Staff Nonfiction Favorites

Smart, bold, and funny - How to Date Men When You Hate Men is an array of reflections on the author's personal experience on dating. A playful collection of stories that illustrate the writer's experience with the male species. While heavy on the patriarchy topic, Roberson is full of great information and witty comebacks to misogynistic comments. - SC

The opioid crisis has recently received considerable coverage in the media nation-wide. However, it is not in any way, a new phenomenon, and for years, a great effort was expended to obscure its severity. McGreal’s investigative journalism reads like true crime and the story he tells is tragic, common, and ongoing. - Jade

A combination of art, fashion, history, and chemistry. Kassia St. Clair offers a unique exploration on art and history through color. The discovery and proliferation of 75 different colors are examined through trivia tidbits and historical anecdotes, making Secret Lives of Color a fascinating read. Formatted and designed beautifully, this book is great for any color or history lover. - R.H.

If you’ve heard Beyonce’s song “Flawless,” you’ve already been exposed to a sampling of this incredible treatise. Adichie explains feminism in a straightforward way that makes it easy for everyone to claim it. Set this one out in a prominent place in your home and use it as a litmus test for anyone you’re newly dating. If they nod along to it while they’re reading, they’re a keeper! - Jess

Throughout this fascinating history of the electric guitar and the rivalry between Leo Fender and Les Paul, the rich detail and description allow the reader to hear legends like Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix play the instruments that revolutionized rock music. This genre-crossing book will satisfy readers of postwar American history to music enthusiasts and beyond. - Kristi

Eve Babitz was the bold, wild and unapologetic party girl of the '60's and '70's L.A. scene. Her involvement with a stream of famous actors and musicians set the stage for her work as an artist and writer. This enthusiastic biography is a fun informative read for fans of Eve and those new to her. - Trey

The way this country reviles people in need of government assistance has always appalled me. As a child of parents who have, at one time or another been those people, Maid resonated. Land thoughtfully recounts her experiences being a working mom with no support and abusive partners, proving yet again how this country is built on the backs of the invisible and ignored. - Karena

Believe the hype – this book is for you, whether master chef or master microwaver. More than recipes (though we’ve got that too) Nosrat shares with you the secret: cooking is salt, fat, acid, and heat. Easily explaining science and taste behind each component, I now understand my recipes. More importantly, I can cook, to the point of fixing – or inventing – a delicious dish. - Jocelyn

The Princess Bride is a very nearly perfect movie, As You Wish will make your millionth viewing even better. Elwes gives us a look at the great churning machine that is movie making. There's a bit about the filming of the Miracle Max scene that had me snorting my drink out my nose, I was laughing so hard. The entire book is worth that chapter. - J

I read this immediately after Barry Jenkins, director of Moonlight, recommended it in an interview. Murch's cinema theory focuses on the criteria of a good cut and emotional editing. Along with editing advice, Murch recounts the challenges faced when editing films for Francis Ford Coppola. This is the quintessential book for any editor or filmmaker! - Natalie O.