Librarian’s corner: Not-So-Stuffy” Nonfiction books

The Manchester District Library will be highlighting a different author or topic each week.
by Amelia Herron, Manchester District Library

Nonfiction books have a history of being characterized as stuffy, boring, and even unreadable. Yet, nonfiction has a huge spectrum of books for you to choose from! While some nonfiction books are stuffy and boring, not all nonfiction is the same! This month, we’ll be highlighting some “Not-So-Stuffy” Nonfiction books. Our nonfiction section is full of hilarious content – you just need to know where to look.

These books are the “hidden gems” of our nonfiction section. They’re the books you wouldn’t immediately think of when you first hear the word “nonfiction.” The books we’re highlighting this month are:

1. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh – This graphic novel tells Allie Brosh’s story as she navigated her life through depression, relationship struggles, and a very stubborn pooch. Told from Allie’s perspective, this books shines a whole new light on how those with mental illness cope.
2. How to Talk to Your Cats About Gun Safety by Zachary Auburn – Have you ever thought about how you would talk to you pets about the difficult topics you hear about in the news? This satirical book walks you through, step by step, on how to talk to your fluffy creatures about difficult topics, including gun safety, drugs, and satanism.
3. How to Unf*ck Your Habitat by Rachel Hoffman – For anyone who’s ever tried to clean their house and didn’t even know where to start, this book is for you. Hoffman’s very candid yet humorous tone can help anyone who’s having trouble with making themselves get up and clean.
4. Assume the Worst by Carl Hiaasen – Hiaasen takes a different approach than his most famous book series, Hoot, Flush, and Chomp, in his most recent book. Instead of giving an inspirational take on life after college, he gives a very serious, yet humorous advice to graduates.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.