The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power

Creative nonfiction is a genre of writing that combines elements of both literature and nonfiction. It involves telling true stories using literary techniques typically associated with fiction, such as vivid descriptions, dialogue, narrative structure, and character development. While creative nonfiction employs literary techniques, writers of creative nonfiction are expected to conduct thorough research, interview subjects, and fact-check their work to ensure its veracity. In addition to works like The Address Book, the genre of creative nonfiction includes memoirs, personal essays, travel writing, and even some forms of journalism. The term is credited to Lee Gutkind, whose journal Creative Nonfiction, founded in 1993, helped to popularize the genre. Prominent examples of creative nonfiction include works such as In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

Creative nonfiction is distinguished from other types of nonfiction in a variety of ways. Academic nonfiction is typically written by specialists for specialists, focusing on a specific topic and often using complex jargon inaccessible to most readers. Creative nonfiction, on the other hand, is aimed at a wide general audience, and, although it may be written by academics, it is intended to be a more casual form of education. Historical nonfiction, like creative nonfiction, uses literary elements to produce narrative and characterization; however, unlike creative nonfiction, most works of historical nonfiction do not include personal meditation or references to the modern world.

Creative nonfiction also provides writers with the opportunity to reflect upon and interpret their own experiences. It allows for personal introspection, exploration of complex themes, and the inclusion of subjective perspectives. By blending fact with artistry, creative nonfiction enables writers to convey the emotional and intellectual truths that underlie their narratives. The genre has gained popularity and recognition for its ability to blur the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction, offering readers a unique and immersive reading experience.

The Address Book exemplifies the genre of creative nonfiction through its blend of detailed storytelling, thorough research, and personal introspection. Deidre Mask employs vivid descriptions, dialogue, and narrative structure to bring the stories of individuals and communities to life. However, her storytelling is underpinned by thorough research, and includes a detailed bibliography that enables readers to do their own research. Mask’s commitment to accuracy and thoroughness in her investigations aligns with the core principles of creative nonfiction, ensuring that the book is grounded in factual information.