Nonfiction is a genre of literature that is based on real events, people, and places. It is a type of writing that aims to inform and educate readers on a particular subject matter. Nonfiction can take on various forms, such as memoirs, biographies, essays, and journalism.
This type of literature is often used to provide readers with factual information on a particular topic. Nonfiction can be found in various mediums, including books, magazines, newspapers, and online articles. The purpose of this article is to explore the different types of nonfiction and how they can be used to educate and inform readers.
1. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
The Pout-Pout Fish is a popular children’s book that follows the journey of a grumpy fish as he discovers happiness under the sea. It is a New York Times bestselling block book that is now available at a discounted price of 35%. The book falls under the nonfiction category and is suitable for young children.
2. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Anne Morrow Lindbergh, a well-known writer, was captivated by the sea just like many others before and after her. During her vacation to a seaside town, she jotted down some of her life’s lessons, which eventually resulted in the book “Gift from the Sea.”
This non-fiction book was first published in 1955 when Lindbergh was in her 50s and has been a source of wisdom for many ever since. Despite its age, the book’s insights remain timeless.
3. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
The novel “The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See tells the story of two best friends, Mi-ja and Young-sook, who are Haenyeo divers on the Korean island of Jeju.
The novel explores their coming-of-age and the challenges they face as historical events threaten their way of life. See’s writing offers a unique perspective on the lives of Haenyeo women and their valuable role in the community.
4. The Dragonfly Sea by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor
The Dragonfly Sea is a nonfiction book that tells the story of Ayaana and her mother, Munira, who live on a small island off the coast of Kenya. The story follows Ayaana’s life as she grows up and encounters various visitors who come to the island and affect her life.
One of these visitors is Muhidin, a sailor who becomes a father figure to Ayaana. As she gets older, Ayaana finds freedom and adventure aboard a cargo ship. The book is an epic, decades-long story of adventure, with the glittering ocean never out of sight.
5. Harry N. Abrams Beaches by Gray Malin
Gray Malin, a renowned photographer, captures aerial photographs that transform beach scenes into vibrant and colorful pieces of art.
His book, “Beaches” published by Harry N. Abrams, showcases these stunning images, allowing readers to experience the beauty of beaches from a unique perspective. The book is currently available at a discounted price of 36%.
6. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
Raynor Winn and her husband Moth embark on a journey after losing their home and Moth’s diagnosis of a degenerative brain disease. They decide to walk England’s 630-mile South West Coast Path.
The Salt Path is a book that narrates their journey of homelessness and their trek along the coast. The book has sold over 400,000 copies and has won many literary awards. The success of The Salt Path is the latest plot twist in the couple’s unexpected journey. Currently, the book is available at a 23% discount.
7. The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
Sy Montgomery’s book, The Soul of an Octopus, is a captivating science book that offers insight into the personalities and lives of octopuses. The book is an excellent read for animal lovers and provides a fascinating look at these eight-legged creatures. Currently, the book is available at a 52% discount.
8. DK Publishing Dorling Kindersley Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia
DK’s visual encyclopedia series offers an engaging and colorful introduction to complex topics for young readers. The Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia is no exception, covering a wide range of ocean-related topics, including geography and the arts. This nonfiction resource is currently available at a discounted price of 37% off.
9. Penguin Books In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
Whaling was a crucial industry in the 19th century, with ships hunting whales for their oil. One such ship, the Essex, inspired Herman Melville’s famous novel, Moby Dick.
In his book In the Heart of the Sea, Nathaniel Philbrick recounts the tragic story of the Essex’s wreck, creating a thrilling tale of survival and disaster. This heart-thumping story is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of whaling. Currently, it is available at a discounted price of 34%.
10. Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver by Jill Heinerth
Jill Heinerth is a renowned cave diver who has explored the depths of the ocean floor and made significant discoveries. She holds the distinction of being the first person in history to dive deep into an Antarctic iceberg. Heinerth has also been part of a team that explored a submerged Mayan civilization. Her work captures the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled sequences that have defined her career. In addition, Heinerth provides insight into the significance of her findings on the study of the ocean. She has also authored a children’s book.
11. BBC Blue Planet II: A New World of Hidden Depths
The documentary series Blue Planet II, narrated by David Attenborough and available on Netflix, showcases the beauty and wonder of our oceans. One can now bring this wonder to their coffee table with the stunning book that features 18 fictional stories. Currently, the book is available at a discounted price of 13%.
12. Ocean: A Photicular Book
Ocean: A Photicular Book is a stunning combination of a coffee table book and a nature documentary. The book uses “Photicular” technology to bring to life various fish species, such as the Yellow-Banded Sweetlips and the Sand Tiger Shark, in 3D. This feature makes the book an excellent source of entertainment for kids who will be captivated by the book’s fascinating visuals.
13. The Water Will Come by Jeff Goodell
Jeff Goodell’s book, “The Water Will Come,” explores the impact of climate change on our oceans. The book offers a harrowing account of sea level rise, coastal erosion, and the consequences of our changing relationship with the ocean. It is a must-read coffee table book for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.
14. Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life by Lulu Miller
Lulu Miller’s Why Fish Don’t Exist is a captivating and unique book that tells the story of scientist David Starr Jordan’s quest to create a unified taxonomy of underwater species, while also exploring the author’s own personal struggles. The book defies genre and offers a fascinating look at the hidden order of life.
15. Shark Lady: The Inspiring Story of Eugenie Clark
Eugenie Clark was a pioneering zoologist who spent her life studying sharks and advocating for their conservation. Despite the common perception of sharks as dangerous predators, Clark believed that they were an important part of the ocean’s ecosystem and deserved to be studied and protected.
Her work and legacy have been celebrated in the children’s book, “Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist” by Jess Keating. The book portrays Clark as a fearless adventurer who swam with sharks and worked tirelessly to understand their behavior and biology.
While the book’s illustrations depict the sharks as big-eyed and friendly, Clark’s work was grounded in scientific rigor and a deep respect for these majestic creatures. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and conservationists to study and protect sharks and the ocean’s fragile ecosystem.
16. The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier by Ian Urbina
Ian Urbina’s book, “The Outlaw Ocean,” delves into the world of illegal human activity that takes place on the ocean’s shifting surface. The author uncovers the risks people take when motivated by greed, such as pirating, smuggling, and illegal fishing that occurs far from government oversight.
Urbina’s reporting of the story aboard boats required him to take the same risks. The book reads like a memoir, providing a captivating account of the dangers and challenges faced by those who engage in illicit activities on the high seas.
17. Song for the Blue Ocean by Carl Safina
Carl Safina’s nonfiction book, Song for the Blue Ocean, provides a unique perspective on the ocean from a marine scientist’s point of view. Published in 1997, the book is written in a scientific yet poetic language that identifies and explores various environmental problems that have worsened over the years.
The book is a must-read for those interested in gaining knowledge about the ocean and its current state. Currently, the book is available at a discounted price of 26%.
18. The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson’s “The Sea Around Us” is a captivating book that explores the oceans through the lens of geology, palaeontology, biology, and human history. Carson, a marine biologist and former poet, beautifully captures the essence of the sea in her writing.
The book is a perfect read for beach lovers who want to learn more about the world’s oceans. Carson’s work on the impact of pesticides, “Silent Spring,” is also a must-read for those interested in environmental conservation.
19. Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui
Bonnie Tsui’s book, Why We Swim, explores the human connection to water and the reasons why we are attracted to its depths. Tsui, a lifelong swimmer and talented writer, examines the appeal of water to people from all walks of life, from Olympic athletes to youngsters playing in a lake.
She delves into the many ways in which water has shaped human history and culture, and how it continues to have a profound impact on our lives. This coffee table book is now available at a 17% discount.
20. Spying on Whales: The Evolution of Whale Study
Nick Pyenson’s “Spying on Whales” is a tribute to the awe-inspiring creatures of the sea and the scientists who have dedicated their lives to studying them. For centuries, whales were shrouded in mystery, with little known about their behavior, communication, and migration patterns. However, with advancements in technology, scientists have been able to uncover fascinating insights into the lives of these creatures.
Today, researchers use a variety of tools to study whales, including drones, satellite tracking, and bioacoustics. By analyzing whale songs, scientists can determine the species, age, and sex of the whale, as well as their location and behavior.
These tools have enabled scientists to gain a better understanding of the complex social structures of whale pods, their migration patterns, and the impact of human activities on their populations.
Looking to the future, scientists hope to use these tools to continue to learn more about whales, including their role in ocean ecosystems and the potential for new medical treatments derived from their unique biology. As Pyenson notes, “Spying on Whales” is a celebration of the incredible creatures that inhabit our oceans and the scientists who are working tirelessly to unlock their secrets.
Summary
Books for ocean lovers provide a great way to explore the wonders of the sea. These books offer a wealth of information on marine life, ocean conservation, and the history of seafaring.
They also provide a glimpse into the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. With stunning photography, engaging narratives, and expert insights, these books are sure to captivate and inform any ocean enthusiast. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a curious landlubber, there is a book for you.