Heather B. Armstrong
[isbn]
Gripped by a serious depression, Armstrong chose to participate in a clinical trial where she was put into a chemically induced coma that mimicked brain death (10 times!). The Valedictorian is her frank, fascinating retelling of the outrageous experiment that fundamentally changed her.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Oliver Sacks
[isbn]
Journey once more with the master as he ruminates with wisdom and compassion on a variety of subjects, ranging from Spalding Gray to ferns, swimming, schizophrenia, and much more.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Kelly Barnhill
[isbn]
This gorgeous, masterful book reads like the best of fairy tales. Every year, the people of the Protectorate make a terrible sacrifice to keep the witch of the woods at bay — but nothing is quite as it seems, and truth buried deep will always, eventually, erupt. Can Luna piece the whole story together before it’s too late?
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Pola Oloixarac, Roy Kesey
[isbn]
Holding fast to her reputation as a writer of pyrotechnic erudition, Argentinian agitator Pola Oloixarac dabbles in everything from botanical arcana to incel hacktivism, biosurveillance to reptile porn, and — when in one of her more charitable moods — favorably recalls the midway point between Tony Tulathimutte and Helen DeWitt. Bookended, more or less, by tropic psychedelia and stuffed in the center with a comparatively crowd-pleasing origin... (read more)
Recommended by Justin W.
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Jill Ciment
[isbn]
No one knows why the defendant murdered her younger brother. And juror C-2 isn't sure why she is so drawn to juror F-17, she isn't looking for anything outside her marriage. But as they go back and forth between the courtroom and the budget motel where they are sequestered, it isn't long before they start having an affair. It should be jarring, all the competing elements of the story: the gruesome trial details, the painfully sterile locales, the... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Susan Choi
[isbn]
Reading Susan Choi’s novel is like being on a tightrope, with several abrupt shifts that threaten to throw everything off balance, but when you make it to the end you’ll see that you’ve just read one of the most audacious and timely novels of the year.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Peter Heller
[isbn]
Peter Heller writes a tale so riveting, it's hard to keep from flying through the pages, but his prose is so beautiful, you want to linger much longer with it. Best friends Jack and Wynn take a trip canoeing, camping, and fishing along the Maskwa River — it's their favorite activity with their favorite person, and it starts out perfectly. But they soon discover a rampant forest fire is racing up behind them, and yet, that is only the beginnings... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Lindsay Nixon
[isbn]
A fabulous, slim memoir that explores the complex intersections between chosen queer family and blood family through cyclical Indigenous narrative techniques, Nîtisânak is immense in its vision and breadth. Equal parts witty and powerful, Lindsay Nixon is a phenomenon.
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Ian McEwan
[isbn]
Had this been written by any other author I would have thought, Not for me, and moved on. Because it's written by McEwan, I had to try it, and like most of his novels, I loved it. Machines Like Me not only has science fiction, with one of the main characters being a new robotic person, but it also has a great alternative history set during the Falklands War of 1982. Things go differently for England in this history, but at least... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Simon Garfield
[isbn]
Whether it’s tiny towns, tiny portraits, tiny food, or flea circuses, this book takes a closer look at why miniatures intrigue so many people and become obsessions for some. It’s a true microhistory in every sense of the word.
Recommended by Leah B.
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David Burtka
[isbn]
Actor and Hollywood cook David Burtka invites us into his family and throws a party. Whether it’s a simple game night party or a big sit-down bash, Burtka lends a helping hand in mix-and-match recipes and décor ideas. (The icing on the cake is that we get to eavesdrop on Burtka's famous Hollywood family, husband Neil Patrick Harris and their kids. Their twins were helpful taste testers for the cookbook!)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Jennie Ashmore
[isbn]
Old-lady craft no more! Jennie Ashmore brings pressing flowers out of the Victorian age and into the present by treating flowers like a painting ingredient. Deconstructing flowers into pieces and then patching them into place, many of her canvasses look like quilts. Both inspirational and instructional, Ashmore presents her take on this age-old art and teaches how we can follow her style to make our own creations.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Jori Finkel
[isbn]
Sometimes it’s difficult to know what exactly it is about a work of art that moves you. In this book, 50 contemporary artists were asked to talk about a piece of art that
inspires them. Their answers were varied and fascinating. This book is really a
joy for anyone interested in art.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Maria Gainza, Thomas Bunstead
[isbn]
In Optic Nerve, Argentinian art critic Maria Gainza gracefully dives through the eye of needle upon needle, threading depictions of life in miniature alongside transfixing scenes focusing on artists in flux— Foujita, Rothko, and Picasso among them — in this lithe English language debut. An unnamed narrator reminisces on bygone days spent in a fading aristocracy while intermittently slipping through the looking glass, inhabiting painters'... (read more)
Recommended by Justin W.
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Alex DiFrancesco
[isbn]
This is an amazing read centered around people who are living queer culture in New York. The story isn't just about the writer and their peers being queer. It goes so much deeper. This book made me feel three things regarding my queerness and queer culture: 1. What has happened to me?
2. What is going to happen to me?
3. The same thing is happening to someone else right now.
I flew through this book in a few days, and I highly recommend it.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Margaret Rogerson
[isbn]
Elisabeth was raised in the Great Library, where sorcerous texts are kept appeased and imprisoned lest they transform into menacing beasts. When one such monster escapes, Elisabeth is accused of conspiracy. To prove her innocence and catch the real culprits, she’ll need the help of sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn — but can she trust anyone who gained their power from a deal with a demon? Reminiscent of Howl’s Moving Castle and Strange the... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Anna Jones
[isbn]
A new Anna Jones cookbook is always a reason to celebrate. Her vegetarian recipes are luscious and elegant while also simple and easy to prepare. Early favorites of mine: Chocolate and Blood Orange Freezer Cake, Roast Leek Feta and Lemon Polenta Cake, and Grilled Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas. Sprinkled throughout are flavor maps to help guide us in making our own Anna Jones-inspired delicious meals. Oh, and the lovely photography is by Ana... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Diane Kochilas
[isbn]
Diane Kochilas’s companion to her TV series is a perfect blending of authentic Greek food with healthy American styling. She knows the history of this Mediterranean fare inside and out and brings this knowledge to the front in recreating these traditional recipes. Not just one but two recipes for Avgolemono soup (a comfort soup in my house) and a Avgolemono Risotto as well. The various sauces and dressings are worth the book alone. I love a Greek... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Sally Coulthard, Louise Lockhart
[isbn]
Don’t trust the bland cover on this one. Crafted is a beautifully illustrated book with information on over 60 crafts, including some you’ve probably never heard of. It’s a wonderful reference book for someone interested in the history of craft, and great inspiration for someone looking to try something new.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Elena Vilar
[isbn]
Written by a
popular French blogger, this book includes detailed instructions for beginners, and a number of charming projects. It also has some information you might not
find in other weaving books, such as how to make a loom out of cardboard.
Recommended by Leah B.
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Mai K Nguyen
[isbn]
Pilu of the Woods is a beautiful and important graphic novel for all ages because it addresses how to process feelings that can grow and take over if we don’t confront them. A gorgeous debut.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Peskimo
[isbn]
Following in the footsteps of Star Wars Block, this adorable board book is the perfect way to introduce the little geek in your life to Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Groot, and many more beloved characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe — all in Peskimo’s playful, enthralling art style!
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Kelly Barnhill
[isbn]
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is sweet yet thrilling. There's a misunderstood witch, a cursed (or is it?) village, wise and friendly monsters, and plenty of magic — the perfect recipe for a modern fairy tale.
Recommended by Emily F.
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Melissa Duclos
[isbn]
Duclos writes an affecting love story with her debut novel of expats escaping their complicated lives at home and looking for meaning elsewhere. Sasha and Liz both flee to Shanghai, and when they meet, they finally feel connected to something. Their love is sweet, and they're both drunk with it, but there is darkness around which they try to tiptoe. Exploring themes of home, loneliness, identity, relationships, and the ennui of the expat... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Erin Benzakein and Julie Chai
[isbn]
Widely anticipated by her fans, Washington state flower farmer Erin Benzakein invites us into the world of lavishly photographed flowers and floral arrangement techniques in stunning turns. Avid gardeners and designers alike will find inspiration in this expertly comprised tome.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Katie ONeill
[isbn]
Katie O'Neill does it again. Her stories give us big and important ideas with the kindness that a person of any age can love. Her characters represent everyone. I keep falling in love with every page and word.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Elvia Wilk
[isbn]
Forget flying cars, the future looks a lot like today, albeit ravaged by climate change and an ever-widening wealth gap. Enter Oval, a party drug designed to induce feelings of generosity in its privileged users and compel them to give without restraint to the less fortunate. Conveniently, this chemical counterbalance to capitalism’s ills places the burden of systemic change on the individual, while simultaneously profiting and exonerating the... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Richard Kreitner
[isbn]
We love our books, and we love our vacations. How better to combine the two than Booked: A Traveler's Guide to Literary Locations Around the World. Visit West Yorkshire, England, to view Emily Brontë's The Heath; explore Margaret Mitchell's Atlanta, Georgia; or even the famous school bus in Healy, Alaska, from Krakauer's Into the Wild. Vacation planning made easy, for the book lover in your life.
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Chandler O'Leary
[isbn]
All the beauty of a west coast road trip, condensed in a beautiful, yet practical
book. The Best Coast: A Road Trip Atlas is perfect for those new to the West, and a wonderful supplement for the natives who haven’t quite been everywhere yet. Handy tips, stunning locations and a number of side trips just in case you decide to do some wandering.
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Piotr Socha, Wojciech Grajkowski
[isbn]
I’m a big fan of Bees: A Honeyed History by Piotr Socha, and I’m thrilled to see this amazing nonfiction picture book on trees! Explore one of our world's most valuable resources in a gorgeous book packed with practical information that’s approachable for all members of the family.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Ryan Andrews
[isbn]
Rule One: No one turns for home. Rule Two: No one looks back. On the night of the Autumn Equinox Festival, townspeople float their paper lanterns down the local river. Five boys on bikes swear this will be the year when they see where the lanterns end up. As the evening goes on some turn back, but Ben and Nathaniel remain to explore a magical adventure in this cinematic graphic novel, reminiscent of Miyazaki films and Japanese folklore.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Kate Allen
[isbn]
Lucy’s mother, a marine biologist who studied sharks, passed away suddenly when Lucy was seven. The summer she’s 12, a great white washes ashore, and her best friend Fred ignites her interest in her mother’s old research. When tragedy strikes again, that research becomes a line through her grief and back to connection with her father. Featuring beautiful line drawings of sharks throughout, this is a gorgeous debut about coping with loss:... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Leda Meredith
[isbn]
I’m not actually a forager myself, but The Skillful Forager makes me want to become one. It’s pretty much a perfect book — the author’s dedication to this practice is evident on every page, it’s so incredibly thoughtful and well put together. So much helpful information can be found here, whether you’re an established forager or just getting started. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Recommended by Leah C.
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Pete Buttigieg
[isbn]
Pete Buttigieg has gone from obscure mayor of South Bend, Indiana, to viable presidential contender with dizzying speed. His campaign biography was written with the former status well in mind, focusing on informing readers about his life and his city rather than announcing national policy proposals. The book benefits from this focus; readers will enjoy a much better understanding of this candidate than most rival campaign books can provide.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Pam Grossman
[isbn]
I am so smitten with this book! It is so many things — an exploration of witches throughout history, the representation of witches in popular culture, the meaning behind the concept of “witch," and some personal stories about witchcraft thrown in for good measure — and I loved every minute of it. Pam Grossman, author and host of the podcast The Witch Wave, does a great job discussing a subject she considers very meaningful and personal... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Katie Treggiden
[isbn]
Weaving is such an inspiring book. I’ve made towels, scarves, rugs, all the flat rectangular things. I need a little shot in the arm to help me take my weaving game in a different direction. Well, oh boy! Looking at the work of these master weavers is just the ticket. And I love having sneak peeks into other weavers' studios. This isn’t a techniques book. It’s a sit in a comfy chair and dream book.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Lou Gideon
[isbn]
Chemo and hair loss. Both are a bit of a shock to the system. Writer and actress Lou Gideon didn’t want to schlep around covering her chemo-induced baldness with dull health catalog head coverings. She came up with a head wrap that had people complimenting her style. She developed the 29 styles in That’s a Wrap, featuring amateur models and numerous photos showing the details of how to wrap. I love this book so much. Every woman who... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Nicole Panteleakos
[isbn]
It’s 1986, and Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger. She loves astronomy — plus her sister Bridget promised she’d be back for the launch, no matter what. Nova is autistic and nonverbal, and navigating a new foster family and a new school alone is extra tough; no one but Bridget has ever fully understood that she’s a whole, intelligent person. As Nova counts down to the launch, we share in her excitement, her... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Matt Myers
[isbn]
A beautiful picture book about creativity and expectations! Jamie is having a wonderful beach day — or she would be, if people would stop asking her about what she’s making and just let her make it. Why should knowing what it’s going to be get in the way of making what it is? When a fellow creator finally appears, and Jamie is understood, something magical happens. Myers’s first solo title (he’s previously illustrated a number of excellent... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Marlon James
[isbn]
This is an epic told through the cynical voice of Tracker, a hero of a different kind of world, a different kind of quest. It is a hard to define but engrossing fantasy, with scenes and dialogue that pull you in deep and make you think and laugh, make you afraid, and hardly ever make you triumphant. It's the beginning of a series, and I really want to read what's next.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Daniel Haack, Isabel Galupo, Becca Human
[isbn]
This is a sweet story about a lady knight who falls in love with a princess. What I adore about this book is that it normalizes LGBTQ+ love and reminds us that queer stories aren't inherently "mature." LGBTQ+ children need these stories as well. The art is bright and lively and shows beautifully multicultural characters. Representation matters so much for children and I am so glad that this book exists. It is a great follow-up to Prince and... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Rachel Monroe
[isbn]
Sometimes before sending a text, I'll pause to consider what it would sound like read aloud in the solemn, moderately judgmental voice of a crime show narrator. I wonder what picture the words would paint of me if the ephemera of my life became evidence. But until I read this book, I never stopped to think about which role I would play in these hypothetical, unspecified crimes: victim or perpetrator. Why are women especially so drawn to stories... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Peter Houlahan
[isbn]
Peter Houlahan comes to the story of a California bank robbery gone wrong fully armed with facts culled from interviews, police reports, and court documents. He deploys them in steady bursts that hold the reader steady in a literary bullet time while the fast motion mayhem plays out. Norco ’80 is a riveting true crime adventure that also explains one of the predicates for the militarization of modern police departments.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Jessie Oliveros, Dana Wulfekotte
[isbn]
I cried when I first discovered this book because it felt so personal. When I was about 10 years old, my grandmother started developing dementia, and watching someone who was once so vibrant start to wither away and forget our history together really broke my heart. I think that this book is relevant no matter how old you are. The artwork is beautiful. The premise is heartwarming. It helps to remind you as the reader that there can be still... (read more)
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Kimi Eisele
[isbn]
I
love a good apocalypse title. It’s not the devastation that intrigues me, it’s
the rebuilding process. Starting from scratch, the uncertainty, the coming together
of people and communities that in a different world would never even share the
same dinner table, let alone rebuild civilization together. I suspect The Lightest Object in the
Universe will provide many “what if” moments.
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Derek Harvey
[isbn]
Tricky subjects are so much easier to learn when drawings, graphs, and simple basics are provided. Genetics is so popular right now, but not
exactly the easiest subject to wrap one’s mind around. The Secret Life of Genes: Decoding the
Blueprint of Life will pave the way to deeper understanding, guiding
us through this tricky, yet exciting subject.
Recommended by Corie K-B.
|
Matt Kracht
[isbn]
In this unique and hilarious birding field guide, Matt Kracht simultaneously loves and hates birds. For each North American species, the author lovingly insults our feathered frenemy with sardonic drawings and true facts. A perfect gift for any nature lover with a great sense of humor and who doesn’t mind a little profanity!
Recommended by Kim T.
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Ani Difranco
[isbn]
Grammy Award winner Ani DiFranco’s new memoir encompasses her upbringing in Buffalo, NY, inspiration for her music, and her activism and self-expression within the folk rock world. No Walls and the Recurring Dream is a compelling memoir from a strong musical talent who influenced the 1990s indie rock landscape.
Recommended by Kim T.
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C J Tudor
[isbn]
Wow! Edge-of-your-seat chiller! Tudor weaves an intricate web of fun and creepy storytelling.
Need I say more?
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Lauren Angelucci McDuffie
[isbn]
Award-winning blogger Lauren Angelucci McDuffie brings the down-home goodness of Appalachian cooking with its quiet Southern flair into your kitchen. Appalachian cooking comes from generations of salt of the earth folks making do with easily grown veg and fruit to make simple yet sumptuous meals. Moonshine, succotash, pimientos, and bourbon. This is a beautiful cookbook with soft and stark photos by the author. This is a perfectly giftable book,... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Erica Feldmann
[isbn]
When I heard the founder of the amazing store HausWitch was writing a book, I was on board before I even knew what the book was about. Luckily, after it arrived I discovered it's as inspirational, fun, and flat-out wonderful as I had hoped! In this small but jam-packed volume, Erica Feldmann walks you through how to make your house into a home — not just with decorating tips, but with energy and intention that you can use to create a true refuge.... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Anna Joyce
[isbn]
When local artist Anna Joyce got involved in dyeing, she noticed there was a hole in the literature — something with a focus on the use of traditional techniques, but aiming for a modern, contemporary aesthetic. So she decided to write it herself! While most dye books tend to focus more on background and technique, this book puts projects in the spotlight so you can jump in and get your feet wet without too much prep time or practice. All the... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Shauna LaVoy Reynolds, Shahrzad Maydani
[isbn]
Sylvia ties her spring poem to a birch tree and the next day, a new poem is waiting for her. Did the tree write back? The sweet illustrations go well with this beautiful celebration of poetry. And I love that at the end of the day, this is a story of friendship.
Recommended by Rose H.
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JP Ahonen
[isbn]
This is basically your average comic about the challenges of everyday family life... except the kids are named Lilith and Leviathan and they have a three-headed dog. There are so many Instagram webcomics out there, but this one is so unique and makes me laugh every time. This comic is like a satanic Calvin and Hobbes and I love everything about it.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Sally Rooney
[isbn]
Normal People is an apt title for a book focusing on unspectacular events involving unremarkable characters. A simplistic and superficial reading could call it a love story. However, those elements belie the true heart of the novel: a psychological and emotional exploration of what draws and keeps two people together. Upon introduction to the alternating narrators, Connell and Marianne, Rooney establishes a complex and nuanced power... (read more)
Recommended by Melissa A.
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Linda Miller Nicholson
[isbn]
If you make pasta noodles, you will find Pasta Pretty Please a revelation. Using natural ingredients, author Linda Miller Nicholson makes vibrant, colorful noodles. She even makes this sound doable for the average home cook! Stars in your pasta, striped pasta, rainbow pasta, she’s done it all. There is even poo emoji image pasta that I wouldn’t make for myself, but I can think of a couple of kids I would love to surprise with a serving... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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America's Test Kitchen
[isbn]
If you know Cook's Illustrated then you know their scientific testing orientation toward cooking. You also know that their essays can be some of the finest food writing around. Revolutionary Recipes is made up of 25 years of some of the best of their innovative food articles. Revolutionary Recipes will make you cook smarter and better, and will entertain you along the way.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Hannah Shaw
[isbn]
If you’ve ever wondered what the various colors of kitten poop mean, wonder no more. Hannah Shaw has fostered hundreds of kittens, and distilled her experience into a useful guide. Solid, practical advice is punctuated by anecdotes and pictures of the adorable kittens that have passed through her capable hands. Want more Kitten Lady? You can find her on Instagram @kittenxlady and also on YouTube.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Mo Willems
[isbn]
Mo Willems’s hot-headed bird friend is exploring a brave new frontier: the bathtub! Squishy, waterproof, and cute, this bath book is perfect for any toddler in your life. (Especially reluctant bathers — those who know Pigeon will be unsurprised to hear that he starts out pretty reluctant himself!)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Arkady Martine
[isbn]
Think Le Carré set in space. Mahit Dzmare is a newly arrived ambassador who discovers her predecessor was murdered. Full of intrigue, richly textured world building, and tinged with an elegant sort of sadness, A Memory of Empire is a cracking good read. Arkady Martine is a Byzantine historian and an urban planner and the juxtaposition of those two disciplines mixed with political intrigue makes for mesmerizing reading.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Philippe Besson, Molly Ringwald
[isbn]
Lie With Me is the story of a queer teen romance in 1980s France and the reverberations that are felt for decades after. The story is told in reflections by one of the boys, now a famous novelist, with depth and nuance. Philippe Besson, as translated by Molly Ringwald, has written a smart and moving story of the mysteries of love and of repression.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Fiona Heckels and Karen Lawton and Belle Benfield
[isbn]
The Sensory Herbal Handbook is the first book by the dynamic British herbal healing duo The Seed Sistas. They have created a practice wholly their own — drawing on many different cultural traditions and spiritualties yet grounded in science, managing to be creative, joyful, practical, and substantive, all at the same time… and surprisingly, all these disparate elements balance each other out, fit together, and just plain old make sense... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
[isbn]
The earth is vast and richly vital, however we need to remain aware of the limits of the resources we draw from it, and each do our part to help restore the supplies that we deplete. In Our Planet, we are shown in breathtaking photos the gorgeous diversity that we are granted, and asked to acknowledge the ways that we’ve affected the ecosystem, which is the first step to finding the hope required to regrow the lush legacy of our home.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Lucy Foley
[isbn]
Oh, I love the sound of breaking glass!
Take a New Year's party of friends, place them in a secluded Scottish lodge,
add high-octane drinking, buried secrets, resentments, and jealousies,
throw in a blizzard for good measure, mix well, and you may end up with
someone dead... just like in Lucy Foley's Hunting Party. A perfect weekend treat!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
|
Jonathan Stutzman, Heather Fox
[isbn]
Sometimes eating a whole lot of cake can lead to disastrous results, especially when you’re a llama, dancing in very snug pants. Kids of all ages will love this funny approach to not stressing too hard about food choices and carrying on after your mistakes… no matter how epic they may be.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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N K Jemisin
[isbn]
This genre bender is the first in the Broken Earth trilogy by N. K. Jemisin. Completely original and unexpected, Jemisin's power for storytelling is effective because while the world in Fifth Season is fictional, the setting and characters closely resemble our own world. A page-turner in every sense, readers will be hungry for more upon finishing the last page. Luckily for us, Jemisin has gifted her fans with two other novels to devour.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark
[isbn]
The origin story of the wildly popular My Favorite Murder podcast is as much about the hosts’ shared fascination with true crime as it is about vulnerability — the two struck up a conversation about Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly at a party, discovered it wasn’t their only common interest, and the rest is podcast history — so it’s fitting that candor and self-reflection would feature prominently in their dual memoir. The stories... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Claudia Rankine
[isbn]
Claudia Rankine does great things and so naturally, this play is impeccable. It begins with a dinner party that is a minefield of micro- and macroaggressions and ends with a reckoning: a challenge to examine race on a more nuanced level. The White Card is a stunning demonstration of the undeniable bigotry of the conspicuously woke and a necessary reminder that America’s ongoing racist legacy is upheld by well-meaning white liberals.
Recommended by Lauren P.
|
Susan Stryker
[isbn]
Susan Stryker is an incredible historian, and in her seminal Transgender History she compiles a trans history of resilience from the mid-20th century to the present to show that progress is at times less like an arrow than it is a boomerang. A must-read for anyone and everyone.
Recommended by Cosima C.
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James Hynes
[isbn]
Wow! What an amazing ending! Next is really an interesting book; the ending makes it or breaks it, I think. Kevin is just your average shlub, who can't manage to do anything without being distracted by the women in the immediate vicinity. He's so all up in his head, and it's not really a pretty sight up there. He travels from Ann Arbor to Austin, Texas, for a job interview. But before the interview, Kevin wanders around town following... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
|
John Brunner
[isbn]
Presented as an engaging and complex postmodern document, this 1969 novel is stimulating, startling, hilarious, and downright prescient. Ted Gioia noted many of Stand on Zanzibar's remarkable predictions, which include: A president named Obomi; marijuana being decriminalized in the U.S.; America plagued by random acts of violence, often at schools; Europeans forming a union of nations; alternative lifestyles going mainstream; the wide... (read more)
Recommended by Bart K.
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Padma Venkatraman
[isbn]
This emotional tale of family and loyalty will interest readers both familiar and unfamiliar with the Indian way of life. Padma Venkatraman ignites the senses with her description of India in personal, moving ways which will engage young readers and introduce them to ways of life outside their own.
Recommended by Alex Y.
|
Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
"The King was pregnant." That phrase, spoken early on in this novel, takes place on Gethen, a planet where humanoid aliens with fluid gender biology/identity have their own complex political and personal rivalries. It's up to a human ambassador to make sense of this world, and to try to form an alliance with it even as war brews. Le Guin offers a deeply imagined world replete with history, anthropology, and lore, as well as a wonderful adventure... (read more)
Recommended by Bart K.
|
Jason Lutes
[isbn]
This remarkable graphic novel pulls you in and keeps you going. It tells a big story through intimate stories of a few people in the Berlin of the late 1920s. You are left with the satisfaction of knowing more than you did, of knowing these people, and of your heart breaking with theirs.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Chris Dennis
[isbn]
This lively debut serves up a varied array of stories exploring the link between personal desires and social hierarchy.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Vera Brosgol
[isbn]
Portland illustrator Vera Brosgol has been a storyboard artist with Laika, and won a Caldecott Honor for her first picture book, Leave Me Alone! Her follow-up, The Little Guys, follows a group of tiny forest dwellers who already know they can accomplish anything if they work together, but need a lesson in being kind to those around them.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Mary Laura Philpott
[isbn]
Philpott’s delightful essay collection, which explores the terrain between the adult life she anticipated and the one she inhabits, reads like a long chat with a close, funny friend, offering solace to those of us (all of us?) who wonder if we’re doing it right, and more than a few laughs.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Questlove
[isbn]
Books written by celebrities can sometimes fall flat, but Creative Quest, Questlove's book about the process of creativity, is surprisingly terrific. It's smart but readable, inspirational but no-nonsense, and chock-full of advice and stories. Super practical and informative in addition to entertaining — what's not to love?
Recommended by Leah C.
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Miriam Toews
[isbn]
A horrific discovery prompts the women of two families to gather in secret and do something unheard of in their isolated, patriarchal community: choose. I read this stunning, disquieting tale — all the more disquieting for its genesis in real events — with my heart in my throat.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Richard Powers
[isbn]
In The Overstory, Richard Powers has created a beautiful tribute to nature, connection, activism, and home, and I was captivated from the first page. In this interlocking story with multiple time periods and characters, we are reminded that there is still so much to learn about our world.
Recommended by Leah C.
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Michael Ondaatje
[isbn]
A young man looks back at a mysterious period, shortly after the end of the Second World War, when he and his sister were left in London in the care of some questionable characters, while their parents traveled abroad for “work." What he can discern, years later, is still veiled in “warlight” — for records of post-war diplomacy and espionage do not invite sunlight and scrutiny, but remain curtained in wartime shadow. Exquisite writing,... (read more)
Recommended by Lori M.
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Mary Norris
[isbn]
Mary Norris's Greek to Me is as warm, beautiful, and inviting as Greece itself. Norris is as witty and charming as ever, and her paean to Greek language and culture is irresistible.
Recommended by Jill O.
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Erling Kagge
[isbn]
In modern American culture, speed and convenience rule supreme. Explorer Erling Kagge provides a dissenting voice in this slim volume, arguing that slowing down and unplugging are vital for remaining, well, human. He should know: he has walked to both the North and the South Poles on foot. He writes poetically and convincingly that humanity must protect the slowness and stillness of the idle walk in an increasingly frenetic world.
Recommended by Mary S.
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Michele Filgate
[isbn]
This collection includes many of today’s best writers reflecting on their first and often most important relationship. The result is sometimes searing, sometimes comforting, often touching, and always deeply humane.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Jeff Kinney
[isbn]
Rowley Jefferson, Greg Heffley’s sunny and hapless best friend, is finally getting a book of his own and we’re thrilled. When Greg tasks Rowley with writing his biography (he'll be famous one day, you know), things go hopelessly and hilariously awry.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu
[isbn]
Fun, sexy, and diverse, The Red Scrolls follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and his boyfriend, Shadowhunter Alec Lightwood, as they chase a dangerous cult across Europe — one that party boy Magnus may have started (he can’t remember). Clare and coauthor Chu have created a gratifying spin-off sure to please fans of The Mortal Instruments series.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Nell Freudenberger
[isbn]
Freudenberger’s exploration of grief by way of astrophysics raises all kinds of fascinating questions: What is consciousness? Is there an afterlife? Can the dead text? Captivating and complex, with tender, indelible characters, Lost and Wanted is the perfect ghost story for skeptics and dreamers alike.
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Michael Zadoorian
[isbn]
A sweet tale that looks at illness, aging, and end-of-life choices. Ride along with Ella and John for one last road trip to the end of the line where they decide their own fate. Both touching and funny.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Temple Grandin, Richard Panek
[isbn]
Once again, Temple Grandin writes about what it's like to live with her brain, and the brains of other autistic people. This read is a lot more scientific rather than anecdotal, and in my opinion, it's exactly what the autism community and the loved ones of autistics need. There is physical scientific evidence that our brains are different and Dr. Grandin touches on the finest details. I will note that there is a bit of dated language, especially... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Puck, Violet Lemay
[isbn]
Learning words, embarking on adventures, having some belly time… Bookstore Babies illustrates, with sweet, soft drawings, all the things babies can do while exploring their neighborhood bookstore. Best of all, at the end are activities for kids and grown-ups to share, to enjoy the book again and again.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Chelsea Clinton, Gianna Marino
[isbn]
Lovingly researched by Chelsea Clinton, beautifully illustrated by Gianna Marino, Don’t Let Them Disappear is packed full of not only heart, but loads of information on many wonderful, endangered animals — how they live, what makes them unique, and most important, how we can help keep them around a long, long time.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Marissa Meyer
[isbn]
Set in a city that had been torn apart by a war between heroes and villains, Nova is determined to prove that the villains aren't what the heroes have portrayed them to be. They're a group of anarchists who see the faults in the system, and believe they have a better way to run the city. This story is a fresh take on the classic superhero trope because we get to see the good and bad on both sides, and the dynamic, funny characters that make up a... (read more)
Recommended by Brianna B.
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Taylor Jenkins Reid
[isbn]
This book is reads like the best tell-all Rolling Stone story or episode of VH1's Behind the Music. Each member of the Six contribute their side of the story of the meteoric rise and sudden crash of an iconic 1970s rock band. The story is so real and so compelling, I found myself bereft at the end of the book, wishing for more stories and wanting to hear the music of this fascinating but, sadly, fictional band.
Recommended by Deana R.
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Marie Kondo
[isbn]
An international sensation, Marie Kondo's technique of "sparking joy" has helped millions declutter and recenter their homes, and consequently their lives. The simplicity of Kondo's process makes it easy to understand and adopt her approach in your own life. Read and discover for yourself why The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is, well, life-changing!
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Calvin Gimpelevich
[isbn]
Effortlessly laying bare the intersections of oppression — Calvin Gimpelevich's Invasions conjures visions and possibilities that liberate even as they ache. Every story is a gem, but "Rent, Don't Sell" and "You Wouldn't Have Known" were so good they hurt: exploring gender, bodies, and minds in bold and groundbreaking ways.
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Daniel Mallory Ortberg
[isbn]
Daniel Ortberg — perhaps most famous for cofounding the wry and side-splitting feminist website The Toast — brings us his deliciously subverted collection of classic fairy tales that turn gendered expectations on their head. Hilarious, dark, deeply intelligent — in short, unmissable.
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Hanif Abdurraqib
[isbn]
A few days after I finished reading this book, I had a dream in which the author and I were discussing race relations while enjoying a concert here in Portland. Needless to say, this is a book that sticks with you.
Recommended by Deana R.
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Hanna Jameson
[isbn]
As the Doomsday Clock inches towards midnight, we are forced to consider what the end of the world will look like. For Jon it arrives as a series of increasingly terrifying news alerts: there have been multiple nuclear attacks around the world, starting with Washington, DC. Just prior to this he was eating breakfast at a hotel in Switzerland, not thinking about anything in particular, completely unaware of what was to come — isn’t that always the... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Maureen Callahan
[isbn]
Since our national attitude towards serial killers seems to hover uneasily between reverence and revulsion, it's odd that one as prolific as Israel Keyes remains largely unknown. How can someone commit such monstrous crimes and evade capture for as long as he did? And why is the FBI so eager to forget him? With American Predator, Maureen Callahan weaves a horrifying tale of unchecked evil, bureaucratic incompetence and corruption, and... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Tyler Malek and JJ Goode
[isbn]
Remember the mundane days of ice cream? Chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Scoop and repeat. Homemade ice cream will never again be boring with the help of the Salt and Straw: Ice Cream Cookbook. All the Salt & Straw ice cream favorites you can possibly try, from the more sedate Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon to the spectacular Caramel Corn on the Cob and the savory Pear and Blue Cheese. It boggles the mind how these flavors can... (read more)
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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