Best. Books. Ever: Non-Fiction

In light of yesterday's post about reading, I thought you might be wondering what I used to read or at least have been fond of in the past.

So here goes...

NON-FICTION:

 

 

1. Zeitoun by Dave Eggers is the most gripping piece of non-fiction I have ever read. Based around New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, Eggers explores the situation involving a Syrian-American man named Abdulrahman Zeitoun. Essentially, the book analyzes how Zeitoun survived Katrina, and as a result, how he was treated by public officials. Once you get to the end of the 1st section, you will have an irresistable desire to stay up all night long and get to the end. I promise.

2.Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman is a great way to introduce yourself to this hilarious popculture essayist. Klosterman, a writer for SPIN, ESPN and various other publications, has an incredible way of linking together popculture events, finding nuances and details unseen to even the trained eye, and balance it all out with an incredibly sharp sense of humor. A perfect beach read or gift for a fellow in your life that may be interested in something new to read. (Disclaimer: I wholeheartedly recommend all of Klosterman's works, but they are not appropriate for young eyes.)

3. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers is an insightful memoir of a mere 22 year old lad as he experiences the untimely death of his parents (within 6 months of each other) and becomes the sole guardian of his 12-year-old brother, Toph. From galavanting through the San Francisco hills to interviewing to be on Real World: San Francisco (remember Puck!?), this piece is truly heartbreaking and hilarious all at the same time. (BONUS: This is the first book my husband EVER recommended to me!)

4. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion is the most "easy to read" of Didion's works, in my opinion. This gritty, dark writer is truly one of my favorites because of her essay collections (see: The White Album), but to a first time Didion reader, this is definitely the way to go. It follows Didion through the death of her husband and a tragic accident that placed her only child in a coma right before the daughter's wedding day. This piece is really moving and inspiring, so I sincerely suggest it if you're struggling, too.

Check back next week for more book recs and feel free to add your own in the comments!

xo,
Liz