Non-Fiction at its Best: Mountaineering, Pandemics, and Dogs

A friend of mine asked me the other day for a recommendation for a good non-fiction book. She hadn't had much luck in finding one she could stick with. A few popped into my head : Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, Merle’s Door by Ted Kerasote, and The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. All three were very readable with compelling stories to tell.  Outside Magazine editor, Krakauer, wrote of his chilling experience of an expedition to Mt. Everest gone wrong.  Detailed and engaging, Into Thin Air will appeal to both adventurers and vicarious adventurers alike. 

Merle’s Door told the story of outdoorsman Ted’s journey with his freethinking “wild” dog, Merle.  Kerasote did a good job using scientific research to make the case that dogs benefit from both independence and a partnership with humans. But this author’s real strength showed when he wrote about the love he had for his unique dog, Merle, and vice versa. Dog lovers will not put this down without shedding a tear or two.

Although published in 1999, Richard Preston’s The Hot Zone, still resonates today particularly in light of recent global epidemics.  Preston hooks the reader with his detailed descriptions of the excruciating effects of the Ebola Virus as well as the public health response to potential pandemics.  Despite its scientific approach, The Hot Zone is extremely readable with multi-points of view.

Many people think non-fiction is dry and hard to read so I hope to prove them wrong with recommending more page-turning books like the above.  All are suitable for teens and adults.

Crossover Selections for Adults and Teens

     I recently finished Karen Thompson Walker's debut adult novel, Age of Miracles, that was written from the point of view of  Julia, an 11 year old narrator. Age of Miracles explored what would happen to an ordinary American family in the midst of the slowing of the earth's rotation, a potential and terrifying  global disaster.  Immediately I thought that this book would appeal to teens. Walker captured the mindset and emotional makeup of a young adult yet at the same made it relatable to adults. Age of Miracles combined a coming of age story into an end of the world plot, very Hunger Gamesesque, with a compelling character and storyline. Teens and adults alike will find a solid connection to this novel.  A film is in the works as well.

For readalikes, I recommend Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer  and How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff. These are YA books that have crossover appeal to adults.