Nonfiction November – Be the Expert

Leslie at Regular Rumination is our fantastic host for week 2 of Nonfiction November. The discussion prompt this week asks us to either be the expert, become the expert, or ask the expert. To be the expert, post a list of books you’ve read and loved on a certain topic. To become the expert, post a list of books you want to read about a certain topic. And to ask the expert, simply ask for reading suggestions on a certain topic.

Well, I was sitting and thinking about what I would post about, especially since I typically read very little nonfiction on a regular basis. But then I realized something. I’m what you would call a nerd. I play video games, geek out over fandoms, trick my friends into playing those nerdy board games like Ticket to Ride, and more. And in my quest for nerdy glory, I’ve become quite obsessed with learning about ALL the fandoms. I’ve got this! So here are 7 of my favorite geeky nonfiction reads.

1. The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy: I Link Therefore I Am – Eric Smith. I’m not a huge philosophy fan, although I want to be. But I found this book pretty easy to read and understand. Maybe just because it taught me philosophy in the terms of my favorite video game.

2. The Art of Video Games: From Pac-Man to Mass Effect – Chris Melissinos. Did you all know that for a while the Smithsonian had an exhibit showcasing the art of video games? This book is the written form of the exhibit, with info about each game and how it made the cut.

3. Harry Potter: Film Wizardry – Brian Sibley. I first learned about this before it was published and immediately preordered copies for all my friends for Christmas. Then insisted that my aunt buy this for my Christmas gift as well. It’s all about the making of the Potter films, plus it comes with some pretty cool mementos, such as a Yule Ball ticket and the Marauder’s Map.

4. Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter – Tom Bissell. I think I read this when I was doing research for a paper for my independent study class as a psychology major. The book explores some of the typical objections to video games and presents arguments that video games can have positive benefits.

5. The History of Sonic the Hedgehog – SEGA. I ordered this as a gift for my roomie’s birthday. She loves Sonic and so do I. He’s a punk teenage hedgehog who has plenty of attitude and snark, along with the requisite loyalty and obligation of a hero. Plus, he was created to compete against Nintendo’s Mario character! This history was fascinating!

6. The Geek’s Guide to Dating – Eric Smith. Couldn’t pass up this gem when I saw it on my library’s shelf of new books. Full of humor and nods to fandoms everywhere, this is the perfect how-to guide for geeks just looking to hold their own in a relationship.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia – Nintendo. I probably geeked out over this one the most, out of everything on this list. It’s a true coffee table book – hefty, full of gorgeous artwork, and packed with facts about all things Zelda. Plus, it has an official chronology of the games. AN OFFICIAL CHRONOLOGY, you guys!!! That’s a big deal!

So there ya go! Want to become an expert on Harry Potter? Love philosophy? Just want to know where in the timeline Majora’s Mask falls? These books will get you started! Did I miss any that I NEED to know about? Let me know in the comments!