Week 8: Nonfiction

Assignments 1 & 2

Read the articles and watched the video. I don't go to nonfiction referrals often, even though I've read some of the popular nonfiction titles that were mentioned (e.g., Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil). I found the video tutorial particularly useful -- lots of good info packed into a short video.

Assignment 3

I noticed when looking at this assignment that there is a lot of crossover in the genres and location varies. For example, there are memoirs in the Dewey classification for Sports, as well as many in the Biographies. I decided to just state where I would find the title I'd referenced rather than try and cover them all.

Memoirs: can be found in, among other places, Biographies; Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Science: 611, but also 523.49 and other call numbers depending on the subject; Stiff: The Curious Life of Cadavers by Mary Roach

History: 940.53, etc.;  The Girls of Atmoic City: the Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan

Sports: 796.357 for baseball, other sports in the same general area; A Pitcher's Story: My Innings With David Cone by David Angell

Assignment 4

Stiff: The Curious Life of Cadavers by Mary Roach

If you've ever wondered what happened when a cadaver was donated to science, Mary Roach can tell you. In Stiff she writes in (sometimes) excruciating detail on the scientific uses of dead bodies, her interviews with morticians, scientists, and others providing a vivid picture of the often unknown uses for dead bodies. From car-crash testing (the chapter is called "Dead Man Driving") to weapons research to airline disasters, Roach lets no dead stone unturned. She even offers some historical perspective, including how dead bodies helped in the studies of the crucifixion and the guillotine. While her subject might lend itself to the macabre, it is her amusing, off-beat sensibilities which truly make this, and much of her other work so enjoyable and accessible for those of us that don't love science. This darkly funny, thoughtful, engaging book might appeal to anyone who appreciates a good laugh a la David Sedaris. Good for older teens, too.

A Pitcher's Story: My Innings With David Cone by David Angell

When master baseball chronicler Roger Angell decided to follow David Cone through his 2000 season with the NY Yankees, he expected an “inside look at a wizardly old master at his late last best.” Instead what he found was a “Merlin falling headlong down the palace stairs.” Despite his perfect game, five World Series rings, and Cy Young award, Cone was in the midst of his most difficult season. A victim of age, injury, and bad luck, Cone speaks honestly about his past triumphs and current failures. Meanwhile, Angell gives the reader an inside look at the dugouts, players and scandals of Major League Baseball through the eyes of one of its most poised, intelligent and respected players. An enjoyable read for any baseball lover, including any teens, who like a character-driven, contemplative narrative.