Each year since 1988, the Library has awarded Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism to a journalist for a work of in-depth, investigative reporting. Over 100 non-fiction books were nominated this year, all of them read, discussed and vetted by a Library Review Committee. These are the five amazing books the group chose as this years five finalists—all must-reads! Join us on May 27, for Uncovering the Truth:Long-form Journalism in the Age of Twitter , a public program featuring all the journalists in conversation with Jim Hoge, former editor of Foreign Affairs. The winner will be announced the following day!

The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster by Jonathan Katz - AP reporter Jonathan Katz blends Haiti's history, people and politics with deep reporting, in this riveting and moving, first person account of the 2010 earthquake and its aftermath. Katz was the only on-the -ground reporter in Haiti at the time of the earthquake and this is considered the definitive account. Katz's book won the Overseas Press Club of America'sCornelius Ryan Award. LISTEN to Katz's 2-part interview on Democracy Now marking the earthquake's third anniversary.

The Insurgents: David Petraeus and the Plot to Change the American Way of War by Fred Kaplan - Military journalist Fred Kaplan's deeply researched, intellectual thriller chronicles the story of a small group of soldier-scholars led by David Petraeus, who attempt to revolutionize the US military. The Insurgents was named a 2014 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Non-Fiction. Listen to Kaplan's wonderful talk at Louisville Free Public Library on BOOKTV.

Thank You for Your Service by David Finkel - In the follow up to his award winning book The Good Soldiers, ( Bernstein Award among them!) Finkel tells the stories of many of the same men, once they return to the US after their deployments. The mesmerizing book, gives us a powerful and unforgettable glimpse into the hearts and minds of the soldiers and their families, as they struggle to recover from the wounds of war. READ Guernica interview,

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink - Reporter and physician Sheri Fink's detailed account of the five days immediately after Hurricane Katrina and her investigation of patients death at a New Orleans hospital - engrossing from start to finish. Five Days at Memorial won theNational Book Critics Circle Award andRidenhour Book Prize. WATCH Jon Stewart's great interview with Sheri Fink.

Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin - An astounding piece of investigative journalism by science and environmental reporter Dan Fagin, recounting the 60 year history of rampent industrial pollution and it’s devastating impact on one New Jersey town. Mr.Fagin won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Toms River. READ his recent NYT's column Switzerland’s Toxic Prosperity.