Books matching: creative nonfiction
84 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Encounters with the Archdruid' by John McPhee is a non-fiction book that delves into the interactions between humans and the natural world, particularly focusing on the environmental conservation movement. Through a series of encounters between David Brower, a prominent environmentalist, and individuals with conflicting views on conservation and development, the book explores the complexities and debates surrounding the balance needed between preserving wilderness and utilizing natural resources. McPhee's writing style is described as detailed, descriptive, and thought-provoking, framing the nature vs. man debate that underlies many environmental issues.
A small cabin stands in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, about a hundred yards off a trail that crosses the Cascade Range. In midsummer, the cabin looked strange in the forest. It was only twelve feet squ... - #2
Save:'The Songlines' by Bruce Chatwin is a fascinating exploration of the Aboriginal culture in Australia, focusing on the Dreaming Tracks and nomadic lifestyle. Chatwin weaves together his own experiences in Australia with reflections on the importance of movement, storytelling, and human connection to the land. The book combines elements of travelogue, memoir, and philosophical musings, offering a unique perspective on the history and traditions of the Aboriginal people.
The writing style of 'The Songlines' is described as immersive, thought-provoking, and occasionally disjointed. Chatwin's narrative shifts between fictionalized travel accounts, excerpts from his notebooks, and reflections on anthropology and nomadism. The book delves into the complexities of Aboriginal culture, the significance of Songlines, and the author's personal journey of discovery and understanding.
His father, Ivan Volchok, was a Cossack from a village near Rostov-on-Don, who, in 1942, was arrested and sent with a trainload of other Ostarbeiter to work in a German factory. One night, somewhere i... - #3
Save:'Sex on the Moon' by Ben Mezrich tells the true story of Thad Roberts, an excommunicated Mormon college student who lands an internship at NASA, falls in love with a fellow intern, and steals moon rocks from a not-so-secure lab at the Johnson Space Center. The narrative unfolds the path that led Thad to the heist, portraying him as a fascinating yet not very likable character with a penchant for making questionable decisions. Mezrich's writing style is fast-paced, with a mix of fiction-like dialogue and a focus on the dramatic and intriguing moments of the story.
delves into Thad's background, his motivations, and the consequences of his actions, providing insights into NASA's co-op program, Thad's moral dilemmas, and the aftermath of his crime. Despite some flaws and inconsistencies, the book offers a suspenseful and entertaining read, blending elements of a crime drama with a character study of a young man who throws away his future for reasons that remain inexplicable.
One year earlier, astronauts, Mars, and NASA scientists had been the furthest things from Thad’s thoughts as he huddled, trembling, in the backseat of his parents’ oversized gray van, waiting for his ... - #4
Save:'High Tide in Tucson' by Barbara Kingsolver is a collection of essays that delve into various topics close to the author's heart, including personal experiences, nature, writing, and social commentary. Kingsolver's writing style is described as vivid, descriptive, and poignant, blending sincerity with humor. The essays cover a range of subjects such as motherhood, life, freedom, individuality, and navigating adulthood, all presented in a beautifully written manner that challenges readers' thinking.
A hermit crab lives in my house. Here in the desert he’s hiding out from local animal ordinances, at minimum, and maybe even the international laws of native-species transport. For sure, he’s an outla... - #5
Save:'Memories of a Catholic Girlhood' by Mary McCarthy is a collection of memoirs that recount the author's experiences as a young girl orphaned after her parents' deaths during the 1918 flu epidemic. The stories provide a glimpse into McCarthy's upbringing in a Catholic environment, her struggles with faith, and her reflections on the impact of Catholicism on her life. The writing style is described as a combination of long, sensual sentences and a strong, journalistic voice, creating a compelling narrative that blends humor and heartbreak.
- #6
Save:Draft No. 4 by John McPhee is a collection of essays that delve into the writing process, offering insights and advice on crafting compelling pieces for publication. The book covers various aspects of writing, from structuring a narrative to the importance of omission, all illustrated through McPhee's own experiences and anecdotes. Readers are taken on a journey through different chapters that touch upon topics like fact-checking, revision, and the intricate details that go into creating a well-crafted piece of nonfiction.
In the resonance between the two sides, added dimension might develop. Maybe I would twice meet myself coming the other way. Or four times. Who could tell what might happen? In any case, one plus one ... - #7
Save:A Kim Jong-Il Production narrates the true story of South Korean filmmaker Shin Sang Ok and his actress ex-wife Choi Eun Hee, who were kidnapped by North Korea's Kim Jong Il to revitalize the country's film industry. Forced to remarry, the couple spent years producing propaganda films for Kim Jong Il before escaping. The book combines historical research, interviews, and creative nonfiction to provide a captivating insight into the hermit kingdom and the bizarre events surrounding the kidnapping. Through a mix of facts and narrative, the author Paul Fischer weaves a masterful story that sheds light on the oppressive regime of North Korea and the resilience of its people.
The narrative unfolds by detailing the history of the Korean Peninsula, focusing on the Kim dynasty's rule and Kim Jong Il's ascent to power. Fischer skillfully blends testimonies, historical data, and his own experiences in North Korea to create an engaging and authoritative voice that bridges popular storytelling with academic research. The book delves into the personal lives of the kidnapped filmmakers, offering a dramatic and suspenseful account of their ordeal in North Korea. By exploring the power dynamics within the country and the role of propaganda in shaping society, A Kim Jong-Il Production provides a unique perspective on North Korea's enigmatic leader and the intricate world of filmmaking under his regime.
The reception was part of the closing ceremonies of the Seventh Asia-Pacific Film Festival, an annual competition to honor and give awards to Asia’s best films. Thirty-five years old and standing tall... - #8
Save:'But Beautiful: A Book about Jazz' by Geoff Dyer is a unique exploration of jazz music through a series of imaginative profiles of legendary musicians such as Lester Young, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Ben Webster, Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, Art Pepper, and Duke Ellington. The book blurs the lines between fact and fiction, offering penetrating glimpses into the lives of these artists, capturing their struggles, creativity, and the allure of jazz. Geoff Dyer's writing style is described as original, surprising, and full of twists, mirroring the essence of jazz music itself.
It was the quiet time of the evening, between the day people heading home from work and the night people arriving at Birdland. From his hotel window he watched Broadway grow dark and greasy with halfh... 'Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad' by Austin Kleon is a motivational and inspiring read that aims to spur creative individuals on to perseverance and sustainability in their practice. The book offers tips, tricks, and techniques on how to stay creative during good times and bad, providing a blend of realistic and optimistic practical advice for writers, artists, and creatives of all types. Kleon's writing style is simple, engaging, and peppered with relevant quotes, humor, chuckle-worthy illustrations, black-out poetry, and advice from other creatives, making it an inspirational and practical guide for living a good and satisfying life despite the chaos that sometimes surrounds us.
A daily routine will get you through the day and help you make the most of it. “A schedule defends from chaos and whim,” writes Annie Dillard. “It is a net for catching days.” When you don’t know what...- #10
Save:"Holy the Firm" by Annie Dillard is a short yet powerful book that delves into the exploration of what is holy, what is good, and what is certain. The author's writing style is described as a prose poem, seeking to reckon with the place people have in the world, touching on themes of nature, God, suffering, and one's own beliefs. The book is moving and profound, written in an earthy way that is both intense and thoughtful about God, tragedy, and fierce landscapes. Dillard's exploration of the extremes of beauty and pain, as well as the coexistence of both in life, is a central theme that resonates throughout the book.
Every day is a god, each day is a god, and holiness holds forth in time. I worship each god, I praise each day splintered down, splintered down and wrapped in time like a husk, a husk of many colors s...
