Patrick Radden Keefe
[isbn]
Patrick Radden Keefe reports the story of the family that has profited enormously from the nation’s opiate epidemic. Most coverage of the epidemic focuses on the desperation and misery of the country’s worst off; Empire of Pain instead turns its lens on the culpability of extreme wealth and power.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Michael Moss
[isbn]
Moss exposes how the food industry uses our own psychology and biology to manipulate us, habituating consumers to processed food and destroying our health in the process. An infuriating look at the severely underregulated food industry and required reading for understanding why American life expectancy is declining.
Recommended by Emily B.
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Sage Liskey and Barbara Counsil
[isbn]
Enchanting! An accessible mental health guide told through lens of magic and wizardry, this book is an empowering handbook for anyone who is looking for self-possession amidst a toxic culture. A unique overview of life that covers everything from depression, activism, dream analysis, and intentional eating under an overarching umbrella of magical wellness, this book is for anyone who could use more magic and happiness in their life!
Recommended by Ariel K.
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Anna Wiener
[isbn]
Uncanny Valley is the truest thing I’ve ever read. It’s such a precise picture of the last decade in the tech industry, told in matter-of-fact prose that made me gasp and cringe and laugh. Anna Wiener takes readers on her journey from barely-scraping-by publishing assistant to well-compensated tech worker, and how she grapples with the slow burn of false promises and the unforeseen consequences of the venture-backed playground of Silicon... (read more)
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Harriet Jacobs
[isbn]
A profoundly harrowing account, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girlby Harriet Jacobs, is too often overlooked in the canon of American classics. Published 16 years after the narrative of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs presented the particular horrors of female slavery to a majority white male audience for the first time. A vital piece of history, Harriet Jacobs's autobiography deserves to be read and examined by modern audiences.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Jon Krakauer
[isbn]
Krakauer's personal account of the deadliest season in Everest's climbing history is — hands down — one of the most riveting, harrowing, and thoughtfully written books I’ve ever read, and the title I recommend most to readers who assume nonfiction equals boring.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Beth Macy
[isbn]
In Dopesick, Beth Macy exposes the heartbreaking realities of those individuals and communities affected by the opioid epidemic in America; its scope ranges from small-time drug pushers to the corporations and doctors that peddled the deadliest and most addicting drugs to unsuspecting patients, ruining lives along the way. This book is a humanitarian plea for those responsible to right the wrongs caused by their greed. It will both... (read more)
Recommended by Eric L.
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Jessie L. Kwak
[isbn]
There are so many time management books out there, but this is the first one I've read that comes from someone who runs a creative business — and writing is definitely a business. This book was super helpful, especially for someone like me who works a day job on top of my illustration business. She gives examples of how she organizes and manages her time and also how to customize her system to fit your life. A great read for any creative person... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Caroline Weaver
[isbn]
I am a huge pencil nerd, so when I heard about a store devoted to pencils opening up in New York City (CW Pencil Enterprise) many years ago, I immediately became a fan — and, ahem, frequent online customer. Now the folks behind that wonderful little jewel of a store have created this wonderful little jewel of a tribute to the pencil and I couldn’t be more excited! I haven’t seen the finished product yet, but I completely trust the CW Pencil folks... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Danny Caine
[isbn]
I bought copies of this for everyone on my holiday gift list this year. Amazon has become so ubiquitous, and has formed and acquired so many subsidiaries over the years, that I figured everyone in my life was probably supporting them in some way — perhaps without even realizing — and might benefit from this concise, thoughtful zine. Danny Caine has seen firsthand the impact Amazon has had on the bookselling industry, and here he offers a quick... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Michael Lewis
[isbn]
The numerous exposés on the current president have almost entirely neglected the lower-level appointees currently burrowing into the agencies of the federal government. Who better than the author of Moneyball and The Big Short to chronicle the exploitation of weaknesses in our system?
Recommended by Keith M.
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Gretchen McCulloch
[isbn]
It can be so easy to write off (lol) the constant advancements of technology and what they mean for our methods of communication. Resist the urge and indulge yourself in this easy-to-follow and ridiculously revealing study of the Internet's effect on language and how we interact with each other. Whether you grew up in AIM chat rooms or have no clue why your kids hate it when you use the eggplant emoji, this book can open up a whole new linguistic... (read more)
Recommended by Allison S.
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Joseph E Stiglitz
[isbn]
Columbia University economist Joseph Stiglitz has written another lucid, easy-to-understand assessment of the U.S.'s political economy since the Trump era. Stiglitz organizes his latest work into two parts: the first is his exegesis of the problems of massive inequality in America and the economy's poor performance, which he argues has been caused by globalization and the financialization of the U.S. economy since the Reagan era. In the second... (read more)
Recommended by Manuel H.
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Christopher Leonard
[isbn]
Christopher Leonard’s thoroughly reported telling of the rise and impacts of Koch Industries is a tremendous achievement. The personal, business, and political lives of Charles Koch are all clearly elucidated alongside an explanation of his staggering influence on the American corporate and political landscapes.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Edmund Morris
[isbn]
Thomas Edison was a colossus of American life, holding over a thousand patents when he died. The great inventor is a fitting subject for Edmund Morris’s final work, for which he spent seven years working through Edison’s voluminous archives.
Recommended by Matt K.
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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 murderers, poets, and... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Amanda Coplin
[isbn]
Amanda Coplin’s debut novel fits squarely into the Really Wonderful Novel category, and deserves a far wider readership. Set among the apple orchards of Washington’s Wenatchee Valley, The Orchardist follows the life of the introspective Talmadge, who, as a child, loses his family in quick succession to accident, illness, and mystery. As an adult, Talmadge’s solitary life is disrupted by the arrival of two pregnant runaway prostitutes,... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Jay Ponteri
[isbn]
This deeply introspective and meditative memoir is near and dear to my heart: I reread it often, and recommend it to those who aren't afraid to ask difficult questions and sit with the uneasiness of where those questions might lead — deeper into the unknown, unknowing self, perhaps. Wedlocked deals heavily with questions of shame and its consequences: the struggle to be both seen and to remain secretive inside a marriage, the appeal of... (read more)
Recommended by Darla M.
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Adam Savage
[isbn]
I enjoyed this book immensely. If you do anything moderately creative, from amateur hobbyist to laser-focused builder, you'll find yourself in this book. Have dreams of doing something crafty but lack the confidence to start? This book is for you too. I love that Savage explains his processes, how they've adapted over time and experience, but doesn't say "this is the right way." In fact, I think the key point he makes is that everyone is... (read more)
Recommended by Lesley A.
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Bud Smith
[isbn]
An undeniably refreshing memoir, Smith chronicles his upbringing in a blue-collar family in New Jersey, his decision to opt out of college, and the daily grind of working a heavy construction job at an oil refinery. Using his lunch breaks to write and detailing his introduction into the literary world, this book serves as a glowing reminder that endless stories worth reading are created and exist outside of academia.
Recommended by Haley B.
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Chungah Rhee
[isbn]
This is a great book for anyone interested in meal prep. I use her recipes all the time (page 135 is my all time favorite: Korean BBQ bowls, YUM). Her recipes are easy for me to adapt to my own style of cooking. I know the book itself seems like a little investment, but at $0.26/recipe, I think it's well worth it. And I've saved a lot by using her book for my weekly work lunches!
Recommended by Rose H.
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Brené Brown
[isbn]
Brené Brown has been researching the effects of shame and imperfection for years. A master of knowing what causes us to shrink from self-love, Brown encourages us to discover ourselves and move past the shame we have internalized through the pressures of our perfection-obsessed society. A great read for anyone who needs a reminder that each of us deserves love.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Cleo Papanikolas
[isbn]
As an illustrator, one of my goals is to try and be creative every day. This journal makes it easy for me to do some art every day. The prompts are interesting and insightful. My favorite was one of the first exercises where you simplify your art kit. Painful, but I love the end result.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Amy Tangerine
[isbn]
If you love paper crafts, you might already be familiar with Amy Tangerine. She creates beautiful and colorful collections for American Crafts. In her book, she shows you how to take your creativity and make it a priority in your life. I love that she shares her own struggles with finding what her passion is. And the exercises helped me understand my own creative struggles as well. Super colorful and inspiring.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Benjamin Dreyer
[isbn]
Want to know something interesting? The word "namesake" works two ways. That is, if you're named for an older relative, they are your namesake... and YOU are theirs. If you find this sort of information remotely interesting, you'll love Dreyer's English. This witty book is also a bit of a mystery, as I'm hard-pressed to explain how Benjamin Dreyer pulled off the trick of making a writer's guide such a joy to read. Over at the New... (read more)
Recommended by Bart K.
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Brené Brown
[isbn]
Brené Brown is back with an exploration of what leadership means in turbulent, uncertain times. Drawing from the skills and traits she's explored in her earlier work, Dare to Lead is a human, engrossing look at how we can encourage bravery and strength in ourselves and in our larger world.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Angela Duckworth
[isbn]
What motivates us, allows us to push through obstacles, and to stay committed to fulfilling our dreams? It turns out it's less about intellect and more about tenacity, according to Angela Duckworth's Grit. Through experiments, studies, and interviews, she demonstrates that it's never too late to learn how to start living your best life.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Beth Macy
[isbn]
Macy blends investigative journalism with a hard-hitting narrative to illustrate how the opioid crisis began, and how dealers, drug companies, first responders, and families are woven together in a tapestry of heartbreak and devastation.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Annie Lowrey
[isbn]
Lowrey examines the mechanisms of societal inequality and universal basic income experiments all over the globe to show that giving people money just works. A timely read for people who aren't yet convinced that spreading wealth is the best and perhaps only way to end poverty.
Recommended by Ashleigh B.
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Phil Knight
[isbn]
Phil Knight chronicles his journey from selling shoes out of the trunk of his Plymouth to becoming one of the wealthiest people in the world. Entertaining, touching, and crammed with insight, Shoe Dog is the story of how a band of eccentric misfits built one of the biggest athletic apparel companies in the world.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Matthew Zapruder
[isbn]
Matthew Zapruder is a fantastic poet, and an equally fantastic advocate for why poetry continues to be essential. Why Poetry? is a powerful, beautifully written guide to connecting poetry to all readers and making it an accessible and necessary part of our everyday lives.
Recommended by Jill O.
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Ray Bradbury
[isbn]
Any writer will tell aspiring writers that the best way to learn to write well is to read. Read, read again, read some more, and read well. So, read advice on writing from one of the greatest writers. Ray Bradbury reminds us to be true to ourselves, and that it is important to write to be happy.
Recommended by Alex K.
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Jim Meehan
[isbn]
Meehan’s Bartender Manual is an inspiring craft cocktail book from famed barman, Jim Meehan (The PDT Cocktail Book). Expect to learn a little cocktail history and some righteous bar hospitality. MBM is a treat for craft cocktail aficionados, and a good armchair read for foodies.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Jen Sincero
[isbn]
Jen Sincero is back with another no-nonsense guide to getting out of your own way. This time she’s taken on the topic of money and how to get more of it. Sincero herself was perpetually broke, and so she’s speaking from personal experience as she details the steps toward earning the paycheck you deserve.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Noah Feldman
[isbn]
This book could also have been titled Mixed Nuts or The Motliest Crew — it is a delightful buffet of biography, judicial history, and human foibles. Feldman's Scorpions has a nice and lasting sting to it.
Recommended by Jonathan V. B.
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Michelle Alexander
[isbn]
In The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander argues that mass incarceration is the single most pressing civil rights issue of the 21st century. Tracing the history of the prison boom from the Reconstruction to the War on Drugs, Alexander's informative and enraging account will open your eyes and spur you to action.
Recommended by Marlena W.
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Bill Burnett, David J Evans
[isbn]
Two professors set out to devise a class that taught students how to construct a lifestyle worth living, and ended up with one of the most popular courses ever taught at Stanford. They share their findings in Designing Your Life, a self-help book that doesn’t feel like a self-help book. Instead it feels like loose and customizable scaffolding for individuals to find meaningful work and relationships. This is a galvanizing weekend... (read more)
Recommended by Connor M.
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Manjula Martin
[isbn]
Making a living can be tricky business; making a living from writing can be filled with twists and turns aplenty. Scratch is a lively collection of essays centered around writing and money. Thought-provoking, funny, and deeply insightful, this book is well worth dipping into even if you're not a writer.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Sophia Amoruso
[isbn]
An honest and inspiring story of female entrepreneurship told by a modern-day female hustler who successfully entered the business world seemingly overnight. The author covers her personal ethical dilemmas both in her personal life and in business. She explains how she values critique, teamwork, and differences in opinion in order to keep her business running. Her transparency and authenticity inspires her readers to become confident, to question... (read more)
Recommended by Brittany L.
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Steven Johnson
[isbn]
This thoughtful celebration of our most playful pursuits is fascinating — and a pleasure to read. Wonderland offers a persuasive argument that popular entertainment is responsible not just for momentary thrills, but for significant technological advancements.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Naoko Takeuchi
[isbn]
If you only read one manga in your life, make it this one. There's a reason Sailor Moon is legendary; it was, after all, responsible for the revitalization of the magical girl genre, and it could be argued that it's a big part of why the genre remains popular to this day. Amidst all the humor and school struggles, I think the Sailor Moon series has important ideas and lessons to offer readers about strength, love, determination, girlhood, and... (read more)
Recommended by Junix S.
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Allie Brosh
[isbn]
This book made me never want to get a dog — because there are so many stories of the author's terrible (albeit hilarious) dogs. My favorite part of this comic are the parts where the author makes poignant observations about depression while still giving the reader a reason to chuckle. This book comforted and mortified me in equal measure, which takes great skill from an author. When you read this, prepare to laugh and feel a little better about... (read more)
Recommended by Junix S.
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Sonia Sotomayor
[isbn]
My Beloved World is about so much more than law. It's about struggle and overcoming, and it is inspiring. I originally found this book through the Everybody Reads program, and it gave me a sense of community about the story. Sotomayor also writes with a humor that keeps the book from being heavy and instead keeps it interesting and invigorating throughout.
Recommended by Junix S.
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David Sax
[isbn]
In the last few years we have witnessed firsthand the resurgence of local independent bookstores. However, I was surprised to learn that it is not just books, but board games, vinyl records, and paper journals that have also benefited from this shift towards nondigital lifestyle products. David Sax is one of the great chroniclers of cultural change, and his newest book, The Revenge of Analog, is a fascinating investigation of why society... (read more)
Recommended by Shawn D.
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Elly Blue
[isbn]
This entire book makes so much sense. Why wouldn't a business want a bike rack with room for a dozen bikes in front of it instead of a single parking spot? Bike paths and trails may cost a lot (nothing compared to roads for cars), but the benefits will almost always far outweigh the costs. These are a few of the many points Elly Blue makes in her fantastic, entertaining, and succinct book about how bikes can transform the economics of a community... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Russell Kirk
[isbn]
The Conservative Mind belongs in the "oldie but goodie" category of books on conservatism. It was Kirk who first applied the term "conservative" to anti-progressive ideologies dating back to Edmund Burke, and every resource I examined in preparation for this post listed The Conservative Mind as a foundational text for understanding modern conservatism. Interestingly, I found that Kirk's views suffer from the same anachronisms as... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Richard D Wolff
[isbn]
Focused primarily on resolving labor problems, Wolff posits the idea of Worker Self-Directed Enterprises (WSDE), businesses owned and operated by the employees, as the replacement for and solution to the exploitative top-down employer model common in the U.S. It sounds crazy at first, but Wolff provides solid examples of successful cooperatives and a detailed examination of the ways American workers are being harmed by current capitalist... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Chris Guillebeau
[isbn]
An indispensable guidebook to build your dream career, Guillebeau’s inspiring yet practical advice will get you thinking outside the box and following a path that leads toward your passions. Looking to find the work you were born to do? Then this book is for you.
Recommended by Michal D.
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Mary Norris
[isbn]
This isn’t your stodgy English teacher’s grammar guide. Norris’s endearing and surprisingly entertaining memoir offers a candid look at the glorious subtleties of language — and the trials and tribulations of the copy department in one of our nation’s most revered literary institutions: The New Yorker.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Keri Smith
[isbn]
Randomness and the unexpected are vital conditions for personal growth, and this book suggests that wandering is a surefire way to increase the unexpected and to become more grounded in the present moment. Part memoir, part guide, it is sure to give you an exciting new way to spend your time.
Recommended by Ashleigh B.
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Lane Kenworthy
[isbn]
Kenworthy's Social Democratic America provides a solid, very readable overview of the public policy changes, like universal health care and paid parental leave, that Social Democrats advocate to counter rising inequality. What elevates this book from a good public policy title to a truly useful resource is the author's willingness to skewer and incorporate liberal and conservative ideas alike. For instance, Kenworthy rejects... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Charles Duhigg
[isbn]
How did a grad student in psychology use her training to become the world champion of poker? How did the team responsible for Frozen push past their creative blocks to make one of the most popular movies of all time? Charles Duhigg expertly outlines strategies and solutions to help us all become more productive.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Robert B Reich
[isbn]
In Beyond Outrage economist and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich provides a liberal perspective on the rising rate of inequality in the U.S., and prescribes the reforms and citizen activism necessary to address it. Reich's language is purposefully casual and his analysis is grounded in sound data (supplemented by comic graphics), making Beyond Outrage a valuable and accessible resource for readers across the political... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Duncan, Dayton and Burns, Ken
[isbn]
The dazzling companion volume to the acclaimed Ken Burns documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea chronicles the fascinating history of the world-renowned United States National Park system. Four hundred pages of richly composed text by Dayton Duncan accompany hundreds of magnificent, awe-inspiring photographs.
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Lawrence Krauss, Richard Dawkins
[isbn]
Lawrence Krauss's new book, A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing, summarizes the continuing developments in the field of cosmology. In addition to championing these new insights in the study of modern physics, Krauss also frames these advances in the appropriate context of their resulting implications for theologians and deists. Adapted from a lecture he delivered at the 2009 Atheist Alliance international... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Wes Moore
[isbn]
In this follow-up to his compelling memoir The Other Wes Moore, Moore continues his story as a new Rhodes Scholar through the next 10 years of his life. Broken down into chapters of "lessons," The Work is an inspiration, encouraging service to others as a way to find meaning.
Recommended by Jen C.
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Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen
[isbn]
Another gem from the authors of Difficult Conversations, this great read is for professionals and anyone looking to improve their relationships through better communication. If you've ever wondered in frustration, Why did they say that?, then this is the book for you.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Chris Guillebeau
[isbn]
Always wanted to make croissants? Dreamed of learning to surf or opening a cat sanctuary? Whoever said it's not about the destination but the journey was only half right. Bliss lies in pursuing the seemingly impossible with steely tenacity, and Guillebeau offers solid advice and tales of his own journeys to inspire you to pursue your wildest dreams.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Alison Bechdel
[isbn]
Bechdel first became well-known as a cartoonist for her long-running series Dykes to Watch Out For (1983-2008). When Fun Home was published in 2006, it was clear her work had taken a much different direction. She says that Fun Home is about how she learned to be an artist from her father. "Fun Home" was what she and her brothers called the funeral home that her father ran part-time. Bechdel narrates her childhood... (read more)
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Michael Clune
[isbn]
Michael Clune's mother accused him of using computer games to escape from reality. She wasn't wrong, but part of what's fascinating about Gamelife is where Clune escapes to and what he thinks about along the way. "I need to be somewhere else," he writes, and that is the gift and the curse computer games offer.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Dale Maharidge, Michael S Williamson, Bruce Springsteen
[isbn]
Someplace Like America: Tales from the New Great Depression, as with so many other important and deserving books, may never enjoy the level of attention and readership it so obviously merits. Written by Dale Maharidge and featuring photographs by longtime collaborator Michael S. Williamson (both of whom are Pulitzer Prize recipients), Someplace Like America is a haunting cross-country journey through the individual lives of... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Wilson, Edward O.
[isbn]
An inspiring work aimed primarily at those interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, Edward O. Wilson's Letters to a Young Scientist is an autobiographical glimpse into the personal life and background of one of our most eminent biologists. One needn't be a student to find value and richness in Wilson's letters, but for young people trying to carve out a direction for themselves, this book could well be a catalyst for reassessing... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Matthew Battles
[isbn]
If you love the written word, then you'll love its rich history. Palimpsest traces the advancement of writing from Mesopotamia all the way up to the digital age, offering much more than a dry account: we learn as much about the cultural implications as we do about the changes in format and medium. Battles is a lovely writer, and Palimpsest is as entertaining as it is informative.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Daniel J Levitin
[isbn]
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the deluge of information we encounter from minute to minute — the human brain just isn't wired to process it all. But there's hope. Levitin helps us understand how best to interact with our environment to maximize efficiency... and minimize the chaos!
Recommended by Renee P.
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Erik Brynjolfsson, Andrew McAfee
[isbn]
As we become more technologically advanced as a society, challenges such as job loss and failing industries are inevitable. In The Second Machine Age, a compelling case is made for shifting our policies toward preparing for technological progress and stemming economic decline.
Recommended by Jen C.
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Daniel H Pink
[isbn]
Daniel Pink is as engaging and accessible as ever as he offers fascinating insights into the subject of "selling" — both in the traditional sense and in the way we, as humans, constantly "sell" in our daily lives. Hint: it happens much more often than you think.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Louise Riotte
[isbn]
Originally published in 1975, this comprehensive and user-friendly guide to companion planting has since become a classic... and with good reason. In Carrots Love Tomatoes, lifelong gardener and prolific author Louise Riotte reveals how plant relationships — be they mutually beneficial, one-sided, or downright dysfunctional — can have a tremendous impact on your garden's outcome. A valuable reference for anyone looking to maximize their... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Charles Heying
[isbn]
Whether you're a local looking to confirm what you've always suspected about your hometown (that it's awesome) or an outsider looking to understand (and perhaps emulate) Portland's unique artisan economy, Brew to Bikes is a delightful and inspirational ode to all that Portland has to offer.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Elizabeth Gilbert
[isbn]
This book is for anyone and everyone. If you are looking for inspiration, if you are looking for understanding, if you are looking for permission, you will find it here.
Recommended by Britt A.
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