Nonfiction
1776
David G McCullough
973.3 /McCullough
Nonfiction, History
In this masterful book, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence—when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper. Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is a powerful drama written with extraordinary narrative vitality. It is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the King’s men, the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough’s 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history.
Classic
Mary Berry
641.5 /Berry
Cookbooks, Nonfiction
These are my wonderful brand-new recipes - timeless classics, simple British dishes and delicious, modern favourites to tempt family and friends. With my trusted tips and techniques for quick, easy and foolproof cooking, in Classic I'll show you how to make the very best food in my own special, no-fuss way.
GBBO lovers, take heed! The Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry has a cookbook that was just released in the States. So start calling those shrimp "prawn" and set your kitchen scales to metric. On your marks..get set...bake! -Melody
Ballpark : baseball in the American city
Paul Goldberger
796.35709 /Goldberger
Nonfiction, History, Sports
"An exhilarating, splendidly illustrated, entirely new look at the history of baseball: told through the stories of the vibrant and ever-changing ballparks where the game was and is staged, by the Pulitzer Prize-winning architectural critic. From the earliest corrals of the mid-1800s (Union Grounds in Brooklyn was a 'saloon in the open air'), to the much mourned parks of the early 1900s (Detroit's Tiger Stadium, Cincinnati's Palace of the Fans), to the stadiums we fill today, Paul Goldberger makes clear the inextricable bond between the American city and America's favorite pastime. In the changing locations and architecture of our ballparks, Goldberger reveals the manifestations of a changing society: the earliest ballparks evoked the Victorian age in their accommodations--bleachers for the riffraff, grandstands for the middle-class; the 'concrete donuts' of the 1950s and 60s made plain television's grip on the public's attention; and more recent ballparks, like Baltimore's Camden Yards, signal a new way forward for stadium design and for baseball's role in urban development. Throughout, Goldberger shows us the way in which baseball's history is concurrent with our cultural history: the rise of urban parks and public transportation; the development of new building materials and engineering and design skills. And how the site details and the requirements of the game--the diamond, the outfields, the walls, the grandstands--shaped our most beloved ballparks. A fascinating, exuberant ode to the Edens at the heart of our cities--where dreams are as limitless as the outfields"--
This is more of an architectural history book than a sports book. Goldberger focuses on the relationship between the major league ballpark and the city it serves, discussing the different trends of stadium architectural history. This is more than just for baseball fans. If you are interested in urban development and renewal, I highly recommend it. -Anne M
On democracy
E. B. (Elwyn Brooks) White
320.973 /White
Nonfiction, Political
"Anchored by an introduction by Jon Meacham, this concise collection of essays, letters, and poems from one of this country's most eminent literary voices sheds much-needed historical context on the state of the nation and offers a ray of hope for the future of our society; for "as long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman...the scene is not desolate.""--
This collection of essays, letters, and poetry brings together E.B. White's thoughts on the politics of his day, mostly from the 1930's to the 1970's. All are very relevant to our own time--the role of the free press, freedom of speech, and what democracy means in America. It is a great read. -Anne M
Sorry I'm late, I didn't want to come : one introvert's year of saying yes
Jessica Pan
155.232 /Pan
Nonfiction, Humor
"What would happen if a shy introvert lived like a gregarious extrovert for one year? If she knowingly and willingly put herself in perilous social situations that she'd normally avoid at all costs? Writer Jessica Pan intends to find out. With the help of various extrovert mentors, Jessica sets up a series of personal challenges (talk to strangers, perform stand-up comedy, host a dinner party, travel alone, make friends on the road, and much, much worse) to explore whether living like an extrovert can teach her lessons that might improve the quality of her life. Chronicling the author's hilarious and painful year of misadventures, this book explores what happens when one introvert fights her natural tendencies, takes the plunge, and tries (and sometimes fails) to be a little bit braver."--Provided by publisher.
Love the title of this book. I know a lot of people who can relate to this! -Melody
Nine months : before a baby is born
Miranda Paul
jE Paul
Kids, Health, Nonfiction
"As a baby grows in her mother's tummy, a soon-to-be big sister and her family spend nine months preparing for the newest member of the family to arrive."--
A beautifully written story following a family of three as they prepare for another child, featuring life-size illustrations that highlight fetal development through each month of pregnancy. Backmatter includes tons of information for older readers to peruse, making this a perfect book for sharing with siblings awaiting a familial addition or children curious about where babies come from. -Casey
I love you but I hate your politics : how to protect your intimate relationships in a poisonous partisan world
Jeanne Safer
158.24 /Safer
Nonfiction, Self Help
Is hyper-partisanship poisoning your relationships? This book can help shed light on managing those conflicts! Dr. Jeanne Safer is a psychotherapist in NYC who has worked with couples to work through their disagreements. -Melody
She, he, they, me : For the sisters, misters, and binary resisters
Robyn Ryle
305.3/Ryle
Nonfiction, LGBTQ+
In this unusual, useful resource, sociology professor Ryle (Questioning Gender: A Sociological Exploration) explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, culture, and history in the form of a choose-your-own-adventure book. Each chapter presents a different aspect of a gender-based experience; as readers make their way through, they might choose to see what happens when one is born intersex or discovers they are nonbinary or transgender. Ryle defines such terms as compulsory heterosexuality and gender socialization, explaining why some people might not be accepting of deviations from the gender binary: "For some people, gender matters a lot. It is a system that they're deeply invested in, and a set of rules they believe everyone should follow, including children like you." Ryle explores various cultures' genders, discussing the South Asian third gender label hijra, the "sworn virgins" of the Balkans, and masculine archetypes of 18th-century America. She argues that a rigid binary gender system hurts everyone. Though the chapters are short, often about a page, together they form an expansive account of gender that reflects exhaustive research. With its unique format and accessible language, the text is perfect for readers of any age who are questioning their genders, generally curious about gender, or interested in better understanding a loved one's identity.
A unique choose-your-own-adventure styled guide to the various genders. Choose a path to see what experiences one might have when identifying as a certain gender, taking into account variables such as race and culture. Fun and very informative. -Candice
Coping with gender dysphoria
Ellen McGrody
616.8583 /McGrody
Nonfiction, LGBTQ+, Young Adult
For transgender youth, the process of exploring gender can be exciting, but also difficult and painful. This book discusses the challenges of living with gender dysphoria, offering young adult readers resources and strategies for coping in different contexts: at home, at school, out in public, and in seeking medical care. Each chapter defines relevant terms, shares relatable anecdotes, and features easy-to-read informational sidebars, addressing the experiences and needs of youth with a variety of gender identities and social locations. Beyond merely helping them deal with transphobia, this book offers transgender teens support and advice for navigating life and thriving.
Coming of age and dealing with sexuality can be a scary thing for anyone, but for those who are questioning their gender it can be a particularly stressful and frightening. This book aims to answer questions and clarify issues that might come up, as well as provide advice and tools for navigating certain situations. -Candice
The pride guide : a guide to sexual and social health for LGBTQ youth
Jo Langford
306.76 /Langford
Nonfiction, LGBTQ+, Young Adult
Jo Langford offers a complete guide to sexual and social development, safety, and health for LGBTQ youth and those who love and support them. Written from a practical perspective, the author explores the realities of teen sexuality, particularly that of trans teens, and provides guidance and understanding for parents and kids alike.
A thoughtful, well-written, and comprehensive guide to all things LGBTQ+ that is aimed at young adults (but could be very useful for anyone). Covers an array of topics and is written from an educated and authoritative standpoint (author is a therapist and sex educator), but with heart and empathy. -Candice
Added by Beth