November Nonfiction Round-Up (11/29/2023)

This week, we are highlighting the complexities of crime, parole, and law in America—from the Florida marshlands to the prison-industrial complex. Additionally, for a different perspective, an original dive into comedy and culture, alongside an inspiring account of trans activism, will uplift hearts and minds.

GATOR COUNTRY: DECEPTION, DANGER, AND ALLIGATORS IN THE EVERGLADES BY REBECCA RENNER

“Mixing stranger-than-fiction true crime with regional history and flashes of memoir, this fascinating debut from science journalist and Florida native Renner follows two men on opposite sides of the law. Renner teases out the moral ambiguities with a grace and rigor reminiscent of Susan Orlean’s THE ORCHID THIEF. Beautifully evoking the ‘sawgrass plains and wild strands of jungle’ of its author’s home state, this tale of power, politics, and tradition is a triumph.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

CORRECTION: PAROLE, PRISON, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF CHANGE BY BEN AUSTEN

“Austen explores why and how indeterminate sentencing with the possibility of parole fell out of favor in the ‘tough-on-crime’ era and was replaced with mandatory sentencing, and why some are now encouraging a return. Writing in the mode of Alex Kotlowitz, Austen provides a thoughtful and clarifying look at parole and its often fraught place in the arc of the criminal justice system in the U.S, which ‘locks up a quarter of the world’s incarcerated people.'”—Booklist, starred review

COMEDY BOOK: HOW COMEDY CONQUERED CULTURE—AND THE MAGIC THAT MAKES IT WORK BY JESSE DAVID FOX

“Every page is packed with dozens of pop culture references to figures and media from the recent past, making this a perfect read for millennials who, like Fox, grew up with the comedy material on offer. Fox also explores contemporary issues in comedy, such as artificial intelligence, image-focused social media domination, political correctness, and a political landscape populated by celebrities. This book is more a journey through pop culture than it is a guide to craft, but comedy nerds will rejoice.”—Booklist

THE RISK IT TAKES TO BLOOM: ON LIFE AND LIBERATION BY RAQUEL WILLIS

“Journalist Willis debuts with an amiable chronicle of her transformation as a Black trans woman and her activism on behalf of the trans community. This pleasantly conversational memoir mixes somber activism and youthful levity, combining glittering details of a buoyant social life with sorrowful reflections on violence against trans people. It’s an inspiring account.”—Publishers Weekly

GATOR COUNTRY by Rebecca Renner; 9781250842572; 11/13/24
CORRECTION: PAROLE, PRISON AND THE POSSIBILITY OF CHANGE by Ben Austen; 9781250758804; 11/7/24
COMEDY BOOK: HOW COMEDY CONQUERED CULTURE—AND THE MAGIC THAT MAKES IT WORK; 9780374604714; 11/7/24
THE RISK IT TAKES TO BLOOM: ON LIFE AND LIBERATION; 9781250275684; 11/14/24