Sunday, January 03, 2010

From the Library

I have recently found myself visiting the non-fiction section of the library. I certainly haven't read all the fiction out there but had trouble finding anything really compelling. So, I sauntered over to non-fiction and have found myself lost in all kinds of stories. A few weeks ago I wrote about the Pop-Up Book Club and have this to be increadinglymore common. So, here's what I've been reading:

Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert - this book felt a little contrived but I found the Italy part melodious and found the meditation part oddly intriguing. Like I might try meditation, maybe, someday.
Perfection by Julie Metz - fascinating story - author's husband dies suddenly and as she is going through his papers finds out about the other life he was leading.
Please Excuse My Daughter by Julie Klam - hysterical and touching all at the same time. Privileged upbringing finds a 30-something girl ill-equipped for life. Tale follows how she figured it all out.
Split by Suzanne Finnamore - I had read the author's fiction so felt this was required reading. Raw story about her divorce. Definitely not for the squeamish.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - another fascinating read. True story about the author's youth and dramatic turn her parents' lives take. Some of the stories were so riveting that I kept flipping back to the author's picture on the book jacket because I was so shocked by it.

And here's what's on "To Read" list:

Open by Andre Agassi (a CityCrab recommendation)
The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein (another CityCrab recommendation)
The Rabbi's Daughter by Reva Mann

2 comments:

Bess said...

Oooh I really want to read Perfection! (You know I consume non-fiction like candy). My favorite recent reads:

--Cuba Diaries: An American Housewife in Havana by Isadora Tattlin
--Born Round by Frank Bruni (about an NY times food critic and his past relationship with food)
--Lit by Mary Karr (about her alcoholism/recovery)

Harper said...

The non-fiction part of the library (or store) has always been my favorite part! Please Excuse my Daughter sounds great; I'll have to add it to my Kindle list.

I tend to dig into the political reads -- currently tackling my third in as many months with "Game Change."

My most favorite non-fiction read of recent years is still "Street Gang" -- for those feel good memories and a stroll down Sesame Street. Just joyous reading that brings a smile to your face. (I also read "101 ways to kill your boss" if that might come in handy. jk) Thought "Accidental Billionaires" (Facebook founders) was also an interesting read.