CHECK IT OUT:

Non-fiction books concerning ordinary, everyday topics can be extraordinarily amusing and interesting.

Our first reaction to such common fare may be, “who would have thought of that?” Today’s books are known as “micro-histories” because they present a snapshot of an event or a subject. Not meant as an exhausting or thoroughly scholarly examination, these micro-histories are directed toward a curious, popular audience.

Although the titles listed are not new, the information they contain is amazing and eye-opening.

“Mosquito: A Natural History of Our Most Persistent & Deadly Foe,” by Andrew Spielman and Michael D’Antonio: These small pests still present a threat to humans as bearers of malaria, yellow fever and encephalitis. Discover the origin of mosquitoes and their effect on history, both natural and man-made.

“The Secret Life of Dust: From the Cosmos to the Kitchen Counter, The Big Consequences of Little Things,” by Hannah Holmes: It accumulates in the corners, it makes us sneeze, and it takes shape as bunnies under the bed. As every neat housekeeper knows, the job only shows when it isn’t done. Find out fascinating tidbits about the most mundane of everyday material, dust.

“Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City’s Most Unwanted Inhabitants,” by Robert Sullivan: From the bubonic plague to modern slums, rats have proven resilient, cunning and often fatal to mankind. For an extreme example, New York City is rumored to be infested with rats in every building and at every level. Warning, some of these anecdotes may produce a squirm factor.

“Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the Virus That Caused It,” by Gina Kolata: During the last century, an estimated 40 million people from all over the world died from the most common of all diseases, the common cold. Despite all the scientific advances and improved research, could this happen again?

“Crying: The Natural and Cultural History of Tears,” by Tom Lutz: Babies do it at birth, children cry when thwarted and even presidential candidates have been known to shed a tear. And when you think about it, what purpose do tears serve? Here’s a subject that affects everyone in different ways.

“Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Changed Our World,” by Mark Pendergrast: Can you imagine life without a cup of hot, steaming java in the morning? Get the lowdown on the coffee industry and enjoy reading over a double shot espresso latte venti with a twist.

“The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms,” by Amy Stewart: What is lowlier on the scale than worms? Yet more than 4,400 different species provide chemical, biological and physical benefits to everything from food-chains to soil production.

Be an early bird this spring and treat yourself to a good book.

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach staff member Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.