Staff Nonfiction Favorites

When the author moves his family to Salem, MA for the month of October in order to research and explore the town’s dark history and its current culture, he finds a place unlike any other. Ocker has a playful approach to the subject (think Bill Bryson), and this book is a fun, lighted hearted look at a not so fun or light hearted period in our country’s history. - Jade

If you value hard work and enjoy new insight into humanity, read this memoir! With an easy style, Murphy is an indulgent and intelligent storyteller who makes me laugh, puzzle, and question. He’s whip-smart, and fun—a necessary, distinctive voice on the foibles of modern America. - a.c.

Badass and gripping, this memoir feels like the most honest conversation you’ve ever had with a best friend about the important topics of your lives. Captivating whether you know Union or not, I want to hand this to every feminist with a reading list. Union’s transparency, intensity, and grace merit both awe and a prodigious red wine toast. - a.c.

I have to confess that I have not seen anything Gabourey has been in. However, her story intrigued me. She is a hilarious writer who speaks from her heart. This isn’t just a celebrity memoir, it’s about body image, race, feminism, and being famous in America when you don’t fit the widely accepted norm. I highly recommend! - Karena

I'm 25, frugal, and I generally can't distinguish much about a wine beyond whether it's red or white, but Bianca Bosker really drew me in to the wine world with her funny, straightforward approach. Follow her journey from civilian to sommelier as she tries to discern what makes a good wine, and why. - Jade

A customer recommended this book to me, and I’m so glad she did! Horwitz and his wisecracking, alcoholic friend follow the same course as the legendary sailor Captain James Cook. Horwitz’s journey helps him strike a balance between admiration for Cook’s achievements, and an acknowledgement of the irreversible catastrophes he unintentionally wrought on the native cultures he encountered whilst circumnavigating the globe. - Jade

Starting off with opioids and paralyzed legs, Fry’s biography is a rollercoaster ride through his childhood to the present day. Criss-crossing the globe in search of critters, venom, and shenanigans, Fry buddies up with Komodo dragons, milks stonefish, and collects scorpions, all in the name of venom. Dun dun dunnnn… - Rachel

I’m super late to the party with this one, but this book is hilarious! I’m a huge fan of Bourdain’s TV shows and his voice comes out  into his writing. When he’s not busy being a smartass, Bourdain also has lots of interesting and useful tips for navigating the restaurant world. - Jade

I am totally obsessed with this cookbook. I don’t usually like to cook with recipes, but Clark’s instructions and ingredient lists  are both exciting and manageable. I’ve tried several dishes from various sections and I have yet to be disappointed. This book truly has something for everyone! - Jade

Exotic animal drama microhistories are my favorite subject, and this fits the bill perfectly. In her hunt for arowanas, a grotesque, ancient-looking fish that can command up to $150,000 for a single specimen, Voight finds herself searching through dark jungles, convention halls, and New York apartments. - Rachel