Library staff across the city weighed in on their favorite nonfiction books published in 2023 – and what a great, eclectic list we have! Read on for highlights of the excellent nonfiction included (these are books favorited by multiple staff), or jump right into the full 62-item list.
Pageboy by Elliot Page
“In this timely and affecting memoir, actor Elliot Page reveals his inner struggles with self-worth, fame, and vulnerability. Page’s story is an important and moving personal exploration of identity, gender, and sexuality during a time where society does not always allow space for that experience.” (Booklist)
Poverty, By America by Matthew Desmond
“…a brilliantly researched and artfully written study of how the U.S. has failed to effectively address the issue of poverty. Thankfully, as Desmond reveals the frustrating ways in which private and public systems designed to help the poor have fallen short, he also uses his knowledge of the subject to explore what works and identify potential solutions that merit further consideration.” (Booklist)
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H.
“A queer Muslim writer and organizer chronicles a life navigating between religion and culture. As the author examines her evolving relationship to her religion, she also vibrantly explores what it means to live with an open-minded, open-hearted activist seeking to change the world for the better. A hopeful and uplifting memoir.” (Kirkus)
How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler
“In this captivating debut, science writer Imbler shines a light on the mysterious sea creatures that live in Earth’s most inhospitable reaches, drawing parallels to their own experience of adaptation and survival.” (Publishers Weekly)
Exit Interview by Kristi Coulter
“A firsthand look at the jungle that is Amazon.com. With wry humor, Coulter provides candid insights about life, love, and gender as well as surviving a toxic workplace.” (Kirkus)
The Last Gay Man on Earth by Ype Driessen
“Dutch cartoonist Driessen makes his English-language debut with a witty fotonovela memoir sprinkled with flights of fancy. It’s both a frank and funny slice of queer life and a fresh take on comics autobiography.” (Publishers Weekly)
But Will You Love Me Tomorrow? An Oral History of the ‘60s Girl Groups by Emily Sieu Liebowitz and Laura Flam
“Loud, long-overdue applause for some of pop music’s most talented singers. In this collaboration, Flam … and Liebowitz … unfold an extensive oral history of the many dynamic girl groups from roughly 1950 to 1970. These groups, usually comprised of young Black women, represent a powerful era of popular music that often goes unrecognized.” (Kirkus)
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
“Grammy-winning music producer Rubin debuts with a meditative manual on how to boost one’s creativity. Music fans will rejoice.” (Publishers Weekly)
~ posted by Andrea G.
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