March Nonfiction (3/29/23)

This month was filled with nonfiction that will make you think, with a dive into American history, an environmentalist and activist’s memoir, an examination of America’s foster care system, a look at toxic positivity, and a manifesto on the value of listening.

BENJAMIN BANNEKER AND US: ELEVEN GENERATIONS OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY BY RACHEL JAMISON WEBSTER

2 starred reviews!

“While Webster does not shy away from the uglier aspects of this history…a sense of optimism pervades, and her expansive imagination and fluid prose bring these historical figures to life. It’s an enthralling and clear-eyed celebration of America’s multiracial past and present.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Drawing on her acute sensitivity to language and bias…and meshing [her] family history with the brutal realities of Banneker’s time, Webster has created an engrossing…[and] profoundly thoughtful…inquiry that forms a clarifying lens on America’s ongoing struggles against racism and endemic injustice.”–Booklist, starred review

BIRDGIRL: LOOKING TO THE SKIES IN SEARCH OF A BETTER FUTURE BY MYA-ROSE CRAIG

2 starred reviews!

“Seeing other countries and how Indigenous peoples live moved Craig to create her blog, Birdgirl, and become an environmental activist with a focus on involving other young people of color. This is a forthright and compelling chronicle by a remarkable birder, environmentalist, and advocate.”–Booklist, starred review

“Although the descriptions of her travels and countless interesting birds are eye-opening and fascinating, it’s the author’s sharp focus on how bird-watching became an important part of the family’s process of working with her mother’s mental illness that makes the text stand out from other birding memoirs.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

WE WERE ONCE A FAMILY: A STORY OF LOVE, DEATH, AND CHILD REMOVAL IN AMERICA BY ROXANNA ASGARIAN

2 starred reviews!

“Throughout, Asgarian makes clear that the endemic failures that led to this shocking tragedy continue to affect countless families caught up in the child welfare system. Sensitive, impassioned, and eye-opening, this is a must-read.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“This personal narrative twines around a history of the arbitrary, woefully inadequate legislation and funding at both state and federal levels accorded to orphaned and foster children in the U.S…News of the shocking story garnered substantial attention, so expect considerable interest in Asgarian’s thoroughly researched and revelatory retelling.”–Booklist, starred review

EMOTIONAL LABOR: THE INVISIBLE WORK SHAPING OUR LIVES AND HOW TO CLAIM OUR POWER BY ROSE HACKMAN

“This is an inspiring, infuriating study of the toll it takes on people when they’re expected to smile, while taking on more and exhausting responsibilities without getting paid more. This is a call to action for individuals and the organizations that sustain these practices.”–Library Journal, starred review

STFU: THE POWER OF KEEPING YOUR MOUTH SHUT IN AN ENDLESSLY NOISY WORLD BY DAN LYONS

“A less noisy life is not easy to achieve, Lyons advises, but improvements can be made with small, gradual steps. Think of it as a workout for your mind. Take it easy, let yourself relax, and, most of all, STFU. In an era when shouting is the norm, this is a sage guide to a quieter, more considered, and more enjoyable life.”–Kirkus Reviews

BENJAMIN BANNEKER AND US: ELEVEN GENERATIONS OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY by Rachel Jamison Webster; 9781250827302; available now
BIRDGIRL: LOOKING TO THE SKIES IN SEARCH OF A BETTER FUTURE by Mya-Rose Craig; 9781250807670; available now
WE WERE ONCE A FAMILY: A STORY OF LOVE, DEATH, AND CHILD REMOVAL IN AMERICA by Roxanna Asgarian; 9780374602291; available now
EMOTIONAL LABOR: THE INVISIBLE WORK SHAPING OUR LIVES AND HOW TO CLAIM OUR POWER by Rose Hackman; 9781250777355; available now
STFU: THE POWER OF KEEPING YOUR MOUTH SHUT IN AN ENDLESSLY NOISY WORLD by Dan Lyons; 9781250850348; available now