Staff Nonfiction Favorites

This book is a hoot and a half. Not all superheroes make it to the big screen and win the day; some of them fade into obscurity for a reason, taking their goofy, clumsy, badly named sidekicks with them. Collected here is a selection of comic book history's worst (best?) goofs. Meet Stampy, Fatman, Kid Tyrant, Peep, and Frobisher. - J

This eye-opening book explores the impact of ageism on individuals and society. It's a clarion call for action that changed many of my attitudes and assumptions about aging. Applewhite details how unchallenged ageism negatively impacts health, sex, money, the workplace, and all areas of society. Guaranteed to lead to lively discussions, this is a great book club selection. - Trey

With poetic irony, Ackerman tells the little-known true story of two zookeepers in 1930s Warsaw, Poland. Their world-view and extraordinary compassion led them to save hundreds of Jews imperiled by the Nazi invasion. This heroic narrative highlights contradictions of vulnerability and strength, good in the face of loss, and the rich compatibility of beauty and sadness. - Kären

My current favorite work of nonfiction, written by one of our best poets. It chronicles in stunning fashion her work in support of the revolutionary movement in El Salvador. Includes some of the stories she told us when she first visited Bookshop in the early 80's. Beautifully written and compelling. - Patrick

Here is recounted a selection of the more notable sackings that Rome has endured: Gauls, Goths, More Goths, Normans, Spanish and Lutherans, French, Nazis. Kneale tells the story of the attack and the sack, but he mostly uses this as a framework to tell the history of Rome and describe its changing landscape and people. Also the origin story of deep fried artichokes. Love it. - Dave

A compelling and carefully crafted blend of memoir and investigative journalism. The author begins with a heinous murder case she stumbled upon as a law intern, and slowly reveals how she uncovered her own deeply traumatic past while researching the murder. Her deft touch with seriously sensitive material finds hope even in the darkest of stories. - Kelly

This is a gut-wrenching and heart-opening. As Glennon recovers from multiple addictions, and deals with her husband’s infidelity, she goes on a deep spiritual journey and  rediscovers herself and a new relationship with god. She is a living example of how to be a Spiritual being, mother, and feminist. Impossible to put down, my wife and I both read this book in under three days. - Jason

Refugee stories are massively important right now. This graphic memoir explores connecting the past to the present and the long, intergenerational shadow it can throw. The Buis left the fallout of the Vietnam war, but never imagined the lasting impact such trauma would have on their life in America. Drawn in an intensely personal style, I couldn’t help but be pulled into their story. - Ivy

Totally deserving of its cult-like following, Suppers celebrates seasonal cooking in a sophisticated, sort-of-serious-but-totally-worth-it way.  Recipes like Goin's Halibut with Fingerlings, Fava Beans, Meyer Lemon & Creme Fraiche require some work, but are extraordinarily good. Whenever I'm planning a special meal, this is the first book I turn to. One of my favorite cookbooks of all time. - S.B.

My favorite gardens are the wild, untamed ones that barely look like gardens at all, the gardens that reflect their local environment instead of fighting against it. This book is a celebration of just that. Andre Baranowski’s beautiful photographs take you on a tour of twelve gorgeous gardens that might finally inspire you to ditch your lawn for good. - Katherine