Tag: nonfiction

  • “Positively 4th Street” by David Hajdu

    Audrey recommends: Positively 4th Street by David Hajdu

    Genre: Nonfiction

    Reading level: Adult

    Summary: Hajdu expertly captures a brief window of the Folk Revival movement between 1960-1966.

    Audrey says: I couldn’t put this book down. Hajdu writes nonfiction like a novel, turning the lives of Richard Fariña, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Mimi Baez into a compelling narrative. He can take you into the infinitesimal interpersonal drama among these creative personalities, and then zoom out to show the nationwide shift from rock n’ roll teenyboppers to folk revival hippies. He uses suspense and foreshadowing brilliantly, keeping the story engaging even if we know how it ends. Most of all, Hajdu treats his subjects as people. He neither excuses their behavior nor condemns them for it. They lie, they take credit for others’ work, they chase partners who are too young for them, they let their egos get in the way of their relationships, but moreover, they are human.

    Check it out before the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, comes out in December!

    This title is available at Foster Public Library or via the eZone as an ebook or audiobook.

  • “Marvelous Marvin” by E. J. Finocchio, D.V.M.

    Cathy recommends: Marvelous Marvin by E. J. Finocchio, D.V.M.

    Genre: “Canine autobiography”

    Reading level: School-age readers

    Summary: The true story of an unwanted dog as he tells of his journey to become an official greeter for the RISPCA.

    Cathy says: This book gives children insight as to the minds of dogs, instilling knowledge of canines and hopefully, compassion for those animals who are not physically perfect. Dr. Finocchio was the director of the RISPCA when he wrote the book.

    This title is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “Normal Women” by Phillippa Gregory

    Olivia recommends: Normal Women by Philippa Gregory

    Genre: Non-fiction history

    Reading level: Teen and up

    Summary: Packed with historical facts and details, Gregory writes of about women and their major roles in history from the 12th century to now.

    Olivia says: I enjoy reading anything by this author, but this is the fist non-fiction title of hers I have read. With a keen knowledge of British history, I knew this book would be a winner, and it is.

    This title is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside” by Susan Branch

    Olivia recommends: A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside by Susan Branch

    Genre: Memoir

    Reading level: Adult

    Summary: Who doesn’t love photos of beautiful flowers and cottages?

    Olivia says: Susan Branch has a very eloquent way of writing. Her hand painted watercolors that adorn each page help to paint the pictures of her adventures in the UK exploring the English countryside. I couldn’t put it down!

    This title is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “Dewey” by Vicki Myron

    Cathy recommends: Dewey by Vicki Myron

    Genre: Nonfiction

    Reading level: 12+

    Summary: A true biography of a library cat and those who loved him.

    Cathy says: This book would appeal to anyone who is familiar with small towns, dealing with coworkers, family and personal challenges, libraries, and especially anyone who loves cats. It is written in first person by the director of a small town library who saves the life of an extraordinary kitten and Dewey Readmore Book’s affect on the director, staff, townspeople, and eventually individuals around the world. A truly fascinating book.

    This title is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “Boxes for Katje” by Candace Fleming

    Cathy recommends: Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

    Genre: Fact-based fiction

    Reading Level: Picture book

    Summary: One well-meaning child benefits an entire town in a foreign country.

    Cathy says: This book left me with a smile on my face. A child who joined USA’s Children’s Aid Society after WWII devastated parts of Europe sends a bar of soap, a pair of socks, and a bar of chocolate to a child in a small town in Holland. As the needs of these townspeople become known to the Indiana town, the generosity blossoms, as does the Dutch child and her community. How can a poor town repay such kindness? They do so in a clever way. The author’s mother is the little girl from Indiana.

    This title is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I” by Tracy Borman

    Olivia recommends: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I by Tracy Borman

    Genre: Nonfiction

    Reading Level: Adult

    Summary: This book tells the interesting story of Anne Boleyn’s relationship and influence over her daughter, Elizabeth I.

    Olivia says: Tracy Borman is a favorite historical Tudor period author of mine. Each of her books are outstanding, and this one doesn’t disappoint either! I enjoyed the well written timeline of Anne Boleyn’s marriage to Henry VIII and her time as Queen and Mother to the future Queen Elizabeth I. Many people may believe that Queen Anne was forgotten and put aside by her daughter based on what others hoped she would believe after her execution, but this book proves otherwise and offers a unique and fascinating perspective to this famous mother daughter duo. I highly recommend.

  • “Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings” by Ellen McVicker

    Cathy recommends: Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings by Ellen McVicker

    Genre: Junior nonfiction

    Reading Level: Age 3-8

    Summary: How a child can deal with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.

    Cathy says: When my sons were 10 and 4, I had cancer and was very sick with the treatments. This book would have been helpful. It’s written with insight as to the questions a child would come up with, not the least of all, “Will you die?” This came from my 10 year old and it echoes in my heart to this day.

    This book is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “Little Pink Pup” by Johanna Kerby

    Cathy recommends: Little Pink Pup by Johanna Kerby

    Genre: Picture book

    Reading Level: Age 1-6

    Summary: For children who think they are different from the rest of their families; they love you just the same.

    Cathy says: Many children today are living with nonbiological parents and/or siblings. This book shows that even though you may look different, you’re still family. It’s about acceptance; receiving it and giving it.