Dewey, the Small-Town Library Cat, by Vicki Myron
While the “aw-shucks” rating on this book is sky-high, it is a happily satisfying little gem of a true story, honestly written, that just about anyone will love.
Project Type: Reviews of Non-fiction
Detroit – An American Autopsy, by Charlie LeDuff
LeDuff, a working journalist but a controversial one, grew up in Detroit, Michigan, US, and tells the story of the decline and fall of the city alongside the story of the fall into poverty and death by misdemeanour and suicide of his own family members.
The Hare with Amber Eyes – A Hidden Inheritance, by Edmund de Waal
This is one of those rare things – an author’s first book that does not read like a first book. It is neither amateur nor self-conscious. Not only is it beautifully produced and printed, lovely to hold and look at, but De Waal’s style is smooth and engaging, with perfectly timed pauses and flashbacks.
People of the Deer & Eastern Passage, by Farley Mowat
“With ‘People of the Deer’, Mowat launched a singular career, advancing the traditions of both exploration literature and narrative non-fiction.” – Ken McGoogan
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, by Chris Hadfield
Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut who was the first Canadian to walk in space. Hadfield flew two space shuttle missions and served as commander of the International Space Station. Then he retired and wrote this book. This is real science, real space flights and real man’s stuff.
At the Front, by Jannie Geldenhuys (Genl.)
He describes the South African Border War from the perspective of a modest and intelligent professional.
Isabella de’ Medici: The Glorious Life and Tragic End of a Renaissance Princess, by Caroline P. Murphy
Isabella had “…a particular kind of independence that would give [her] all the protection of a married woman, combined with the kind of freedom from spousal authority experienced by few women of her day.”
Bike Snob, by Bike Snob NYC
Blogger Bike Snob NYC knows his Sociology theory. Bike Snob, a.k.a. Eben Weiss, explains the basics about bicycles and why people want to ride them.
Landscape Painting, by Mitchell Albala
Mitchell Albala’s guide on landscape painting techniques broke my embargo on how-to books. It is different, it is useful, and I read every word.
Jane Austen Cover to Cover – 200 Years of Classic Covers, by Margaret C. Sullivan
Even if you know nothing about Jane Austen, never read one of her novels, and never seen a movie adaptation of them, you still have to admire the sheer depth and detail of the data collected in this book of Jane Austen covers.
Prezi HOTSHOT, by Hedwyg van Groenedaal
Follow the instructions and you will be able to create things like a prezumé (a résumé using Prezi) or a prezi in PechaKucha style (a sort of 20-second visual flurry).
The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook, edited by Kate White
The book is a neat blend of both worlds – a cookbook with a murderous twist. It may be too pretty to live in my kitchen with the rest of the dog-eared, scribbled on and greasy-paged cookbooks, but until I decide to sacrifice it, it will make good reading on my fiction shelf.
Welcome to Marwencol, by Mark Hogancamp and Chris Shellen
Mark Hogancamp lives in a trailer and is something of a celebrity – but for good reason. Obscure people who suddenly become famous are often famous for doing something of no great value. They have 15 minutes of fame and that’s it. Mark Hogancamp is the exception.
All the Best Lines, by George Tiffin
Tiffin roots out the truth behind the scripted words that you have probably never read. Believe me, the actual words are much more interesting than the quotes you remember from films.
The White Road – Journey Into an Obsession, by Edmund de Waal
It is an amazing story, and quite an eye-opener. The secret of pure white porcelain creation was an obsession for many around the world for centuries, the cause of espionage, skullduggery, battles, enslavement and madness.
Appetites, A Cookbook, by Anthony Bourdain, with Laurie Woolever
“Appetites” is Bourdain’s first cookbook in ten years, and it’s a demonstration of his expertise. The man knows food – no doubt about that.
