Options for Non-Fiction Reading, Part Two of Four

More ideas for non-fiction reads, people.

When Men Become Gods by Stephen Singular

I never followed/was aware of the Warren Jeffs arrest or trials when they were happening. I randomly scanned through this book at the Lehi Library and wound up bringing it home with me. A day and a half later, I hadn't left the couch and was equally stunned with anger, tears, and curiosity about this whole situation. Obviously, being raised in an LDS family I am familiar with polygamy, Fundamentalists--but you have no idea the scope of the brainwashing that happens in this cult. This reads like a newspaper piece, reporting on the entire case--but in much more chilling detail. 

Prozac Nation and Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women by Elizabeth Wurtzel

I'm the first to point out that Ms. Wurtzel's narrative voice is whiny and at times unlikable. But her memoir of classic clinical depression and her subsequent Prozac prescription that saved her life is brutal, to the point--exactly how a memoir should be. Her other book, Bitch, tears apart the notion that a strong, independent, feisty woman should be labeled a bitch. As a fully functioning bitch, I appreciate this.

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

I watched Super-Size Me before reading this book, so the shocks and horrors of the actual food content and potential hazards of ingesting fast food on a regular basis were no surprises to me. But this book focuses more on the other issues I have with fast food restaurants: the ridiculous and imposing advertising schemes to prey on your children and make them life-long customers; the atrocious treatment of employees and managers; the disgusting lack of responsibility regarding the management of slaughterhouse insurance issues; and any other evil practice sanctioned by the fast food industry. THIS BOOK IS, TO ME, A MUST READ. (Sorry, I had to yell for a second.) Read it and become an informed consumer. Sure, a beef patty made of chemicals isn't going to kill you every once in a while--but supporting the heinous industry might do some serious damage.

Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich

This book is a quick read, only a hundred and fifty pages, so there's really no excuse not to try this out. Barbara Ehrenreich, using the classic undercover journalist angle, spent time living as a minimum-wage worker in America, working as a waitress, a maid, and a Wal-Mart employee. Her insights into living as a member of the working poor class reveal details that make my heart ache: full-time employees living in trailers, canned pork and beans dinners, ridiculous "personality tests" on job applications that crush any individuality, the list goes on. This book would be an especially good read right now, considering the possible class action law suit facing Wal-Mart regarding sexism and discrimination.

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers and Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach

Ah, fantastic books about science! A woman writing about science! Women and science! Hoorah! The titles are pretty self-explanatory, and I'll only add a few thoughts. First, do not read either book while eating. Just don't. Second, be prepared to re-read this with a highlighter in hand, so you can spout out random facts to loved ones about what happens to their eyes during decomposition. Third, if you are a rageaholic like I am, the silliness of the funeral business will enrage you!

Part three tomorrow!