New & Noteworthy Nonfiction
October 2025
 
Here are some notable nonfiction books coming to the LA County Library in October!
 
Cover of A Hollywood Ending by Yaron Weitzman
A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the Lebron Lakers
by Yaron Weitzman

An NBA journalist looks at the Lakers' turbulent power struggles and shifting priorities, revealing how LeBron James' partnership with the franchise led to a championship before unraveling amid clashing egos, family drama and the complex politics of modern sports.
Cover of Letter from Japan by Marie Kondo
Letter from Japan
by Marie Kondo

In her most personal book yet, the iconic star of the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up opens up about the cultural traditions that have inspired her philosophy--and can make our lives better today.
Cover of Comedy Nerd by Judd Apatow
Comedy Nerd: A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures
by Judd Apatow

This highly visual memoir chronicles the comedy legend's journey from standup-obsessed teen to Hollywood powerhouse, blending personal artifacts and behind-the-scenes stories to reveal the passion, persistence and creative drive behind decades of groundbreaking comedic work.
Cover of Lidia's the Art of Pasta by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
Lidia's the Art of Pasta: An Italian Cookbook
by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

An utterly indispensable resource for every kitchen, this volume is a one-stop guide to pasta in every form: from fresh to dried, from Old World classics like gnocchi and cacio e pepe to Italian American favorites like manicotti and lasagna Napoletana.
Cover of The Wounded Generation by David Nasaw
The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II
by David Nasaw

Explores the often overlooked postwar struggles of World War II veterans and their families, revealing widespread trauma, social challenges, and systemic discrimination, while tracing how these experiences reshaped American society and influenced notable political and cultural figures.
Cover of John Williams by Tim Greiving
John Williams: A Composer's Life
by Tim Greiving

Williams wrote the memorable scores and hummable themes for a staggering number of popular touchstones across multiple generations--among them Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, and the Harry Potter series--and earned more Oscar nominations than any individual artist in the history of the motion picture Academy. He also composed dozens of concerti, fanfares, and other concert works and was a national presence as music director of the Boston Pops for more than a decade. He inspired countless children to pursue a career in the orchestra and won the respect of the classical community worldwide. Seeking to understand what drove Williams's musical productivity and its effects on the lives of those close to him, Greiving delves deeply into the composer's decades-long career, uncovering countless new stories and revelations.
Cover of Little Woodchucks by Nick Offerman
Little Woodchucks: Offerman Woodshop's Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery
by Nick Offerman

The Offerman Woodshop is opening its avuncular doors to woodworkers of all ages in the form of twelve brand-new, family-friendly projects perfect for kids, from beginner projects like a handmade box kite to more challenging offerings like a little free library/meat locker. Combining his signature wry humor with clearly written and joyfully illustrated project instructions, Little Woodchucks is the perfect way to encourage eye contact and other old-fashioned familial engagements, while introducing young woodworkers-to-be to the satisfaction and good, clean fun of hands-on crafting.
Cover of The Anthony Bourdain Reader by Anthony Bourdain
The Anthony Bourdain Reader: New Classic, and Rediscovered Writing
by Anthony Bourdain

Gathering published and previously unseen work, this collection highlights Bourdain's enduring voice as a writer, offering a multifaceted portrait through essays, fiction, diary entries, and reflections on food, travel, culture, and the complexities of his personal and creative life.
Cover of How to dream by Nhất Hạnh
How to Dream
by Thich Nhất Hạnh

We all want our lives to be useful and meaningful. The aspiration to transform suffering—our own, each other’s, and the Earth’s—can give us the energy we need to continue on a wholesome path. In How to Dream, Thich Nhat Hanh explains how to let our deep desire nourish us and, in turn, how to keep that desire alive. 
Cover of Joyride by Susan Orlean
Joyride: A Memoir
by Susan Orlean

This vibrant memoir tracing a celebrated writer's creative journey blends personal stories with reflections on curiosity, discovery and the writing life while offering inspiration and practical insights for anyone pursuing a path shaped by wonder and imagination. Illustrations.
Cover of 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin
1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation
by Andrew Ross Sorkin

The author of Too Big to Fail offers a gripping account of the 1929 stock market crash, revealing how ambition, greed and denial among financiers and politicians fueled a historic economic collapse whose echoes still resonate today.
Cover of Girl Warrior by Joy Harjo
Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age
by Joy Harjo

The three-time U.S. poet laureate presents a lyrical meditation on identity, growth and resilience, with powerful reflections drawn from ancestral wisdom and personal experience to guide young Native women through the challenges of coming of age, creativity and self-discovery.
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