21st Century Literature discussion

I expect this one to be tough, and contentious. After all, it's the ONE time we're considering it...what IS the GREATEST NON-FICTION work of the past 12 years? I'm not sure myself.

So I'm surprised more people aren't discussing the idea of what would go in here. Will it be Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything? John Adams? what about Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln?

None of those will be my nomination when we get there, but they're all splendid books.

This is the one category that could be the most dangerous, particularly if political, religous, or like is nominated. Even books regarding the various schools of economic thinking can bring out the beast in some of us, not me of course, who will always remain the same mild-mannered person I've always dreamt of becoming. **smile**

It's possible, but we can always disallow books that for whatever reason are clearly inappropriate. But really, a little controversy is good for the soul.

Will wrote: "I expect this one to be tough, and contentious. "

Not forgetting that a lot of non-fiction now reads like fiction (!)

This is true, I'll admit.
Perhaps I should nominate From Prairie To Corn Belt: Farming On The Illinois And Iowa Prairies In The Nineteenth Century then. That sure as hell does not read like fiction. Who's up for charts of corn varietals from 1850?

p.s. - that's actually a great book, which I greatly enjoyed.

With that riveting title and your short summary it is a sure fire winner.

Will said: So I'm surprised more people aren't discussing the idea of what would go in here.

For some reason I expected the discussion to open in September, would have been here earlier! :D

Freakonomics has been on my TBR list forever. This will be so tough... Currently, I'm eager to sink my teeth into The Most Human Human by Brian Christian... but on the other hand, the answer to Will's question (my answer at least) is without a doubt The Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. It is the one book I would hope everybody read. "<3", I would even venture.