Skip navigation.
Home
Dreams, Ideas and Information

Staff Picks for Adult Non-fiction

1491: New Revelations Of The Americas Before Columbus

Why is it a pick?

This exploration into the state of what are now known as the American continents reveals interesting discoveries regarding the level of civilization maintained prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus and subsequent European explorers, merchants, and settlers. This must-read for anyone interested in early American history asks: What is “America”?

Collection

Adult Non-Fiction

Picked by

Hailey

703: How I Lost More Than a Quarter Ton and Gained a Life

Why is it a pick?

This is the true story of a survivor who at one point was trapped in an apartment on an ottoman with limited ability to move herself and take care of basic needs. Despite this, optimism and love from family and friends pulls her through while using her talents to triumph over circumstances.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Diane

All Over But The Shoutin'

Why is it a pick?

I chose this book because the author is a journalist and writes very well. I love the true stories especially ones where the author comes full circle on problems, experiences in life. Rick has found a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. Growing up pretty rough and making something of his life, and enriching it along the way.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Christine

Are We There Yet?

Why is it a pick?

Mention "family vacation" to a baby boomer and you're likely to conjure memories of car trips. And that is the tale Sessions tells in this fascinating exploration of family vacations from 1945 to the 70’s. Why did we do that? Sessions tells us in a book full of memories for all of us of a certain age...

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Ann

Ask Jane Austen

Why is it a pick?

"Do Men Like Mr. Darcy really exist?" "It is a truth universally acknowledged." Find the answers to this, and other questions of equal import, when you "Ask Jane Austen" compiled into useful quotes from all of Jane Austen's beloved novels by the exceedingly clever Juliett Shapio. It's the magic 8 ball for Janeites the world over!

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Hannah

Baked: New Frontiers In Baking

Why is it a pick?

Everything I have made from this cookbook is to die for... Black Forest Cookies, Plum Pear Crisp! I will definitely be buying it.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Erin H

Banker to the Poor

Why is it a pick?

A page turner, interesting at every step. A college teacher who looked around to see how he could really help local poor people. He started with wells for irrigation and kept on going. The inventor of micro-loans.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Xan

Big Sky Cooking

Why is it a pick?

Tom & Meredith Brokaw bought some property in Montana and came to love the lifestyle and foods of the area. This cookbook is fun to read with descriptions of life in Big Sky country and menus for many different occasions.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Kendra

Born To Run

Why is it a pick?

Journalist Christopher McDougall had a simple question, "How come my foot hurts?" The search for an answer turns out to be not-so-simple! He relates his Quest in a riveting tale of mystery, action, adventure, and wacky characters. File it under, "You just can't make this stuff up!"

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Leigh

Buttercup Bakes at Home

Why is it a pick?

Great treat recipes from a Manhattan bakery. Every recipe I tried was delicious!

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Kendra

By Faith Alone

Why is it a pick?

Bill Griffeth’s family history spans 400 years of his ancestors’ lives. Their search for religious freedom and experiences as Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Methodists parallel so many of our families’ histories.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Julie

Catch Me If You Can

Why is it a pick?

The astounding true story of the youngest and cleverest con in history. In his exceedingly charming prose, Frank tells the tale of how he eluded capture for several years, despite being wanted in several states and by the FBI, as well as how he came to work for the organization he so long opposed.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Lacey

Confessions of a Prairie Bitch

Why is it a pick?

Alison’s funny and revealing biography of her life as a child actor on the Little House on Prairie TV show will have you laughing one moment and crying or angry at the next. Her anecdotes about the other actors on that set, her friendship with Melissa Gilbert, her stand-up comedy work, and political activism as she got older, reveal a true survivor.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Terri

Cosmic Ordering

Why is it a pick?

Revered astrologer Jonathan Cainer has written a guide to help the reader realize their dreams by placing an order with the universe. Some call it prayer or positive thinking. Discover how cosmic ordering can work for you.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Marti

Deceptively Delicious

Why is it a pick?

These tasty recipes contain unsuspecting ingredients. Jessica Seinfeld has made delicious food even more healthy.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Hailey

Eat, Drink & Be Vegan

Why is it a pick?

Easy to understand vegan recipes that offer a plate full of flavor!

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Jessica

Everyday Italian: 125 simple and delicious recipes

Why is it a pick?

Pasta, chicken, fish, desserts and more! Every recipe that I tried out of this cookbook was a success...and simple to prepare too!

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Erin H

Fleeing the Nazis, Surviving the Gulag, and Arriving in the Free World

Why is it a pick?

Although Zarnowitz is a world class economist, this memoir tells instead the story of his youth from his birth in the Polish town of Auschwitz, to exile in the Russian gulag, and his education in post war Heidelberg, Chicago and New York. He is a survivor who lost much in his journey, but has also given very much back.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Ann

French Women Don’t Get Fat

Why is it a pick?

Not a diet book! Convincing, wise and funny common-sense lessons on food, health, and lifestyle.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Erin H

Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee

Why is it a pick?

Hoda Kotb is a wonderful storyteller. Hilarious, honest and inspiring, you will marvel as she describes her family's roots in Egypt, and their American sojourn which leads her to the career of her dreams. This book is a manual for overcoming obstacles and living life with passion and purpose.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Mary

Home Therapy: Fast, Easy and Affordable Makeovers

Why is it a pick?

The author takes a “use what you have” approach to home decorating. Great before and after design plans that help you create a space of your own.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Kendra

Hot Chocolate: 50 Heavenly Cups of Comfort

Why is it a pick?

Because winter won’t stop. New hot chocolate recipes are always welcome.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Susana

How To Live : Or, A Life Of Montaigne, In One Question And Twenty Attempts At An Answer

Why is it a pick?

Want to learn about 16th century French philosopher Michel de Montaigne? Bakewell provides a fantastic place to start. The book interweaves the history, philosophy and humor of one of the greatest authors of the renaissance. One of the next best things to the Essays themselves.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Richard

In A Single Bound

Why is it a pick?

Need a true story to inspire you? Try the memoir of a one-legged girl whose emotionally struggling family raised her as whole, and how she overcame their dysfunction along with the challenges of the rest of the world. Sarah is the first female amputee to complete the Hawaii Ironman World Triathlon. And you may have seen her scale the Great Wall of China on television’s “The Amazing Race”!

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Robin

It’s Not About the Bike – My Journey Back to Life

Why is it a pick?

Lance Armstrong, 7 time winner of the Tour de France, recounts his struggles as an endurance athlete who beat a life-threatening bout of cancer. Not until I read this book did I realize just how amazing Armstrong’s winning of the “world’s most grueling test of cycling” is. Motivational, inspirational, and sometimes difficult to read, this book and Lance’s comeback is amazing.

Collection

Adult Non-fiction

Picked by

Macey