Week Eight: Nonfiction Genres and Dewey Classification

Of the 16 nonfiction genres outlined in this SLRC video, I'm going to focus on Politics, Essays, Crime, and Sports and what kinds of narrative nonfiction titles can be found within these genres.

• Political nonfiction can be found in the 320's for current issues flavored with distinct political party viewpoints. For political issues of a more historical flavor (generally also more party-neutral) try the 973's. Pretty much any title here is politically charged and anything but neutral, but I tried to find one that may appeal beyond party lines. A Nation of Wusses by Ed Rendell might be a good pick for someone who normally reads fiction - he's a Democrat and not shy about saying so, but this is the politician who called the NFL a bunch of wusses over cancelling a 2010 Eagles-Vikings game.

• Essays can be found mostly in the 814's, with more humorous selections mixed into the 818's. Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me is a great collection of humorous, anything-goes essays written by the comedic actress' friends and family.

• Narrative nonfiction relating to Crime - such as modern true crime stories, biographical takes on infamous criminals, and historical narratives of famous crimes - can be found in the 363-364's. Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History by Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell is a great title for crime thrill-seekers.

• Sports-related nonfiction can be found in the 796's. Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger is a great title for sports fans and readers of small-town fiction.

As a caveat, I should also say that pretty much all of these genres are also represented in the Biographies section if the work has a more general approach to the life of its subject.

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Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger is another book that I would find easy to recommend. For one thing, it's the basis of a popular television show (and was also made into a movie). It's a story of everyday failures and triumphs, with plenty of exciting football action to keep things moving along at a riveting pace. I'd recommend this book to sports fans - both ESPN and Sports Illustrated highly recommend the book as a good football story - as well as readers who are interested in engaging characters and suspenseful, realistic fiction set in a small town.



Flawless by Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell is definitely a title I would recommend. Well-researched and highly detailed, this true crime story takes readers around the globe as it follows the skilled group of theives known as "The School of Turin." It's a gripping story with a big, cinematic feel - definitely a fast-paced read and a vicarious thrill for readers. I'd recommend it to fans of Crime Fiction or Thrillers.

 

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