<p>I am writing the arts and science essay about challenging and unsettling art, science, mathematics or literature, and I am a bit unsure about the definition of “literature”. Does any book fall under the category of literature? Nonfiction (particularly “how to” books and guides)? How would an admissions officer view this? (I would love your insightful advice DeanJ!)</p>
<p>Anyone…?</p>
<p>A cookie for the first person who will help me out. :)</p>
<p>Looking at my bookshelf I don’t think anyone could argue that my Haynes: Land Rover Restoration Manual is literature. But recent or overlooked works of fiction/nonfiction that clearly deal with interesting ideas but aren’t on traditional syllabus would be fine candidates. You might need to give more background on the work though if it’s not well known.</p>
<p>I’d just grab something that resonated with you. It will make for stronger, more interesting, writing.</p>