorists, or anyone who loves a great sword-fight. -AFM

$18.00
ISBN-13: 9780312655419
Availability: Usually ships from warehouse in 1 - 5 days
Published: Picador, 11/2010
What does the term “conservation” really mean? What are we conserving? What is our end-goal? - species wise, population wise, biodiversity wise? In this book, Fraser talks plainly about the current goals of the conservation biology world and asks the big questions regarding the intersection of humans and all other species: can we remove our artificial boundaries of place? -AFM

$18.95
ISBN-13: 9781595584991
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: New Press, The, 12/2010
With limited amounts of natural resources such as water and open space, there is a growing need for community sharing and group pooling of everything. The author explains the idea of “the commons” in a way that doesn’t preach but rather invites you in to explore the legal, practical, and community reasons behind reclaiming collective experience from over-individualism. --AFM

$14.99
ISBN-13: 9781416909774
Availability: Usually ships from warehouse in 1 - 5 days
Published: Gallery Books, 1/2009
Don’t be fooled by the silly rom-com that came out in theaters, this book is the most honest, straight forward, tough-love dating guide for heterosexual single gals out there. Greg and Liz tell it like it is: you are worth the effort, and if he likes you, he’ll MAKE THE EFFORT. Guys are either into or they’re not, so don’t bother with losers! This book is like a light bulb of inspiration. –Kimberly

$15.95
ISBN-13: 9781569242735
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Da Capo Press, 11/2006
Let me start out by saying that I am not a vegan…but I LOVE every recipe that I’ve tried! There is just something inherently crowd pleasing about a mini cake. When I make these cupcakes no one can tell they’re dairy-free—and to me, that says a lot. From basic to super-fancy-town, this must have baking guide has a recipe to fit every occasion, taste, and budget. -Kimberly

$19.95
ISBN-13: 9780811876377
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Chronicle Books, 10/2010
Admittedly, I only picked up this book because the cover was so darn cute. Little did I know how awesome it would turn out to be! Cake pops are not only a fun addition to any baking repertoire, they are so super easy, anyone can make them. The recipes included here are just the tip of the iceberg of the cake pop possibilities. Let your imagination run wild! –Kimberly

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