I usually consider non-fiction books to be resources to consult, not to read straight through. I have read "The Worst Hard Time" in that way. It was especially interesting to me because I Lived one year (1937=38), when I was 3 years old, in the southwest corner of Kansas. I was sent to live with my grandparents in north central Oklahoma for several months to get away from the dust. The map in the front of the book shows that to be just outside (50 or so miles) the Dust Bowl.
I also have read an interesting memoir from that time period: "Little Heathens" by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. The subtitle is "hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm during the Great Drpression. I think it would be great for all younger people to read at least part of books like these.
posted by marvee
over 2 years ago
I have been inspired by non-fiction books especially biographies, autobiographies, stories of achievements and ways people deal with life. Jane Fonda's story My Life So Far was enlightening as to her struggles, Gail Sheehy's Sex and the Seasoned Woman was an entertaining read and Malcolm Gladwell's books, Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers were fascinating.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin
about a man who build schools for Afghanistan children in the heart of Taliban country
The Hairstons by Henry Wiencek
the study of one of America's largest clans and its struggle with slavery and its legacy
Witnesses of War by Nicholas Stargardt
this is about childrens' lives under Nazi occupation (a great read!)
all of these are very good books if you like non-fiction. I've read all three and enjoyed them, although not light reading, all are very well written and interesting.
posted by cmad55
over 2 years ago
Thanks for all the tips! I keep a "books to read" list in my purse and when I am in the library, I look for them, or have my librarian do a search of other libraries for them. Sometimes I keep them busy!
I especially liked "Little Heathens". Do read it!
