Instagram Facebook X-twitter Linkedin
Previous
Next

All Nonfiction Coverage

Filter by genre
NonfictionMemoir

The city of lights, love and hate

Review by Amy Scribner

When Rosecrans Baldwin, author of the critically acclaimed novel You Lost Me There, landed a gig with a French ad agency, his longtime dream to live in Paris came true. Though his French was iffy—and his wife Rachel’s was nonexistent—they packed up and traded Brooklyn for the third arrondissement.

In his funny and candid memoir, Paris, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down, Baldwin learns that life in the City of Light isn’t all croissants and berets. Sure, Paris can be beguiling, filled with exquisite food, art and history. But living in France has its drawbacks. It means dealing with endless bureaucracy: Rachel had to provide an application, two photographs, a copy of her passport, a copy of a recent bill, a copy of their lease and a notarized document proving international health insurance to join the neighborhood gym. It also means struggling with the finicky language and enduring notoriously melancholic winters. “Cold in Paris was both a physical and a mental state,” Baldwin writes. “It explained why Parisians wore scarves in June, because winter haunted them.”

Still, Baldwin is not immune to the enchantments of Paris. On a return trip to Manhattan for work, he is stricken by its size and noise. “Every cliché ever lodged against New York percolated inside me, and my acquired French radar went bananas,” he writes. “New York smelled fried where Paris smelled baked. It was a totality, an expression of many cities. Paris, on the other hand, was a village. Perhaps I’d become a village person.”

Although Paris has a starring role, the book is as much about big life choices—work, family and purpose—as it is about a place. Baldwin just does his navel-gazing in a slightly better setting than most of us. “Was my dream now to rise in French advertising?” he writes. “I didn’t know how long it would last. I didn’t know how long I wanted it to. Every day was an improvisation. I was so tired.”

Ultimately, Baldwin and his wife move back to America, but they can’t quite leave the city behind. “Saying goodbye to Paris was something a person did when he knew he was dying,” he writes. “Until then, Paris was forever one day soon.”

When Rosecrans Baldwin, author of the critically acclaimed novel You Lost Me There, landed a gig with a French ad agency, his longtime dream to live in Paris came true. Though his French was iffy—and his wife Rachel’s was nonexistent—they packed up and traded Brooklyn for the third arrondissement. In his funny and candid memoir, […]
Memoir

The moving tale of a Ugandan village

Review by bookpagedev

The Price of Stones has all the markings of a Greg Mortenson knockoff. The book’s foreword contains a letter from its publisher favorably comparing it to Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea. (It happens that Viking is the publisher of both books.) And the title, The Price of Stones, has a familiar ring, sounding quite similar to Mortenson’s follow-up, Stones into Schools. But The Price of Stones’ author, Twesigye Jackson Kaguri, has one thing Mortenson lacks: serious street cred. While Mortenson stumbled upon Korphe, the remote village in Pakistan where he built a school in Three Cups of Tea, Kaguri was born in the Ugandan village that he struggles to save from the ravages of AIDS.

Kaguri writes movingly about growing up in a country where almost a third of the adult population is infected by AIDS. The disease is so prevalent in Uganda, he informs us, that natives have given it a nickname: slim. The shadow of death darkens the doorway of Kaguri’s home, with AIDS claiming the life of his brother, Frank, and sister, Mbabazi. When he becomes the guardian of one of his brother’s children, he discovers that more than a million Ugandan children have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic, and he vows to take action. Returning to Uganda from his studies in the United States, Kaguri builds a school for these orphans.

The Price of Stones is an engaging account of the work of Kaguri and his wife, Beronda, to build Nyaka School, which provides free education, meals and medical care for some 200 orphans. Nyaka School not only educates students, but also has a working farm to grow food for the children, a program to teach villagers to build clean water systems, vocational training and a program to assist caregivers for the orphans. The school’s success has even led to the establishment of a second school in a nearby village.

The accomplishments of Nyaka School are the result of Kaguri’s perseverance, having overcome obstacles (from the superstitions surrounding AIDS to his father’s initial refusal to help) to raise money, transport supplies and building materials to a rural area, and maneuver around the corruption of government officials. Kaguri rightly earns admiration for his achievements, and The Price of Stones earns accolades for its inspiration.
 

The Price of Stones has all the markings of a Greg Mortenson knockoff. The book’s foreword contains a letter from its publisher favorably comparing it to Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea. (It happens that Viking is the publisher of both books.) And the title, The Price of Stones, has a familiar ring, sounding quite similar […]
Biography

Dickinson’s secret history

Review by bookpagedev

Lyndall Gordon’s new biography of Emily Dickinson’s family, Lives Like Loaded Guns, is a tour de force. Meticulously researched and keenly argued, it transforms the conventional image of Dickinson—and reveals how that image came to be.

More than 100 years of biography, fiction and theater have depicted the famous poet as a reclusive woman in white who fled the world, perhaps after a tragic love affair, to spend the rest of her life gardening and writing brilliant poems nobody saw. Gordon upends this legend, revealing Dickinson as a passionate and powerful woman who was fervent in her friendships (too fervent, in fact, for many of her friends), had a midlife love affair with an elderly judge and carefully controlled the circulation of her poems. In one of the book’s biggest bombshells, Gordon uses family history, pharmacy records, 19th-century medical treatises and Dickinson’s poems to argue that epilepsy, rather than thwarted love, was the reason she rarely left her home.

While the first half of the book tells the story of Dickinson’s life, the second half morphs into a literary thriller. The lengthy affair between Dickinson’s brother Austin and Mabel Loomis Todd has been well-known since the publication of their letters in 1984, but Gordon meticulously traces its aftermath, as Dickinson’s and Todd’s heirs battled for control over the poet’s manuscripts, publication and reputation. Todd, whom Gordon calls the “Lady Macbeth of Amherst,” is the villain of this part of the story, creating the “shy . . . eccentric, asexual” Dickinson of myth, and erasing from the historical record Dickinson’s strong bond with Susan Gilbert Dickinson, Austin’s wife and Todd’s rival. But Gordon remains scrupulously even-handed, acknowledging Todd’s insights into Dickinson’s genius and her heroic editorial work on the first editions of Dickinson’s poems and letters.

Few books are perfect: Gordon’s use of Dickinson’s poetry as biographical evidence is sometimes dubious, and her own prose, though often delightfully personable, can be overwrought. Still, those are minor flaws in a brilliant and breathtaking book.

 

Lyndall Gordon’s new biography of Emily Dickinson’s family, Lives Like Loaded Guns, is a tour de force. Meticulously researched and keenly argued, it transforms the conventional image of Dickinson—and reveals how that image came to be. More than 100 years of biography, fiction and theater have depicted the famous poet as a reclusive woman in […]
Animals

Advice for coddling our animal sidekicks

Review by bookpagedev

Pampering our pets is a growing priority in America, where owners are spending more time, money and energy to ensure that their furry companions are content. Nothing’s too good for our pooches, whether it be doggy day care, gourmet treats or rhinestone-studded collars. If you need expert tips on spoiling your shih-tzu or advice on coddling your cocker spaniel, a pack of animal authorities is ready to dish out the kibbles and bits of pet care. You’ll find all the basics of choosing and caring for your pet in two attractive new guides from DK Publishing. Written by veterinarian Bruce Fogle (surely one of the most prolific authors in the burgeoning field of pet publishing), the books feature DK’s usual mix of brilliant color photos, detailed illustrations and brief but thorough text. Dog Owner’s Manual ($25, 288 pages, ISBN 0789493217) starts out with the fundamentals of “Dog Design,” taking readers through a mini-anatomy lesson that might prove helpful during their pet’s next trip to the vet. (My finicky Jack Russell terrier might argue, however, with Fogle’s claim that dogs “have far fewer taste buds on their tongues than humans, and are willing to consume almost anything that might offer nourishment.”) The author provides specifics on several popular dog breeds useful information for selecting just the right pet and goes on to cover training, behavior problems and health concerns.

If you’re a cat person, you’ll want to sink your teeth into the companion volume, Cat Owner’s Manual ($25, 288 pages, ISBN 0789493209). Whether you’re just starting out with a new kitty or adapting to life with a regal older cat, Fogle gives sage advice for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Some of the information is inadvertently hilarious, particularly to a dog lover. Take the photos of a cat on leash, for example, or the section titled, “Do Cats Love Us?” No dog owner would ask a question like that.

Another new book targets those who have made the socially responsible choice to acquire their pet from a pound or animal shelter. Adoptable Dog: Teaching Your Adopted Pet to Obey, Trust, and Love You (Norton, $24.95, 288 pages, ISBN 0393050793) by John Ross and Barbara McKinney is billed as the first book geared to the special needs of adopted dogs. The authors don’t gloss over the problems these dogs and their owners can face, but they do offer a detailed plan for overcoming obstacles and turning your adopted dog into a beloved family pet. The book covers such issues as bonding, separation anxiety, housebreaking an adult dog and surmounting the scars of prior abuse. This excellent guide offers hope and advice that can help save some of the two million dogs euthanized in U.S. shelters every year.

If you’ve always wondered what your pet thinks of you, 202 Pets’ Peeves (Citadel, $12.95, 215 pages, ISBN 0806524421) might give you the answer. Writer Cal Orey speaks for the cats and dogs of the world, listing 101 human behaviors that drive each species crazy. For cats, the pet peeves include having their tails stepped on, being roused from a nice nap or being asked to do tricks. Dogs, as Orey sees it, are aggravated by humans who won’t share their food and owners who bring home feline roommates.

And finally, if you’re willing to go to extremes, 97 Ways To Make A Dog Smile lists actions guaranteed to make your dog break into an ear-to-ear grin. Some of the suggestions are simple (“Pet your pup against the grain”), some are funny (“Use a slingshot or a spoon to catapult nuggets of kibble across the yard for your dog to pursue!”) and some are downright weird (“Rub the eyebrows gently in small circles, being careful not to poke the dog’s eye”). Every tip in this palm-sized book is accompanied by a glossy color photo of an adorable dog guaranteed to melt the heart of any dog lover. Do we have any volunteers for activity number 33 Puppy Pilates?

Pampering our pets is a growing priority in America, where owners are spending more time, money and energy to ensure that their furry companions are content. Nothing’s too good for our pooches, whether it be doggy day care, gourmet treats or rhinestone-studded collars. If you need expert tips on spoiling your shih-tzu or advice on […]
Animals

Advice for coddling our animal sidekicks

Review by bookpagedev

Pampering our pets is a growing priority in America, where owners are spending more time, money and energy to ensure that their furry companions are content. Nothing’s too good for our pooches, whether it be doggy day care, gourmet treats or rhinestone-studded collars. If you need expert tips on spoiling your shih-tzu or advice on coddling your cocker spaniel, a pack of animal authorities is ready to dish out the kibbles and bits of pet care. You’ll find all the basics of choosing and caring for your pet in two attractive new guides from DK Publishing. Written by veterinarian Bruce Fogle (surely one of the most prolific authors in the burgeoning field of pet publishing), the books feature DK’s usual mix of brilliant color photos, detailed illustrations and brief but thorough text. Dog Owner’s Manual ($25, 288 pages, ISBN 0789493217) starts out with the fundamentals of “Dog Design,” taking readers through a mini-anatomy lesson that might prove helpful during their pet’s next trip to the vet. (My finicky Jack Russell terrier might argue, however, with Fogle’s claim that dogs “have far fewer taste buds on their tongues than humans, and are willing to consume almost anything that might offer nourishment.”) The author provides specifics on several popular dog breeds useful information for selecting just the right pet and goes on to cover training, behavior problems and health concerns.

If you’re a cat person, you’ll want to sink your teeth into the companion volume, Cat Owner’s Manual ($25, 288 pages, ISBN 0789493209). Whether you’re just starting out with a new kitty or adapting to life with a regal older cat, Fogle gives sage advice for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Some of the information is inadvertently hilarious, particularly to a dog lover. Take the photos of a cat on leash, for example, or the section titled, “Do Cats Love Us?” No dog owner would ask a question like that.

Another new book targets those who have made the socially responsible choice to acquire their pet from a pound or animal shelter. Adoptable Dog: Teaching Your Adopted Pet to Obey, Trust, and Love You (Norton, $24.95, 288 pages, ISBN 0393050793) by John Ross and Barbara McKinney is billed as the first book geared to the special needs of adopted dogs. The authors don’t gloss over the problems these dogs and their owners can face, but they do offer a detailed plan for overcoming obstacles and turning your adopted dog into a beloved family pet. The book covers such issues as bonding, separation anxiety, housebreaking an adult dog and surmounting the scars of prior abuse. This excellent guide offers hope and advice that can help save some of the two million dogs euthanized in U.S. shelters every year.

If you’ve always wondered what your pet thinks of you, 202 Pets’ Peeves might give you the answer. Writer Cal Orey speaks for the cats and dogs of the world, listing 101 human behaviors that drive each species crazy. For cats, the pet peeves include having their tails stepped on, being roused from a nice nap or being asked to do tricks. Dogs, as Orey sees it, are aggravated by humans who won’t share their food and owners who bring home feline roommates.

And finally, if you’re willing to go to extremes, 97 Ways To Make A Dog Smile (Workman $7.95, 109 pages, ISBN 0761129030) lists actions guaranteed to make your dog break into an ear-to-ear grin. Some of the suggestions are simple (“Pet your pup against the grain”), some are funny (“Use a slingshot or a spoon to catapult nuggets of kibble across the yard for your dog to pursue!”) and some are downright weird (“Rub the eyebrows gently in small circles, being careful not to poke the dog’s eye”). Every tip in this palm-sized book is accompanied by a glossy color photo of an adorable dog guaranteed to melt the heart of any dog lover. Do we have any volunteers for activity number 33 Puppy Pilates?

Pampering our pets is a growing priority in America, where owners are spending more time, money and energy to ensure that their furry companions are content. Nothing’s too good for our pooches, whether it be doggy day care, gourmet treats or rhinestone-studded collars. If you need expert tips on spoiling your shih-tzu or advice on […]
Animals

Advice for coddling our animal sidekicks

Review by bookpagedev

Pampering our pets is a growing priority in America, where owners are spending more time, money and energy to ensure that their furry companions are content. Nothing’s too good for our pooches, whether it be doggy day care, gourmet treats or rhinestone-studded collars. If you need expert tips on spoiling your shih-tzu or advice on coddling your cocker spaniel, a pack of animal authorities is ready to dish out the kibbles and bits of pet care. You’ll find all the basics of choosing and caring for your pet in two attractive new guides from DK Publishing. Written by veterinarian Bruce Fogle (surely one of the most prolific authors in the burgeoning field of pet publishing), the books feature DK’s usual mix of brilliant color photos, detailed illustrations and brief but thorough text. Dog Owner’s Manual ($25, 288 pages, ISBN 0789493217) starts out with the fundamentals of “Dog Design,” taking readers through a mini-anatomy lesson that might prove helpful during their pet’s next trip to the vet. (My finicky Jack Russell terrier might argue, however, with Fogle’s claim that dogs “have far fewer taste buds on their tongues than humans, and are willing to consume almost anything that might offer nourishment.”) The author provides specifics on several popular dog breeds useful information for selecting just the right pet and goes on to cover training, behavior problems and health concerns.

If you’re a cat person, you’ll want to sink your teeth into the companion volume, Cat Owner’s Manual ($25, 288 pages, ISBN 0789493209). Whether you’re just starting out with a new kitty or adapting to life with a regal older cat, Fogle gives sage advice for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Some of the information is inadvertently hilarious, particularly to a dog lover. Take the photos of a cat on leash, for example, or the section titled, “Do Cats Love Us?” No dog owner would ask a question like that.

Another new book targets those who have made the socially responsible choice to acquire their pet from a pound or animal shelter. Adoptable Dog: Teaching Your Adopted Pet to Obey, Trust, and Love You by John Ross and Barbara McKinney is billed as the first book geared to the special needs of adopted dogs. The authors don’t gloss over the problems these dogs and their owners can face, but they do offer a detailed plan for overcoming obstacles and turning your adopted dog into a beloved family pet. The book covers such issues as bonding, separation anxiety, housebreaking an adult dog and surmounting the scars of prior abuse. This excellent guide offers hope and advice that can help save some of the two million dogs euthanized in U.S. shelters every year.

If you’ve always wondered what your pet thinks of you, 202 Pets’ Peeves (Citadel, $12.95, 215 pages, ISBN 0806524421) might give you the answer. Writer Cal Orey speaks for the cats and dogs of the world, listing 101 human behaviors that drive each species crazy. For cats, the pet peeves include having their tails stepped on, being roused from a nice nap or being asked to do tricks. Dogs, as Orey sees it, are aggravated by humans who won’t share their food and owners who bring home feline roommates.

And finally, if you’re willing to go to extremes, 97 Ways To Make A Dog Smile (Workman $7.95, 109 pages, ISBN 0761129030) lists actions guaranteed to make your dog break into an ear-to-ear grin. Some of the suggestions are simple (“Pet your pup against the grain”), some are funny (“Use a slingshot or a spoon to catapult nuggets of kibble across the yard for your dog to pursue!”) and some are downright weird (“Rub the eyebrows gently in small circles, being careful not to poke the dog’s eye”). Every tip in this palm-sized book is accompanied by a glossy color photo of an adorable dog guaranteed to melt the heart of any dog lover. Do we have any volunteers for activity number 33 Puppy Pilates?

Pampering our pets is a growing priority in America, where owners are spending more time, money and energy to ensure that their furry companions are content. Nothing’s too good for our pooches, whether it be doggy day care, gourmet treats or rhinestone-studded collars. If you need expert tips on spoiling your shih-tzu or advice on […]

Want more BookPage?

Stay on top of new releases: Sign up for our newsletter to receive reading recommendations in your favorite genres.

Sign up now

Trending Nonfiction

All Nonfiction

Author Interviews

More Interviews

Recent Features

All Features