Maaza Mengiste
[isbn]
From its first beautiful sentence — “She does not want to remember but she is here and memory is gathering bones” — Maaza Mengiste’s magisterial The Shadow King drew me into the stark, dusty sweep of the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. Drenched in the blazing light of near-equatorial Africa , a light that feels almost omniscient as it slants through the narrative, the novel focuses most closely on a female servant named Hirut who becomes a... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Edie Windsor, Joshua Lyon
[isbn]
Edie Windsor rose to national prominence as the named plaintiff in United States v. Windsor, the case that ended the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. Important as that contribution was, it tends to overshadow the incredible life she lived before and after the day that Supreme Court decision came down. Her memoir, finished posthumously with added information from interviews and historical context by coauthor Joshua Lyon, tells the full... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Joe Hill
[isbn]
It's no wonder that Joe Hill is one of my favorite authors of horror. These electrifying, horrifyingly fantastical stories are mind-blowing! Huge imagination and strange creatures
make Full Throttle so good! Perfect for around the campfire!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Kimberli Johnson
[isbn]
Graphic novels are already a wonderful way to get children to read and this graphic novel goes a step further by being dyslexia-friendly. Emiline, our heroine and knight in training, can do lots of hard things like confronting trolls. However, reading is something she struggles with. The letters dance on the page when she tries, but she doesn't let that stop her. She is determined to become a great knight. Everything about this book makes it... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Joyce Wan
[isbn]
Bright. Beautiful. Colorful. This board book has 15 diverse and inspirational women, all reminding us to follow our dreams. The illustrations are very sweet. My 2-year-old daughter likes to point out all the things she knows the words for. I love that at the end, there's a small blurb about each of the women featured in this book.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Sarah Gailey
[isbn]
By pieces True Grit and Ocean's Eleven, but with hippos, this novella is as stunningly brutal as it is effortlessly entertaining. Set in an alternate universe that is almost true to life, the prototypical cowboy heist story becomes a grim and swampy romp with diverse characters that you love to hate and hate to love. The only downside? River of Teeth is so short that you'll be begging for the sequel.
Recommended by Allison S.
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Nick Drnaso
[isbn]
Technically a mystery. Technically a graphic novel. But in my mind, Nick Drnaso's Sabrina occupies a category all its own, with its horrifyingly hyperrealistic story line juxtaposed with its drab and oversimplified art. Sabrina creeps up on you and will leave you with an urgent desire to get off the Internet.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Fonda Lee
[isbn]
Jade War is a deeply satisfying continuation of the story begun in Jade City. An amazing foundation of world building, realistic and very human characters, and the kind of tension found in the very best tales. I can’t wait for what comes next from Fonda Lee.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Tan France
[isbn]
Naturally Tan is a deep dive into this pop culture icon's life. Tan's unique experiences will inspire readers to accept themselves for who they are and find the courage to live their truths.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Lisa Kleypas
[isbn]
Kleypas's Wallflowers books are the perfect Regency romance novels. A group of friends, dubbed this season's "wallflowers," are determined to find great husbands... "trap" is probably a better word. The first book in the series starts with Annabelle — she looks the part of a noble, except that she isn't one. And she's determined to find a rich aristocrat to save her family from the streets. Simon, rich but without a title, ruins everything...
Recommended by Rose H.
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Kresley Cole
[isbn]
Werewolves and vampires hate each other. Everyone knows that. So when Lachlain finds the woman destined to be his mate, he is more than a little disappointed to find that she's a vampire. Emma wants nothing to do with him — in fact, she's terrified of the crazed werewolf. This book is full of sass and excitement. I love the world Kresley Cole has created.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Wendy N Wagner
[isbn]
An enjoyable thriller on an alien world. The story moved quickly, but with thoughtful pauses in the action for character and meaning. Relatable to our own world, but not in a preachy way. I’d love to see more of the protagonists and just more in general from this author.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Ocean Vuong
[isbn]
Every sentence of On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous is a gift crafted with care and obsessive attention to the little details that make up our brief existence. This debut novel from poet Ocean Vuong is heartbreaking and revelatory, writing from a place writers rarely dare to tread.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Tyler Kord, Amanda Hesser, Merrill Stubbs
[isbn]
Kord is the genius behind A Super Upsetting Book About Sandwiches, which sold me immediately on this title. Going by Melissa Clark's theory that if it sounds bad, it's got to be good, I tried the chicken cooked in chocolate milk. It was great, as were the chicken and beans. This is an creative, flavor-smart collection of recipes for the home cook who isn't afraid to get a a little wild in the kitchen.
Recommended by Eva F.
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Svetlana Alexievich
[isbn]
Last Witnesses is a carefully woven tapestry of recollections of the outbreak of World War II in Minsk and the surrounding areas, from those who were children at the time. Collected decades later, the recollections are often both vivid and dreamlike. This book is beautiful, but the content made this one of the most difficult books I’ve ever finished. I’m glad I did.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Un Su Kim
[isbn]
The Plotters by Un-Su Kim is a beautifully written dark-humored tale of a den of assassins based in an old library where the orphaned Reseng, now an assassin, was raised by Old Raccoon. Awesome characters are layered with little gems of delight throughout. This book is a sensational pleasure and a pure joy to read. Loved this!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Yoko Ogawa, Stephen Snyder
[isbn]
I was incredibly excited to read a review copy of this book, and it did not disappoint. It's a short read with a very big idea; after everything we know disappears, what is left? This is a great read for fans of Murakami or last year's The Travelling Cat Chronicles.
Recommended by Deana R.
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Kat Gardiner
[isbn]
Kat Gardiner’s Little Wonder is a wondrous little book. In tiny, engaging fragments, it tells the tale of Gardiner’s one-year foray into owning a business — a coffee shop music venue in Anacortes, Washington. Poignantly, beautifully written, Little Wonder examines the joy and heartbreak of trying and failing at something you love.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Dav Pilkey
[isbn]
An excellent series for reluctant readers continues, as Dog Man and Petey the Cat are faced with new problems, ranging from tackling supervillains and parental woes… to being chased by balls? No trouble is too great and no pun too silly for our favorite bunch of supa buddies.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Bob Shea
[isbn]
It’s Unicorn’s first day back at school! But getting his classmates’ attention is proving challenging. Will Unicorn’s plan to wow them with lots of razzle-dazzle do the trick? Through playful illustrations and prose, Bob Shea shows that even unicorns can struggle to find their magic.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jeff Gordinier
[isbn]
You don’t have to be an adventurous eater, a travel junkie, or a memoir lover to get tantalized by Hungry, food journalist Jeff Gordinier’s gripping account of journeying through Mexico, Denmark, and Australia with Noma chef René Redzepi. Just sit back and enjoy this feast of the senses.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Kate Atkinson
[isbn]
Juliet is a strange duck, and I loved every minute of her prevarications, snarky inner monologue, fondness for Shakespeare, and impressive appetite. Britain during WWII is always a compelling setting, but Kate Atkinson’s London, peopled with fifth columnists, shady spies, and earnest BBC programmers, evokes the period’s strangeness and moral ambiguity to wonderful effect.
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Alix Nathan
[isbn]
"Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true." That old adage certainly applies to Alix Nathan's terrific tale of the rampant abuses inherent in the days before ethics committees existed. Rich, intellectual, science-loving Herbert Powyss can have anything he wants, and does, but it's not enough. He devises an experiment wherein a man will live sequestered for seven years in the cellar apartment Powyss has meticulously furnished with books,... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Daniel Immerwahr
[isbn]
The history of the United States’ territories, possessions, and colonies is largely untaught in American schools. Daniel Immerwahr covers this history and clearly maps the interconnections between American imperialism and world affairs.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Cecelia Watson
[isbn]
While not my favorite punctuation mark — that would be the em dash — I hold a great affection for the semicolon. That affection is obviously shared by Cecelia Watson, and it has driven her to write a witty history of this specific mark that extends to explore our relationship with grammar and language more generally. An alternate title could be The Semicolon; Against Pedantry, but some would no doubt quibble.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Sam Kean
[isbn]
Science writer Sam Kean captures the WWII race for the atom bomb with the stylistic aplomb of John le Carré. With colorful characters and so-strange-they-must-be-true anecdotes of missions both successful and disastrous, The Bastard Brigade is a tremendously fun way to learn your history.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Malcolm Gladwell
[isbn]
Malcolm Gladwell’s latest is everything we’ve come to expect: thoroughly reported anecdotes in service of a grand theory, based in social science, assembled to answer an immensely difficult question. In this case, the question is what happened to Sandra Bland? How did a routine traffic stop go so badly, so quickly? To get at an answer, Gladwell guides us through an assemblage of spies, liars, drinkers, accused murders, poets, and criminologists.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Ottessa Moshfegh
[isbn]
My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a vicious and outrageously funny satire starring a contemporary Sleeping Beauty in pre-9/11 New York. With the help of a killer cocktail of modern pharmaceuticals, our unusually beautiful heroine sets out to hibernate for a year in order to shrug off the tragedies and traumas of her past and emerge renewed. Author Ottessa Moshfegh is the dour friend all of us truly need, delivering eviscerating... (read more)
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Ottessa Moshfegh
[isbn]
I was slightly scared to read Moshfegh's My Year of Rest and Relaxation as her Eileen is one of my favorite books, and I was worried this one couldn't possible live up to it. Well, no worries! Our nameless narrator wants to spend an entire year sleeping; she believes this will solve all of her problems. She manages to connect with the worst psychiatrist in the history of the planet, and things go downhill from there. Our... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Kate Atkinson
[isbn]
Atkinson has created a memorable character in Juliet Armstrong. Her voice is strong, witty, and acerbic. Juliet, a young recruit for British Intelligence in the early days of WWII, is pragmatic, resourceful, and nowhere near as jaded as she thinks she is. This is a thrilling novel even when showing the very unglamorous side of spy work. Juliet, brave, unflappable, lonely, and sad, is a character I loved and will remember.
Recommended by Kathi K.
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Naomi Novik
[isbn]
Set in a richly imagined proxy for medieval Eastern Europe, Spinning Silver delves into the Jewish history of money lending and persecution by way of a dark retelling of the tale of the miller’s daughter, who spins straw into gold and so wins the king’s hand. The province of Lithvas is beset by a ceaseless winter wrought by the Staryk, a malicious people whose magical ice road shimmers in the woods. Desperate to save themselves, their... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Celeste Ng
[isbn]
Ng pitches you headfirst into the deep, complex lives of two very different families who give us an in-depth look at a small town polarized by a young, poor, Chinese mother who is fighting for custody of her baby, who has been adopted by a wealthy white family. The narrative of secrets and ideologies that are exposed is not unlike the current state of society.
Recommended by Brianna B.
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Michael Pollan
[isbn]
As captivating and wholly engaging as each of his previous books, Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind explores the intriguing history of psychedelics and the remarkable promise they currently show in treating a variety of medical and psychological maladies, including PTSD and depression.
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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David Sedaris
[isbn]
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, Who feeds their tumor to a snapping turtle?, you need some David Sedaris in your life. His latest collection is hilarious, poignant, and distasteful in equal measure, a combination I found reassuringly human and absolutely delightful.
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Andy Rash
[isbn]
Andy and Clam start out together in the sunshine-filled Happy Book. Then Andy eats all the friendship cake, and they quickly move to pages of the Sad Book, then Angry, and then Scared. Along the way, they realize that what's important is not necessarily getting back to the Happy Book but simply supporting their friends in whatever feelings they have. All their feelings are okay in the Feelings Book! The cartoon-like illustrations, dialogue, and... (read more)
Recommended by Christine R.
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Chuck Klosterman
[isbn]
Chuck Klosterman’s latest book is an ’80s cartoon-themed lunchbox full of microdoses of unreality. Each story lays silly putty down on a conventional thought or woke ideal and stretches the afterimage. It’s like Thirty Two Short Films About What If We’re Wrong?.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
In my eyes, Tehanu is the tale of a family being woven together. We are reintroduced to Tenar, and are given a glimpse into what her life has been like since the escape from Atuan. She and Ged become parental figures to a mysterious injured child, and are brought closer together for it. This is a story of all levels of love and hardship that bring communities together during times of chaos.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
The Farthest Shore becomes the story of Ged being a mentor in a way you never thought he would. He and Prince Arren sail the archipelago together on a quest to quell the darkness engulfing the lives of those touched by wizardry. You get to see Ged's thoughts and ways of life age in a way opposite of how we knew him in Wizard of Earthsea. I highly recommend this book if you'd like to continue your journey in Earthsea.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Leslie Jonath, Molly De Coudreaux
[isbn]
Don’t try to do it all — do one thing very well. Feed Your People explains how to make simple, delicious dishes for groups from six to sixty. Plan ahead a little, enlist a friendly helper, cook in large batches, and then enjoy your party (and the food you make).
Recommended by Bill L.
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Quim Monzo, Peter Bush
[isbn]
Quim Monzó’s stories start by sketching simple human foibles, and then things get gloriously weird.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Craig Davidson
[isbn]
Craig Davidson honors both the wonder of childhood and the unsettling truths of adulthood in this engaging novel about pursuing the supernatural.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Andy Weir, Sarah Andersen
[isbn]
I love the idea of these three characters joining forces, especially since they’ve all grown into total badasses! Together they go on an exciting adventure, jumping between Wonderland, Neverland, and Oz. It’s a truly delightful story, often very funny, and the illustration style charmed me completely. Highly recommended!
Recommended by Leah B.
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Amor Towles
[isbn]
Yes, everything you've heard about A Gentleman in Moscow is true; if I had my way, Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov would be my dad. Beginning in 1922, Towles tells the story of a Russian count under house arrest in the Moscow Metropol Hotel, and follows his charmed (yes, really!) life for the next 30 years. The Count is an extraordinary fellow, with charisma, smarts, and kindness in excess, and it's pretty hard not to fall in love with... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Elly Griffiths
[isbn]
Elly Griffiths writes a spooky ghost story and a chilling murder mystery tangled into one creepy novel. Set in a school on the moors of rural England, with a haunted mansion and plenty of intrigue, The Stranger Diaries is framed by a sinister horror story, and absolutely every character is hiding something. Peppered throughout with literary references and — surprisingly — some spot-on humor, this is the brilliant gothic/ghost/school... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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DK
[isbn]
This newest installment in LEGO’s excellent Build Your Own Adventure series takes young inventors to the hallowed halls of Hogwarts! The perfect gift for the kid in your life with a giant box of Legos and no idea of what to make; this book has suggestions to build their way from Privet Drive to Diagon Alley.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Karl Marlantes
[isbn]
Despite its length, Deep River is a quick read. Over the course of several decades, it follows the life of Aino, a Finnish woman who comes to the PNW in the early 1900s with her brothers, and is chock-full of wonderful characters, settings, and historical and political detailS. Seven hundred-plus pages still aren't enough!
Recommended by Leah C.
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John Zada
[isbn]
John Zada's lifelong interest in the legend of Sasquatch leads him to British Columbia in this well-written travelogue. I loved this exploration of the land and people that have kept these legends alive, especially when he delves into what it says about our society that these legends still hold such interest. Fascinating stuff!
Recommended by Leah C.
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Anthony McCann
[isbn]
Shadowlands is a thoughtful, nuanced account of the 2016 seizure of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. McCann’s examination of this event is thorough, yet not bogged down by details. His vivid characterizations and willingness to grapple with the surrounding issues make this an outstanding read.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Liska Jacobs
[isbn]
Cilla is starting to realize that there are no earthly rewards for dutiful daughters: her hypercritical mother doesn't appreciate her devotion and her personal life is nonexistent. So when her brother-in-law invites her to Italy to help out with her niece, it seems like the escape she's been waiting for. But Hannah isn't the little girl she remembers; she's grown into a confident young woman with a vibrant social life. And despite the exotic new... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Iain Reid
[isbn]
Oh, Iain Reid, what have you done here? What is this, and why can't I stop reading it? Foe is a book that messed me up — it is messed up — but it's also startling and original. Junior and Hen are a married couple, comfortably settled in the countryside, away from everyone. Even though Junior says, "We don't get visitors. Not out here. We never have," they do indeed have a visitor one night, and there begins the bizarre odyssey... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Tui T Sutherland
[isbn]
The exciting dragon series continues as Sundew and her tribe of LeafWings get more than they bargained for when they head deep into the jungle, seeking a long-held secret to advance their war against the HiveWings. Could there be a new hidden tribe of dragons, or something altogether different that awaits them?
Recommended by Matt K.
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Katie ONeill
[isbn]
Aquicorn Cove is an exquisite, oceanic gem! O'Neill's illustrations transport the reader to a small seaside village where our protagonist, Lana, discovers some magical creatures while cleaning up after a destructive storm. Will the villagers be able to save the symbiotic relationship they've shared with the reef and the Aquicorns for hundreds of years? With a little teamwork and open communication, there's always hope.
Recommended by Haley B.
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Rukhsanna Guidroz, Dinara Mirtalipova
[isbn]
Like all of us, Leila has moments when she isn't quite sure she likes herself. On a night at her grandma's, Leila finds pieces of herself all around — in her family's smiles, in the Pakistani decorations on the walls, in the curry she makes with her grandma, and in a saffron-colored scarf. All the pieces make up Leila, and she realizes that she likes what she sees! Exquisite details and brilliant colors immerse the reader in Leila's warm,... (read more)
Recommended by Christine R.
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Tom Spanbauer
[isbn]
It's been a year since I first laid eyes on this book, and I'll tell you not one day has passed that I haven't thought about it. Tom Spanbauer's The Man Who Fell in Love With the Moon has been out since the early 1990s, but the story of Shed and his extraordinary life in Excellent, Idaho, is just as fresh and exciting today. Drawing upon tropes of the colonized Western genre and exploring the landscape of his own unique style, Spanbauer... (read more)
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Rebecca Kim Wells
[isbn]
Wells's debut is a unique and exciting take on the traditional YA fantasy. Yeah, it's got dragons, and a quest... but then you notice things, like how every character is a POC, and the main character is bisexual. These elements breathe new life into the story and leave you anxiously awaiting the sequel!
Recommended by Leah C.
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Jose Andres, Matt Goulding
[isbn]
Michelin-starred José Andrés focuses his passion on all things veggie in Vegetables Unleashed. Chef Andrés covers eating seasonally, best cooking techniques, and reestablishing vegetables as the sexy option on the plate in a french fry world. Turn to page 188 for a good example: Sancocho Puertorriqueño.
Recommended by Bill L.
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Margaret Renkl
[isbn]
What a gorgeous meditation on life — all of it, from delicate moments of peace in a backyard garden to the life-altering landmarks of birth, death, love, and loss. Two intertwined narratives weave a loving portrait of nature, family, and the beauty of every small moment.
Recommended by Mary S.
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Mo Willems
[isbn]
What if there’s math at school? Or reading? What if there’s too much to learn? The Pigeon’s head might pop off! What better way could there be to explore the fear of the unknown than hand-in-hand with Mo Willems and our favorite fussy, fretful, rant-y, rave-y, super lovable bird? Recommended by Gigi L.
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Guillermo Del Toro and Cornelia Funke
[isbn]
Reimagined and brought to life in book form is the darkly atmospheric tale of Ofelia, daughter of the king of the Underworld, a girl who must navigate the will of fairies and faun and creatures of all manner who wish to reclaim her into their realm, below ground. Whether you’ve seen the film (by the same name) or not, this beautifully rendered version stands equally in its own right.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Walt Odets
[isbn]
Out of the Shadows is part memoir, part casebook, and part self-help guide. In it, Walt Odets uses his more than 30 years of experience as a psychologist to help guide gay men on a path to overcome shame and stigmatization, and develop healthy relationships, paying particular attention to addressing the generational trauma of the continuing AIDS epidemic. People of all genders and sexual orientations will learn much from this moving... (read more)
Recommended by Adam P.
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Garth Stein
[isbn]
Denny has dreams of becoming the world's best race car driver, but life seems to get in the way. When Denny's life careens out of control, his adorable mutt Enzo tries to be supportive. Enzo is quite ready to be human, so he deeply feels, and is frustrated by, his absence of thumbs and speech. This is a sweet, poignant, and unique book.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Ruth Ware
[isbn]
Ruth Ware writes another twisty tale for us to devour. This time around there's a surprise letter from an attorney, a will to be read, new family members, and too many secrets to keep quiet. Ware does her typical terrific job of sussing out the motivations and fears of her characters, and her story is flooded with tension. She delivers the goods: a creepy psychological portrait of a family rife with lies and desperation. Delicious!
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Jonathan Evison
[isbn]
Jonathan Evison gives us the feel-good book of the year with Lawn Boy. Twenty-two-year-old Mike's world is falling apart: his job is toast, he has no money, he can't get a girlfriend, he worries constantly about his overworked mother and his special needs brother. All he wants to do is sculpt his topiaries, read great novels, figure out how to survive, and maybe find some companionship. Falling into one strange job after another, Mike is... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Kelsey Miller
[isbn]
An impeccably researched and nuanced collection of essays that beautifully examines the mass appeal of the hit show Friends. Perfect for long-time fans and Netflix newbies alike!
Recommended by Haley B.
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Natasha Trethewey
[isbn]
Weaving together personal narrative and historical accounts, Natasha Trethewey exposes the trials of the South both in the past and near-present in her collection of poems titled Native Guard. Her concise style will astound and inspire readers, while her voice feels increasingly important in today's fractured world.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Eric Puchner
[isbn]
While Warren Ziller is watching his family's financial security bleed out, his wife, Camille, is making really bad public service movies, and their children are struggling to make a meaningful life of their own, something far, far worse is coming their way. A study in modernity, Model Home provides a template for a life gone impossibly wrong. As distressing as the subject matter is, Puchner's three-dimensional characters make this a... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
Tombs of Atuan takes you on a different journey than you expect to go on, or rather, someone else's journey. You follow Tenar as she gives away her name to the darkness and later discovers her true self and her true name along with the secrets of the tombs and her home. She eventually crosses paths with our favorite wizard, and the story continues. I highly recommend this continuation of the Earthsea series. The lore only gets richer and... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Abi Andrews
[isbn]
Erin, a young British woman, is inspired by Into The Wild to make her own journey to the Alaskan wilderness while filming a feminist documentary. This isn't your usual travelogue or wilderness survival story. It's fresh and funny, yet deeply philosophical, while drawing inspiration from Ted Kaczynski, Rachel Carson, and the history of the space race. I was personally inspired by the story to be more adventurous.
Recommended by Amy W.
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Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund Broka
[isbn]
In If I'm Being Honest, mean girl Cameron Bright goes on a (somewhat misguided) quest for self-improvement inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. But when her venture leads to an unexpected group of new friends and an even more unexpected romance, Cameron starts to wonder if she can't — or shouldn't — be tamed.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Elana K Arnold
[isbn]
Damsel uses the prince-rescues-damsel trope as an allegory for the perpetuation of violence against women through the ages. Elana K. Arnold's lyrical prose itself makes me want to weep. If you, too, want to be filled with the righteous fury of a dragon, read this book.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Ben Lerner
[isbn]
Ben Lerner’s novel is both a contained story of family life and a far-reaching exploration of this exact moment in America. The focus doesn’t stray from Adam, a skilled high school debater, and his parents, both psychologists at a Topeka foundation, but the themes addressed are so numerous that they resemble the “spread” — when debaters inundate their opponents with every argument they can muster. Yet The Topeka School never buckles... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Anna Deavere Smith
[isbn]
There’s no substitute for watching Anna Deavere Smith embody her subjects on stage, but this book — companion to the HBO film — is a worthwhile volume that demonstrates Smith’s skill as an interviewer and curator.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Euripides
[isbn]
As someone who cannot get my hands on enough Greek and Roman mythology, I was so excited to see Anne Carson had a translation of the little-known poem written by Euripides. Differing from the traditional story where Iphigenia's sacrifice results in death, Euripides presents an alternative — Iphigenia saved by Artemis and transported to the barbaric Taurian land. Anne Carson's translation humanizes Iphigenia, and in this emotional tale we come to... (read more)
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Jacob Tobia
[isbn]
Jacob Tobia's debut memoir is a wonderful and timely piece of writing. Those who find themselves outside the gender binary have so often been either robbed of their voices or consigned to limiting narratives that don't reveal the full complexity of their experiences. As society begins to grapple with nonbinary people's issues, Tobia blasts open a path in which other nonbinary writers are sure to follow. In Sissy, Tobia writes about how... (read more)
Recommended by Dion M.
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James Ellroy
[isbn]
This is grit lit crime fiction that will suck you in and spit you out feeling like you've just spent an hour in an interrogation room with Vogel and Koenig. The splendid and grotesque Black Dahlia, the first in Ellroy's L.A. Quartet series, it a terrific place to begin.
Recommended by Eva F.
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Benjamin Percy
[isbn]
Since Benjamin Percy never writes the same book twice, I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened his latest. By the end of it, I still wasn't sure. Is it literature, horror, pointed social commentary, or some sort of hybrid? He defies expectations with and between his stories, which range from the grittily realistic to the highly supernatural, and together they form a powerfully affecting display of Percy's range. My personal favorite was... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Erika Meitner
[isbn]
These poems paint a grappling portrait of life in Southern Appalachia. Meitner tackles religion, violence, racial tensions, and motherhood, all with ever-present empathy and nuance. This collection is a timely and necessary addition to any poetry lover's library.
Recommended by Haley B.
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Stephen Chbosky
[isbn]
Having read the entirety of Stephen King's oeuvre during my teen years, I have very definite ideas of what horror should be. And Imaginary Friend has everything I want: a huge page count, multiple narrators and endless back stories, gruesome visuals, and an epic showdown between good and evil. It all begins when Christopher and his mother move to the small town of Mill Grove. Fleeing a painful past and an abusive relationship, Kate hopes... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Colson Whitehead
[isbn]
Colson Whitehead continues to be unafraid to expose the horror of the black experience in America, and to that I say, Amen, Mr. Whitehead. This is the story of a boys' reform school in the South, and the history of torture the boys endured there. Although this is fiction, the school this book is based on did indeed exist and operated as the novel depicts. The story of Elwood Curtis is a study in race relations and utter cruelty, and the... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Nick Pyenson
[isbn]
In Spying on Whales, whale paleontologist Nick Pyenson takes us on a scientific adventure around the globe to investigate the past, present, and future of whales. His enthusiasm is catching, and this marvelous scientific exploration is accessible, fascinating, and inspiring.
Recommended by Leah C.
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Nico Walker
[isbn]
A lightly fictionalized autobiography, Cherry documents an Iraq War vet's cycle of crime and addiction. This book doesn't shy away from the ugly fallout of that conflict, making it not only a difficult read but an important one: this is Walker's story, but it's not just Walker's story.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Randy Ribay
[isbn]
A young Filipino American visits the Philippines to determine what really happened to his murdered cousin in this fantastic, moving novel about immigration, survival, family secrets, and President Duterte’s ongoing war on drugs. Once again, acclaimed author Randy Ribay gives voice to a marginalized community to riveting effect.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jo Nesbo
[isbn]
With Knife, Jo Nesbø, one of my favorite authors, delivers another explosive crime novel! Harry Hole, the tough, beat-up alley cat-type somehow attracts women like a magnet. And Nesbø is the best at creating human monsters! Will someone please tell Jo Nesbø and Walter Mosley to collaborate on a Harry Hole-Easy Rawlins international thriller?
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Rosenthal, Amy Krouse
[isbn]
From the author of Little Pea, Spoon, and Duck! Rabbit! comes a uniquely magical tale of Uni the Unicorn. Uni is the only unicorn who believes little girls are real! Lovely illustrations by Brigette Barrager make this a wonderful and memorable read.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Brigette Barrager
[isbn]
After endless rain leaves the land of unicorns in danger, only sparkles and friendship can save the day! Uni and her adventurous friend are sweet and enchanting in this very fun sequel, as they remind Pacific Northwesterners that the rain will stop if you just believe.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Matthew Gray Gubler
[isbn]
I'm totally obsessed with Rumple Buttercup and his underground trash lair and his banana-peel disguise and his BFF made of garbage. This is a story about being a weirdo, and it's also a story about how you might not be as big a weirdo as you think you are.
Recommended by Emily F.
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Nancy Isenberg, Andrew Burstein
[isbn]
This dual biography engagingly follows the two Presidents Adams, with a focus on their impressive mutual ability to resist the increasing influence of political parties over American governance.
Recommended by Keith M.
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David Szalay
[isbn]
David Szalay has written a La Ronde for the jet age: an elegant tour that demonstrates that hopping continents may be easy, but everything else remains complicated.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Emma Donoghue
[isbn]
Emma Donoghue's family story follows 79-year-old Dr. Noah Selvaggio as he plans a return trip to the city of his childhood: Nice, France. With no children, Noah is alone now, after the deaths of his wife, mother, and sister, so it's quite a shock to receive a call — two days before he boards his plane — to care for his great-nephew, a nephew who is totally unknown to Noah. As Noah seeks answers to his mother's secretive life in Nice during the... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Kim Barnouin
[isbn]
I only read this book for work: all those customers asking me over and over what the book was about. I thought, It's short, just read it... so I did. But the "bitches" straight talk about veganism struck home with me, and I became a vegan (several years ago now), even though I was always one of those people who said they could never give up cheese. For someone who hates change and greets it kicking and screaming, Barnouin and Freedman... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Jacob Shell
[isbn]
In his fascinating book, Shell illuminates the surprising working relationship between humans and elephants that has existed for millennia in Southeast Asia. Prized for their strength and ingenuity, elephants are paired with riders during the day and roam free at night. Giants offers a new perspective on a beguiling creature.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Ann Patchett
[isbn]
After the death of her husband, a magician named Parsifal, Sabine discovers that he was hiding much more than she thought. She alone knows that Parsifal was gay, but now she finds he had a "long lost" family. The idea of finding a connection to her husband is so tantalizing, Sabine can't resist meeting them. Love, loss, and new beginnings are explored.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Antoine Laurain, Gallic Books
[isbn]
Antoine Laurain writes another incredibly charming tale, with themes on friendship, miracles, love, and dogs. The four main characters drink a bottle of wine one evening, and then find themselves transported back in time to the year the wine was made, 1954. But, once they've been transported, how on earth will they get back to their own time? Laurain has a writing style that makes you want to cuddle up with his books — they are so sweet. Dive in... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Christine Lynn Herman
[isbn]
This is an atmospheric YA fantasy novel full of monsters, magic, love triangles, and lovable characters. It's dark and a bit creepy, and will appeal to fans of Stranger Things and The Raven Cycle.
Recommended by Ariel K.
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Leslie Jamison
[isbn]
In her best book yet, Leslie Jamison pokes into the unexplored corners of the world and tells stories on behalf of the collective and the individual. She begins with a singular premise and then widens her scope to encompass universal experiences. So when she writes about 52 Blue or Second Life or children with memories of past lives, she’s also writing about loneliness, alienation, and a deep longing for a connection strong enough to... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Kevin Panetta, Savanna Ganucheau
[isbn]
All Ari wants to do is escape the family bakery and move to the city, where he can finally focus on his music — but will a cute new baker with a new perspective change his mind? This book has some of my favorite things: queerness, blushing, and bread. An absolute ray of sunshine.
Recommended by Caroline M.
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R F Kuang
[isbn]
The first part of this book might remind you of J. K. Rowling or Nnedi Okorafor. The second part just goes dark, and if you want to see your protagonist make the biggest wrong choices, and if you want your hero to break bad, this is the joint for you. I loved it!
Recommended by Doug C.
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Tatsuki Fujimoto
[isbn]
This tale of a burning immortal out for revenge in a frozen wasteland is both witty and infinitely horrifying, always reaching to some new level of terror as it surprises with new subversions and twists. True trope-busting depravity.
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Olivia Gatwood
[isbn]
To the girls who walk the dark with their keys Wolverined between their fingers, who hover uneasily between fear and anger and desire, who crave the panopticon of the male gaze as strongly as they resent it: Life of the Party is the book for you. Describing the collection as true crime poetry, Olivia Gatwood uses the form to deconstruct female experience through acts of violence, both external and internal. Most interestingly, she... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Jonathan Kauffman
[isbn]
An interesting look at the politics and culture of common foods — granola, tofu, whole grains — that were once relatively unknown in postwar America. Kauffman trots out a cast of memorable characters, some altruistic and some self-serving, to chart the rise of brands, concepts, and foods that we know and love today.
Recommended by Eva F.
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