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Best of 2024 Non-Fiction: Staff Picks

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IE_ADULT

Idea Exchange

Staff-created list

Let our staff share their favorite non-fiction of the year with you!

By:

IE_ADULT

Idea Exchange

17 items

17 items

Normal Women

Normal Women

900 Years of Making History

by Gregory, Philippa

Book - 2024

Should be required reading for everyone inhabiting a human body. A fascinating and meticulously researched account of the many ways normal women have shaped the world we live in. (Erica) Should be required reading for everyone inhabiting a human body. A fascinating and meticulously researched account of the many ways normal women have shaped the world we live in. (Erica) Show less

Should be required reading for everyone inhabiting a human body. A fascinating and meticulously researched account of the many ways normal women have shaped the world we live in. (Erica) Should be required reading for everyone inhabiting a human body. A fascinating and meticulously researched account of the many ways normal women have shaped the world we live in. (Erica) Show less

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On Tyranny

On Tyranny

Twenty Lessons From the Twentieth Century

by Snyder, Timothy

Book - 2017

The title speaks for itself. On Tyranny is a necessary reminder of not-so-distant dark historical and political world events. Snyder connects past and pre...Show more The title speaks for itself. On Tyranny is a necessary reminder of not-so-distant dark historical and political world events. Snyder connects past and present political leadership styles, and provides suggestions for how individuals can avoid mistakes made in the past. (Angie) Show less

The title speaks for itself. On Tyranny is a necessary reminder of not-so-distant dark historical and political world events. Snyder connects past and pre...Show more The title speaks for itself. On Tyranny is a necessary reminder of not-so-distant dark historical and political world events. Snyder connects past and present political leadership styles, and provides suggestions for how individuals can avoid mistakes made in the past. (Angie) Show less

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The Cottage Fairy Companion

The Cottage Fairy Companion

A Cottagecore Guide to Slow Living, Connecting to Nature, and Becoming Enchanted Again

by Merrill, Paola

Book - 2022

Paola denotes calmness and a sense of mundane magic through every page, every recipe, and every beautifully crafted idea. Mindfulness takes on a whole new...Show more Paola denotes calmness and a sense of mundane magic through every page, every recipe, and every beautifully crafted idea. Mindfulness takes on a whole new meaning as you begin to slow down and see the world through the eyes of an everyday fairy simply trying to find solace in serenity and stillness. I loved every moment of this guide and it left me feeling connected to the earth and myself, while instilling a sense of wonder about the world around us. (Virginia GR) Show less

Paola denotes calmness and a sense of mundane magic through every page, every recipe, and every beautifully crafted idea. Mindfulness takes on a whole new...Show more Paola denotes calmness and a sense of mundane magic through every page, every recipe, and every beautifully crafted idea. Mindfulness takes on a whole new meaning as you begin to slow down and see the world through the eyes of an everyday fairy simply trying to find solace in serenity and stillness. I loved every moment of this guide and it left me feeling connected to the earth and myself, while instilling a sense of wonder about the world around us. (Virginia GR) Show less

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What This Comedian Said Will Shock You

What This Comedian Said Will Shock You

by Maher, Bill

Book - 2024

Not for the easily offended but alternately funny and scathing, Maher takes aim at extremism on both sides of the political spectrum. (Leah) Not for the easily offended but alternately funny and scathing, Maher takes aim at extremism on both sides of the political spectrum. (Leah) Show less

Not for the easily offended but alternately funny and scathing, Maher takes aim at extremism on both sides of the political spectrum. (Leah) Not for the easily offended but alternately funny and scathing, Maher takes aim at extremism on both sides of the political spectrum. (Leah) Show less

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The Exvangelicals

The Exvangelicals

Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church

by McCammon, Sarah

Book - 2024

Part memoir, part investigative journalism, this book charts the rise of conservative evangelicals as a voting bloc in America and documents the movement ...Show more Part memoir, part investigative journalism, this book charts the rise of conservative evangelicals as a voting bloc in America and documents the movement of people leaving the white evangelical church. A fascinating and delightfully human look at the evolution of the white evangelical movement and the ways that many are deconstructing their former beliefs. (Erica) Show less

Part memoir, part investigative journalism, this book charts the rise of conservative evangelicals as a voting bloc in America and documents the movement ...Show more Part memoir, part investigative journalism, this book charts the rise of conservative evangelicals as a voting bloc in America and documents the movement of people leaving the white evangelical church. A fascinating and delightfully human look at the evolution of the white evangelical movement and the ways that many are deconstructing their former beliefs. (Erica) Show less

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Down With the System

Down With the System

A Memoir (of Sorts)

by Tankian, Serj

Book - 2024

The lead singer of System of a Down not only takes us through the journey of his time as the front-man of a band of Armenian-American metal heads, but he ...Show more The lead singer of System of a Down not only takes us through the journey of his time as the front-man of a band of Armenian-American metal heads, but he also dives deep into his family history of escaping the Armenian genocide, fleeing from the Lebanon civil war, and starting over in California. (Natasha) Show less

The lead singer of System of a Down not only takes us through the journey of his time as the front-man of a band of Armenian-American metal heads, but he ...Show more The lead singer of System of a Down not only takes us through the journey of his time as the front-man of a band of Armenian-American metal heads, but he also dives deep into his family history of escaping the Armenian genocide, fleeing from the Lebanon civil war, and starting over in California. (Natasha) Show less

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The Showman

The Showman

Inside the Invasion That Shook the World and Made A Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky

by Shuster, Simon

Book - 2024

A beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring look at the man who stood up to Putin and continues to fight for his country against all odds. The author, a wel...Show more A beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring look at the man who stood up to Putin and continues to fight for his country against all odds. The author, a well-known journalist, was embedded with President Volodymyr Zelensky from the beginning of the war (and covered Ukraine for most of his career). This book takes you inside all the major moments and decisions made by Zelensky and his team. Following Zelensky’s career first as a comedian, performing political comedy (similar to Saturday Night Live) to sold out theatres and then his turn to use his voice and platform to become president and fight for his country, the book does not shy away from some of the tough, and sometimes wrong decisions, he had to make. An eye-opening look at the toll it takes to be a leader in the most harrowing of times and an uplifting spotlight on the resilience of a nation. (Jessica) Show less

A beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring look at the man who stood up to Putin and continues to fight for his country against all odds. The author, a wel...Show more A beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring look at the man who stood up to Putin and continues to fight for his country against all odds. The author, a well-known journalist, was embedded with President Volodymyr Zelensky from the beginning of the war (and covered Ukraine for most of his career). This book takes you inside all the major moments and decisions made by Zelensky and his team. Following Zelensky’s career first as a comedian, performing political comedy (similar to Saturday Night Live) to sold out theatres and then his turn to use his voice and platform to become president and fight for his country, the book does not shy away from some of the tough, and sometimes wrong decisions, he had to make. An eye-opening look at the toll it takes to be a leader in the most harrowing of times and an uplifting spotlight on the resilience of a nation. (Jessica) Show less

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I'd Like to Play Alone, Please

I'd Like to Play Alone, Please

Essays

by Segura, Tom

Book - 2022

If you're a fan of Tom Segura's stand up, you will enjoy this read. (Natasha) If you're a fan of Tom Segura's stand up, you will enjoy this read. (Natasha) Show less

If you're a fan of Tom Segura's stand up, you will enjoy this read. (Natasha) If you're a fan of Tom Segura's stand up, you will enjoy this read. (Natasha) Show less

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Knife

Knife

Meditations After An Attempted Murder

by Rushdie, Salman

Book - 2024

In 2022, author Salman Rushdie was on stage ready to give a talk when a man came out of the audience and viciously attacked him, stabbing him over 20 time...Show more In 2022, author Salman Rushdie was on stage ready to give a talk when a man came out of the audience and viciously attacked him, stabbing him over 20 times. In this true account, Rushdie writes about the aftermath of the attack and how he had to piece his life back together. This is a story about the worst of humanity (the man that attacked him due to his radicalized beliefs) and the best of humanity, the strangers that came to his aid and even jumped on his attacker, saving Rushdie’s life. Surprisingly, this is a hopeful book and Rushdie’s writing style injects humour and warmth to even his darkest moments. A book that will stay with you. (Jessica) Show less

In 2022, author Salman Rushdie was on stage ready to give a talk when a man came out of the audience and viciously attacked him, stabbing him over 20 time...Show more In 2022, author Salman Rushdie was on stage ready to give a talk when a man came out of the audience and viciously attacked him, stabbing him over 20 times. In this true account, Rushdie writes about the aftermath of the attack and how he had to piece his life back together. This is a story about the worst of humanity (the man that attacked him due to his radicalized beliefs) and the best of humanity, the strangers that came to his aid and even jumped on his attacker, saving Rushdie’s life. Surprisingly, this is a hopeful book and Rushdie’s writing style injects humour and warmth to even his darkest moments. A book that will stay with you. (Jessica) Show less

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The Road Years

The Road Years

A Memoir, Continued

by Mercer, Rick

Book - 2023

A collection of stories Rick has experienced over his many years travelling across Canada and beyond filming the Mercer Report. In his search for the best...Show more A collection of stories Rick has experienced over his many years travelling across Canada and beyond filming the Mercer Report. In his search for the best of everything Canada has to offer, Rick finds himself in many extraordinary situations with some amazing Canadians. Fans of the Mercer Report will find this behind the scenes insight both hilarious and humbling while making them proud to be Canadian. It had me laughing out loud! (Brittni) Show less

A collection of stories Rick has experienced over his many years travelling across Canada and beyond filming the Mercer Report. In his search for the best...Show more A collection of stories Rick has experienced over his many years travelling across Canada and beyond filming the Mercer Report. In his search for the best of everything Canada has to offer, Rick finds himself in many extraordinary situations with some amazing Canadians. Fans of the Mercer Report will find this behind the scenes insight both hilarious and humbling while making them proud to be Canadian. It had me laughing out loud! (Brittni) Show less

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Runaway Train

Runaway Train

Or, the Story of My Life So Far

by Roberts, Eric

Book - 2024

In this brutally candid memoir, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts pulls no punches about the ups and downs of his career and his sometim...Show more In this brutally candid memoir, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts pulls no punches about the ups and downs of his career and his sometimes stormy relationship with his famous sister, Julia. Eric Roberts grew up in Georgia, spending most of his teens away from his mother and sisters, Lisa and Julia. Instead, he stayed with his controlling father, a grifter jealous of his early success. At age 17, Eric moved to New York to pursue acting, where he worked and partied with future legends like Christopher Walken, Mickey Rourke, John Malkovich, Bruce Willis, and Robin Williams. Eric became one of the hottest stars of the era and earning an Oscar nomination for Runaway Train. But for Eric, Hollywood came with a dark side -- an ocean of cocaine that nearly swept him away, culminating in a car accident that almost cost him his life. Eric is open about the seriousness of his addictions and their devastating effect on his career. Now, happily married to actress and casting director Eliza Roberts, who helped him confront his demons, he is revered among his peers as the ultimate actor's actor. (Leah) Show less

In this brutally candid memoir, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts pulls no punches about the ups and downs of his career and his sometim...Show more In this brutally candid memoir, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts pulls no punches about the ups and downs of his career and his sometimes stormy relationship with his famous sister, Julia. Eric Roberts grew up in Georgia, spending most of his teens away from his mother and sisters, Lisa and Julia. Instead, he stayed with his controlling father, a grifter jealous of his early success. At age 17, Eric moved to New York to pursue acting, where he worked and partied with future legends like Christopher Walken, Mickey Rourke, John Malkovich, Bruce Willis, and Robin Williams. Eric became one of the hottest stars of the era and earning an Oscar nomination for Runaway Train. But for Eric, Hollywood came with a dark side -- an ocean of cocaine that nearly swept him away, culminating in a car accident that almost cost him his life. Eric is open about the seriousness of his addictions and their devastating effect on his career. Now, happily married to actress and casting director Eliza Roberts, who helped him confront his demons, he is revered among his peers as the ultimate actor's actor. (Leah) Show less

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Book and Dagger

Book and Dagger

How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II

by Graham, Elyse

Book - 2024

The untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war. At the start of WWII, the US found ...Show more The untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war. At the start of WWII, the US found itself in desperate need of an intelligence agency. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a precursor to today's CIA, was quickly formed -- and, in an effort to fill its ranks with experts, the OSS turned to academia for recruits. Suddenly, literature professors, librarians, and historians were training to perform undercover operations and investigative work -- and these surprising spies would go on to profoundly shape both the course of the war and our cultural institutions with their efforts. (Leah) Show less

The untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war. At the start of WWII, the US found ...Show more The untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war. At the start of WWII, the US found itself in desperate need of an intelligence agency. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a precursor to today's CIA, was quickly formed -- and, in an effort to fill its ranks with experts, the OSS turned to academia for recruits. Suddenly, literature professors, librarians, and historians were training to perform undercover operations and investigative work -- and these surprising spies would go on to profoundly shape both the course of the war and our cultural institutions with their efforts. (Leah) Show less

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Does This Taste Funny?

Does This Taste Funny?

Recipes Our Family Loves

by Colbert, Stephen

Book - 2024

As Evie and Stephen explain it, Does This Taste Funny? had its beginnings in the Covid lockdown. “We were all stuck together and couldn’t go out, so we co...Show more As Evie and Stephen explain it, Does This Taste Funny? had its beginnings in the Covid lockdown. “We were all stuck together and couldn’t go out, so we cooked. We had all three kids back under one roof for the first time in a long time, and we had dinner each night as a family. Cooking together became a major source of entertainment.” Now, the Colberts invite us into their kitchen and around their dining room table. Sharing Stephen and Evie’s favorite recipes, as well as those of their family and friends, this book offers everything from Party Food (called “party food” because “appetizers” implies something to follow when we all know that, often, this is the only course), to Seafood, to Poultry and Meat (“Evie and I have different relationships to meat. I like it. Evie can take it or leave it, and mostly she leaves it.”), to Desserts (“This is one of the largest sections of the book. Evie always reminds me that desserts are a great way to postpone clearing up.”), to Drinks (“I love cocktail hour. It feels like a reward for having gone so long without a cocktail”), all tied together with playful dialogue between Stephen and Evie and gorgeous shots of their food, family, and home. (Leah) Show less

As Evie and Stephen explain it, Does This Taste Funny? had its beginnings in the Covid lockdown. “We were all stuck together and couldn’t go out, so we co...Show more As Evie and Stephen explain it, Does This Taste Funny? had its beginnings in the Covid lockdown. “We were all stuck together and couldn’t go out, so we cooked. We had all three kids back under one roof for the first time in a long time, and we had dinner each night as a family. Cooking together became a major source of entertainment.” Now, the Colberts invite us into their kitchen and around their dining room table. Sharing Stephen and Evie’s favorite recipes, as well as those of their family and friends, this book offers everything from Party Food (called “party food” because “appetizers” implies something to follow when we all know that, often, this is the only course), to Seafood, to Poultry and Meat (“Evie and I have different relationships to meat. I like it. Evie can take it or leave it, and mostly she leaves it.”), to Desserts (“This is one of the largest sections of the book. Evie always reminds me that desserts are a great way to postpone clearing up.”), to Drinks (“I love cocktail hour. It feels like a reward for having gone so long without a cocktail”), all tied together with playful dialogue between Stephen and Evie and gorgeous shots of their food, family, and home. (Leah) Show less

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First Nations 101

First Nations 101

by Gray, Lynda

Book - 2022

First Nations 101 sheds light on a wide range of topics, from cultural practices and societal structures, and holistic health and wellness to the lasting ...Show more First Nations 101 sheds light on a wide range of topics, from cultural practices and societal structures, and holistic health and wellness to the lasting effects of the Indian Act, which legislated mandatory attendance at residential schools, among other detrimental policies. This expanded second edition with 16 new chapters delves into traditional Indigenous communities, the colonial interventions aimed at assimilating Indigenous people into mainstream society, and the profound impact of these interventions on Indigenous communities. Designed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers, First Nations 101 is a valuable tool for educators, students, and anyone interested in making meaningful change. (Leah) Show less

First Nations 101 sheds light on a wide range of topics, from cultural practices and societal structures, and holistic health and wellness to the lasting ...Show more First Nations 101 sheds light on a wide range of topics, from cultural practices and societal structures, and holistic health and wellness to the lasting effects of the Indian Act, which legislated mandatory attendance at residential schools, among other detrimental policies. This expanded second edition with 16 new chapters delves into traditional Indigenous communities, the colonial interventions aimed at assimilating Indigenous people into mainstream society, and the profound impact of these interventions on Indigenous communities. Designed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers, First Nations 101 is a valuable tool for educators, students, and anyone interested in making meaningful change. (Leah) Show less

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Alien Earths

Alien Earths

The New Science of Planet Hunting in the Cosmos

by Kaltenegger, Lisa

Book - 2024

A well written guide to the search for exoplanets and the myriad of ways scientists are working together to piece together the necessities of life in the universe. (Phil) A well written guide to the search for exoplanets and the myriad of ways scientists are working together to piece together the necessities of life in the universe. (Phil) Show less

A well written guide to the search for exoplanets and the myriad of ways scientists are working together to piece together the necessities of life in the universe. (Phil) A well written guide to the search for exoplanets and the myriad of ways scientists are working together to piece together the necessities of life in the universe. (Phil) Show less

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Beirut

Beirut

The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror

by Carr, Jack

Book - 2024

An excellent accounting of the milieu of Lebanon in 1983. Carr sets the international context and ties the near day-to-day experiences of American Marines stationed in Beirut during its catastrophic civil war. (Phil) An excellent accounting of the milieu of Lebanon in 1983. Carr sets the international context and ties the near day-to-day experiences of American Marines stationed in Beirut during its catastrophic civil war. (Phil) Show less

An excellent accounting of the milieu of Lebanon in 1983. Carr sets the international context and ties the near day-to-day experiences of American Marines stationed in Beirut during its catastrophic civil war. (Phil) An excellent accounting of the milieu of Lebanon in 1983. Carr sets the international context and ties the near day-to-day experiences of American Marines stationed in Beirut during its catastrophic civil war. (Phil) Show less

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Cobalt Red

Cobalt Red

How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives

by Kara, Siddharth

Book - 2023

An incredibly vivid and heart-wrenching exploration of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt Red provides an intimate new look into th...Show more An incredibly vivid and heart-wrenching exploration of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt Red provides an intimate new look into the lives of the Congolese people who mine the majority of the world's cobalt; sharing their testimonies of displacement, disaster, and death. Kara amplifies Congolese voices with care, and humility, ultimately reminding readers that the most important voices in this crisis are those of the Congolese people. (Sarah) Show less

An incredibly vivid and heart-wrenching exploration of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt Red provides an intimate new look into th...Show more An incredibly vivid and heart-wrenching exploration of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt Red provides an intimate new look into the lives of the Congolese people who mine the majority of the world's cobalt; sharing their testimonies of displacement, disaster, and death. Kara amplifies Congolese voices with care, and humility, ultimately reminding readers that the most important voices in this crisis are those of the Congolese people. (Sarah) Show less

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