Narrative Nonfiction: Five Must-Read Books

Harrowing plane crashes, a true Bronx tale and more.

Nothing is as satisfying to me as reading a well-written, compelling true story. Which is why I love narrative nonfiction.  The genre reads like fiction — it has plot, character development, scene-setting, conflict — but it's all true. Sometimes the best stories are not the ones we make up, but the ones that make up our lives. Below, in no particular order, is a list of five of my favorite narrative nonfiction books — old and new. If you're looking for a good read, I encourage you to check out any on this list. You just may have a hard time putting these titles down.  1. Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand At times, the tale of Olympic runner and World War II prisoner of war Louis Zamperini seems ripped from the set of an adventure or war movie…

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The Best Gift I Ever Got Was a Book, and That Book Was _____

ReadKiddoRead asked authors, athletes and celebrities to share their favorite books.

[Editor's note: The following information is courtesy of the ReadKiddoRead Foundation.] Are you giving books to your kids as gifts? Which ones are you picking out for friends and family? ReadKiddoRead asked authors, athletes and celebrities to finish this sentence: The Best Gift I Ever Got Was a Book, and That Book Was _____. Pick up some of these favorites for the kids in your life, or browse through ReadKiddoRead.com for books that are sure to please any young person this holiday season. Mark Teixeira  The best gift I ever got was a book; it was The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris.  The book is The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, given to me by my friend and high school principal, Barry Fitzpatrick. While I can't single out any …

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Reading Resident Proposes Stoneham Area Bus Line

If you would like a bus service in town, sign a petition to support the Reading Rocket Line.

Reading resident Linda Greenlaw has proposed a bus service to both the Reading Town Manager and Selectmen. Her goal is to have the bus provide transportation to residents in Stoneham, Reading, North Reading and Wakefield. After suffering with breast cancer last year, Greenlaw realized how difficult it was to get to her treatments without a car, she said. So proposing the idea for a bus line seemed like a "logical conclusion," she told Patch. "I understand from a deep level that transportation is needed," Greenlaw said. She is now in remission, but aims to get the Reading Rocket line off the ground to help fellow residents and those in need of transportation. The price of a taxi can get expensive, The Ride has increased their prices and …

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Summer Reading Lists for Kids Ages 8-12

Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check this list of “Favorite Pageturners” from James Patterson.

Looking for a great book to read this summer? This list of books has something for everyone – adventure, magic, smart kids, and amazing kids. Read one, or read ‘em all – post your thoughts in the comments. Or, if we missed your favorite book, tell us in the comments! Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos Two months of being grounded during summer vacation change Jack Gantos’ life forever. Especially since it involves the mysterious chore of typing obituaries for his intriguing neighbor. Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald What happens when Charlie Joe Jackson, the most reluctant reader EVER has to actually read a book? Big Nate in a Class by Himself (Big Nate series) by Lincoln Peirce Things don’t always go your way …

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Regional News Roundup: Former Malden Priest Charged with Sexual Assault; Medford Tests Out Plug-In Prius

Check out some of the interesting stories from the Stoneham region this week.

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VIDEO: A Look Inside The Book Oasis

Scope out our video profile on the Main Street bookstore.

Check out Stoneham Patch contributor Elizabeth Alton's video on Stoneham-based The Book Oasis.

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Mark Ouellette

10:53 am on Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Hi Kim, That's a good point about not having to make sure your traditional books are charged as is the case with eReaders. I know I have plenty of other gadgets to worry about being charged on a daily basis that I'd rather not have another one to deal with ;) Thanks for your comment. Mark Ouellette Editor, Stoneham Patch   more ›

Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: March 18

Check out what's happening in the Stoneham area in our latest "Patch Facts" column.

1. Clash of the Spartans: The first annual Stoneham High School Student-Faculty "March Madness" Basketball Tournament is slated for 6 p.m. in the High School gym. Tickets, which will be sold at the door, cost $3 for students and $5 per adult. 2. Donate life: There is an American Red Cross blood drive scheduled to run from 2-7 p.m. at First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Wakefield. All donors will receive a free lunch pack from Cumberland Farms. 3. Music anyone? Ruben Kincade is scheduled to play from 9 p.m. to midnight at Grumpy Doyle's, 530 Main St., Reading. 4. Get classified: Need to hire someone or sell some items squirreled away in the closet? Post a free classified ad on Stoneham Patch! 5. Pet preview: Check back with …