MCPL Best of 2023: Adult NonfictionLike this list

58 items

• The Madman's Gallery

  the Strangest Paintings, Sculptures and Other Curiosities From the History of Art

  Brooke-Hitching, Edward

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  Megan says, " I love a good book that captures most of the more eccentric and macabre sides of historic art collections. This book was very thorough in the exploration of many forgotten collections and showcased them in a very readable…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Wager

  a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder

  Grann, David

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  Nicholas says, "From the acclaimed writer of Killers of the Flower Moon comes a tale of mutiny and murder, deftly showing us the ruthlessness of human nature combined with the mercilessness of the sea." Recommended by Nicholas from the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Teachers

  a Year Inside America's Most Vulnerable, Important Profession

  Robbins, Alexandra, 1976-

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  Ethan says, "The author follows several teachers in a variety of disciplines as they make their way through a school year." Recommended by Ethan from the Kearney Branch.

• Project 562

  Changing the Way We See Native America

  Wilbur, Matika,

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  Kat says, "I loved learning about the many diverse Indigenous tribes in North America. The intimate interviews and photographs Matika shares with her readers are just so special and should be celebrated." Recommended by Kat from the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson's Creek

  How Seven Teen Shows Transformed Television

  Glassman, Thea,

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  Mary says, "This book was basically an oral history on seven genre-defining teen TV shows, and I found it so fascinating!" Recommended by Mary from the Smithville Branch.

• 2023 Night Sky Almanac

  a Month-by-month Guide to North America's Skies From the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

  Mortillaro, Nicole, 1972-

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  Explore the night skies and the wonders it offers with this astronomical guide. Recommended by Bee from the Technical Services Department.

• Poverty, by America

  Desmond, Matthew

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  Desmond's passionate account discusses poverty in America not by focusing on the poor--but on the rest of Americans and the systems that rely upon and exploit those in poverty. Recommended by Hanna from Marketing and Angie from Reader…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A Fever in the Heartland

  the Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them

  Egan, Timothy,

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  Egan's latest engaging history book captures the rise and fall of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s through the story of the charismatic Grand Dragon D. C. Stephenson and the ordinary woman Madge Oberholtzer who helped bring him down.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A Guide to Midwestern Conversation

  Phillips, Taylor Kay

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  Lily says, "Full of odd local sayings and their unexpected meanings, this book is very relatable and funny for us here in the Midwest." Recommended by Lily from the Antioch Branch.

• Crochet Creatures of Myth & Legend

  Lapp, Megan, 1984-

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  If one of your plans for 2024 involves indulging your creative side, you might want to learn how to crochet a dragon, unicorn, or griffin with the help of this book. Recommended by Innes from the Midwest Genealogy Center.

• Gay Poems for Red States

  Carver, Willie Edward Taylor, Jr.,

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  Steven says, "Carver is a former Kentucky teacher-of-the-year who was driven out of education by the recent resurgence in LGBTQ discrimination across the country, and this volume of poetry is a result of him processing his experiences as a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Gentle Writing Advice

  How to Be a Writer Without Destroying Yourself

  Wendig, Chuck

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  Wendig is a bestselling author of over two dozen books and a blog in which he occasionally dispenses writing advice, among other opinions. This writing guide dispels common writing myths while also portraying the whole life of the writer.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• American Ghost Stories

  True Tales From All 50 States

  Kozlowski, Michael A.,

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  Take a cross-country tour through haunted spaces and places. Recommended by Abigail from the Buckner Branch.

• Arranging Things

  King, Colin (Stylist),

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  Every homeowner has collected lots of objects that have personal significance or they find beautiful. Decorator King gives tips on how to meaningfully and aesthetically arrange objects for maximum appeal. Recommended by Lucy from…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Oscar Wars

  a History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears

  Schulman, Michael

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  Schulman's entertaining history of the film industry's preeminent awards includes all the stars, scandals, rivals, controversies, and gossip surrounding the Oscars. Recommended by Ethan from the Lone Jack Branch.

• Safe and Sound

  a Renter-friendly Guide to Home Repair

  Stardust, Mercury

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  Renters will appreciate this home repair guide that particularly tackles basic home repairs with their perspective in mind, covering everything from patching walls to unclogging drains. Recommended by Anna from the Withers Branch.

• Behold the Monster

  Confronting America's Most Prolific Serial Killer

  Lauren, Jillian,

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  Kayla says, "This book shed light on a serial killer who believed in his love for his victims, and it took someone like the author to face his ugliness and discover the pieces of the truth within his delusion." Recommended by Kayla from…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Football 100

  Sando, Mike,

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  Are these the 100 best football players of all time? Read their stories while debating about the rankings and exclusions. Recommended by Emily from the South Independence Branch.

• Black AF History

  the Un-whitewashed Story of America

  Harriot, Michael

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  Columnist and political commentator Harriot draws upon the work of Black historians, scholars, and journalists in this humorous and direct reexamination of American history that centers the contributions and experiences of Black Americans.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Mother Tongue

  the Surprising History of Women's Words

  Nuttall, Jenni, 1975-2024

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  Scholar Nuttall examines the history of words that have been used for women's bodies, childbirth, and gender, among other topics, as a way to also explore how language both reflects and changes as societal views around women have changed.…Read moreRead more of this annotation