Staff Non-Fiction Favorites

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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