Week Eight

Narrative nonfiction is an exciting form of story telling which incorporates the details of nonfiction into a story woven with a lot of the insight and pacing a reader might glean from a fiction novel.


Assignment One:


There are sixteen types of narrative nonfiction categories which are offered in the presentation. Travel stories would be housed in the early 900s, which is where you might find Wild by Cheryl Strayed or Carsick by John Waters. These are stories that incorporate the truth of the travel and the perspective gained. In roughly the 814-818 section, you will find humor and essays. Authors such as David Sedaris (Engulfed in Flames), Amy Polher (Yes Please), and Augusten Burroughs (Running with Scissors) are housed here and have written many stories framed around their actual lives. In the late 900s, you'll have history books which retell historical events and disasters with a plot and conversation that will engage the reader to watch the events play out like a story - this is where Dead Wake (Erik Larson) and many World War II inspired stories will be found. Finally, in the 610s, the medical stories will be found. These will include stories like Stiff by Mary Roach and Ghost Boy by Martin Pistourius that retell dramatic events or medical oddities in an entertaining way.


Assignment Two:


For someone who enjoys novels that are dramatic and disastrous, I would recommend Dead Wake. This novel feels and reads like any fiction story and incorporates a host of characters that develop throughout the novel. It is quick paced, witty at times, but ultimately, will leave you begging to find out what happens to many of the cast of characters. Larson's writing is smooth, eloquent, and sounds like an old friend telling a story from memories.


For someone who enjoys fun, quirky novels about families and life, I would recommend Yes Please. Polher writes like she is talking to you, as if you are her best friend in the world. The stories she gives are funny and quick, but really get the reader engrossed in her humor. From the back reading panel which gives all the reasons you should buy the book, Amy Polher grabs your attention and shows she has something to say - and whatever it is will be hilarious.