Some of our favorite nonfictional bios, history, and more. All these books and more are in Our Book Banter nonfiction library!
American Prometheus and Oppenheimer’s gift of fire
This biography is the compelling, enthralling story of a physicist whose work helped to end World War II. But, besides his brilliance, Oppenheimer was deeply troubled. Read our American Prometheus book review and book banter.
Carl Sagan wrote a thought-provoking book—it’s called Cosmos
I love reading about space and science, and possible life on other planets. And, I bet that you love reading about those things, too! Read our Cosmos book review and book banter for more information about this spine-tingling and thought-provoking book.
Mark Twain’s biography, a massive book
I love reading Mark Twain books. So naturally, I was excited to read a new, massive biography about the father of American literature. Read our review of Mark Twain by Ron Chernow, and then share your thoughts!
Overcoming the odds and conquering the pain—that’s Unbroken
I loved reading Laura Hillenbrand’s inspiring book about Seabiscuit. In it, she encapsulated how a group of disparate outsiders, including Seabiscuit, came together to compete. Her book, Unbroken, tells a similar, inspiring true story. Read our book review about Unbroken, and then share you thoughts!
The topical book of On the Plain of Snakes
Paul Theroux is one of my favorite travelogue writers. His prose is evocative, and he dares to go places that I never would ever consider. And that makes his books so compelling. Here’s our review of On the Plain of Snakes, along with more of our book banter.
A heart-wrenching part of humanity’s history revealed in The Diary of a Young Girl
So far, I’ve read Anne Frank’s diary three times. Unfortunately, each time her story seemed even more heartbreaking. Read our review of Anne’s The Diary of a Young Girl for more context. And, if you’ve read Anne Frank’s diary, please share your thoughts.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain was an artist. Not only was he a brilliant chef, but he was one of the best writers I have ever read. Read our Kitchen Confidential book banter, and learn more about this brilliant, but self-deprecating person.
Our Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom book banter
Frederick Douglass was a brilliant, self-taught slave who used his intellect and literacy to rise up and help end slavery. But, by fighting for freedom for all, he was persecuted. Thankfully, Douglass left an important legacy—to read about it, check out our Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom book banter and review. Then, get a copy.
The Spy and the Traitor book review and banter
I disagree with other reviewers who say that this book reads like a fictional spy thriller! But, is this book about spies still worth reading? Read our book review about The Spy and The Traitor, and then share your thoughts in our book-banter comments section!
Our October Sky book banter and movie discussion
October Sky was one of my favorite movies. But, the book contains a lot of information that wasn’t in the movie. So, should you read the book, too?
Read our October Sky book banter and review, and then decide for yourself!
The Best Land Under Heaven book banter and review, and more
The Donner family had lofty goals—they wanted to move to California. There, they could claim their own land and farm its fertile soils. And, they believed the West would provide a better future of hope and wealth for their children.
Read The Best Land Under Heaven book review and banter. Then, share your thoughts about the hardships experienced by the Donner family, and the Manifest Destiny that propelled them out West.
Our Deep South book banter and other observations
I’ve driven throughout the southern United States, but not in the deep South, as Theroux’s travel book describes. The author visited places and talked with people I would never interact with. But, thanks to this book, I did it all vicariously.
For a deeper understanding of this beautiful and bewitching part of the country, read our Deep South book banter and review.
Our Outliers book banter and review
Sometimes success seems so elusive. We try, but many times we fail? What are the characteristics of successful people? Read our Outliers book banter and review to discover some surprising aspects about the most successful people.
Our Shoe Dog book banter and more…
The story of Nike and Phil Knight unfolds just like a move. In other words, this book really moved us.
But, to get the full story of how much we enjoyed this book, read our Shoe Dog book banter review. Maybe you’ll want to read this book, too!
Read The Devil in the White City book review and book banter for our thoughts
The 1893 World’s Fair that took place in Chicago was an interesting affair. In addition to all the technological innovations it showcased, there was a serial killer wreaking havoc in the city, too! Read The Devil in the White City book review and our banter, and then share your thoughts!
For the Love of Physics book review and book banter
I bet that you are fascinated by science and the universe and how time seems to fly by! If so, you should read our book review of For the Love of Physics! And get your children to read this book, too. Maybe they will want to be scientists one day, just like Professor Walter Lewin.
The Non-Designer’s Design Book review and principles of good design
For most of my life, I considered myself to be a ‘non-designer’! So, imagine my surprise when I found a book entitled The Non-Designer’s Design Book—it sounded like this book could help me! Read our review of The Non-Designer’s Design Book, and see if those design principles might improve your designing life!
Content and photos by Doug Martin and Our Book Banter
