In the past few weeks, we’ve given away a thriller, a love story, standout paperbacks and loot from the Romance Writers of America. Today, I thought it’d be nice to do something a little different. This one is for all you fans of the truth, and nothing but the truth.
We’re giving away four of our favorite nonfiction books from the spring and summer:
Ben Mezrich—the author of the book that inspired The Social Network—investigates the craziest heist you’ve never heard of in Sex on the Moon. (Hint: It involves NASA.)
Tracy Daugherty examines the life of Joseph Heller—author of Catch-22—as well as traces the reception and impact of his novels (and not only the big one). More than just a biography, Just One Catch illuminates the post-World War II culture of American fiction.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the follow-up to the James Carroll’s best-selling Constantine’s Sword, tells the story of the holy city. Caroll’s argument: “Jerusalem, as city and concept, is the source of both ‘good religion’ and ‘bad religion’ in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.” (Perhaps this is where I should warn you that some readers might find this book controversial!)
Ever wondered about the man who was the “king of the wild frontier”? In David Crockett, Michael Wallis explores the political and military career and family history of this mythical figure—one of America’s first celebrity heroes.
TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post telling us about a real-life person or event that should be turned into a nonfiction book. (Could be your grandmother’s life story, the crime that gripped your small town, an obscure historical figure . . .)
CONTEST DETAILS: One winner will be chosen by random.org from among entries received by 6 pm CST on August 19. The winner will receive hardcovers of Sex on the Moon, Just One Catch, Jerusalem, Jerusalem and David Crockett. Prize must be shipped to a North American address.
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ETA: Congratulations to our winner, Mary Lou! She would love to write a book about her husband, though she jokes that “the family might be the only ones to read it.”
Thank you to all who entered! Contest is now closed.
Seems like Andrej Pejic has a pretty crazy life already. Would be interesting to read a book about his life. For those who don’t know him see here:
http://nymag.com/fashion/11/fall/andrej-pejic/
My grandmother started a club for girl’s in her neighborhood in the 1930′s in a small town in VA. It is still going strong all these years later and has been such a positive impact on so many women’s lives. I would have loved to have gotten all the stories written down.
I once thought my story would make for a book. I have a lot of tragedy in my family, accidents that have taken my entire family’s lives leaving just me since I was 29.
Then I think to write it would be awful….
Great giveaway!
The world is still waiting for a really good book about the Fatty Arbuckle scandal. Sex! Drinking! Wild Hollywood parties! But most importantly: the public humiliation and downfall of a great comedian.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen seem to have had a very toxic relationship, but produced great things that changed the world. I’d like to read about other such relationships that produce great results in spite of the personalities involved. Maybe it would help answer the question about the need for harmony or discord for the advancement of mankind.
A toddler wandered into a tall cornfield and vanished without a trace…
We had a jewish tailor who escaped from Poland during WWII. Just the stories he told us would have filled volumes. Unfortunately he is no longer living.
Really nothing could beat the recent Caleb’s Crossing, but perhaps more of little know Native Americans’ lives?
Kristin Stutz from Black River Falls, WI who is a leukemia survivor extraordinaire & who is always optimistic & was throughout the entire journey she was on. Also is an excellent unpublished writer! Her story should be written for all!
My life. Filled with lots of tragedy and triumphs.
There are stories in the news everyday that would make a great fiction book. A good writer could probably come up with a political thriller that takes place at the Iowa State Fair. All the Republican candidates were there preparing for the straw poll and the caucuses.
My husband has a friend who was killed in battle and another who lost his leg. I think their stories would be worth telling.
It would have to be about my grandparnets. They both had so many stories to tell about the period of their life during the coal mine strikes in Kentucky. So much danger back then for them and other miners, all because they were trying to better their lives, in the mine and outside in the camps. I’ve heard many stories of fires being set mine supporter homes and gun shots exchanged from each side of the conflict.
My Grandfathers Life I Think Would be an Interesting Story.
My mom has worked on a memoir off and on for years. Abandoned by her own mother at age 4, only to find her 15 years later to be abandoned again. It’s a compelling story, worth telling and reading.
My grandparents who immigrated from the Azores to Massachusetts…can’t imagine leaving your homeland to come to a strange country where you don’t speak the language and your family remains behind.
George Eliot…
It would be neat to see a story about my own grandmother…she was 15 years old when she came to America, and within a few years, was able to send for her entire family to join her.
Life with a special needs animal is one I would read for sure.
A study of Casey Anthony .What went wrong with her.
what was it like to grow up in the fifties and not be a part of the car culture, the football culture, etc. How did the rest of the youth cope when the money gap between these car owners and the hero worship of the young gods on the field every Friday night walked the school halls in complete ownership? And when a young person, boy or girl, told their dads that they were going to find a way to go to college, then that father literally kicked them out the door. It happened to any number of kids. The struggles to gain an education, to create a life outside the small-town norm where many men toiled in the oil fields every day of their life, to find a way to go to one of those Friday night football games when you had to work several nights a week to buy your own clothes, etc. Michael Moore is an example of a man who fought his way through that with the addition load of a bipolar father. He wrote his own story so his family would have it but it needs to be available to every young person who wants to better himself but has so much to overcome. Where does that drive come from? How do they find ways around the insurmountable problems? What keeps them going when they are smacked in the face over and over again? He is a remarkable man and deserves to have his story available to all of us.
i hope to win, love to read, love your site
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My Mother’s story is filled with tragedy, struggle, triumph and happiness. She is my hero.
A story of brave and strong immigrants who succeeded when they arrived in America.
I would like to read the story of my ancestor’s journey to the United States in 1892.
The legendary Broadway star and cabaret performaner Barbara Cook or the composer John Corigliano
down the road a bit: the film producer Christine Vachon and the violinist Joshua Bell
Mu grandparents were both teacher in rural North Dakota during the depression and had some interesting stories to tell about those times.
My father’s life story would be a fascinating book. He was born in a small village in Italy and sent to an orphanage at a very young age. Eventually he was sent to the States where he was adopted by an Irish Catholic couple. He grew up in New York knowing very little about his biological family. For years, he and my mother researched his heritage trying to find information about his family with little success until, around 2008, they traveled to his hometown in Italy and visited the hall of records there where they uncovered a wealth of information. That information eventually led them to find my father’s older twin sisters who he never even knew existed until then. It’s now a little over a year since we found them and we are all very close now and could not be happier.
Jeff, I’d read that book. It’s fascinating stuff!
Interesting collection; all on my book list to read!
I defenitely think the story from my town should be made into a book! It was real awful and got worse and it was just truly unbelievable. A 3 y/o girl was kidnapped and murdered then being an election year officials felt pressure to make an arrest and arrested the father -who spent quite awhile in jail before finally DNA evidence cleared him. They finally found a guy who did it that was a sex offender living in the neighborhood and whose shoe w/ name in it they found at the scene!! It was way to much to be believed!
I would love to tell the story of a child who grew up in ahome full of instability, Who married an abusive man-had a miscarriage…….Hopefully one day I can write MY story.
In my reading about the Korean War, I have come across occasional all-too-brief references to a U.S. hospital in Greenland where U.S. casualties were taken and cared for. The hospital seems to have been a kind of secret where the most horrifically injured were hidden away for fear of America’s public opinion turning against the war. There is a novel on the subject–”No One Thinks of Greenland” by John Griesemer–but it’s a bit too quirky. I woud love to read a well-researched factual account.
My mother was one of 11 surviving children–all very different. People I have told about them have asked “Are you sure this isn’t a soap opera?”.
One uncle got married because when he came down to breakfast the sugar bowl was empty. One aunt was deserted after having two children, married another man twice etc. etc. This is a nonfiction that would read like a fiction to the majority of readers. And these are just two of this family and it’s story of misadventures.
My grandfather from many generations ago, served in the Revolutionary
War and was a part of an elite force who were charged with protecting the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Militia, General George Washington. My ancestor, Nathaniel Berry, was from Maine and was selected to service in what became known as Washington’s Guard. Nathaniel followed General Washington where ever he went including the horrible winter at Valley Forge. I have often wondered what it must have been like for these men to be charged with such an important and daunting task. It would make a great story.
A book about my daughters adventures with gymnastics beginning from her recreation classes up to her USAG level 7 team would be a fascinating nonfiction read!
I think that it would be interesting to read Robert Downey Jr.’s autiobiography.
My father was a young paratrooper in World War II. He rarely talks about his experiences in the war, but I think there are a lot of interesting stories there.
The story of my great-uncle, a small-time con man who was never really successful with his scams, but who lived life large and full and who was dearly loved by his family and many of those he tried to con. Favorite family quote: “Uncle is a great guy, but don’t ever agree to anything he asks you to buy.”
I suggest the late Stuart M. Kaminsky, the author of the Toby Peters mystery series and the Abe Lieberman detective series as an interesting subject for a biography. I understand that although he was well respected and lauded for his work he remained modest humble.
Colton Harris-Moore!
I’m really interested in a bio/auto-bio on Christina Ricci! Especially with her battle against bulimia.
A mermaid saves a child from drowning in a rip tide.
My grandma grew up in a big family,her husbands first wife and a child got killed,he had 6 small children to care for,went to her home ,she’d never married,he’d been told she was a good woman and an “old maid”,so they were married,she raised his kids and their 7,and never made a difference in any..a tiny small woman made of iron,she dipped snuff..remembered many things,when they had public hangings,and offered people money to trip the trap,to hang them,as poor as everyone was,none would do it. She could pick cotton all day,cook and wash daily.She lived to be 98 yrs old,loved wresting and told you what was on her mind…your frock is too short,she told my wife(mini skirts)my wife loved her as dearly as I did. The hard times,lost a son by his own hand,couldn’t pay a$4.00 power bill,but she stayed tuff..everyone loved her .
My 12th great uncle – Abbe Emmanuel Sieyes – part of the French Revolution. He was a Jesuit Priest who attended St. Sulspice (of the DaVinci Code fame). He wrote “What is the Third Estate” which was influencial in forming the Revolution. He was made a Count of the Empire by Napoleon. The empire crumbled and he went to Belgium – when asked what he did during the revolution he replied: “I survived.” He is sometimes overlooked among the famous factions of the revolution. I am decended from his brother Felix. He life would make a great book – he even had a newspaper debate with Thomas Paine.
I’d love to read a book on the bride trains and orphans trains from the city ,that went out went west and stopped ,was adopted or married…by someone who lived it or their parents
I love historical fiction. I think a great story would be about the German Prisoner of War camp that was at the fairgrounds during World War II.
I know The Greatest Generation has already been written, but I think a story about our elderly war veterans would be very interesting. They’ve lived full lives and most have amazing stories to tell. That history would then live on when they’re gone.
I think a good story would be one on the family who started Wall Drugs!
Thanks for offering such great giveaways.
My friend, Lynne. Her life is unbelievable.
I like the idea of a non-fiction book based on the every day life of a large family. Lots of material to draw from. My parents each had 10 siblings and family gatherings always resulted in a day-long story fest of “remember when”.
I would like to see a book written about nurses who work in oncology suites. I met one nurse who had so many stories to tell about what she learned about people struggling with cancer treatments. These nurses are heros, yet little is written about them.
My dad told me so many stories when he was growing up. Stories about how life was for him, and so many adventures he had. I lost my Dad 6 years ago, and I’ve written down alot of things he told me. He was so funny, a great sense of humor, and he was a pool shark, the best in our small county, Ashe, in North Carolina. He was also a great poker player. He was a sawyer, and he worked his whole life sawing up wood, which he was the best one, probably in the whole state of NC. Maybe one day I will write a book about his life. We live in the Appalachian Mountains, and so many people don’t understand our way of life, our accent, our old-time way of doing things, and many expressions I’ve heard all my life. People here are extremely smart. Alot of people don’t understand that just because we talk slow and are so country, we are also very talented and intelligent.
Folks in rural areas when asked how far it is to “so and so” will answer in miles, folks in urban/cities will answer in minutes or hours. What a fascinating story of all the differences….
I think someone shoudl write a lively history of Portsmouth NH!
I recently returned from a trip to Cherokee country in NC. An informative and worthwhile book about Andrew Jackson’s merciless decree to move all the local Native Americans to the west via the “Trail of Tears” would be welcome. I would hope it would focus on the strength, fortitude, and spirit of these Native Americans who persevered; this story deserves to be told. I get tears in my eyes every time I think about it.
I think I would like to see a book about life in a nursing home, either from the point of view of a resident or of a nurse’s aide.
David Hochstein was a violin virtuoso at a very early age. His talent was subsidized by George Eastman in Rochester, NY. Tragically, Hochstein was killed at the Battle of Argonne at just 26 years old. The David Hochstein Music School was opened in his memory in Rochester in 1920 and still offers music lessons to all students regardless of their economic means.
A book about my mom and her siblings who lived through the Depression would be a good book. An “Angela’s Ashes” kind of life.
I wish I could’ve had the story of my Mother & Father’s lives. So many things happened to them. Many that weren’t very good. Thank you.
makeupgirl21@comcast.net
I’d love to read about medical discoveries- loved Henrietta Lacks and fondly remember reading about medical discoverers when I was a child.
“Where else but in North East”
That’s what I’d have for a title. North East is a small town in north western PA. Every year there is a Cherry Festival. On the last night of the festival (it’s the annual fund raiser for the volunteer fire department”, there is a parade. Typical of small towns, in the parade are the scout troops, children from dance studios, military (retired) who march ever so proudly, fire trucks, ambulances, EMS vehicles, etc. –over 100 such vehicles have been counted each year. The most unique feature is the chairs that line the streets along the route. Viewers claim their spots days in advance. No matter the value of seat/bench/small table, I’ve never known anyone to say, “Who took my adirondack?” or “Where’s my pink Caravan Canopy Beach Massage Chair”?
The story–the people to whom these chairs belong. Small town. Lots to tell.
My grandmother’s life during the great Depression.
My Grandfather, who was injured during WWI and never completed recovered.
My grandfather owned a small neighborhood grocery store. There were a lot of people who would have gone hungry if not for his generosity. I would love to do some research and write a book about his life.
Given the level of my granddaughter’s activity, her life story will make a great work of non fiction!
I would want a book written about my grandfather. He served in World War II over in Burma and around there. He witnessed a lot of severe things over there and I wish I knew the full story of what he saw and what he accomplished over there with his troop.
William and Caroline Herschel, a brother and sister astronomy team from the late 18th and early 19th century would make a great biography.
I always tell my aunt she should write a book! She grew up
in WV and she and my mom were part of a family of 12.
I’m sure a lot of people could tell kind of the same story,
but my family were coal miners and I think they have a
unique story to tell. Everyone else doesn’t have to go under
the ground to make their living.
I would like to see a non-fiction book about my father. He was a small town doctor who made house calls, helped bring babies into the world, performed surgeries, and didn’t charge his elderly patients who were short on cash. He did however, accept fresh chickens, and produce from the local farmers for payment.
My great grandfather George Ford McClelland would be a great subject for a biography. He was vice-president of NBC radio in the 1920s/1930s and is credited with the idea of selling advertisements on the radio for funding (aka the first commercials). He also helped set up the first network and was friendly with people like William Randolph Hearst and Bing Crosby. He never reached his full potential as he committed suicide at the age of 39.
I remember going to the NY World’s Fair in 1964. I would love to read a book that contained the back stories of the exhibits and the people who put it together. There are still enough people alive who would remember visiting it, and for those who weren’t there, I’m sure they would enjoy a trip to our past when we were excited about the promise of all the wonderful new technologies that were just coming into the marketplace.
it would be interesting to read about the graffiti artists that “tag” the trains in our area. Cleveland,Buffalo, Erie….
The inside scoop, true story of the politics and pathos that occurs in dog shows. Where else do people spend so much money to win a ribbon or a trophy? Spend hours grooming dogs into alien-looking hairdos? Hire professional handlers to make their dogs perform better than others?
My friend who is a perfectly sweet and endearing person but has had 3 murders and a suicide in her family, all true.
My oldest daughter is a clinical therapist and works at a Mental Health Clinic in Los Angeles. One story was about a man who lived in the hills of Hollywood and never really ‘existed’ because he had no address or social security number. My daughter finally helped him solved these problems, but the story behind it is amazing. She has other tales to tell and each of them would make a solid HBO series!!!
We need a book on the the 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates. Several weeks ago in first place. Today the team is 13 games out of first place. So much promise. What happened? Was it the the Pirate Parrot? Something in the water? Was it some type of mystical force residing in the confluence of the three rivers? It’s a modern mystery.
I wish someone would write a book about Isabella, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. It was a growing town during the logging era, with a hotel, stores, etc. It’s all gone now, except for a few homes and farms.
In the summer of 1998 our town was rocked by the disappearance of two children an 11-year old girl and her younger brother. About 6-weeks later their bodies were discovered at the edge of a small graveyard in a nearby township. Their stepfather was subsequently arrested and charged and convicted of their murder.
My tales of 25 years worth, working with the gravely disabled, whether developmentally disabled or mentally ill would be a real page turner. I’m retired now and would just rather read someone elses stories thank you very much!
it would be interesting to hear the story of a dog and his journeys…where they go, what they did, what they thot… they disappear and reappear and we never know what happened or why… it would be interesting.
and light hearted. too much sadness and tragedy in the world, need something to keep us up and moving.
The fatal shooting of “Diamond” Darrell Abbott on December 8, 2004 during a Columbus, Ohio show. He was a founding member and guitarist for the band, PANTERA.
I met Darrell back in 1993 and he was a very kind and funny young man. He is greatly missed.
My life could be a book. I have definitely lived an interesting life. Being adopted and all that has happened in my 55 yrs. I’ve had the best of both worlds to say the least.
I also have to mention that memoirs are one of my favorite genres to read.
My mother – born in Prussia, a refugee in Germany during and after World War II, an imigrant to the United States and finally an immigrant to Israel. She had a knack for languages and survival.
My husband was interesting. The family might be the only ones to read it, but it would be fun to try to write a book about him.
I think a non fiction book can be written about how african americans are never included in the discussions about history of the bible. Other cultures are given credit, but the african american experience isn’t important or doesn’t exist.
Kip Tiernan, of Boston – founder of Rosie’s Place, touched so many lives in Boston; founded, co-founded, inspired so much else
Greg Mortensen’s rise and collapse will be fascinating, once all is unraveled
My family story. The story of raising 6 kids on one income with a stay at home mom. It would be hilarious and tiring. We have a terrific family and we all have great sense of humor. My husband is the wackiest of all!!!
It would be fascinating to read a book about my mother-in-law’s family – all strange and very dysfunctional!
My wish is for a competent writer to resume the A. J. Quinnell series featuring the tough guy of “Man on Fire” and others fame – Creasy. I have noticed that other similar characters have been resurrected by new authors, such as James Bond and Jason Bourne, after the deaths of their original authors, and it would be great to also see it happen in this case.
I would love to write My story. Growing up in an unstable home, marrying an abusive husband to be continued………………………
My Maternal great-great-parents. they met on the boat coming over and got married on the boat. Went through Ellis Island and then moved cross country to Michigan to set up a farm. Had I believe 13 kids but only a couple made it to adulthood. I find the family stories about the times and hardships very inspiring.
My parents’ story of their survival during the ’49 Blizzard near Hay Spring, NE. They had been married for 2 years and moved to a new irrigated farming development where there was no electricity yet and few telephones. They lived in a used army fold-up trailer and the roof blew off. They bundled up my brother, Jerry, 18 mo. old and tried to walk to the neighbors’ new, unfinished house (they weren’t home) but were lost for 2 hours (should have been a 10-minute walk across the highway) Dad carried Jerry and a flashlight, Mom carried a gas lantern. She fainted and then Dad saw a white light surrounding the house. The door was frozen shut; kicked it open, laid Jerry down, went back to get Mom. Later found the lantern some 200 yds. out in the field, so they knew they were way off. Remember no electricity, no moon, just wind, snow, and frigid temps.Long story short, Mom had frostbitten eyes, Jerry lost 2 fingers on left hand from frostbite. Dad didn’t sleep for 2 days. Went for telephone at next house 1/2 mile south. A man from Rushville flew his plane to rescue that wife who was expecting, then made a second trip to Mom & Jerry. When Dad would tell the story, he would break down and Mom would have to finish it.
I can imagine a story about Corey H., a neighborhood kid I grew up with in a small town in Illinois. Corey got into all sorts of trouble and did dangerous things that were a throwback to the past, things like hopping freight trains, being sent to a juvenile home, painting the neighbor’s car with water-based tempura paint, and more. Last I heard he was working at a horse farm.
After a world holocaust with only pockets of people surviving, a group using limited technology begin to rebuild in a small town using the guidelines of Camelot.
A friend was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) 5 years ago.
Although the disease is progressing, she still insists upon doing everything that she is capable of. She gets out of her house, drives, volunteers at the local elementary school library, and much more. I’m convinced that her attitude is the greatest factor in her longevity. Would like to see a story about her or someone like her.
I would love to win this week’s books. I am a big fan of Joseph Heller’s books. And my husband prefers the David Crockett book. We’ll fight over the rest!
My family’s story contains a true-life murder mystery, a cold case that’s been solved (after a fashion) some 45 years after the fact. Alas, unlike in mystery novels or television, the telling of the story of someone’s untimely death too often causes more harm to the living, and too many people would be hurt, too many rifts created or deepened, by telling the story in non-fictional form. But it would make a good story…
My father’s life would make for a compelling story. Beginning with the death of his older brother when he was a young teenager, earning his pilot’s license before his driver’s license, to hitch-hiking across the US in his early 20s (including being escorted to the state line in Louisiana), to working in Churchill, Manitoba. All before 30…
I savor, lead to I found exactly what I used to be taking a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye