Creative Nonfiction List

What is creative nonfiction?

It is a hybrid of literature and non-fiction.

Synonyms:  literary non-fiction, new journalism, literary journalism

Nonfiction Elements                                                   Literary Elements

essay form                                                                   literary voice/ feel

explanation/ exposition                                               story/narration

standard rhetorical patterns                                        characterization

focuses on ideas, facts (not language)                         place/scene/ setting

researched facts                                                          author personally engaged

artistic, instinctual                                                       polished language

• It presents a whole picture of the subject (holistic)-recognizes the complexity of the world/ the limits of what we can know
• It presents a way (not the way) of looking at the world—concrete examples, narration—grounded in self—interesting to the reader (and writer)—unique voice
• It presents documentable subject matter—grounded in real life—world facts and issues.
• It presents useful, interesting facts based on exhaustive research.
• The facts come alive through narration and setting—or well developed scenes (place).
• It presents details that help the reader understand the main point.
• It shows rather than tells.

*Summaries taken from Round Rock ISD I-Bistro Book Catalogue

*The following list is merely a suggested book list.  The list does not cover all creative nonfiction books.  If you would like to add a suggested title to the list, contact the McNeil library staff.

ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL    WAR AND PEACE      HISTORY      

FOOD FOR THOUGHT                   MUSIC               WEIRD SCIENCE           

ANIMAL STORIES      CRIME AND PUNISHMENT         INTERVENTION STORIES     

WOMEN'S ISSUES     REAL LIFE STORIES