Good Reads & Views

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Nonfiction

About the author: “Michelle McNamara (1970-2016) was the author of the website Truecrimediary.com. She earned an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Minnesota, worked as a consultant for "Dateline NBC," and had sold television pilots to ABC and Fox and a screenplay to Paramount. She lived in Los Angeles and is survived by her husband, Patton Oswalt, and their daughter, Alice” (https://www.bookreporter.com/authors/michelle-mcnamara).

Reviewers say: “What makes McNamara’s work so compelling is her empathy and sensitivity toward the people touched by these crimes.... I wish I could read the next 10 books she would have written” (Kate Tuttle, Los Angeles Times).

You might also like: When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain or Chase Darkness With Me by Billy Jensen (Journalist).   

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Murder Book: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Like her mother and grandmother before her, New Yorker cartoonist Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell is obsessed with true crime. This memoir in graphic novel format explores the author’s fascination with the genre, her family’s intense interest in the topic, and our culture’s seemingly insatiable appetite for these horrifying true stories.

Why you might like it: If you, too, are a true crime reader who’s not exactly sure why you find it so compelling, this book is an engrossing exploration of the genre’s appeal. This graphic novel is an introspective, cleverly illustrated investigation of true crime reading habits.

Reviewers say: “Campbell uses a conversational tone and lots of humor to delve into the history of true crime and its various formats, including books, television, movies, and podcasts” (Booklist).

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Dead Man Walking by Helen Prejean
Nonfiction 

What it’s about: Sister Helen Prejean is a Catholic nun. I anticipated this book would be very one sided based on her religion. I didn’t become interested in the book until after I saw the movie. The movie combines the two executions included in the book into one death row inmate story. Sister Helen Prejean does an amazing job of exploring the topic of capital punishment through the role of a spiritual guide.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy being deeply drawn into a story that you feel as though you’re there witnessing all of it, then you’ll appreciate Sister Helen Prejean's writing style.

You might also like: American Prison by Shane Bauer.

Visit Misty’s My Librarian Page