This morning I was browsing Seattle Public Library site for books to put on my list. I couldn’t remember some authors who have been recommended to me so I searched Google and found a few resources I thought would be useful for others and compiled below:

The Modern Library 100 Best Nonfiction

The National Review 100 Best Non Fiction of the Century

Amazon’s Nonfiction Bestsellers List

New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Best Sellers List

I’m about to finish Beautiful Boy by David Sheff and I’m looking for the next memoir to read or any other creative nonfiction ideas? Please leave a comment.

I’m researching books about leadership and decision-making and I’m wondering if any of you could recommend a book, or a few books to me.

Please leave a comment with a brief explanation about what you learned from the book and if you’re still applying the principles today.

In an effort to expand my nonfiction horizons I picked up Beautiful Boy this past weekend.

Since starting the nonfiction program at the University of Washington I’ve become more interested in real stories. I used to read a lot of fiction, but now I’ve been reading nonfiction pieces.

The book is about a father’s journey through his son’s addiction—at least that’s what I know of it so far. The author and his son Nic have been in the media lately, but I haven’t watched. I know this is a popular book and usually I stray away from what everyone’s reading, but lately I’ve wanted to read contemporary works.

For the past 8 months I’ve been studying the craft of nonfiction and I’ve been introduced to many nonfiction writers I had no idea existed and some I did (Wendell Berry). I do feel like a rookie in this writing world. Many times I don’t think I have anything to write about, but as soon as I think that I’ll be jotting down another idea in my notebook.

Ever since I read All the Pretty Horses back in 2003 I’ve read every book Cormac McCarthy has published after that and I’ve only read one of his older titles: Blood Meridian. I’ve become a fan through the process. There’s a quality in McCarthy’s novels that speaks to my soul.

So now I’m on the quest to get every McCarthy novel in a hardcover edition, preferably 1st edition. I know this is a lofty goal, but I don’t collect anything so I’m actually excited about the hunt.

If you’re reading this post and come across any hardcover editions please let me know. Here’s a list of McCarthy’s works to date:

While on a recent camping trip with family we stopped through Leavenworth, WA for Oktoberfest. The streets were littered with tourists and outdoor tents popped up all over empty lots. One of these tents was selling used books and as I walked by the book pictured above caught my attention for two reasons: 1) The typography and color, 2) The title is wonderful. It could be for a novel or gritty short story or even a quality film. At first, I didn’t want to take a picture because we were moving pretty fast looking for food, but I sucked it up and went back to snap the photo. Who doesn’t want to know how to stay off of dead-end streets?

This morning I was honored to share my opinion about some good authors and I thought I would post it for others to check out (Library pun?). Cormac McCarthy is a must read.

——-Original Message——-
From: Peter Dawson
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 10:24 PM
To: Kirk Wimberley
Subject: Authors

Hey Kirk,
First of all, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I’m so happy for you and Faith!

Secondly, I was wondering if you have any favorite short stories or authors who have short story collections that you like.
Thanks and hope you’re doing well – Peter

——-Reply to Pete——-

Yes Pete!

Ok, authors…

I just finished Cormac McCarthy’s latest book, The Road. I read about 200 pages of it today and couldn’t put it down. It was like I was caught up in a dream that I couldn’t wake from.


Have you read the book? What did you think?