Creative Nonfiction

These Creative Nonfiction selections feature true stories and real-life experiences from writers around the world. These narratives explore topics such as war and race through essays, short stories, and autobiographies, layering real experience with literary conventions.

Publication year 2010

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Society: War, Relationships: Teams, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Tags Military / War, History: Middle Eastern, Journalism, War On Terrorism / Iraq War, Creative Nonfiction, History: World, Psychology, Psychology, Politics / Government

War, a battle journal by best-selling reporter and filmmaker Sebastian Junger, describes a year in the rugged highlands of Afghanistan with a platoon of American soldiers who face the worst fighting and toughest conditions of any unit in the US military. Published in 2010, the book describes months of mind-numbing danger, multiple firefights per day, injuries and deaths, and matter-of-fact heroism. The men display extreme toughness, gallows humor, and intense mutual loyalty despite the nearly... Read War Summary


Publication year 2021

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Values/Ideas: Fame, Self Discovery, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Tags Music, Arts / Culture, Creative Nonfiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography, Self Help


Publication year 2009

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Identity: Gender

Tags Gender / Feminism, Natural Disaster, September 11 Attacks, Creative Nonfiction, Women's Studies (Nonfiction), Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Biography, Politics / Government

Zeitoun is a nonfiction narrative recounting the trials and ordeals of the Zeitoun family during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Abdulrahman Zeitoun is a Syrian American who has built a successful business in New Orleans. With his wife, Kathy, an American who converted to Islam as an adult, and their children, Zeitoun feels a strong connection to his adopted city and country. He’s proud to be a builder and to help restore New Orleans in... Read Zeitoun Summary