Staff Nonfiction Favorites

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

Shapiro tells the story of her surprise ancestry test that revealed that her father is not her biological father and therefore her identity, especially being raised deeply connected to Judaism, may not be as defining as she had believed. This book moved me as it dove deep into belonging, identity, family secrets, parenting, and the ties that bind in our ever-connected world. - Casey

A gripping narrative for history buffs and thrill-seekers, Olson shows WWII from the perspective of Marie-Madeline Fourcade, leader of the largest intelligence network for the French resistance. Olson vibrantly draws out the story of the spymaster, self-described wife, mother, and Catholic who fought one of the least-acknowledged and most-effective wars in the Western theatre. - Jocelyn

I think of myself as a cocktail enthusiast rather than a snob, and I found kindred spirits in the gentlemen behind the NYC bar Death & Co. They break down 5 basic cocktails into each component, and then show you ways the drinks can be altered. With recipes and recommendations for good, locally sourced spirits, my favorite aspect is learning how to go about mixing things up yourself! - Jax

Grammar has never been so fun! This book is both a sensational resource for all your questions about the idiosyncratic laws of the English language, as well as a playful acknowledgement of the fact that these laws are often absurd. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll impress your friends with your new ability to define a comma splice. - Jess

This quirky, clever essay collection showcases an impressive variety of topics. Part travelogue, part memoir, and part investigative journalism, Phillips applies his sense of humor and keen observations throughout the work. Phillips’ writing is reminiscent of David Sedaris, but with less snark and more heart. - Jade