Uproariously Funny and Informative Nonfiction

Burcaw, S. (2014). Laughing at my nightmare. New York, NY. Roaring Book Press. 978-1-62672-007-7; hardback; $17.99

(also available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook)

Laughing at my nightmare is a hilarious memoir written by Shane Burcaw about his life growing up with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and his quest to make sure everyone he encounters knows that he’s not mentally handicapped – just physically handicapped. He chronicles his life from childhood through his early 20s when he started his successful blog, Laughing at my nightmare, and non-profit of the same name. Shane wholeheartedly believes that laughter can be the best medicine and hopes that you laugh with him, at him, near him – because as long as you are laughing, you can get through anything.

Instead of writing about his disease as a struggle, Shane writes about struggles that all teenagers go through but with an added obstacle of having zero control over his body. Due to the language and some of the subject matter, this book would be most enjoyable for high schoolers looking to read a nonfiction book about someone who understands just how awkward being different from everyone else can be. This is also a great book to read if you want to learn more about SMA and growing up with a disability, however, because of some of the comments made about mental disabilities, proceed with caution if that is a sensitive subject area for you.

Shane’s blog can be found at laughingatmynightmare.tumblr.com and his foundation at www.laughingatmynightmare.com.

A Gripping Historical Fiction

Zusak, M. (2006). The Book Thief. New York; NY. Alfred A. Knopf. 9780385754729; Paperback; $7.79

(also available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and now a major motion picture)

The Book Thief takes place between 1939-1943 in Nazi Germany and follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in an impoverished area of Molching, Germany, as narrated by Death while he tries to make sense of the happenings of World War II. Liesel was adopted by her new family when her mother and father were found out to be communists during Hitler’s reign. She has never been a great reader, but is drawn to books and steals titles that hold a significant meaning to her. As her reading skills grow, her storytelling helps her neighbors during the air raids and her family while hiding a Jewish man in their basement. Liesel’s opinions of the Nazi party shift as her family’s kindness toward this “dangerous” stranger in their basement teach her compassion and tolerance – qualities that will follow her throughout her life.

To say this book is haunting is an understatement. It transports you to one of the darkest times in human history and makes you feel like you are living right next to Liesel Meminger on Himmel Street. History has taught us the events of the Holocaust, but after reading this story, the events of World War II will feel less like a fact in a history book and more like a lived memory of your own. With Death as the narrator, it’s easy to relate the prejudices of the past to those still present today, which makes The Book Thief relevant no matter what year you live in. While the story focuses on a young girl, boys and girls of all ages can benefit from and relate to the story of Liesel and the kids on Himmel Street.

For more information about the book, author, movie, or to find discussion questions for book clubs, visit: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/.

A Fast Classic

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. 978-0-06-440731-1; paperback; $7.99

(Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook, and graphic novel)

Monster is about the felony murder trial of 16-year-old Steve Harmon. Steve has been implicated in the robbery and murder of a convenience store clerk and despite a lack of evidence against him, his defense attorney must fight to prove his innocence against the jury and prosecution’s preconceived notions about the character of a young black man from an impoverished neighborhood. The story is written from the perspective of Steve Harmon in jail while he waits for the trial as well as during the trial itself. Steve has decided that the only way he can stay sane in these unthinkable circumstances is to view his life as a movie and the novel reads like a movie script.

This book has been recognized with the Michael L. Printz Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and was a finalist for the National Book Award for subject matter that is still a hot topic in the United States justice system today with the Black Lives Matter movement. This book is a great, nail-biting look into the prejudices of the justice system toward the African-American community. At 281 pages, Monster is a surprisingly fast read that will haunt you long after Steve Harmon’s trial is over.