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New Nonfiction February 2026 |
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Course of Human Events: The Declaration of Independence and the Historical Origins of the United States
by Steven Sarson
How reading the Declaration of Independence as a document of history explains its intended meaning. Thomas Jefferson chose his words carefully. Few could have been more deliberate than When in the course of human events, the phrase with which he opened the Declaration of Independence. As Steven Sarson shows, the original Declaration moved through the ages of human history from Creation to American independence, assessing it according to the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God. The Declaration's history and historical consciousness, therefore, help answer one of American history's great questions: How did the founders reconcile their lofty views on equality and liberty with the inequities and iniquities that they maintained in their time? The contingencies of history and the complexities of natural law, Sarson demonstrates, meant that the Declaration's eloquent promises of equality and liberty only applied partially to women and poor men, and not at all to Loyalists, Indigenous Americans, and enslaved people. The Declaration's assertion that all men are created equal has since become a promise of universal equality and liberty. As we reach its 250th anniversary, it is important to understand its original context as well as to continue the mission of making its promises a lived reality for all.
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Southern Living 2025 Annual Recipes
by Editors of Southern Living
For decades, Southern Living Annual Recipes has collected every recipe from an entire year's worth of the magazine into a single, complete volume. Not just for subscribers and fans, Southern Living 2025 Annual Recipes is for home cooks everywhere who are searching for helpful cooking advice and delicious new recipe and entertaining ideas to delight all who visit their table.
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Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear: A. A. Milne and the Creation of Winnie-The-Pooh
by Gyles Brandreth
For the 100th anniversary of the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh, Gyles Brandreth chronicles the writing of this beloved classic and the life of its creator, A. A. Milne. Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear tells the remarkable story of A. A. Milne, a playwright, a bestselling crime writer, poet, polemicist, humorist, and the man who created Winnie-the-Pooh. Gyles Brandreth explores Winnie-the-Pooh, a bear beloved by millions -- his genesis, his life across a hundred years, his special philosophy, and the reasons for his worldwide popularity. Brandreth's book is also the intimate biography of three generations of the fascinating and troubled Milne family, which knew fame and fortune, despising both for a time, but a family that ultimately found a profound reason to be grateful for the riches Pooh brought them. With an extraordinary cast list that includes Elizabeth II and Walt Disney, Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear moves from idyllic childhood games in the English countryside to New York in the 1930s and the love affairs, litigation, and heartrending family rifts that touched the life of one of Britain's most brilliant writers and his most famous creation.
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A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction
by Elizabeth McCracken
From bestselling and award-winning author and professor Elizabeth McCracken comes an irresistible look at the art of writing. Writing can feel like an endless series of decisions. How does one face the blank page? Move a character around a room? Deal with time? Undertake revision? The good and bad news is that in fiction writing, there are no definitive answers to such questions; writers must come up with their own. Elizabeth McCracken, author of bestselling novels, National Book Award long-listed story collections, and a highly praised memoir, has been teaching for more than thirty-five years, guiding her many students through their own answers. In A Long Game, she shares insights gleaned along the way, offering practical tips and incisive thoughts about her own work as an artist. The book covers: Understanding and developing characters; Plot, and what to do if it eludes you; Her thoughts on common writing rules; and of course, the Butter Cow Lady of the Iowa State Fair and her work as it relates to revision. Writing is a long game, she notes. What matters is that you learn to get work done in the way that is possible for you, through consistency or panic. Through self-recrimination or self-delusion or self-forgiveness: every life needs all three. As much a book about the life of a working artist as it is a guide to thinking about fiction, A Long Game is a revelatory and indispensable resource for any writer.
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Googoosh: A Sinful Voice
by Googoosh
"Before there was Madonna or Beyoncé, there was Googoosh. For the first time, one of the biggest pop stars of the 20th century tells her remarkable story: her rise to fame in pre-revolution Iran, her arrest and imprisonment, her twenty-year exile, and finally, her triumphant return to the global stage. "My story is not only my story. It's about our past, my country, how it was, what it became, what happened to the people, to artists. What would happen to a country's biggest pop star if religious extremists took control? In the wake of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, singer Googoosh found out. She was ordered by her government to never sing again, and for twenty years, she didn't ... until she did. Now, in this lyrical and moving memoir, pop superstar Googoosh unveils her unforgettable journey. From her difficult upbringing in Iran's tumultuous 1950s and '60s to her stardom in the '70s, she reveals what it was like to reach the peak of her career just as the 1979 Islamic Revolution swept the country. Seemingly overnight, she went from being on magazine covers, at film premieres and fashion shows, and constantly on the radio, to targeted by religious clerics. What followed is a harrowing tale of oppression, intimidation, and exile. After more than twenty years -- forbidden to sing or speak out -- she found her voice at the turn of the millennium, once again on the international stage. Now, inspired by the brave women of Iran on the front lines fighting for their freedoms, Googoosh finally tells her full story, and with it, the story of a country once again on the brink.
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Frostlines: A Journey Through Entangled Lives and Landscapes in a Warming Arctic
by Neil Shea
As warming reshapes our planet, the Arctic - -a region that once seemed unchangeable, beyond the reach of modern problems -- is quickly coming undone. While the old cold world can still be glimpsed in the movements of caribou, the hidden lives of wolves, and the hunting skill of an Iânupiaq elder, look closer and you'll find a new Arctic appearing in its place. ... Neil Shea blends natural history, anthropology, and travel writing to explore how the beauty, chaos, and power of change in the far north are reflected in the lives of people and animals. He sojourns with a wolf pack on Canada's Ellesmere Island and travels with Indigenous hunters in Alaska, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. He tracks dwindling caribou herds across the top of North America, searches for vanished Vikings in Greenland, and visits the front line of the new Cold War rising between Russia and Europe. What Shea finds is not one Arctic but many -- all still linked by shattering cold, seasons of darkness, and a pure, inimitable light.
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Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books
by Hwang Bo-Reum
NATIONAL BESTSELLER: From the author of the international bestseller Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, a heartfelt invitation to reflect on your relationship with reading and celebrate the joys of books.
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Crochet How: Learn to Crochet with Simple Stitches, Patterns, and Tips
by Meghan Fernandes
The perfect learn-to-crochet book for beginners, from the creators of the premier knit and crochet brand Pom Pom Crochet How, takes new crocheters through the basics so they can develop their skills and increase their crochet confidence with each new project. The book's friendly teaching style, clear instructions, and easy to make patterns are specifically designed to make starting out fun and to inspire new crocheters to stick with the craft. Following in the footsteps of Knit How, Pom Pom's classic beginning knitting guide, Crochet How demonstrates key first stitches and helps readers build their skills while progressing at their own pace. With 15 trendy and fun patterns and endless possibilities for customizing, Crochet How keeps readers motivated and inspired as they stitch their way through the projects and master a new craft. Pom Pom is well-known for their exciting use of color, and these new crochet designs do not disappoint. Start with an easy throw blanket, scarf, or tote, then complete your new crocheted collection by stitching up a cute hat, a sweet cowl, pullover, crop top, and granny square creations galore.
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Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman's Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing
by Tara Pringle Jefferson
The literary cousin to the popular Red Table Talk podcast, a self-empowering guide which expands on the current literature and places Black women front and center in the larger wellness conversation, giving them a blueprint to holistic wellness not found elsewhere. -- Provided by publisher.
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iPhone for Dummies, 2026 Edition
by Guy Hart-Davis
Discover the features that make iPhones so popular! From day one, setting up your Apple smartphone to utilizing it for everyday purposes, iPhone For Dummies breaks down the latest happenings with your device. Experienced Apple expert and tech educator Guy Hart-Davis walks you through how to make phone and FaceTime calls; send texts, messages, and emails; get online; and browse the web. Once connected, you can use your device for work or for play. Whether you need to create documents and edit spreadsheets, shoot video or take photos, or simply enjoy social networking and playing games, your Apple smartphone has you covered. Learn how to exploit the power of Apple Intelligence and customize your phone's settings to suit your work, life, and accessibility needs. You can also discover how to adjust your phone's privacy settings, app permissions, and security settings so you can better protect your info and data. Then, test out the new Liquid Glass interface, transfer data from your old phone (Apple or Android) to a new one, and make the most of the capabilities and features added by the latest iPhone models. iPhone For Dummies shows you how to: Navigate the iOS 2026 interface with ease and access the functionality you need when you need it; Connect with friends, family, and colleagues using apps like Phone, FaceTime, Maps, and more; Organize your life and get work done with Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, and Journal; Find games and have fun with the latest apps available on the App Store. Looking for the latest tips and tricks to get the most out of your smartphone? iPhone For Dummies is your step-by-step guide to these fan-favorite phones.
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The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2026
by Sarah Janssen
The World Almanac is America's bestselling reference book of all time, with more than 83 million copies sold. For more than 150 years, this compendium of information has been the authoritative source for school, library, business, and home. The 2026 edition ... reviews the biggest events of 2025 and will be your go-to source for questions on any topic in the upcoming year. Praised as a 'treasure trove of political, economic, scientific, and educational statistics and information' by The Wall Street Journal, [it] will answer all of your trivia needs.
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Why Do I Keep Doing This?: Unlearn the Habits Keeping You Stuck and Unhappy
by Kati Morton
Licensed family and marriage therapist Kati Morton explores [the] common struggle and contradiction with control. [She] shows how our upbringing and anxiety are often connected to our struggle to take up space. We can feel like we are too much by just existing in the same place as someone else, or that we are less deserving of their time and care. This struggle with asserting ourselves, or taking what we require, can harm our development. We sometimes think the only way to feel okay and get what we need is to please everyone else first. [This book may help] us understand why control can be so attractive, but if left unmonitored can become detrimental to our lives.
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The Torah for Dummies
by Arthur Kurzweil
An accessible and fascinating exploration of the Torah, The Torah for Dummies, 2nd Edition, is an easy-to-follow and insightful guide to the first five books of the Hebrew bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This helpful resource walks you through the foundations of Jewish tradition, religion, and theology, explaining Judaism's rich and ancient history and how it is interpreted by modern Jews. You'll also find discussion on translations of ancient writings, as well as explorations of the resources that preserve and expand Jewish texts and archeological discoveries that shed additional light on old doctrines. Inside: Understand how the Torah is structured; Discover how the Torah informs the lives of followers; Explore interpretations, commentaries, and more. Perfect for practicing Jews who want to better understand their own faith, Christians wanting to know more about the Jewish roots of Christianity, followers of Islamic tradition, and those interested in the roots of Abrahamic faiths, The Torah For Dummies is a can't-miss resource for anyone interested in one of the world's oldest and most fascinating religions and cultures. It's packed with trustworthy information about the laws, teachings, and stories that guide the lives of people of faith all over the world.
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Weaving with Paper: 30 Projects to Expand Your Creativity with Inventive Techniques, Intriguing Prompts, and Inspiring Works of Art
by Helen Hiebert
Paper artist Helen Hiebert shares 30 unique paper weaving projects with step-by-step instruction and inspirational prompts for developing a daily practice. Combining fiber art and paper craft techniques, paper weaving is accessible, sustainable, and fun. Each of the 30 projects in the book includes a prompt, a technique, step-by-step instruction, and examples of the project, and will inspire readers to repurpose, recycle, and reuse papers they may already have, like maps, postcards, holiday cards, or journals. -- Provided by publisher.
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Super Body: A 3-Week Program to Harness the New Science of Body Composition and Restore Your Youthful Contours
by William Davis
Forget everything you've been told about diet (from your doctor, the food industry, wellness influencers, etc.). Too many of us mistakenly believe that calorie restriction, pharmaceutical weight loss drugs, and bariatric procedures are effective solutions for weight loss. However, these solutions are plagued by serious problems, including virtually guaranteed weight regain. Muscle mass is what maintains our weight, and it also provides youthful vigor, mobility and overall health. When we diet, any muscle lost is often re-gained as fat, leaving us in worse shape than before. The essential microbes that have also been lost in our diet weakens us in the same way. In Super Body the author reveals how we can restore our bodies through nutrition, microbes, and supplements. The solutions to health, including weight management, do not lie in pharmaceuticals or procedures, but in returning to the natural foods necessary for human life. -- Provided by publisher.
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The Miracle Morning After 50: A Proven Path to Joy, Vitality, and Purpose for Aging Adults
by Hal Elrod and Dwayne J. Clark
For more than a decade, Hal Elrod's groundbreaking book The Miracle Morning and its S.A.V.E.R.S. practices have helped readers around the world live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives with just a few simple changes to their morning routines. Now, Hal has partnered with senior living expert Dwayne J. Clark to update this time-tested, game-changing formula specifically for individuals over age 50.-- Provided by publisher.
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Capture the Natural World in Watercolor: 35+ Simple Tutorials for Painting Epic Animals, Botanicals, and More
by Anastasiia Morozova
Paint the wonders of nature. Bring planet Earth's most iconic natural beauties to life with this comprehensive watercolor guide. Led by artist and instructor Anastasiia Morozova, create realistic paintings with step-by-step guidance. Explore all seven continents as you paint subjects both big and small, from red-eyed tree frogs and luna moths to Amur tigers and humpback whales. Explore majestic animals like giraffes and giant pandas or discover the stunning beauty of sakura flowers, dazzling African jewel beetles, and otherworldly cassowaries. In each tutorial, Anastasiia expertly explains the entire process of rendering lifelike flowers, fruits, and captivating creatures, breaking complex subjects into simple shapes and adding dimension with nuanced color mixes and fine lines. With her detailed instruction, ample step-by-step illustrations, and individual swatches, beginner and intermediate watercolorists alike will be shocked by their results. Get ready to revolutionize your skills and embark on the around-the-world watercolor adventure of a lifetime!
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Weightless: A Doctor's Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve
by Rocio Salas-Whalen
NATIONAL BESTSELLER: A board-certified physician shares her must-have guide to using GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, to reverse obesity and take charge of your health, with established strategies for maximizing your results. This book is a game-changer. Dr. Salas-Whalen gives you the science and the compassion this conversation has been missing. You are not alone anymore.-- Mel Robbins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Let Them Theory. Whether your struggle to lose weight has lasted years or started more recently, GLP-1 medications will help you finally end it. While GLP-1s have redefined how we treat obesity, the search for expert care is likely to leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unheard. Misconceptions are everywhere. Many doctors are still catching up with the science. And you may find a prescription but not the medical supervision you need for the best results. In Weightless, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, an expert in obesity medicine, delivers the real-world strategies that have helped thousands of patients achieve health goals that once felt out of reach. Her deeply compassionate approach sees obesity, not as a personal failure but as a chronic health condition that deserves medical treatment. Drawing on years of clinical expertise and the lived experience of her patients, she explains how to rethink what you know about weight management; learn why eat less, move more is an outdated and ineffective prescription. Give your GLP-1 journey a strong start: Choose an experienced provider, ask the right questions at every appointment, and get better outcomes if you're using telehealth. Preserve muscle for long-term success: Follow Dr. Salas-Whalen's advice for increasing protein intake and optimizing your strength training. Protect your progress: Manage side effects with evidence-based care, recognize when you need a dosage change, and know what to do when GLP-1s don't work. Adjust to life after GLP-1s: Navigate the unexpected physical, social, and psychological changes that accompany significant weight loss. Comprehensive and empowering, Weightless offers judgment-free support that ensures you never feel alone on this journey.
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Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton
by Martha Ackmann
A larger-than-life ... biography of country music legend and philanthropist Dolly Parton, [in which] Martha Ackmann chronicles the life of an American original. From her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has exceeded everyone's expectations--except her own. ... Ain't Nobody's Fool is a deep dive into the social, historical, and personal forces that made Dolly Parton one of the most beloved and unifying figures in public life and includes interviews with friends, family members, school mates, Nashville neighbors, members of her band, studio musicians, producers, and many others. It also features never before seen photographs and unearthed documents shedding light on her family's hardscrabble life.
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What No One Tells You about Money: The Real Key to Getting Unstuck from Someone Who's Been There
by Jade Warshaw
Behavioral Finance (AKA Your Emotions About Money) Made Simple. The real reason most people stay stuck with money isn't a lack of knowledge. It's the emotions driving their decisions. For the first time, a Ramsey Personality has broken down the emotional side of money in a way that's simple, practical and doable. In What No One Tells You About Money, Jade Warshaw bridges the gap between what you know and what you actually do -- giving you the emotional tools no one ever taught you. Jade pairs honest, personal stories with a clear, guided process that'll help you spot your emotions, break old cycles, and finally make real progress. Inside, you'll learn how to: Identify the emotional roots behind your daily money decisions; use a simple emotional check-in to see what's blocking your progress; recognize the five emotions that sabotage your money habits; build the resilience to stick with your plan long-term; create systems -- with milestones, audits and accountability -- that make momentum automatic. What No One Tells You About Money is a step-by-step road map for changing your money behaviors from the inside out -- so you can finally move forward with confidence.
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Oswego Public Library District
Montgomery Campus - 1111 Reading Drive, 60538Oswego Campus - 32 West Jefferson, 60543 (630) 554-3150
https://www.oswego.lib.il.us/
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