I read a LOT. Most of what I read is fiction, but sometimes I get that craving for a good nonfiction novel. I have always been a complete history nerd so historical nonfiction is usually what I gravitate to. It really does not matter what period of history I am reading about, I enjoy the personal stories and struggles of people who really lived. In reading about a different time I feel I can transport myself to that era and see through the eyes of those who lived there. In a sense historical nonfiction is a type of time machine easily accessed and free with a library card! The following are some of my recent favorites!

Labyrinth of Ice by Buddy Levy

I have always been fascinated with any story about exploration or sailing ships, so this one captivated me. I had never heard of the Greely Expedition before, but the author had me feeling like I was along for the ride! (While being curled up with a blanket and lemonade…) The goal of Greely and crew was to be the first people to get to the North Pole. They had to deal with sub zero temperatures without any modern amenities. They had to defend against wild animals, days of total darkness, dwindling supplies, and a punishing icy environment. Each individual had to find the strength to stay sane and alive while going where no one had gone before. This book was one wild ride!

Recommended for fans of exploration, ships, survival, and adventure. *may contain cannibalism based on evidence discovered by rescuers*.

Click the title to request Labyrinth of Ice!

Alice and Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis by Alexis Coe

Calling all True Crime and LGBTQ+ fans! Before Lizzie Borden took an axe to her father’s head there was Alice and her razor. The news buzz of Lizzie Borden took newspapers by storm covering up the story of another female murderess that had committed her crime prior. Due to this coverage, most people have never even heard of Alice or Freda. Alice and Freda were a female couple living in the 1890s where it was not seen as ok for a woman to want to marry another woman. Alice was serious about marrying Freda someday. Freda on the other hand, had a bit of a wandering eye. The novel includes primary source letters written between Alice and Freda that bring the relationship to life! It is a story of love, jealousy, and the descent into that “if I cannot have you no one can” rage. The novel takes you through the relationship, the murder, and the trial after. I had to sit with the ending and think for awhile. Was Alice judged too harshly? Read the novel and decide!

Recommended for fans of LGBTQ+, True Crime, and Female Murderers.

Click the title to request the Alice and Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis!

(Unfortunately, this one is only available via Overdrive or Libby)

Devotion by Adam Makos

Devotion is the story of Jesse Brown, the first black fighter pilot and his friendship with his wingman, Tom Hudner in the Korean War. This novel was absolutely amazing. The story is told through the eyes of both of these men and many other side characters. You start to feel a connection with everyone involved. There were times I laughed with the characters, tensed up at intense situations, and even was moved to tears by the ending. The action scenes are intense and well written. The book is well researched. To make it feel like a fiction novel, the writers tracked down all the survivors involved to intensely interview them. They made sure to get dialogue and emotion accurate to what the actual people said and did in the moment. I learned a lot about the Corsairs in reading this book. I cheered for Jesse and team as they learned how to fly and land these fighter jets! In my opinion, this story was way better than Top Gun, and it is a true story! Jesse and Tom were some pretty amazing guys. Their stories were very inspiring. (Devotion the movie alters a lot from the book. I recommend reading the book first.)

Recommended for fans of Top Gun, Airplanes, War Stories, Action, Survival, Equality/Civil Rights, and Friendship.

Click on the title to request Devotion!

The Woman All Spies Fear by Amy Butler Greenfield

This book is a must read for anyone interested in American History! Historians are only now uncovering the accomplishments of Elizebeth Smith Friedman and her role in cracking codes during Prohibition and both World Wars. She was crucial to the toppling of many enemy operations. Due to the fact that Elizebeth was female, her work was covered up and others (including the FBI) stole credit for it. Other male code breakers stole her work and claimed it as their own. This is a story of a genius woman’s struggle to do what she loved in the world of men despite being put down and double crossed again and again. It is also a love story. Elizebeth was very lucky to fall in love with a man in that time that treated her as an equal and a best friend. These two truly were a power couple who both loved and supported one another through their own personal struggles. As a bonus for those interested in Cryptology there is a code breaker game included at the end of each chapter. The games teach you Elizebeth’s strategies and have you try them out yourself!

Recommended for fans of American History, Powerful Women, Cryptology, Espionage, and Romance.

Click on the title to request The Woman All Spies Fear!