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Biography and Memoir August 2019
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The ministry of truth : the biography of George Orwell's 1984
by Dorian Lynskey
Tracks the impact and timely history of the 1949 classic novel through the author's wartime experiences in Great Britain, the utopian and dystopian literature that preceded it and its ongoing influence on novels, television shows, rock albums and commercials.
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| Grinnell: America's Environmental Pioneer and His Restless Drive to Save the West by John TaliaferroWhat it is: an absorbing biography of conservationist George Bird Grinnell (1849-1938).
Notable accomplishments: Grinnell formed the Audubon Society, spearheaded efforts to establish national parks, lobbied for Native American rights, and saved Yosemite and Yellowstone from developers.
Why you might like it: John Taliaferro draws on Grinnell's correspondence and diaries to present an engaging portrait of an advocate who fought tirelessly to preserve America's natural beauty. |
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| Places and Names: Reflections on War, Revolution, and Returning by Elliot AckermanWhat it is: a reflective memoir in essays detailing former marine Elliot Ackerman's five tours of duty in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Don't miss: Ackerman's unlikely friendship with a former jihadi.
About the author: A National Book Award finalist for the novel Dark at the Crossing, Ackerman has also earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart for his military service. |
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War story : sometimes the real fight starts after the battle
by Steven Elliott
The soldier who pulled the trigger in the friendly-fire death of American hero Pat Tillman reveals how the tragedy plunged him into PTSD, severe depression and alcoholism that tested his faith, ended his marriage and reshaped his perspectives on service. Simultaneous.
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| More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth; foreword by Ava DuVernayWhat it's about: Former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth's breakthrough in the predominantly white worlds of fashion and media, and the setbacks she endured on her path to success.
Did you know? Welteroth is the youngest person and the 2nd African American to be named editor-in-chief in magazine publisher Condé Nast's 110-year history.
Reviewers say: "The millennial Becoming...inspiring and empowering" (Entertainment Weekly). |
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Endeavour : the ship that changed the world
by Peter Moore
Traces the story of the Enlightenment-era ship that Darwin credited with adding a hemisphere to the civilized world, discussing its first charting of New Zealand, survival throughout major military engagements and representation of culture, trade and imperialism.
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| How to Write An Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander CheeWhat it's about: how novelist Alexander Chee's identities as a gay man, a Korean American, and an activist inform his life and writing career.
What sets it apart: Boasting numerous awards and accolades, Chee's unconventional yet immersive narrative is as wide-ranging as it is intimate.
For fans of: reflective writing memoirs like Where the Past Begins by Amy Tan and The Writing Life by Annie Dillard (a mentor of Chee's). |
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| Mothers of Sparta: A Memoir in Pieces by Dawn DaviesWhat it is: a humorous, moving, and non-linear glimpse into essayist Dawn Davies' life that touches on topics like her troubled childhood, parenting three children, postpartum depression, and divorce.
Don't miss: the title essay, which explores Davies' complicated feelings about parenting a son with autism.
Reviewers say: "Readers will laugh and cry, probably at the same time" (Booklist). |
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| Maeve in America: Essays by a Girl from Somewhere Else by Maeve HigginsStarring: Maeve Higgins, an Irish comedian and podcaster living in New York.
What it is: a collection of funny yet thoughtful essays about Higgins' time in the United States that discusses everything from the Irish immigrant experience in America to renting expensive clothing for formal affairs.
Don't miss: "Pen as Gun," describing a comedy workshop in Iraq. |
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"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." J. Addison |
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Avon Lake Public Library 32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 440-933-8128alpl.org |
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