General Nonfiction

As a bookseller and English major, Nabokov’s Lolita has always been on the edge of my awareness, either through excerpts in class or pop culture references, and I’m happy to stick with just a passing knowledge of the text. I’m more familiar with the variety of true crime reading; despite that, the abduction of Sally Horner was completely unknown to me. It did, however, seem to influence Nabokov and his writing of Lolita (in more ways than some like to admit). The Real Lolita takes on that comparison between the factual and fictional events, but more than that, it gives a voice and identity to Sally Horner, an 11-year-old girl who is kidnapped and held by a Frank La Salle. Incredibly well-written, it strikes a solid balance between historical and case facts and respect for those involved. The Real Lolita is not an easy read, but it is definitely well worth it. - Rachel

A sense of levity is needed when you live in an inhospitable environment and Michael P. Branch’s humor is as dry as the desert he lives in. Alternating between pensive and comedic, he paints a picture of the terse, but generous community he’s chosen to raise his family. As an introvert, I was compelled to tread in his footsteps despite my hatred of heat. A must read for those who love nature and to laugh with your whole self. - Ivy

Steven Johnson remains one of my favorite nonfiction writers and his new book is a perfect example of why: he asks smart questions in ways somehow different and then searches for answers through wide-ranging disciplines. Here, he explores the big long-lasting decisions we make, those that change whole lives and histories, but it is his curiosity and narrative ease that makes reading it an easy choice for me. - Melinda

Israeli historian Yuval Harari previously examined the past and future of humans in Sapiens and Homo Deus.  He now turns his attention to the immediate present, a time when the world is faced with constant destabilizing change that is increasingly hard to comprehend.  Harari delivers again with the excellent writing, thought provoking insights, unique observations, and big questions that are his trademark in his most personal book to date. - Trey

While the Jurassic Park franchise has shown us what we're all missing out on by not bringing giant carnivores back to life, the real drama is in the bones (and its recent shenanigans! Like, just six years ago!) International fossil laws are comprised of many grey areas and limited means of reinforcing said laws, which allows discreet black market exploitation to happen. Key word: discreet. The situations surrounding the auction of a full dino skeleton (a cousin of the T. rex) are propelled forward by the writing style and descriptions, bringing to life the Gobi landscape, Florida beaches, and the animals that once lived throughout. While not usually a fan of legal thrillers, just toss in a dinosaur custody battle and I will read and love the heck out of it. - Rachel

40 years before the internet became popular, an alternate digital universe was the genesis of dungeon games, Flight Simulator, Castle Wolfenstein, Freecell, Lotus Notes, chat rooms, email, the first online community, and Richard Powers' novel Galatea 2.2. The Plato System flourished nationally and then disappeared from our memory. This is the first book to tell its story. - Dave

Female friendships are beautiful, wonderful things and yet through media we've been told they aren't important, that women are shallow, and we'll outgrow them when/if we get married. I love that Schaefer reminds us to surround ourselves with women better than ourselves. As she says in the intro, "text me when you get home, let's continue the conversation." - Karena

Maybe you know her brilliant Instagram illustrations. Maybe this book is your intro to the whimsical, soulful, and heart-nourishing work of Mari Andrew. Either way, Am I There Yet? is full of art and essays to make your tender heart feel cradled and seen. An honest, vulnerable exploration of dating, working, and living in the world, this book is a perfect gift for any millennial. - Jessica

The first and foremost lesson of the Bushido Shushinsu, or Code of the Samurai, is to keep death in your mind at all times. This may seem a bit dramatic, but it allows the warrior to remember that every action is important and all life is precious. With riffs on a broad range of subjects from finance to laziness, The Code of the Samurai is a must read for any modern warrior. - Aric

Randy Morgenson spent 28 seasons as a backcountry ranger, helping countless hikers—some lost, some hungry, some hurt—find their way back to civilization. When he himself disappeared, fellow rangers began a desperate search to find him. Well-researched and written with the urgency of a murder mystery, this is one of the best books about the outdoors you’ll ever read. - Rico