Nonfiction from our 2017 Winter Newsletter

Caitlin Doughty is a staff favorite, and I inhaled her latest book in one night. Traveling to experience how other cultures treat death, she finds a variety of practices, ranging from open-air pyres to walls of glowing Buddhas representing cremated remains. Her humor and respect make this a wonderful, inspiring read. Death should be a celebration of a life well lived, not something to fear, and Doughty opens up a world of possibilities about how death can be approached. - Rachel

I am so excited for the release of this book! Any self-professed wordsmith or etymology nerd should be, too. Paul Anthony Jones looks at 100 words in the English language that have surprising or silly origins (think “tiddlywink”) and traces their journey from their intended use to the definitions we now know. These bite-sized lessons are sure to spice up your small talk and keep you endlessly entertained. - Kelly

The witch aesthetic has been on the rise, with women looking to this enduring symbol of feminine power to inspire everything from hairstyles to literature. I can’t wait to get my little black-magic hands on Literary Witches, with its great combination of witchery and fantastic female authors. If black cats and writers like Butler, Woolfe, and Dickinson are your jam, then you gotta check this out.

—Jax

This book is like the ultimate party companion: it’s funny and smart and it feeds you lines that will make you seem funny and smart. From the creator of the web comic Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal (and his super-cool wife) comes a book that will tell you everything you need to know to explain to your smarmy friend why certain technologies aren’t here (yet). Perfect for anyone who loves Bill Nye or just loves looking to the future.

—Jax

An excellent balance of thoughtful and hilarious, sharp and poignant, Vacationland is a beautifully written collection of essays on getting older, learning how to be yourself, and tricking strangers into thinking they’ve seen a ghost. Hodgman’s unique voice comes through clearly in his matter-of-fact writing style and it feels like he’s right here talking to you (and only you). If you’ve read everything he’s already written and you’re out of episodes of Judge John Hodgman to listen to, get this book. - Megan

In the winter of 1952 in London, 12,000 people succumbed to a thick and deadly smog. That death statistic would remain hidden for decades. Meanwhile, an unlikely killer picked off vulnerable women. He lured them into his home before murdering them and hiding them in the walls. Both killers have had a lasting influence on society and have led to changes in environmental laws and criminal justice. An eerie and interesting read. - Jade

Dan Rather spent decades as a newsman and journalist and recently has found a new and unexpected following in social media. No longer bridled by impartiality but still dedicated to facts and exposing truths, he speaks with passion and emotion about the urgent matters of our time (of which there are so many). This collection of essays reminds us of the things that make our country great—from institutions like public libraries and national parks to the struggle for civil rights and the drive toward science and innovation—while also questioning what patriotism looks like. With his plainspoken and hopeful voice, Rather’s reflection on what it means to love America is perfect for readers of any age. - S.B.

If you are already familiar with the unique Dutch magazine Flow, then you’ll know you’re in for a treat. It’s hard to describe this book, except to say that it is living, breathing inspiration. Part essay and think piece, part action item and resource guide, full of activities, illustrations and more, it’s perfect to flip through, pore over, interact with, and make into your own beautiful, thoughtful creations. - Melinda