Good Reads - Nonfiction

Who Knew?
Biographies of Animals, Objects, and Ideas

306.81 COO
Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy or How Love Conquered Marriage by Stephanie Coontz - 2005
With issues relating to gay marriage, divorce, and cohabitation frequenting the headlines, many people today long for the "good old days" of the breadwinner husband and the stay-at-home wife. Coontz, however, examines marriage with a much wider lens, arguing that the "traditional" model of the 1950s was actually just one stop on a long and ever-changing historical path. She looks at the role that economic, social, and political considerations have played in marriage, and discusses the surprisingly late arrival of true love into the decision-making process. The result is an interesting social history and an eye-opening framework in which to consider modern relationship issues.

333.95 KUR
Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky - 1998
Readers will be surprised by the important role that cod fishing has played in the economic, political, religious, and gastronomical arenas over the last 1000+ years. Kurlansky gives a wonderful array of facts, anecdotes, and even recipes to help convey the nature of this vital relationship between man and fish. The author's equally engaging Salt: A World History (553.632 KUR) is also highly recommended.

363.8 RUS
Hunger: An Unnatural History by Sharman Apt Russell - 2005
Russell's thought-provoking survey of hunger combines elements of physiology, history, religion, philosophy, and social action. She details the human body's need for and use of food, and what happens when nourishment is withheld, either by choice or circumstance. Russell explores fasting for political and religious reasons, describes ground-breaking studies on famine, and looks at the often critical role played by hunger in different social and historical settings. The book also includes constructive ideas on how best to alleviate this all-too-common problem, and gives detailed sources for further research. Despite the seriousness of the topic, Russell's writing is clear and engaging; she is able to be both informative and interesting. Readers attracted by her writing style will also enjoy her Anatomy of a Rose: Exploring the Secret Life of Flowers (635.9 RUS).

394.14 BUR
The Smoke of the Gods: A Social History of Tobacco by Eric Burns - 2007
Burns, a television journalist, looks at the shifting feelings and beliefs about tobacco use through the ages, explores the connections between advertising and smoking, and details efforts to limit its prevalence. Tobacco did much to ensure the success of the Jamestown colony – it was the first real export from the New World – and has played a key role in the American economy ever since. Regardless of how one feels about tobacco use, there is much to learn about this important topic.

530.11 BOD
E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation by David Bodanis - 2000
Bodanis looks in turn at each piece of the equation made famous by Einstein (including even the "="), examining the scientific background and development of the individual parts. Only a portion of the book discusses Einstein's work; the rest lays the foundation of scientific thought leading up to the equation, as well as its wide-ranging consequences. Even though the science is complex and the ramifications enormous, Bodanis gives a straightforward and very readable introduction.

551.7 BJO
Reading the Rocks: The Autobiography of the Earth by Marcia Bjornerud - 2005
Fans of Stephen Jay Gould will also enjoy this fast-paced geological history of our planet. Bjornerud, a professor at Lawrence University, fills her account with metaphors, historical background, and interesting asides. She is able to present a great deal of scientific information in a non-threatening and non-technical way, telling the story of the Earth from its conception to our modern, complex relationship with our planetary home.

553.24 FRE
Coal: A Human History by Barbara Freese - 2003
Freese was a former Assistant Attorney General for Minnesota, charged with implementing the state's energy and environmental policy, and became so interested in coal that she quit her job to research and write this intriguing history. Humans have had a sort of love-hate relationship with coal, admiring it for both its energy and its aesthetics, while bemoaning the pollution and physical hardships that it has engendered. Freese shows both the good and bad uses of coal throughout history, highlights its continued importance in the world economy today, and advocates safer and more efficient uses for the future.

583.46 LOG
Oak: The Frame of Civilization by William Bryant Logan - 2005
Logan, an arborist and journalist, offers a captivating biography of the mighty oak. From acorns as an early food source to the multifaceted and at times surprising uses of its wood, the highly adaptable and widespread oak has been an important partner in human civilization for thousands of years. Logan's account is filled with fun facts and interesting details, and would appeal to both nature lovers and those who enjoy a different slant on human history.

599.352 SUL
Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants by Robert Sullivan - 2003
"Rats," Sullivan tells us, "live in the world precisely where man lives." Reporting on his observations of rats' lives, primarily in one New York City alley, he provides not only a fascinating look inside their world, but also provides humorous and insightful social commentary on living in a modern, urban setting. This is a very enjoyable book despite its seemingly unappealing subject.

612.6 ROA
Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach - 2009
From the author of Stiff (2003) and Spook (2005) comes a humorous ride through the scientific oddities of sex; everything from the martial art of yin diao gung (“genitals hanging kung fu”) and thinking yourself to orgasm to erectile dysfunction among polygamists. Using her usual wit and offhand delivery Roach covers a multitude of sexual subjects and even gets in on the act when she volunteers herself as a research subject. Discover the extreme lengths and utter weirdness of the experiments as scientists try to solve greater mysteries of sex and attempt to make the bedroom a more rewarding place.

615.32384 TAY
Ginseng, the Divine Root by David A. Taylor - 2006
Take an elusive protagonist, give it remarkable but disputed medicinal properties, throw in a little international intrigue and a clash of cultures, and place it all in the context of big money commerce – the result is Ginseng, the Divine Root. As Taylor notes in his Introduction, even though ginseng's effects on the human body may still be debated, its sway on the human imagination has remained strong for centuries, especially in the eastern hemisphere. What may be more surprising, though, is the sizeable role that ginseng has played in the U.S. economy since the days of Daniel Boone. Taylor follows the trail of the remarkable root, from hunting and poaching to harvesting, and from research and marketing to shipment and sale. Ginseng may or may not benefit your body, but reading this book will surely entertain and engage your mind.

615.329 LAX
The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat: The Story of the Penicillin Miracle by Eric Lax - 2004
Most people associate the discovery of penicillin with Alexander Fleming. Although Fleming did make the initial finding in 1928, it took more than a decade before an Oxford team, led by Howard Florey, was able to test, purify, and refine penicillin's use as a human antibiotic. Lax weaves the personalities, the medical challenges and triumphs, and the economic and political consequences – including aiding the Allied effort in WWII – into a lively and fascinating tale.

620.191 STA
Clay: The History and Evolution of Humankind's Relationship with Earth's Most Primal Element by Suzanne Staubach - 2005
The image of clay turning on a potter's wheel is a familiar one for most of us, and Staubach describes the art and science of this process in loving detail. What makes this book most interesting, though, are her descriptions of the wide and surprising roles that clay has played throughout time and across cultures. Each chapter is centered around a particular industry or endeavor – such as farming, sanitation, or building construction – with Staubach describing, in often whimsical and always informative ways, clay's importance in each.

623.4424 CHI
The Gun by C.J. Chivers - 2010
Former Marine officer and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Chivers delivers the history of automatic weapons from its forbearers created by Gatling, Maxim, Browning and Mauser through the “deritives, knockoffs, and companion firearms” of the AK–47. Yet it is the AK–47 that receives special emphasis as it would become the preferred rifle for most armed forces, police forces, guerillas, terrorists, and drug cartels through the Cold War to the current day. This is a hefty but thoroughly engaging narrative with extensive technical detail, biographical information, political intrigue and machinations, and entertaining military history.

634.772 KOE
Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World by Dan Koeppel - 2008
Americans eat more bananas than apples and oranges combined, but for all its popularity there are still many questions left unanswered about the exotic fruit; nobody knows how bananas evolved or exactly where they originated. There is a long cultural history of the fruit and it is mentioned in several ancient texts. In ancient translations of the Bible, the “apple” consumed by Eve is actually a banana! Entire Central American banana republics have been said to rise and fall over the banana. Yet, today the biggest question revolves around whether the banana will survive the disease that threatens to wipe out the popular Cavendish banana. This is a fun, engaging history, full of fascinating and digestible details.

641.3374 ROS
Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light by Mort Rosenblum - 2005
Rosenblum travels the world over—from the Ivory Coast to Hershey, PA, and from Paris to Mexico – in this chatty, insightful overview of cacao and its resulting elixir, chocolate. In doing so, he traces its history, outlines the cultural and social backdrop of the industry, and engages in its sweet temptations. Rosenblum learns from experts along the way, and recounts their enlightening, funny and always passionate opinions. The book is designed less for the serious food researcher, and more for the lover of a good story and, of course, good chocolate.

641.3383 TUR
Spice: The History of a Temptation by Jack Turner - 2004
An interesting look at the role played by spices in culinary history, exploration and trade, wealth and power, medicine, religion, even sex. Turner organizes the book topically, primarily examining the human motives, impulses and dreams behind the actions. Although the uses for spices have varied and changed over time, the human appetite for their exotic flavor has remained constant. This is sure to enliven the palate of anyone looking for a quick and informative read.

662.26 KEL
Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive That Changed the World by Jack Kelly - 2004
Tracing the history of the "fire drug" back to its development in tenth-century China, novelist Kelly deftly shows how gunpowder has helped to shape human history. Kelly provides important background information and gives an easily understood overview of the science behind the explosive. But his main focus is on the human interactions, both on the individuals who helped shape its history and the cultural groups who were affected – in ways both good and bad – by its use. The contrast between gunpowder's use in the East and West is especially fascinating.

737.4973 FRA
Double Eagle: The Epic Story of the World's Most Valuable Coin by Alison Frankel - 2006
From the time of its design and creation at the beginning of the 20th century, the $20 Double Eagle gold coin sparked passion, jealousy and greed. Then, when the United States stopped coining gold in 1933, the Double Eagle's story took an abrupt turn into the world of crime, espionage, and international intrigue. Frankel combines all of the twists and turns into a surprising page turner with a broad appeal.

780.92 LAR
The Saddest Music Ever Written: The Story of Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” by Thomas Larson - 2010
Adagio for Strings is one of the most famous pieces of classical music written by an American composer. It is also considered to be one of the most evocative pieces of melancholy music ever written, as it was even voted the saddest classical work ever in a 2004 listener’s poll on the BBC’s Today program. Used in at least 30 films, most notably in Platoon, it has also been used to memorialize FDR, Grace Kelly, and the victims of 9/11. We are asked to consider what the work is actually about: Barber’s depression, loneliness when a loved one is lost, the death of the American dream? Larson blends biography, memoir, music criticism, and cultural history to get at the heart of the grand dirge of Barber. A compelling book sure to be of interest to lovers of classical music, as well as those who enjoy learning about how an artist’s life and world shapes their art.

787.87 BRO
Guitar: An American Life by Tim Brookes - 2005
There are more guitars sold in the U.S. than all other instruments combined. Brookes explores the roots of the guitar's amazing popularity, traces its history and development, and muses on its central place in the soundtrack of American life. Together with this general story, Brookes also harmonizes a much more personal story – the loss of his old guitar, and the building of a new one by a master craftsman. Both storylines are entertaining, humorous, informative, and filled with obvious passion. This is a treat both for music fans and for those readers who enjoy idiosyncratic snapshots of American life and culture.

795.357 JAM
Mint Condition: How Baseball Cards Became an American Obsession by Dave Jamieson - 2010
Much like the dotcom bubble at the turn of the century, the beloved hobby of baseball card collecting went through a similar plunge in the 90s and many a hobbyist simply stopped collecting. Jamieson takes us back to the hobby’s cigarette pack insert beginnings and traverses the ups and downs of the industry all the way up to its present day incarnation. This is a fun, nostalgic look at the hobby that fascinated multiple generations of children and adults alike that is sure to inspire readers to look through their closets for those old cards mom didn’t throw away.

796.51 SOL
Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit - 2000
Fittingly for her subject, Solnit gives a leisurely, rambling, but always interesting look at this basic human function. Her stops include a look at the relationship between walking and thinking, references to walking in literature, and even a walk down the Las Vegas Strip. Even though we can all claim some expertise on the topic, Solnit offers new insights and reflections, providing much food for thought on your next long walk.

929.92 LEE
Flag: An American Biography by Marc Leepson - 2005
This is an accessible, unbiased portrait of that greatest of all American icons, the flag. Leepson sifts fact from myth (particularly in regard to the origins of the flag), notes the ebb and flow of the flag's popularity (it was not a ubiquitous symbol of national pride until the Civil War), and portrays the wide array of people who have played a role in the life of the Stars and Stripes (some familiar, some surprising). Along the way, the reader learns about the flag's varied roles in history, politics, culture, and commerce. Leepson's approach is straightforward but comprehensive, touching also on the stories behind related topics, such as Flag Day, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

977.311 SKI
Beer: A History of Brewing in Chicago by Bob Skilnik - 2006
A detailed look at the ups and downs of the beer industry in Chicago (and to a lesser extent regionally). Skilnik examines pre-Prohibition Chicago, then follows the story through Prohibition and into the modern era. There is also a list of every brewery that has operated in Chicago, and a suggested tour of some buildings still standing. This will appeal to anyone interested in Chicago history, as well as those intrigued by the trends and volatility of the business world.

Prepared by Keith Barlog, September 2011