Book Group Nonfiction
Looking for good books for discussion? These recently released nonfiction titles cover a variety of topics and viewpoints, and are sure to spark lively discussion in your book group! Created by librarians at The Seattle Public Library. Annotations by staff or from review sources as noted. (Created April 2025)
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Accordion Eulogies
Álvarez knows two things about his grandfather: he played accordion, and he abandoned his family. To understand his family history, Álvarez explores the personal and cultural history of the accordion.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Briefly Perfectly Human
A deeply transformative memoir that reframes how we think about death and how it can help us lead better, more fulfilling and authentic lives, from America's preeminent death doula. (NoveList)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Get the Picture
Bosker demystifies the art world, imparting knowledge she earned working as a gallery assistant, museum guard, artist assistant, and more.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Who's Afraid of Gender?
Philosopher Butler examines the nature of gender, the origins of anti-gender ideology, and how that ideology is being wielded in contemporary political discourse.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Connie
Chung details her pioneering career as a journalist in the face of racist and sexist systems and colleagues.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Message
Coates examines the impact of storytelling through the narratives surrounding three places and topics: Senegal and its role in the slave trade; South Carolina and book bans; and the ongoing Israel Palestine conflict.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Raising Hare
A soulful and gracefully written book about an animal’s power to rekindle curiosity. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Monsters
Dederer digs into the quandary of what a fan should do when they are repulsed by the actions or beliefs of a creator, but love that creator’s work.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Poverty, by America
Desmond tackles the reasons behind the high poverty rates in the United States, arguing that poverty persists because others in society benefit from it.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Art Thief
This is a riveting story of art, crime, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost. (NoveList)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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