MCPL Best of 2023: Pre-2023 Favorites Adult Nonfiction and Youth TitlesLike this list

51 items

• All the Young Men

  a Memoir of Love, AIDS, and Chosen Family in the American South

  Burks, Ruth Coker,

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  Elizabeth says, "A riveting memoir by a woman who became an advocate for AIDS patients in Arkansas in the 1980s, despite fierce prejudice and discrimination against her and the people she helped. " Recommended by Elizabeth from the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A Spy Among Friends

  Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal

  Macintyre, Ben, 1963-

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  Hannah says, "The true story of Nicholas Elliott and Kim Philby, two best friends who meet at university and share a moral conviction of patriotism. They are both hired into Britain's intelligence agency, MI6, and spend the next twenty…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Atomic Habits-- Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

  An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

  Clear, James,

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  Josh says, "Eminently readable and actionable. A great blueprint for self-reflection and change." Recommended by Josh from the Withers Branch.

• Know My Name

  a Memoir

  Miller, Chanel

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  The sexual assault survivor from the Brock Turner case tells her story in "powerful memoir about trauma done to the body and the trauma of going through the American justice system". Recommended by LynnDee from the Parkville Branch.

• A Very Punchable Face

  Jost, Colin, 1982-

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  Mary says, " Of course it was funny; he's a comedy writer. But it was also surprisingly moving and extremely smart and well-written." Recommended by Mary from the Smithville Branch.

• Between Two Kingdoms

  a Memoir of a Life Interrupted

  Jaouad, Suleika

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  A leukemia survivor shares her story of healing and connection in this affecting memoir. Recommended by Diana from the Development Department.

• Catification

  Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!)

  Galaxy, Jackson,

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  An interior design book that shows how to make your home work for you--and your furry felines! Recommended by Sara from the Colbern Road Library Center.

• Braiding Sweetgrass

  Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants

  Kimmerer, Robin Wall,

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  In beautiful essays, Kimmerer, a member of the Pottowatami Nation and a botanist, weaves together the worlds of nature and indigenous culture. Recommended by Diane from the Oak Grove Branch.

• Beyond the Wand

  the Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard

  Felton, Tom, 1987-

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  Felton, the actor who plays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, shares what it was like growing up as part of a cultural phenomenon in this memoir. Recommended by Tricia from the Lee's Summit Branch.

• Finding Me

  Davis, Viola, 1965-

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  Angela says, "(Audio version read by Viola best way to read.) The gritty, moving story of her life so far. " Recommended by Angela from the Kearney Branch.

• Women and Other Monsters

  Building a New Mythology

  Zimmerman, Jess,

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  Bee says, "Everyone should read this take on how ancient mythology plays into the perception and treatment of women today." Recommended by Bee from Technical Services.

• Puppies for Dummies

  Hodgson, Sarah,

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  Lindsay says, "This book was a lifesaver when we brought our puppy home. I recommend it to any first time puppy parents!" Recommended by Lindsay from the Development Department.

• Garlic and Sapphires

  the Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise

  Reichl, Ruth

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  Elise says, "I recommend the audiobook. Very fun, light book about the food critic of the New York Times in the 90s" Recommended by Elise from the Antioch Branch.

• I'd Like to Play Alone, Please

  Essays

  Segura, Tom,

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  Comedian and podcaster Segura delivers a series of comedic essays on the pleasures of solitude and celebrity encounters, among other topics. Recommended by Eden from the Platte City and Weston Branches.

• My Jesus

  From Heartache to Hope

  Wilson, Anne, 2002-

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  Bethany says, "It is always encouraging to read about someone overcoming heartache. It was inspiring." Recommended by Bethany from the Green Hills Library Center.

• Séance

  Taggart, Shannon, 1975-

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  The author spent two decades documenting spirtitualist practices and in search of the supernatural, resulting in this photography book. Recommended by Rebecca from the Buckner Branch.

• Stiff

  the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

  Roach, Mary

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  We've all heard about giving our bodies to science. In this humorous and fascinating tour, Roach walks us through the various practices and breakthroughs, both current and historical, that come from cadavers. Recommended by Abigail from…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Deepest Well

  Healing the Long-term Effects of Childhood Adversity

  Burke Harris, Nadine, 1975-

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  The author shares the impact that childhood stress and adversity have on health outcomes and how to break the cycle. Recommended by Shir from the Green Hills Library Center.

• Untamed

  Doyle, Glennon, 1976-

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  Doyle's memoir is also an impassioned call for women (and everyone) to live their inner truths regardless of social conditioning, institutional norms, or societal expectations. Recommended by Kirsti from the Reading Rocket.

• Vacuuming in the Nude

  and Other Ways to Get Attention

  Rowe, Peggy,

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  If you've ever dreamed of writing your own book, it's never too late! Rowe's debut was published at eighty, sharing how she's navigated life with humor and resolve. Recommended by Pamlia from the Lee's Summit Branch.