The Top 9 non-fiction books of 2015 at the library
By Jimmie Epling, Director, Darlington County Library System
Last week you were introduced to the “top 9” most popular novels of 2015 at the Darlington County Library. Now we introduce you to the “top 9 non-fiction books of 2015.” The books “selected” are the ones most often check out by the Library’s customers since the beginning of the year. We invite you to stop by and pick up a couple of these to enjoy during the coming chilly days!
“The Wright Brothers” by David G. McCullough. Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner McCullough tells the surprising, profoundly American story of Wilbur and Orville Wright in this book. More than unschooled Dayton bicycle mechanics who happened to hit upon success, the brothers had exceptional courage and determination, far-ranging intellectual interests, and ceaseless curiosity they attributed to their upbringing. Nothing would stop them from becoming the first to fly a powered aircraft, even knowing every time they took off in one of their contrivances they risked their lives. A New York Times bestseller.
“The Oregon Trail: a New American Journey” by Rinker Buck. “The Oregon Trail” draws readers into the author’s journey of a lifetime. This is his account of travelling the length of the Oregon Trail as it was done beginning 175 years ago, in a covered wagon with a team of mules. Buck chronicles his journey in this moving personal saga while weaving in the rich history of the trail with stories of those who made the same journey long ago and the Trail’s significance to the country. A New York Times bestseller.
“Killing Reagan: the Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency” by Bill O’Reilly. This account of the career of President Ronald Reagan tells the vivid story of his rise to power and the forces of evil that conspired to bring him down. Just two months into his presidency, he lay near death after a gunman’s bullet came within inches of his heart. His recovery was nothing short of remarkable. But Reagan was grievously injured, forcing him to encounter a challenge that few men ever face. Could he silently overcome his traumatic experience while at the same time carrying out the duties of the most powerful man in the world? A New York Times bestseller.
“Dead Wake: the Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson. In May 1915, the luxury ocean liner Lusitania sailed out of New York bound for Liverpool, England carrying a record number of children and infants during WW I. There were no worries even though German submarines, U-boats, were bringing terror to the North Atlantic in an effort to defeat Britain. Larson captures the drama and emotional power that played out in the halls of government, aboard the British ship Lusitania, and within the German submarine U-20 that resulted in the sinking of the Lusitania and the setting of the stage for the U.S. entry into the war. A New York Times bestseller.
“Essential Oils for Health” by Kymberly Keniston-Pond. Discover how to use all-natural oils in your daily health and beauty routine. Here are step-by-step instructions and tips for 100 essential oil recipes that will help promote a healthy appearance, boost your memory and concentration, reduce insomnia, stress, and fatigue, and treat sore muscles, insect bites and sunburns. There’s really nothing essential oils can’t handle!
“Modern Romance” by Aziz Ansari. A few decades ago, people would find a decent person who lived in their neighborhood, courted, got married, and had a kid, all by the time they were twenty-four. Single people today have more romantic options than at any point in human history. With technology, our abilities to connect with and sort through these options are staggering. Today, people marry later than ever and spend years of their lives on a quest to find a soul mate. So why are so many people frustrated? Ansari combines his irreverent humor with cutting-edge social science to give us an unforgettable tour of our new romantic world. A New York Times bestseller.
“Legend: a Harrowing Story from the Vietnam War of One Green Beret’s Heroic Mission to Rescue a Special Forces Team Caught Behind Enemy Lines” by Eric Blehm. During the Vietnam War, a twelve-man Special Forces team was covertly inserted into Cambodia, which was off limits to U.S. troops, to prove the North Vietnamese were using it as a sanctuary and a supply line. What the team stumbled upon in the jungle was a concealed major enemy base. Soon they were surrounded by hundreds of NVA, under attack, low on ammunition, and stacking the bodies of the dead as cover in a desperate attempt to survive the onslaught. This is the story of the heroic efforts of Special Forces Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez to save the team.
“Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4 a Day” by Leanne Brown. This cookbook is filled with delicious, healthful recipes created for everyone on a tight budget. The author explores how well a person can eat on the $4 a day given by SNAP, the U.S. government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The answer is surprisingly well. These nutritious recipes maximize every ingredient and use the most economical cooking methods. This is a cookbook that every food lover with a conscience will embrace.
“Donna Bell’s Bake Shop: Recipes and Stories of Family, Friends, and Food” by Pauley Perrette. This is the heartwarming story of how NCIS star Pauley Perrette and her two best friends created an all-natural, Southern-style bake shop in Manhattan. Along with recipes, discover how one fantastic bakeshop brings warmth and happiness one treat at a time to the urban jungle that is New York City.
