Good Reads & Views

Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky
Nonfiction

What it is: The history of an ordinary substance, the only rock humans consume. Throughout civilization, salt has been used as currency, influenced the establishment of trade routes, financed wars and secured empires. And flavored our food, of course.

Want a taste? “The Romans salted their greens, believing this to counteract the natural bitterness, which is the origin of the word salad, salted.” “It takes two years for the salt to reach the center of a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.”

Reviewers say: “Throughout his engaging, well-researched history, Kurlansky sprinkles witty asides and amusing anecdotes. A piquant blend of the historic, political, commercial, scientific and culinary, the book is sure to entertain as well as educate” (Publishers Weekly).

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They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
Nonfiction 

What it’s about: George Takei and his family were taken to an internment camp during World War II. Although young George looked at the trip to the camp as an adventure, he also saw in hindsight how stressful the situation was for his parents. He discusses how they coped during the war and afterwards, how they struggled as a result of losing their home, their dry-cleaning business, and nearly their citizenship.

Why you should read it: This is an eye-opening look at the experience of an American family and the racism they endured because of other people’s fears after Pearl Harbor. It’s also a poignant study of the love the Takei parents had for their children, making the best they could out of a dreadful situation.

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The Food Explorer by Daniel Stone
Nonfiction

What it’s about: The true adventures of one David Fairchild, 19th-century botanist and food explorer, who was responsible for the introduction of various crops to the American marketplace, ranging from avocadoes and mangoes to seedless grapes and pomegranates.

Why you might like it: This adventure story reads like fiction and provides lots of “did you know…” tidbits, like who the Myer lemon is named after and why there are all those avocados being grown in California.

Reviewers say: “An erudite and entertaining historical biography of a food pioneer with particular interest for gastronomes and agriculture enthusiasts” (Kirkus Review).

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Time Song: Journeys in Search of a Submerged Land by Julia Blackburn
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Once upon a time, not so long ago, England was connected to Europe by land. First a savannah, with mastodons, mammoths, and woolly rhinos, it changed as the earth’s temperature rose. Grasslands gave way to marshes, rivers, and woodlands, ideal for human habitation, until enough ice had melted to inundate the land. What was once Doggerland is now under the North Sea, known primarily by what comes up in fishing nets.

What the reviewers say: “Exploring natural history as part of humanity, this unique, artistic, and original work will be enjoyed by a wide range of readers.” (Library Journal)

You might also like: Underland by Robert MacFarlane, Sightlines by Kathleen Jamie, and Wildwood by Roger Deakin.

Underland: A Deep Time Survey by Robert MacFarlane
Nonfiction

What it’s about: MacFarlane delves far underground, into natural caves, catacombs, scientific laboratories in old mines, the roots of a forest, hidden rivers, nuclear waste storage, and more. Sometimes it’s a matter of walking down a few steps; sometimes he rappels deep into the earth. As he explores, he tells stories of the people who preceded him into darkness.

What the reviewers say: “In the astonishing, keen sequel to The Old Ways, revered nature writer Macfarlane considers the disparate spaces humanity has used to shelter, yield, and dispose that which we fear and wish to lose, and that which we love and wish to save.” (Booklist)

You might also like: the other books in MacFarlane’s series: Mountains of the Mind and The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot, as well as To a Mountain in Tibet by Colin Thubron

The Library by Stuart Kells
Nonfiction

What it’s about: A history of the ongoing struggle to create important books and beautiful libraries, and then preserve them against the ravages of time, carelessness, and ignorance

Who it’s for: Anyone who loves beautiful libraries and rare books

Pro tip: Read it with a tablet at your side to Google gorgeous pictures of the featured libraries

Travel as a Political Act by Rick Steves
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Travel guru Rick Steves encourages travelers to go outside their comfort zone and engage with the places they travel in a more meaningful way – talking with local people, discussing local news and historical events, and becoming aware of other points of view and other ways of living.

Why you should read it: As he’s done with Mona Winks, his guide to European art museums, Steves gives world history lessons in small and enjoyable doses. He makes the case for travel as a way to better engage with the world rather than just sightsee and draws upon his own experiences to show how travel has changed his ways of thinking.

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The Ravenmaster by Christopher Skaife
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Ravens have made the Tower of London their home for centuries. According to legend, the Tower, and England itself, will fall if they ever leave. To discourage that possibility, one of the Yeoman Warders is assigned to watch over their welfare and happiness. Christopher Skaife, along with his staff, is the officer who currently feeds and doctors them, climbs after them if they get into trouble, retrieves them if they go wandering, and frequently finds himself the target of raven humor.

What the reviewers say: “In this lively and often cheeky narrative, first-time author Skaife puts a human face on the Beefeaters (aka Yeoman Warders)-the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London-and the distinctive ravens under their care.” Publishers Weekly

Life lesson:  Never ever underestimate the ravens.

Book of Ages : The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill LePore
Nonfiction

Who it’s about: Benjamin Franklin’s youngest sister

What sets it apart: The Revolutionary War from the viewpoint of an intelligent if uneducated woman with an inside look at the forming of these United States. Through Benjamin’s letters she was much better informed than most civilians about the great events taking place in Philadelphia. Through the dislocations the war forced upon her—Benjamin Franklin’s sister could not allow herself to be captured by the British, and they kept invading cities she lived in—she learned firsthand the pain the war caused ordinary citizens, as she tried to protect her family and herself.

Who it’s for: Anyone interested in a unique take on the Revolutionary War period>

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The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candice Fleming
YA Nonfiction

What it’s about: While steeped in true events, the Family Romanov reads more like a novel than a non-fiction. Follow the imperial family through the glamor and mystical intrigue of their royal lives through what led them to their gruesome fall from power. This text is full of fascinating photographs and thought-provoking excerpts that both humanize and vilify the extravagant imperial household.

Awards: Award winning Young Adult Nonfiction with 21 honors in 2014.