Jenn Louis
[isbn]
I was a little skeptical when I first saw this title, but as soon as I saw the table of contents I understood — this is not about a single soup. With over 100 recipes from all over the world, Jenn Louis proves this hearty, comforting staple comes in many delicious forms: tom kha gai, poule au pot, green chili chicken stew, to name a few. The “chicken essentials” section has already improved my stock and changed my life.
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Cait Flanders
[isbn]
Cait Flanders follows up The Year of Less with Adventures in Opting Out, a guide to navigating the road less traveled. I always feel better after I read Cait Flanders; there’s something about her mix of practicality and truth-telling that both soothes and inspires me. Interviews with fellow travelers, anecdotes, and sound wisdom make this a fast and inspirational read. 2020 has been filled with all sorts of intentional and... (read more)
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Chip Jones
[isbn]
In 1960s Virginia, we celebrated American superiority in the race for one of the first successful heart transplants. The reality of this success was darkened with the knowledge of what went on behind the scenes: organ collection from an African American without their permission or knowledge. The history of abuse within our health system, and how it has affected our communities of color, is a must-read for anyone trying to understand the world we... (read more)
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Lisa Taddeo
[isbn]
Taddeo spent eight years and thousands of hours with her subjects to render three detailed portraits of female desire, and the end result is an absolute gift. One of the most electric, unapologetic, and powerfully intimate books I’ve ever read, I’ll be reeling from this one for some time.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Aurlie Chien Chow Chine
[isbn]
The Little Unicorn books by French author Aurélie Chien Chow Chine are always a hit for kids. They help children identify feelings and teach them how to deal with them in an approachable way. Little Unicorn imagines a golden armor that gives him courage, and learns breathing exercises to help calm him down and face his fears. Great imagery and helpful tools for ages four and up!
Recommended by Kim T.
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Tom Percival
[isbn]
One day, Ruby discovers a worry which grows and follows her everywhere she goes. As much as she tries to ignore it, it never seems to go away. Once she notices that other people have worries and starts talking about them, her worries shrink in size until they’re almost gone. A great lesson in acknowledging feelings and dealing with them for ages three and up!
Recommended by Kim T.
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Layla F Saad
[isbn]
This book is so needed. It is a workbook for people with white privilege, like me, to educate themselves on the pervasive racist ideologies that they carry; and to dismantle these, and take action to make the world a better place. Reading and journaling through it, I was asked to confront hard truths in a loving way, an experience that continues to be a life-changing gift.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Karen Karbo
[isbn]
Wrinkle creams. Fad diets. Skinny teas. The endless strivings for so-called self-improvement. Pshaw! With her patented wit and boundless gumption, with loads of research and insight, Karen Karbo, author of In Praise of Difficult Women and the Kick-Ass Women series, gives us a manifesto to throwing off the shackles of society’s flawed (and consumer-hungry) expectations and getting comfortable again in our own, authentic skin.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Thich Nhat Hanh
[isbn]
An indispensable tool for helping to reach the foundation of feelings below anger in a situation, How to Fight guides you to the compassion and strength within that’s needed to rise above the hurt, and communicate effectively. Thich Nhat Hanh’s writing is so accepting of the hardest parts of who we are, making it also a great antidote for despair.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Ali Wong
[isbn]
Dear Girls — made up of chapter-length letters by comedian Ali Wong to her two daughters — is a genuine delight. It was a joy to follow her life story and share in her life lessons, and the book left me with a lot of thoughts and feelings about making and finding places and communities. It is also so funny, to the surprise of no one who has seen her stand-up.
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Rose Tahe, Bo Flood, Jonathan Nelson
[isbn]
In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child’s First Laugh Ceremony and welcomes the little one into the community. Each family member, from the baby’s nima (mom) to their cheii (grandfather), tries their best to hear the newborn’s joyous cry. Other welcoming rituals from around the world are included in the back. Great for ages two and up!
Recommended by Kim T.
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Erica Heller
[isbn]
If you could ask for one more experience with a lost loved one, who would it be? Memoirist Erica Heller asked this question of friends and family members of a slew of fascinating subjects — from James Baldwin to Julia Child to Rod Serling to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and more and more. What follows is a wonderful array of fantasy lunches between people, a collection of richly imagined, deeply human, engagingly varied stories, including, of... (read more)
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Andrea Pippins
[isbn]
Author/illustrator Andrea Pippins’s debut picture book is a heartfelt meditation on welcoming a new baby to the family. Will Little One have Grandma’s boldness, cousin Curlena’s joy, Auntie’s sense of adventure? Will they watch the clouds with their brother? “My wish is that you will be all these things and more. You will be your own self, for no one in the world has ever been like you.” A wonderful read-aloud for ages three and up.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Jennifer Finney Boylan
[isbn]
Accompanying Jennifer on her journey of self-discovery through reflecting on dogs’ predominant traits — honesty, loyalty, and determination, to name just a few — we are granted insights and lessons on a life crafted alongside these experiences. That we maybe aren’t so different from our canine friends is just another rewarding takeaway from this lovely and edifying memoir.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Caroline Dooner
[isbn]
This book is for every person who is sick of dieting, sick of feeling bad about their bodies, sick of having a tumultuous relationship with food and eating, and ready to kick all that nonsense to the curb. Here's to 2020 being the year of the Fck it Diet!
Recommended by Haley B.
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Rachel Brian
[isbn]
There aren't enough exclamation points to express how much I love this book or how happy I am to see it on the shelf. Not only does it clearly explain consent through the perfect mix of silliness and seriousness, it also discusses topics like boundaries, healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to find help when you need it, and more. Using comic book-style illustrations, this book presents these fundamentally important topics in a... (read more)
Recommended by Christine R.
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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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Andrew X. Pham
[isbn]
Gritty and emotional, this travelogue/immigration tale had me transfixed. Pham skillfully narrates his family's story both settling in the US and in leaving war-torn Vietnam. His bicycle tour through 1990s Vietnam is a fantastic (and scary!) experience no tourist could have while he seeks a deeper understanding of "home."
Recommended by Ruth J.
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Jennifer Wright
[isbn]
With a powerfully dark sense of humor, Jennifer Wright's dive into the most infamous diseases throughout history is incredibly well-researched and insightful. She highlights the world's most mysterious and deadly epidemics, from the Dancing Plague of 1518 to Typhoid Mary and beyond, as well as the people who dedicated their lives to fighting them; this is a uniquely fascinating history.
Recommended by Eric L.
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Charlie Mackesy
[isbn]
This book is beautiful, kind, and sweet. The sentiment is inspiring and the drawings full of simple perfection invite the eye to linger on each page. This is the perfect book for a lazy day and a blanket, or a quick escape to lighten your mood and lift your spirit.
Recommended by Steph C.
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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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Uma Naidoo
[isbn]
This Is Your Brain on Food brings to mind everything my mom told me about eating my vegetables, and while it's true that the carrots didn't keep my eyeglasses at bay, I've never doubted for a minute that food — very specific food — can be a game-changer for our minds and our bodies. I love the idea of food/body manipulation, and experimenting with different food combinations for optimal health. So, if particular dairy products can help... (read more)
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Lucy Bellwood
[isbn]
It's like Lucy Bellwood's demon is my inner critic's twin. Instead of running away from her negative thoughts, she gave them a shape and debates the little imp. Beautifully vulnerable, unbelievably relatable. If you've ever suffered from impostor syndrome, anxiety, and fear of failure (or even success), pick up this book.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Lynn Casteel Harper
[isbn]
Lynn Casteel Harper approaches one of the most upsetting eventualities that most people can imagine, dementia, with courage and compassion. Drawing on her background as a writer and chaplain, she considers the condition, and the stigma that often attaches to it, from a variety of perspectives. Readers will be well served to have such a steady hand to guide them into a subject that can cause much discomfort.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Steven Johnson
[isbn]
Set during the cholera outbreak in 1850s London, Ghost Map is riveting. Dr. Snow is the first medical professional to disregard the "miasma" bad air theory and look for real proof. By making a map of the "ghosts" (those who have succumbed to the disease), Snow begins to see the progression of the disease. Better than tracking a murder suspect, this is one of the best "thrillers" I've ever read.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Minh Le, Dan Santat
[isbn]
I am a child of immigrants and this story hits really close to home. My grandmother and I had a language barrier as well, but shared a love for picture books. As an artist, I love that the boy and his grandfather draw pictures together to form a special bond all their own. A very beautiful story.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Spencre LR McGowan
[isbn]
Now that I've made over half of the recipes in Blotto Botany, I can say that I am now obsessed with herbal cordial making. A cross between an herbalism guide and a cocktail recipe collection, this handwritten and collage-illustrated book feels like a zine written by a warm, witchy friend. When I make these drinks, I feel like I am making potions. I am particularly in love with the "Dreamer's Cordial," which gave me some of the most... (read more)
Recommended by Ariel K.
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Paul Lisicky
[isbn]
Paul Lisicky’s memoir of his time on a writing fellowship in Provincetown during the height of the (initial stage of the ongoing) AIDS crisis does more in one paragraph than many books accomplish in their entireties; the richness of insight is evident in every passage.
Recommended by Keith M.
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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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Joshua D Mezrich
[isbn]
When Death Becomes Life is a beautifully written tribute to science, medicine, and humanity, viewed through the capable lens of a transplant surgeon. Joshua Mezrich synthesizes over 100 years of medical history, shares extraordinary stories about his patients, and writes emotionally and joyously about his own life's work. A remarkable and inspiring memoir.
Recommended by Jill O.
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Chani Nicholas
[isbn]
Chani Nicholas is beloved by many Powell's employees (myself included), and for very good reason! Nicholas approaches astrology as a path to self-knowledge, empowerment, and social justice, using humor and straight talk to help you learn more about yourself and the world around you. Great for newbies and experts alike!
Recommended by Leah C.
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Helene Hanff
[isbn]
Hanff, a New York writer, chronicles her relationship with a London bookseller during WWII. It starts off as a request for books, but the friendship that blossoms over the years lasts a lifetime. Full of wonderful book talk, with Hanff's acerbic wit, and the charming — but struggling — booksellers at Mark's & Co., this is must-read for book lovers everywhere.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Patrisse Khan Cullors, asha bandele
[isbn]
Patrisse Khan-Cullors's compassionate memoir is, among many things, an imperative to seek connection and build community as a countermeasure to injustice and dehumanization.
Recommended by Hayley H.
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Sarah Knight
[isbn]
I have always been jealous of people who say "no" with confidence and ease — well, no longer! This new book by bestselling author Sarah Knight is helping me learn how/when/why to say no, and I'm loving it. For example: Do I think you can skip this title? NO!
Recommended by Leah C.
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Heather Christle
[isbn]
A fascinating and deeply moving nonfiction debut by an award-winning poet. This fragmentary examination of tears expertly mixes poetic thought, science, and the author's own relationship to sadness, joy, and crying. Everyone who has ever cried should read this book.
Recommended by Kevin S.
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Caren Beilin
[isbn]
Blackfishing the IUD is a full-throttle flamethrower meant to illuminate and dismantle the way gendered illness is discussed and treated RIGHT NOW!
Specifically, it's about the dangers of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and how the copper elements in the author's IUD triggered a crippling ongoing struggle with RA (rheumatoid arthritis). Interspersed with accounts from other people affected (from online discussion boards, which are numerous),... (read more)
Recommended by Kevin S.
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E.J. Koh
[isbn]
With the mind of a poet E. J. Koh demonstrates true vulnerability in her memoir, telling her story through carefully chosen words. The effect is perfectly expressed prose, which neither indulges in sentiment nor does it challenge the reader to compete or compare lives, as her thoughtfully exposed life is laid bare. Koh’s journey transforming hardship into peace leaves one with a sense of wonder and respect at the dignity and grace of her... (read more)
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Courtenay Hameister
[isbn]
Writer, producer, and professional worrier Courtenay Hameister spent a year doing stuff that scares her. Like an MRI, a sensory deprivation tank, and professional cuddling. A Brazilian. The result is a collection of surprising, sometimes brutal, sometimes blushworthy, sometimes heartbreaking, always hilarious experiments told with honesty, insight, and ferocious wit.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Jenny Slate
[isbn]
This dazzling and appropriately titled essay collection from Jenny Slate is everything you might expect from the whip-smart actress/comedian/voice of an anthropomorphic seashell, and probably also a few things you might not. No two vignettes are alike — some are fleeting, some panoramic; there’s effervescence and melancholy and bravery and make-believe — but all showcase Slate’s unique and frankly beautiful way of interpreting the world around... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Nathan W Pyle
[isbn]
This small collection of strange comic strips is quietly hilarious. I found myself grinning over and over as I read through. Completely unique, satisfying, thoughtful, and very funny.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Kira Willey
[isbn]
This book has been amazing for my son who has anxiety. There are so many exercises in this book and each one is easy for my son to follow. Even my 2-year-old sits down to try the techniques with us. They love pretending and playing and this book turns mindfulness into imaginative play.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Martin Gibala, Christopher Shulgan
[isbn]
Leading exercise researcher Martin Gibala has conducted many clinical studies that highlight the superiority of short, high intensity workouts over the traditional long duration ones. He explains the latest scientific understanding of the benefits of certain types of exercises — their effects on our physiology and biochemistry. A good resource for anyone confused or just curious about different types of exercises and their varying levels of... (read more)
Recommended by Manuel H.
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Jenny Odell
[isbn]
Jenny Odell has achieved a spectacular balancing act, resulting in a timely and beautiful book. It’s easier to list what this book is not: it is never scolding, simplistic, unrealistic, or naïve. As she says, she’s an artist who works in the medium of context, and that allows her to shed a fresh light on the current culture of presentational productivity, and provide a viable strategy to combat it.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Dawn Babb Prochovnic, Jacob Souva
[isbn]
Howdy, potty user! Good golly, this here book is the darn tootin' funniest potty book in all the land. You'll bust a gut laughin' and you'll learn somethin' too. I reckon adults and kids and cowpokes will love this book!
Recommended by Christine R.
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Chanel Miller
[isbn]
Chanel Miller. Wow. I'm in complete awe of her resilience and strength. There is a reason Hillary Clinton quoted her victim impact statement in her own book and it doesn't just have to do with her skill as a writer. Chanel Miller is not only a strong woman, but has the brilliant, singular skill of being able to parse out into words her painful journey and inner turmoil with strength, power, and eloquence. This should be required reading in the... (read more)
Recommended by Pia B.
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Lisa Brennan Jobs
[isbn]
You will be shocked by what you read about Steve Jobs in this beautifully rendered literary memoir by his daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs. You will be equally stunned by the author’s insight and honesty. I’m recommending Small Fry to everyone I know. Vivid, compelling, ambitious — it’s the full package.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Marc Hamer
[isbn]
In this quiet, respectful, and inspiring tome, Hamer uses moles as a framework for his philosophy on nature and life, incorporating prose, poetry and even illustrations. Part natural observation, part memoir of a life spent mostly outdoors, How to Catch a Mole is 100% delightful.
Recommended by Leah C.
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Heather Corinna, Luke Howard, Isabella Rotman
[isbn]
This book goes over an uncomfortable topic and presents it in a way that is relatable and super easy to understand. I love that this is a graphic novel, because a lot of what happens during puberty is visual and can be the root of a lot of self-hatred. But this book reminds the reader that everyone feels weird at this age and that's OK. I wish I had this book growing up.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Jaquira Diaz
[isbn]
Jaquira Díaz’s beautiful memoir is harrowing and haunting. Her stories of a horrendous childhood, a rebellious adolescence, and their lasting repercussions into her adulthood are leavened by the reassurance found in an authorial voice that guides the reader with a true survivor’s knowing generosity.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Carmen Maria Machado
[isbn]
Machado dropped this incredible book into a world eager to overlook instances of queer domestic abuse. It's a no-holds-barred delve into the trauma she experienced, as well as a commentary about the lack of history and documentation of abuse in queer relationships. She does not coddle the reader, instead forcing us to confront a hard truth: queerness is not all sunshine and rainbows, queer people are fully capable of harm, and it is vital that... (read more)
Recommended by Brianna B.
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Barbara Natterson Horowitz, Kathryn Bowers
[isbn]
Safety. Status. Sex. Self-Reliance. Wildhood argues that mastering these four things are the markers of maturity. Using four different species (penguin, hyena, blue whale, and wolf), in addition to humans, the authors demonstrate how adolescent behaviors pertaining to these four competencies are universal, and have been in existence from the beginning. A fascinating, easily readable book, Wildhood is a MUST-READ for teachers,... (read more)
Recommended by Beth C.
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Bill Bryson
[isbn]
Bill Bryson takes the reader through fascinating facts of the human body (the kidneys process over 3 pounds of salt a day!); best guesses as to why we exist the way we do (is the uvula a "mudflap for the mouth"?); and the often questionable medical experiments and characters that have helped illuminate how the body works. The Body is a surprisingly cheerful journey through both the ways in which we seem to be perfectly designed, and the... (read more)
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Christopher McDougall
[isbn]
I love this heartwarming true story about a donkey named Sherman. The author and his family rescued him from a hoarding situation. He was in bad shape, but with the help of friends, neighbors, and some fellow animals, Sherman trained to run the World Championship Pack Burro Race.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Caitlin Doughty and Dianne Ruz
[isbn]
Mortician Caitlin Doughty is a death myth-buster. Will My Cat is made up of kids' questions about death. Her practical approach helps to normalize the post-life we will all face. Her informative answers are sometimes yucky but always funny, making this guide to death good for the whole (slightly ghoulish) family.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Timothy Egan
[isbn]
On a spiritual journey across 1,000 miles of Europe and 2,000 years of Christian history, Timothy Egan reckons with his skepticism and lapsed Catholic beliefs while confronting a bigger question: What is the role of religion in a world that is rapidly losing its faith?
Recommended by Emily B.
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Oliver Sacks
[isbn]
This collection is one of two books Sacks was working on when he passed away, and with probing essays on time, memory, creativity, and consciousness, it’s a fitting send-off. As usual, his inquiries reveal a dedication to intellectual rigor matched by an extraordinary generosity of spirit.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Conn Iggulden
[isbn]
Not teaching children how to be naughty won’t prevent them from finding trouble on their own, and sometimes it’s better to have a few tricks up your sleeve anyhow, as you never know when it may come in handy! Such is the thinking behind this spectacular reference manual that celebrates craftiness and ingenuity, with enough projects to get a child less interested in their phone and more invested in exploring the natural world.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Kate Zambreno
[isbn]
Zambreno's book belongs, in my mind, to a growing collection of memoirs that mourn the loss of complicated, fully human mothers via fragment, memory and meditation, borrowed voices — if you've read and liked Mothers by Rachel Zucker, or Mother Winter by Sofia Shalmiyev, you'd do well to pick Book of Mutter up next.
Recommended by Darla M.
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Jeff Guinn
[isbn]
Guinn's biography of one of the most famous mass murderers in history brings you into the details of Charlie Manson's life. The guy was good friends with the Beach Boys' drummer Dennis Wilson and had big aspirations to not only hide out in the desert while American erupted into another civil war, but also get a recording contract to make him big and famous. Guinn's writing left me looking forward to each chapter and got me up to speed on a story... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Sara Quin and Tegan Quin
[isbn]
As for so many, high school was a crucible for Sara and Tegan Quin, during which they discovered their identities and developed their voices. Alternating chapters, they share stories that are both universal and utterly unique, much like their music.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Charlotte Agell, Ana Ramirez
[isbn]
Elba has a block that she must drag around with her all the time. It's no fun, but she has to do it. Norris is followed everywhere by butterflies. He doesn't quite understand Elba's block, but he wants to help. This story is one of the most helpful depictions of dealing with loss and supporting a friend that I've seen. Grief doesn't go away, as this book shows, but it changes with time and patient friends can help ease the journey. Elba has lost... (read more)
Recommended by Christine R.
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Jack Black, William S Burroughs, Joe Coleman
[isbn]
Jack Black rode the rails up and down the west coast, living a life of crime and freedom. If you love On the Road and turn-of-the-century Americana, try this entertaining memoir. It inspired William S. Burroughs and many of the Beat generation and is an amazing firsthand account of a long-gone era.
Recommended by Eva F.
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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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Christopher Ryan
[isbn]
Christopher Ryan wants you to reconsider the lives of our foraging ancestors. Perhaps, like me, you’ve never much considered their lives at all, and just assumed that any humans living before the advent of agriculture slogged through grim existences that — to the extent that they can even be imagined — were short and miserable. In Civilized to Death, Ryan makes a compelling case that whatever modern miracles prehistoric humans may have... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Meaghan O'Connell
[isbn]
As the mom of a three-year-old, I've read a ton of books on motherhood in the last few years, as there have been an abundance of them! And Now We Have Everything is one of the absolute best. Meaghan O'Connell is darkly hilarious, intelligent, poignant, and absolutely honest — and she's a fantastic writer as well. This one is not to be missed.
Recommended by Jill O.
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Pamela Paul and Maria Russo and Dan Yaccarino
[isbn]
As someone who works in a bookstore, I thought I knew everything possible about how to nurture the love of reading in a child. But this joyful guide, organized by age group and packed with practical advice, had a lot to teach me. Big bonus: the book recommendations are ample and spot-on.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Franz Wright
[isbn]
Almost every one of the poems in this collection had me shouting obscenities and purring in delight, clutching my chest in overwhelm; what more could you want from a book of poems?
Recommended by Darla M.
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Amanda Yates Garcia
[isbn]
Amanda Yates Garcia’s memoir of fostering power in a hostile world is an intimate look at having to forge one’s own journey, even down a path blazed by countless marginalized ancestors. Initiated sits at the crossroads of personal memoir and Wiccan empowerment guide, elucidating both her personal traumas and how her understanding of the hidden forces of the universe gave her the perspective and strength needed to heal.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Eli Clare
[isbn]
I first encountered Eli Clare’s slim memoir in a graduate course on Disability Theory, but to be honest what really struck me at the time — and has stayed with me in the years since — is Clare’s way of integrating the seasonal shifts and geography of Oregon into his powerful story of navigating life as a trans man with cerebral palsy. Exile and Pride does an astonishing job of conveying the parallel experiences of personal and... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Jeannie Vanasco
[isbn]
Jeannie Vanasco's Things We Didn't Talk About When I Was a Girl is one of the bravest, most honest, and most unusual memoirs I've read. Vanasco's decision to confront her college rapist, who was at the time a close friend, is extraordinary enough, but her narrative voice — her lyricism throughout her interrogation of her motivations and thought processes, as well as "Mark's" and their shared history — makes this a riveting reading... (read more)
Recommended by Jill O.
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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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Angela Garbes
[isbn]
Angela Garbes asks the reader, what if we actually listened to mothers? What if we actually devoted research dollars and prioritized their care? This book was a bold and easy-to-read analysis of experiences facing those who are pregnant, were pregnant, or want to be. The book is a wonderful expansion of the author's massively popular online article on breastfeeding in The Stranger.
Recommended by Ruth J.
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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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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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Amos Barshad
[isbn]
Behind famous figures there is usually one person who manipulates their talents to create a fully formed star. This is Amos Barshad's central idea in No One Man Should Have All that Power, and while these controversial subjects are rarely seen or credited for their work, Barshad suggests that the "Rasputins" of the world are responsible for the fame their protégés earn. A fascinating read for anyone interested in a peek behind the... (read more)
Recommended by Alex Y.
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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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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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Jennifer Pastiloff
[isbn]
Yoga guru and motivational speaker Jennifer Pastiloff brings her popular "On Being Human" workshop to the page in a powerful, inspirational memoir full of her own personal struggles and triumphs, told with candor, humanity, humor, and straight talk. An achingly authentic, truly empowering book.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Jackie Shannon Hollis
[isbn]
There was a time in my life when I thought I would never have children, and I so wish I had This Particular Happiness then. Here, Jackie Shannon Hollis attempts to reconcile herself to the idea of forever living childless, and the result is raw, bittersweet, and painful. Examining every feeling of sorrow, jealousy, need, regret, and pain, she unspools her story like the counselor that she is, always asking why, always digging deeper. Can... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Lucy Knisley
[isbn]
Finally, a smart graphic novel covering a wide range of modern maternity experience! Readers will also learn a little about medical and reproductive history, but the joy for me is in seeing the very real experiences of infertility, miscarriage, morning sickness, and birth represented plainly. This easy-to-read, delightfully illustrated novel left me feeling understood.
Recommended by Ruth J.
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Mariam Gates
[isbn]
Adults often tell kids to "calm down," but we don't always teach kids the skills to actually calm down their bodies and their thoughts. This book does just that and is perhaps the friendliest feeling picture book I've ever read. With the help of some adorable animal friends and gently rhyming text, kids learn to concentrate on their breathing, slow their thoughts, notice the world around them, and identify their feelings. A fantastic introduction... (read more)
Recommended by Christine R.
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Pam Grossman
[isbn]
In this must-read for anyone interested in feminism or witchcraft, acclaimed podcast host Pam Grossman illuminates a history of female power and persecution, and eloquently analyzes why witches are so relevant today. By exploring the figure of the witch across culture, Grossman explains her theory about why the newest wave of feminism just might be "The Witch Wave," and why millions of women now draw upon the magic of the witch to reclaim a sense... (read more)
Recommended by Ariel K.
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Joseph Coelho, Allison Colpoys
[isbn]
A girl shares a year full of memories about her grandpa, season by season. She desperately doesn't want to say goodbye, but when her grandpa is gone, she finds her own way to both honor him and comfort herself. Bursting with expressive colorful illustrations, a beautiful story about loss and healing.
Recommended by Christine R.
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Margaret M Holmes
[isbn]
Sherman Smith saw something that upset him so much that he decides to just not think about it. At all. Forever. He goes on with his life, but the reader begins to see that this plan is not working for Sherman as he deals with stomachaches, nightmares, getting in trouble at school, and other problems. Eventually Sherman begins to talk with Ms. Maple, who gently helps him to process his feelings, and he slowly starts feeling better. When I was... (read more)
Recommended by Christine R.
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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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Wendy Gorton
[isbn]
This brilliant hiking guide through Oregon’s and Washington’s wilderness areas is an entertainment-packed savior for families adventuring with young children. Gorton pairs each hike — all under four miles — with an educational scavenger hunt for flora and fauna, plus tips on where to go afterwards for treats. Waterfalls and ice cream? Who could resist?
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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J Phillip Jones
[isbn]
Grieving and facing death is a road we all travel, but in our culture, few of us are prepared. Transcendence offers a pleasing combination of hospice knowledge and Eastern philosophy which provides practical advice as well as some calming thoughts.
Recommended by Tracey T.
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T. Kira Madden
[isbn]
T Kira Madden writes with kindness, even when the world hasn't been as kind to her. I finished Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls in a coffee shop by my house, promptly closing my eyes and sighing as I held the book to my chest. Cliché? Maybe. Do I care? Not really. This book is stunning, and is so much more than I could have ever hoped that it could be. I cried, I laughed, I imagined. Madden is spectacular.
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Meg Raby, Elisa Pallmer
[isbn]
This is an amazing read on autism acceptance! Otto the crow has a wonderful family and an accepting sister who are there for him in times of misunderstandings. Highly recommend for introducing the idea of autism to children, or autistic children who want to see themselves in a main character.
Recommended by Rin S.
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David K. Randall
[isbn]
This captivating book paints a vivid portrait of San Francisco at the dawn of the 20th century: the heart of the West Coast, where gleaming opportunity and virulent racism play out as a wave of bubonic plague sweeps through the city. Groundbreaking bacteriologists must contend with corrupt politicians as they fight to save lives during the outbreak. A thrilling read, good for fans of The Devil in the White City.
Recommended by Mary S.
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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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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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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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Fiona Heckels, Karen Lawton, 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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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.
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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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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 and Becky L. Crook
[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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