Seattle Staff Faves 2024: Nonfiction
Every year we ask our staff across the library system for their favorite books published in the current year. Enjoy this variety of nonfiction staff favorites, with annotations by staff members or as noted. (created November 2024)
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There's Always This Year
The acclaimed poet and cultural critic uses his lifelong relationship with basketball to muse on the ways in which we grow attached to our hometowns, even when they fail us. Lyrically stunning and profoundly moving, the confessional text wanders through a variety of topics without ever losing its vulnerability, insight, or focus. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Autocracy, Inc
The noted journalist and student of tyranny turns her attention to Trump, Putin, and numerous other modern authoritarians. Central to any discussion of modern totalitarianism. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Briefly Perfectly Human
A poetic, inspiring book about how embracing our mortality allows us to find our deepest selves and truly connect with others. Arthur's powerful memoir underlines the value of every life. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Get the Picture
Journalist Bosker takes an energetic jaunt through the elitist and competitive world of contemporary art. Connoisseurs and neophytes alike will be charmed and captivated by Bosker’s boundless curiosity and astute powers of observation. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Signs of Vanishing Seattle
Signs of Vanishing Seattle celebrates places loved and lost by documenting a community-sourced collection of salvaged signs from gathering spaces and social landmarks that have shaped Seattle's visual and cultural landscape over the years. (Publisher description)
Format: Book
Availability: In-library use only at this time
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Safety Through Solidarity
Two social activists and journalists investigate the complicated layers of persistent antisemitism in society, especially in light of what they consider Israel’s unjust treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. Burley and Lorber admirably and forthrightly explore the "multitudes" of Jewish experience through a variety of voices and organizations. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Who's Afraid of Gender?
A deeply informed critique of the malicious initiatives currently using gender as a political tool to arouse fear and strengthen political and religious institutions. This is a wonderfully thoughtful and impassioned book on a critically important centerpiece of contemporary authoritarianism and patriarchy. A master class in how gender has been weaponized in support of conservative values and authoritarian regimes. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Suffrage Song
A thoughtful and well-researched graphic history of the women's rights movement. (Abby B.)
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
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Mirror Nation
Home run finisher for Don Mee Choi's KOR-US trilogy. Very interesting and visual form of poetry that sticks in my mind for days to come. (Eliza E.)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Watching New York
Photographer Cirillo delivers a sumptuous visual feast of New York City street style. Expertly capturing the eccentricity and creativity of street fashion, this eye-catching volume ... will delight fashionistas and those drawn to the energy of New York. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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