Week 8: Nonfiction

I'm fairly new to the world of narrative nonfiction. Growing up I always associated nonfiction books with research projects, and therefore, considered them to be less intriguing then their fiction counterparts. I really only picked up a nonfiction book when I needed to learn more about something. My relationship with nonfiction was strictly fact based, until a couple of years ago when I became obsessed with reading memoirs. There were also times that I'd find myself needing to know more about a real life event referenced in a fiction book. Currently, more than half of the items that I have checked out are narrative nonfiction.

The E-Learning video mentioned several genres of nonfiction that are popular among customers. The following genres are ones I find myself most attached to:        

• Memoir-Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes (found in the 800s)
• Contemporary Issues-There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz (early 300s)
• Crime-In Cold Blood by Truman Capote(300s)
• History-Come Hell or High Water by Michael Dyson (900s)

All of the titles listed above would serve as good recommendations; however, my favorite titles were Year of Yes and There Are No Children Here. 

Year of Yes is part memoir and part self-help, though I'm not sure if that was Ms. Rhimes intention! Shonda Rhimes shares how one year of opening herself up to new experiences, ultimately changed her life. This book is perfect for readers who want an inspirational story with witty banter and honest experiences. The author includes personal photos and transcripts that make the book feel more conversational rather than preachy like other motivational books. This transformative reading will leave readers feeling energized and inspired.

There Are No Children Here is a compelling work that explores the major effects that poverty can have on a community and ultimately family structure. Readers get a front row seat into the lives of the Rivers family, who are struggling to survive in public housing complex in Chicago. The book focuses primarily on the stories of the two younger brothers, Lafeyette and Pharoah. The novel's fast pace and exploration of themes related to crime and violence within the urban community may pique the interest of urban fiction readers. Readers with interest in the realm of human rights may also be attracted to the books investigation of the Chicago Housing Authority. There Are No Children Here uses the art of compassionate story telling to bring attention to serious issues affecting urban communities.