Week 8: Non-fiction

Below is a just a sample of different types of narrative non-fiction along with some related recommendations.


Science
500s for Natural Sciences (like Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, etc.) and 600 for Technology; 610s for Medicine; 620s for Engineering.

Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin is not just a book that helps readers understand the science and technology behind nuclear weapons. It is also a history book about World War II since the creation of the bomb was heavily linked to the war time politics and strategies. This book is well researched, the rich details make it read like a story the author had created in his head instead of a dry recitation of facts. There's a large cast of characters, ranging from the scientists working overtime to create the bomb to low-level Soviet spies and even a group of soldiers conducting a covert operation to gather intel from the Germans. Lot's of action, lots of interesting information, but a rather quick and fun read!

Overcoming Adversity
These non-fiction stories will be found all throughout the collection depending on the subject. It is also possible many of these books will be found in a biography section, if the collection shelves these books separately.

Anyone that enjoys reading stories that introduce them to a variety of perspectives/experiences will be captivated by Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews. Andrews, who is today just 20 years old, was born a girl. His memoir recounts his struggle to understand his gender identity and the even greater challenge of communicating this to his mother. It's an important read for developing an understanding of the experiences of the transgender community. Because the book is largely set during Arin's teenage years, it also happens to contain a good amount of drama. Arin is from Oklahoma, so the reader also gets to see the heartbreaking side of coming out as transgender in a conservative Christian community. This book is also a good read for parents of transgender children who may be interested in the experience of other parents since this book talks at length about Arin's mother's journey towards acceptance and understanding.


Memoirs
Like the previous category, these books might be found throughout the collection depending on the subject, although many can be found in the 818s.


Some memoirs that may appeal to fiction lovers:


Night by Elie Weisel
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh (for those who love Graphic Novels)
Smile and Sisters  by Raina Telgemeier (another for Graphic Novel lovers, this is a Juvenile selection)


Travel
Travel non-fiction can be found in the 910s.


Bill Bryson is a very popular travel non-fiction writer. His books include A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, Notes From a Small Island, and Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe.


Lovers of Literary Fiction might appreciate Travels with Charley: In Search for America by John Steinbeck or Jack Kerouac's On the Road.