Nonfiction

Sep 7

Review of Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne

Heartbreaking and disturbing, this is a fascinating exploration of the motivations behind and the execution of white men's relentless...

Sep 1

Review of Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

I was intrigued by the peeks into various cults and groups that inspire fanatical loyalty, but wished for more answers, more exploration,...

Jul 28

Review of Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad

Jaouad offers a powerful, introspective memoir about coping with leukemia and its accompanying emotions, fears, and side effects--along...

Jul 6

Review of In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom

Amy Bloom writes with brutal honesty about her heartbreak and her determination to support her husband Brian Ameche's desire to end his...

Jun 30

Review of Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott

While taking the reader through her children's health crises, Philpott considers the power of worry, of love, and of trying to let go and...

Jun 22

Review of The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

John Green provides a range of thoughtful, wonderfully absurd, or sentimental examinations along with his ratings on a five-star scale of...

Jun 21

Review of Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon

Molly Shannon explores the childhood tragedy that changed her life forever, but her general optimism and joy feel like the heart of her...

Jun 8

Review of Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe

Keefe offers an infuriating, fascinating, meticulously researched account of the Sackler family and their collective responsibility for...

May 18

Review of The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones

“In exposing our nation’s troubled roots, the 1619 Project challenges us to think about a country whose exceptionalism we treat as the...

Apr 27

Review of Going There by Katie Couric

Going There shines through Couric's insider peeks at the media world, playful insights about famous people and behind-the-scenes...

Apr 13

Review of Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor

ICYMI: I loved Taylor's exploration of various faiths, striving for open-mindedness, respecting differences, and finding captivating new...

Apr 6

Review of Yearbook by Seth Rogen

Easygoing Rogen's book of essays and memories touches on his start as a boy doing standup in bars, his drug habits, and funny and awkward...

Mar 31

Review of You Can't Be Serious by Kal Penn

Penn's thoughtful memoir explores serious issues yet also made me laugh out loud. You Can't Be Serious is both thoughtful and playful,...

Mar 23

Review of This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

ICYMI: This five-star read--part memoir/part essay--is one of my favorite books of Ann Patchett's, and I didn't want her reflections and...

Feb 24

Review of Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A True (As Told to Me) Story by Bess Kalb

This is an irresistible tribute to Kalb's funny, opinionated, fiercely loving grandmother--a granddaughter's best friend and a wise and...

Feb 16

Review of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Hard work, interest, and commitment are essential to achievement, and Duckworth traces her research and offers interviews with various...

Feb 3

Review of The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson

Bryson's examination of the human body, its processes, its wonders, and its limitations is surprising, illuminating, and wonderful. “We...

Jan 26

Review of Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School by Kendra James

In Admissions, Kendra James explores race, friendship, ambition, and the absurdities and rhythm of daily life during her time at a New...

Jan 19

Review of Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Parton shares the background and context for 175 of her songs, frankly discussing her inspiration, life, and the formerly untouchable...

Jan 13

Review of Festival Days by Jo Ann Beard

In Jo Ann Beard's lovely essays and short stories, she writes honestly and beautifully about moments large and small, from the...

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