Staff Picks Adult Nonfiction
November 2020
Trust: America’s Best Chance
by Pete Buttigieg
I read this book on a recommendation from a friend and I was not disappointed. Buttigieg discusses the 2020 presidential candidacy from his perspective including the end of his campaign and how he still believes the country needs to move forward. It’s a short and very timely read and includes the current state of our nation focusing on the pandemic and protests as well as the events leading up to the election. I’m not one to usually read books written by politicians, but it was the right book for the right time. I also highly recommend listening to the audiobook as Buttigieg does a fantastic job with the narration. This title is available as a physical copy as well as on OverDrive as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
July 2020
The Little Book of Hygge, Danish Secrets to Happy Living
by Meik Wiking
The word Hygge is pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ or ‘hoo-guh’ and is a Danish philosophy that places an emphasis on a person’s well-being or general happiness. This book offered a pleasant guide to assist us in the ways in we can experience Hygge. Experiences such as Hygge cooking (recipes are included), how to create Hygge lighting in your home (lanterns that are not overly bright), to a Hygge outing (such as going to a fruit orchard with the family) plus other topics are discussed. And although we all may have done some of these things, it was very interesting to read about another culture. If you enjoy being an armchair traveler, give this book a try. Also available on Hoopla and OverDrive.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
May 2020
101 Things to Do with A Tortilla
by Donna Kelly
This is more than your typical pinwheel recipe book. Tasty recipes for adults include open-face pesto quesadillas to do-it-yourself tortilla soup. Families with young children might enjoy recipes for tortilla snowflakes, tortilla elephant ears, and peanut butter s’mores wraps. This is also a great idea cookbook at a time when you might find yourself out of bread….there are always tortillas! Available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
April 2020
The Ride of a Lifetime
by Robert Iger
Bob Iger’s shares the story of his professional path from a production assistant at ABC to the CEO of one of the best-known companies in the world, Disney. Mr. Iger speaks of the challenges he has faced in his positions and the chances he has dared to take. Mr. Iger is a man of integrity and honesty, while also being an extremely effective leader. His business concepts easily translate into life lessons. A great read!
Recommended by: Karen Lyvers, Youth Services Shelver
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street
by Michael Davis
I was delighted to find that Carol Spinney (Big Bird & Oscar) read the audio version of this book, what a treat! Michael Davis brings us through Sesame Street’s history from the idea stage to the present day. I loved that every aspect of its conception was covered. It was interesting to hear the thought & decision-making process behind the characters, both human and muppet. Sesame Street did more than teach letters, colors & numbers ~ they also taught kindness & acceptance and for that I thank them.
Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
March 2020
Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping by and Get Your Financial Life Together
by Erin Lowry
Author Erin Lowry tries to speak to Millennials using hashtags and familiar slang to get important points across. It’s a nice introduction to money topics—probably a little bit basic for some, but a nice, easy-to-read introduction to money and finance issues. Whether you’re facing a big-life transition like getting married and buying a house, or just trying to
figure out how to pay your bills, this book has solid financial advice about budgeting, investing, and efficiently paying down debt.
Recommended by: Kristen Holding, Graphic Services
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
January 2020
The Feather Thief
by Kirk Wallace Johnson
How does a flutist in the London Royal Academy of Music come to steal thousands of rare bird specimens from the British Museum in one evening? Through careful planning and a bit of bravado. But why? You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. True crime, history, and science all wrapped up in one compelling book.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
by Greg McKeown
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to McKeown share his thoughts on our cluttered minds. This book ticked many boxes for me; self-help, psychology, minimalism, mental health. Think of it as a Marie Kondo for your mind. You will be challenged to think about what is essential in your life. Definitely a great read to start off the new year.
Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
The red bandanna
by Tom Rinaldi
The biography of Welles Crowther, who saved at least 10 people in the World Trade Center during the attacks on 9/11 before losing his own life. When Crowther was young, his father gave him a red handkerchief, which he always kept in his pocket. He became a volunteer with the fire department in New York and was in a Tower at the time of the attacks. No one knew what happened to him when he did not return home. However, eight months after attacks, his mother read stories about survivors who said they had been led to safety by a stranger who was wearing a red bandanna. This is an accounting of that day and his actions.
Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
October 2019
Wild and Crazy Guys: how the comedy mavericks from the ’80s changed Hollywood forever
by Nick De Semlyen
I stumbled on this book randomly on our new nonfiction shelf. It was so interesting. The author walks the reader through the careers of so many great comedians of the 1980s including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, Billy Murray, Eddie Murphy, and more. Wild and Crazy Guys gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the actors’ personal and professional lives, from TV to the big screen. If you’re a movie fan like me, you’ll wait with anticipation for Ghostbusters or The Blues Brothers to get mentioned. One side effect from reading this book is an increased DVD watch list.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
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