Non-Fiction

Kayleigh Adams (Librarian)

This is a really fun book to read. It is filled with interesting and funny questions and answers, and the format makes it entertaining and easy to read. I usually have trouble getting through nonfiction books, but with this book, you can read as in-depth as you'd like or just peruse as much or as little as you'd like to.

Kaleigh Adams (Librarian)

The Hiding Place is a true story told by a woman who lived through World War II in the Netherlands. The Ten Boom family used their home, and the adjoining watch repair shop that they owned, to hide people from the Nazis. During this time, they also lived less than a block away from the police headquarters. What I loved the most about this story was the fact that it was true. I love reading historical fiction about WWII, but knowing that this story was true made it even more special. I was especially amazed at the strength and faith of Corrie and her sister, Betsie, as they took on great personal risk to help so many people and families.

Kaleigh Adams (Librarian)

This book is so cool! It's probably one of my top three favorite books. I don't usually enjoy nonfiction, but this book was captivating. The author expertly weaves together the history of the Chicago World's Fair with the criminal psychology of a murderer who hid himself in its shadow.

Kaleigh Adams (Librarian)

This book was loveable and heartbreaking at the same time. It is a memoir of the author's childhood, growing up in poverty in Ireland during the great depression. I switched back and forth between reading and listening to this book, which was very interesting. I got to see the language McCourt writes in, which was fascinating, and I also got to hear his own voice reading those words and even singing the songs from the book. The foreword to the book was written by Jeanette Walls. She described how McCourt struggled to write about his childhood from his future point of view, but once he started writing from the point of view of himself as a child, he was able to progress and finish the story. I find the minds of young children to be very interesting, and having the story told from that point of view drew me in instantly. I can't even imagine writing with that much clarity from the point of view of my five-year-old self!

Christine Robbins (Librarian)

This is a great story of triumph against insurmountable odds. It takes place in Clifton, Idaho and is a memoir that reads like a fiction novel. It grips you into the world of a closed off fundamentalist/survivalist family from the very first page. The trials endured by the children in this type of environment with conspirator parents is quite shocking and heartbreaking. The story is told by one of the youngest daughters of the family as she takes you on a journey of her family dynamics, dysfunctions and controversial beliefs in religion, medicine and education.