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Non-fiction - Essays - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Staff-created list

Journalistic writing that can encapsulate moments in time, as well as the personality of its writer. If you want to explore an important social or political issue, hear a great story, or gain a deeper understanding of literature and other art forms, then these titles give you a chance to do so, all while enjoying the thoughts and opinions of great writers. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

19 items

19 items

These Precious Days

These Precious Days

by Patchett, Ann, 1963-

Book - 2021

Though beloved novelist Ann Patchett has control over the stories she tells, life itself is a journey full of unexpected surprises. Patchett contemplates ...Show more Though beloved novelist Ann Patchett has control over the stories she tells, life itself is a journey full of unexpected surprises. Patchett contemplates this truth in her radiant, critically acclaimed essay collection. Intimately personal and eloquent, “These Precious Days” explores a number of topics, including marriage, friendship, mortality and writing. Show less

Though beloved novelist Ann Patchett has control over the stories she tells, life itself is a journey full of unexpected surprises. Patchett contemplates ...Show more Though beloved novelist Ann Patchett has control over the stories she tells, life itself is a journey full of unexpected surprises. Patchett contemplates this truth in her radiant, critically acclaimed essay collection. Intimately personal and eloquent, “These Precious Days” explores a number of topics, including marriage, friendship, mortality and writing. Show less

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The Anthropocene Reviewed

The Anthropocene Reviewed

Essays on A Human-centered Planet

by Green, John, 1977-

Book - 2021

The Anthropocene refers to the current period in Earth’s history, commencing from the time when humankind began to significantly impact the planet’s ecosy...Show more The Anthropocene refers to the current period in Earth’s history, commencing from the time when humankind began to significantly impact the planet’s ecosystems, climate and geology. The Anthropocene Reviewed is bestselling author John Green’s collection of informative and absorbing personal essays, in which he rates a range of aspects from our human-centred world out of 5 stars. From Scratch n’ Sniff stickers and plagues, to Super Mario Kart, sunsets, Auld Lang Syne, and the Internet - there’s no shortage of excellently crafted pieces to get you gazing at the modern age with wonder. Show less

The Anthropocene refers to the current period in Earth’s history, commencing from the time when humankind began to significantly impact the planet’s ecosy...Show more The Anthropocene refers to the current period in Earth’s history, commencing from the time when humankind began to significantly impact the planet’s ecosystems, climate and geology. The Anthropocene Reviewed is bestselling author John Green’s collection of informative and absorbing personal essays, in which he rates a range of aspects from our human-centred world out of 5 stars. From Scratch n’ Sniff stickers and plagues, to Super Mario Kart, sunsets, Auld Lang Syne, and the Internet - there’s no shortage of excellently crafted pieces to get you gazing at the modern age with wonder. Show less

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Happy-go-lucky

Happy-go-lucky

by Sedaris, David, 1956-

Book - 2022

"Bestselling author and comedian David Sedaris returns with another entertaining essay collection in “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Combining his trademark wit wi...Show more "Bestselling author and comedian David Sedaris returns with another entertaining essay collection in “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Combining his trademark wit with poignant honesty, Sedaris reflects on the jarring new reality brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He's sure to have you in tears - from laughing and from crying." Show less

"Bestselling author and comedian David Sedaris returns with another entertaining essay collection in “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Combining his trademark wit wi...Show more "Bestselling author and comedian David Sedaris returns with another entertaining essay collection in “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Combining his trademark wit with poignant honesty, Sedaris reflects on the jarring new reality brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He's sure to have you in tears - from laughing and from crying." Show less

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Slouching Towards Bethlehem

Slouching Towards Bethlehem

by Didion, Joan, 1934-2021

Book - 1979

Celebrated writer Joan Didion delivers an intriguing time capsule of California counter-culture in the 1960s and in this collection she also writes about ...Show more Celebrated writer Joan Didion delivers an intriguing time capsule of California counter-culture in the 1960s and in this collection she also writes about cinematic cowboy John Wayne, keeping a notebook, reclusive millionaire Howard Hughes and the monster that is Hollywood. Show less

Celebrated writer Joan Didion delivers an intriguing time capsule of California counter-culture in the 1960s and in this collection she also writes about ...Show more Celebrated writer Joan Didion delivers an intriguing time capsule of California counter-culture in the 1960s and in this collection she also writes about cinematic cowboy John Wayne, keeping a notebook, reclusive millionaire Howard Hughes and the monster that is Hollywood. Show less

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World of Wonders

World of Wonders

In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments

by Nezhukumatathil, Aimee

Book - 2020

A heart-felt collection of insights into natural and personal history in which Aimee Nezhukumatathil draws connections between unusual flora and fauna and...Show more A heart-felt collection of insights into natural and personal history in which Aimee Nezhukumatathil draws connections between unusual flora and fauna and her own vibrant life. Her prose is at its most powerful when she adds a dash of vinegar to the sweetness. Show less

A heart-felt collection of insights into natural and personal history in which Aimee Nezhukumatathil draws connections between unusual flora and fauna and...Show more A heart-felt collection of insights into natural and personal history in which Aimee Nezhukumatathil draws connections between unusual flora and fauna and her own vibrant life. Her prose is at its most powerful when she adds a dash of vinegar to the sweetness. Show less

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Winter

Winter

by Knausgård, Karl Ove, 1968-

Book - 2018

Knausgaard evokes the sensations of a Scandinavian winter before diving into topics including birth, Norwegian politics, desire, Christmas, noses and the ...Show more Knausgaard evokes the sensations of a Scandinavian winter before diving into topics including birth, Norwegian politics, desire, Christmas, noses and the moon. Winter is a bracing exploration of a creative mind and is one volume in Knausgaard's seasonal quartet. Show less

Knausgaard evokes the sensations of a Scandinavian winter before diving into topics including birth, Norwegian politics, desire, Christmas, noses and the ...Show more Knausgaard evokes the sensations of a Scandinavian winter before diving into topics including birth, Norwegian politics, desire, Christmas, noses and the moon. Winter is a bracing exploration of a creative mind and is one volume in Knausgaard's seasonal quartet. Show less

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Disability Visibility

Disability Visibility

First-person Stories From the Twenty-first Century

Book - 2020

An invigorating, rich collection of essays exploring the perspectives and lived experiences of people with disabilities. Bringing together a wide range of...Show more An invigorating, rich collection of essays exploring the perspectives and lived experiences of people with disabilities. Bringing together a wide range of voices that are often excluded from mainstream media, this anthology is both thought-provoking and resonant. Show less

An invigorating, rich collection of essays exploring the perspectives and lived experiences of people with disabilities. Bringing together a wide range of...Show more An invigorating, rich collection of essays exploring the perspectives and lived experiences of people with disabilities. Bringing together a wide range of voices that are often excluded from mainstream media, this anthology is both thought-provoking and resonant. Show less

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Dispatches From Continent Seven

Dispatches From Continent Seven

An Anthology of Antarctic Science

Book - 2016

For many of us, travel is on ice so why not read about travelling on the ice? Start with Captain Cook's circumnavigation, join Apsley Cherry-Garrard on Th...Show more For many of us, travel is on ice so why not read about travelling on the ice? Start with Captain Cook's circumnavigation, join Apsley Cherry-Garrard on The Worst Journey in the World, shadow The Accidental Penguin Biologist, reflect on the polar sunrise with Rhian Salmon or visit Chris Orsman's The Lakes of Mars. Dispatches is an eclectic mix of scientists and visitors, essays and poetry. Show less

For many of us, travel is on ice so why not read about travelling on the ice? Start with Captain Cook's circumnavigation, join Apsley Cherry-Garrard on Th...Show more For many of us, travel is on ice so why not read about travelling on the ice? Start with Captain Cook's circumnavigation, join Apsley Cherry-Garrard on The Worst Journey in the World, shadow The Accidental Penguin Biologist, reflect on the polar sunrise with Rhian Salmon or visit Chris Orsman's The Lakes of Mars. Dispatches is an eclectic mix of scientists and visitors, essays and poetry. Show less

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Contemporary Voices

Contemporary Voices

From the Asian and Islamic Art Worlds

by Sand, Olivia

Book - 2018

Eighty seven interviews with artists offer insights into creativity and expression and provide a comprehensive survey of the Asian and Islamic art scene. ...Show more Eighty seven interviews with artists offer insights into creativity and expression and provide a comprehensive survey of the Asian and Islamic art scene. Artists covered include Yoko Ono, Huang Yong Ping, Etel Adnan, Ghada Amer, Rina Banerjee and Walid Raad. Show less

Eighty seven interviews with artists offer insights into creativity and expression and provide a comprehensive survey of the Asian and Islamic art scene. ...Show more Eighty seven interviews with artists offer insights into creativity and expression and provide a comprehensive survey of the Asian and Islamic art scene. Artists covered include Yoko Ono, Huang Yong Ping, Etel Adnan, Ghada Amer, Rina Banerjee and Walid Raad. Show less

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Trick Mirror

Trick Mirror

Reflections on Self-delusion

by Tolentino, Jia

Book - 2019

"Our society revolves around the individual - yet, this only makes it harder to see one’s self clearly. In Trick Mirror, fresh journalistic talent Ji...Show more "Our society revolves around the individual - yet, this only makes it harder to see one’s self clearly. In Trick Mirror, fresh journalistic talent Jia Tolentino examines our self-delusion in an increasingly confusing personal and political landscape. Her essays cover feminism, contemporary culture, and her own coming-of-age with poise and wit. " Show less

"Our society revolves around the individual - yet, this only makes it harder to see one’s self clearly. In Trick Mirror, fresh journalistic talent Ji...Show more "Our society revolves around the individual - yet, this only makes it harder to see one’s self clearly. In Trick Mirror, fresh journalistic talent Jia Tolentino examines our self-delusion in an increasingly confusing personal and political landscape. Her essays cover feminism, contemporary culture, and her own coming-of-age with poise and wit. " Show less

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Feel Free

Feel Free

Essays

by Smith, Zadie, 1975-

Book - 2018

Celebrated novelist Zadie Smith displays a flair for the essay with this collection in which she brings her analytical focus to bear on topics including t...Show more Celebrated novelist Zadie Smith displays a flair for the essay with this collection in which she brings her analytical focus to bear on topics including teen idols, Brexit, hip-hop, the cinematic horror of racism, Joni Mitchell and the presentation of corpses in Renaissance art. Her latest collection, Intimations, presents her stance on Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter. Show less

Celebrated novelist Zadie Smith displays a flair for the essay with this collection in which she brings her analytical focus to bear on topics including t...Show more Celebrated novelist Zadie Smith displays a flair for the essay with this collection in which she brings her analytical focus to bear on topics including teen idols, Brexit, hip-hop, the cinematic horror of racism, Joni Mitchell and the presentation of corpses in Renaissance art. Her latest collection, Intimations, presents her stance on Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter. Show less

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Wanderlust

Wanderlust

A History of Walking

by Solnit, Rebecca, 1961-

Book - 2014

Cultural commentator Rebecca Solnit uses her acute powers of analysis to deliver a celebration of walking amidst contemplation. Bestselling writer Alain d...Show more Cultural commentator Rebecca Solnit uses her acute powers of analysis to deliver a celebration of walking amidst contemplation. Bestselling writer Alain de Botton hailed Wanderlust as “Radical, humane, witty, impassioned and serious” and Kirkus Reviews warned that readers would be "moved to wander". Show less

Cultural commentator Rebecca Solnit uses her acute powers of analysis to deliver a celebration of walking amidst contemplation. Bestselling writer Alain d...Show more Cultural commentator Rebecca Solnit uses her acute powers of analysis to deliver a celebration of walking amidst contemplation. Bestselling writer Alain de Botton hailed Wanderlust as “Radical, humane, witty, impassioned and serious” and Kirkus Reviews warned that readers would be "moved to wander". Show less

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This Book Will Blow your Mind

This Book Will Blow your Mind

Journeys to the Extremes of Science

Book - 2018

Science writers present the most surprising scientific discoveries of recent times and use them to discuss mind-boggling questions about life on our plane...Show more Science writers present the most surprising scientific discoveries of recent times and use them to discuss mind-boggling questions about life on our planet and indeed, in the universe. Topics include white and black holes, forbidden chemistry, mutant powers, psychedelic drugs, the speed of light and the human superpower that is awe. Show less

Science writers present the most surprising scientific discoveries of recent times and use them to discuss mind-boggling questions about life on our plane...Show more Science writers present the most surprising scientific discoveries of recent times and use them to discuss mind-boggling questions about life on our planet and indeed, in the universe. Topics include white and black holes, forbidden chemistry, mutant powers, psychedelic drugs, the speed of light and the human superpower that is awe. Show less

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Upstream

Upstream

Selected Essays

by Oliver, Mary, 1935-2019

Book - 2016

For poet Mary Oliver, the natural world is intimately connected with her art. "Upstream" brings together a collection of dazzling essays that ex...Show more For poet Mary Oliver, the natural world is intimately connected with her art. "Upstream" brings together a collection of dazzling essays that express Oliver's deep love and fascination with her environment. She also reflects on the great Romantic poets, for whom nature was a necessary source of inspiration. Show less

For poet Mary Oliver, the natural world is intimately connected with her art. "Upstream" brings together a collection of dazzling essays that ex...Show more For poet Mary Oliver, the natural world is intimately connected with her art. "Upstream" brings together a collection of dazzling essays that express Oliver's deep love and fascination with her environment. She also reflects on the great Romantic poets, for whom nature was a necessary source of inspiration. Show less

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Montaigne

Montaigne

Streaming Video - 2015

Montaigne, Michel de. (1533-1592). The French Renaissance thinker is credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Access Video offer a half-hour progr...Show more Montaigne, Michel de. (1533-1592). The French Renaissance thinker is credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Access Video offer a half-hour programme that discusses his life and impact on human thought. The video starts with many of his best quotes. Show less

Montaigne, Michel de. (1533-1592). The French Renaissance thinker is credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Access Video offer a half-hour progr...Show more Montaigne, Michel de. (1533-1592). The French Renaissance thinker is credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Access Video offer a half-hour programme that discusses his life and impact on human thought. The video starts with many of his best quotes. Show less

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Essays

by Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592

Book - 1958

The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Show less

The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Show less

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The Essays

by Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592

Book - 1927

The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Show less

The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. The essays of Michel Montaigne, the French Renaissance thinker credited with popularising the essay as a genre. Show less

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Montaigne

Montaigne

A Very Short Introduction

by Hamlin, William M., 1957-

eBook - 2020

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In Our Time - Montaigne - BBC Sounds

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b01s0qmj

Web Resource

BBC Sounds provides this podcast on Montaigne, hosted by Melvyn Bragg, BBC Sounds provides this podcast on Montaigne, hosted by Melvyn Bragg, Show less

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