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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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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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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Phoebe Robinson
[isbn]
Influencer to the stars, comedy queen, podcast co-host, actor, and writer Phoebe Robinson has done it again in Everything's Trash, but It's Okay. In this sharp and contemporary collection of essays, Robinson explores everything from the current political climate to our celebrity-obsessed society (relayed through her humorous and perhaps unhealthy obsession with Bono). Fans of Robinson will delight in her consistent and unique point of... (read more)
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Jenn Bailey, Mika Song
[isbn]
My sweet and gentle son struggles socially. He recently told me that he wanted a friend and my heart broke into a million pieces. I picked up this book to show him that other children also struggle with making friends. And that hopefully, going to school will help him. He gave me a hug after reading this book and asked me to read it again.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Temple Grandin
[isbn]
This is the story of Temple Grandin's youth and how she came to grow into her autistic self. She writes so honestly and openly but from an objective point of view. I highly recommend this read to autistic adults or parents of autistic children.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Eleanor Morrison, Faye Orlove
[isbn]
Having worked with young children around issues of safe touch and boundaries, I'm so happy to see a book about consent aimed at that audience. Just because you're little doesn't mean you have to give that hug or kiss when you don't want to! We need to tell kids early and often that their bodies belong to them. I'll be buying this for all my friends' kids!
Recommended by Christine R.
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Brene 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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Nicole Chung
[isbn]
As a mom of a transracial adoptee, this book jumped out at me. You don't have to have a personal connection to Nicole's experiences to find common ground. Her openness and honesty light the way to universal themes of self-doubt, otherness, family, and belonging. A moving read!
Recommended by Lesley A.
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Esmé Weijun Wang
[isbn]
Here, Esmé Weijun Wang is at her brilliant best and her writing is a chisel, precisely revealing the discomforting relationship our histories both past and present have with both the categorization and treatment of the famously reviled schizophrenias. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder herself, Wang has delivered us a book that delves down to the depths of the self with perfect sentences that elevate us even when they devastate.
Recommended by Cosima C.
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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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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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Naoki Higashida, Ka Yoshida, David Mitchell
[isbn]
This is the voice of an autistic writer who uses a communication board and technology to speak. As an autistic person, it's nice to see different perspectives on this journey we experience as autistic people growing up in a neuro-typical world. Higashida writes this book in a Q&A format and manages to make simple questions and answers about autistic life poetic. He isn't always positive, and is sometimes even transparent with the moments at which... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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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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Samantha Dion Baker
[isbn]
This book is so inspiring and beautiful. Even though I am an experienced illustrator, I learned a lot from this book. The chapter on inspiration was such a great read for me. I found myself relating to a lot of what she wrote — we both have two kids and it can be difficult finding time to draw! She also talks about the different materials she uses and other techniques to incorporate into your sketch journal. Just looking at the little watercolors... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Penney Peirce
[isbn]
Tune into the subtleties and increase your potential with this read. Its wisdom and simplicity will reverberate and add inspiration to your step.
Recommended by Hillary B.
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Amos Barshad
[isbn]
Amos Barshad is fascinated with Rasputins — shadowy advisers who manipulate those in power for their own ends. He pursues this archetype across an impressive variety of contexts with style and wit. I didn’t know I wanted this book until it mysteriously appeared, completely capturing my attention and earning my hopeless devotion.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Pro Familia, Dagmar Geisler
[isbn]
An awesome kids' book on consent and self-advocacy! It is written in a way that is clear for a child to understand, and that parents or teachers can build a discussion around. There are situational explanations with friends and relatives given in the story. It goes on to say that you can always tell someone no, even if the person in your space is a relative or a friend. Highly recommended for kids reaching the age where they start to grasp the... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Kevin A Patterson, Ruby Bouie Johnson
[isbn]
As far as I know, this is the only book on polyamory that specifically addresses the unique challenges people of color face in the poly lifestyle. I highly recommend this resource for POC and their partners.
Recommended by Deana R.
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Julian Castro
[isbn]
Julián Castro’s political autobiography, released in anticipation of a presidential run, checks all the required boxes: values instilled in early life, impressive academic success, political coming of age, etc. I want and expect all that from every entrant in the literary presidential primary. I was pleasantly surprised to find that An Unlikely Journey also includes a more rounded view of Castro’s life with numerous unexpected and... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Keith Negley
[isbn]
This is a great read to combat negative comments such as "man up" or "boys don't cry" and all of that nonsense. The message gets delivered but the illustrations are funny and lighthearted enough to keep the mood elevated while reading. I imagine this would be a great read-aloud to a class of elementary school students. Feel all the feelings!
Recommended by Rin S.
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Kate Allan
[isbn]
I think this is the most adorable self-help book I have ever seen. Cute animals grace every page, letting you know that everything is going to be OK and that you are not alone in your struggles.
Recommended by Deana R.
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Raleigh Briggs
[isbn]
An awesome do-it-yourself guide for simple remedies, medicines, and cleaners! I say simple, but you will acquire a lot of skills if you put any of these methods in practice. If you're interested in relevant homesteading skills in a fast-paced world where there is hardly any time for that, this is totally for you!
Recommended by Rin S.
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Daniel H Pink
[isbn]
Timing isn't everything, but it might be more important than you think. Daniel Pink’s When combines insight from psychology, biology, and economics, along with helpful tips and tricks to help you maximize your day. Pink never fails to educate and entertain.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
A lively and engrossing collection of blog posts ranging from an encounter with a rattlesnake to a discussion of Homer and Joyce. Whatever the subject, Le Guin’s elegant prose is always a joy to read.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Steven Pinker
[isbn]
Offering hope through evidence, researcher and Harvard professor Pinker shows us that we are not only capable of overturning our base impulses and drive towards societal destruction, we are in fact already collectively striving towards better. His advice for how to consciously hold onto the progress we’ve made is bracing, fortifying, and refreshingly sound.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Pia Mellody
[isbn]
There are many addictive behaviors such as substance abuse, sex addiction, and others, but we hardly ever talk about being addicted to other people. If you are coming out of an abusive relationship, or you're repeating toxic behaviors that you've learned from your elders, this guide is an amazing character study for you or a loved one living with a codependent personality.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Leah Dieterich
[isbn]
Leah Dieterich lays all of her insecurities and uncertainties excruciatingly bare in this excavation of her marriage. Using compelling prose, she peels back the surface of everything, and it is mesmerizing; she digs until she understands what she feels, what she wants, and why she wants it. Exploring open marriage, bisexuality, honesty, and fear, this is an eye-opening dissertation on love, desire, commitment, and human nature — and Dieterich... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Jessie Oliveros, Dana Wulfekotte
[isbn]
Memory loss is such a difficult subject to explain to children, and I’ve never seen it captured in as beautiful a way as Jessie Oliveros presents it in this lovely picture book. James’s grandfather has one balloon for every precious memory he’s lived in his long life; some of these balloons, James also shares. When his grandfather starts losing some balloons, James knows he must find a way to share his grandfather’s balloons with others so his... (read more)
Recommended by Kim T.
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Cait Flanders
[isbn]
More of a memoir than a guidebook, The Year of Less is a deep dive into what happens when you take a giant step away from consumerism. Cait Flanders paid off $30K of debt, and then imposed a year-long shopping ban. She chronicles her journey with unflinching honesty and careful self-examination.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Meaghan O'Connell
[isbn]
And Now We Have Everything is the most honest book about becoming a mom I've read. I don't have kids and don't know that I ever will, but I have a lot of anxieties about parenting and childrearing and Meaghan's writing aligns with them perfectly. This book is really funny in a kick-you-in-the-stomach kind of way, and I found myself laughing and sobbing a lot while reading it. As a childless bookseller, I wholeheartedly believe everyone —... (read more)
Recommended by Emily L.
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Jedidiah Jenkins
[isbn]
Jedidiah Jenkins’s memoir is his story of bicycling 14,000 miles from Oregon to Patagonia over the course of 16 months. Readers follow along with Jenkins’s travels, experiencing the people and places he encounters while he reflects honestly on his personal life and struggles.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Paul Monette
[isbn]
Becoming a Man is one of my life-changing books. Lyrical, brutal prose tells the story of the first half of a gay man's life, from his closeted days in a New England prep school, to how he inched his way out of the closet and found his true love. He tells his story through the shadow of the early days of AIDS and filters it through his many losses. It's both heartbreaking and hopeful, and a book I often press into people's hands and urge... (read more)
Recommended by Deana R.
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Lin Manuel Miranda and Jonny Sun
[isbn]
Lin-Manuel Miranda, author and creator of Hamilton, also writes the loveliest, most genuine, and life-affirming tweets. Collected here with adorable illustrations by Jonny Sun, author of Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too, Gmorning, Gnight! is an utterly charming collection that will light up everyone's holiday season.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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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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Anne Lamott
[isbn]
Wise, frank, and infused with generous humor, Anne Lamott’s latest offering discusses our relationship to hope, and ways of giving it a home within us. Whatever your spiritual or religious affiliation may be, Almost Everything is a tonic for the soul, and a welcome antidote to the troubling times we face.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Joshua Hunt
[isbn]
I did my undergrad at UO and, full disclaimer, couldn't stand the culture built around football and the Ducks or anything else related to the revoltingly dubbed "Uncle Phil" and his Nike empire. Luckily, I ran in activist and academic circles that had long whispered about his dirty dealings with our administration — including, but not even remotely limited to, his successful attempts at shutting down student protests over Nike's financial... (read more)
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Chelsea Martin
[isbn]
What a gem! Reading this collection feels like finding a friend who fully accepts all of your weirdness and insanity, free of judgement. Martin is a writer you won't want to miss!
Recommended by Haley B.
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Anne Frank, David Polonsky, Ari Folman
[isbn]
Why risk marring the view of heroine Anne Frank with a graphic novel depiction of her two-year ordeal hiding from the Nazis? It's a gamble; the subject is so serious, and she is so beloved. But this is what graphic novels can do now: give visual life to a story in a way that's never been imagined. Illustrator David Polonsky does a stellar job of depicting the oppressive, claustrophobic tension in the tiny space occupied by the Frank Family and... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Justin McElroy, Sydnee McElroy, Teylor Smirl
[isbn]
Justin and Dr. Sydnee McElroy’s first book is as funny, educational, and fascinatingly horrifying as the podcast on which it’s based. Brilliantly illuminated by Teylor Smirl’s fantastic artwork, this is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys strange history, medical facts, or just having a good laugh at human “ingenuity” (with due celebration for the folks who’ve actually gotten things right). Remember: don’t drill a hole in your head!
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Blythe Roberson
[isbn]
Lately, it's been increasingly necessary to remind myself that I don't actually hate men. I hate the system that awards white, cis/hetero men a disproportionate amount of power, enables them to do whatever they want, and shields them from any and every consequence. So this delightful book was like a balm to my perpetually chapped soul. Blythe Roberson channels her well-honed wit (seriously, Google her), her relatable experiences, and her... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Jim Bouton
[isbn]
I couldn't tell you who won last year's World Series, because I don't follow baseball. But this sports book has earned a sterling reputation as a classic that transcends the game.
Author/knuckleball pitcher Jim Bouton has the humorist's eye for telling, pithy detail, and the memoirist's courage in sharing honest and sometimes unflattering anecdotes about himself and his teammates. In short, from its opening pitch to the final out, Ball Four... (read more)
Recommended by Bart K.
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Caitlin Doughty
[isbn]
The delightful second book by death-positive revolutionary (and American hero) Caitlin Doughty, From Here to Eternity is a heartfelt travelogue through ancient funerary practices and cutting-edge modern deathcare.
Recommended by Hayley H.
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Timothy Egan
[isbn]
This is the story of the biggest forest fire in US history. Three million acres burned across three states, aided by the flammable gas that boiled out of pine sap during the conflagration!
Recommended by Jennifer K.
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Casey Gerald
[isbn]
I was gripped from page one by Gerald’s magnetic, painterly writing. But it was his story — that of a poor black kid from Dallas whose intellect and athletic ability propelled him to increasing levels of success, and the humbling lessons he learned along the way — that blew me away. An extraordinary read.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Beth Evans
[isbn]
As someone who has had varying degrees of anxiety, it's nice to have a book that validates that and says it's okay to have anxiety, in whatever form that may look like. Beth Evans's book is the accessible foray into self-care, and acceptance of the fact that we're not perfect, that we all need to be reminded of once in a while.
Recommended by Maya M.
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Jenny Lawson
[isbn]
Furiously Happy is a book I turn to time and again. Both heartbreaking and hilarious, Jenny writes with painful honesty about living with chronic mental and physical illnesses. In the final essay of the book, she recounts a conversation with her husband, in which she states, "Your life would be so much better without me." He replies, "It may have been easier, but it would never have been better," and this has always stuck with me. I... (read more)
Recommended by Deana R.
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bell hooks
[isbn]
This book was recommended to me by my partner, and has since changed my life and my view of love and loving in every aspect of my experience. There are many huge, hard truths in this deeply personal book, and I highly recommend it to everyone looking to broaden their understanding of love and relating.
Recommended by Deana R.
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Sonya Patel Ellis
[isbn]
Botanical Bible is an amazing book! A big fat book that could live on your coffee table for a couple of years and you’d still find interest in it. Filled with botanical history, art, recipes, and just a whole lot of beauty, this is a gardener’s dream book. I don’t often rave about books that are so cross-topic, but Botanical Bible really hits the sweet spot in being curated perfectly. My hat is off to author Sonya Patel Ellis... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Stephen Hawking
[isbn]
Stephen Hawking's final book presents some of the biggest questions and most important issues before us today: Will the human race survive? Is there a God? His brief answers will challenge your thinking and bring you out of your bubble.
Recommended by Kim S.
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Shaun Bythell
[isbn]
You may be wondering if a Powell's reviewer can really be objective with regard to this this witty, irascible, big-hearted book. After all, of course I'd think that a wry diary by a Scottish bookseller would be a terrific read, right? However, in this case, you can trust me — I was reading and enjoying Shaun Bythell's hilarious bookshop Twitter feed long before I began at Powell's. So when this book arrived, I got it instantly and... (read more)
Recommended by Bart K.
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Tao Lin
[isbn]
Trip by Tao Lin is a fascinating and well-researched book. Part Terence McKenna illuminations, part Tao's drug-taking diary. Full of interesting facts.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Brian Lies
[isbn]
What should I tell you about this wonderful, funny, touching picture book? That it's perfect for anyone who loves animals and/or just has a big heart? That it made me cry halfway through, or that I was smiling through my tears by the end? So many questions! I guess the best thing I can do is suggest you take a look at Rough Patch yourself, because it's absolutely lovely.
Recommended by Bart K.
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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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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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Amy Fusselman
[isbn]
Toward the end of Fusselman's luminous new lyric essay creation, Idiophone, she writes, "To see it all at once like in a mirror, to be in one world and to multiply..." — and that comes pretty close to the overall mood of this weird, playful, and sometimes gloomy book. It feels sharply focused and almost suffocating at times, while there are other moments that feel scattershot and a little off the rails — like the narrator is trying to... (read more)
Recommended by Kevin S.
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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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Stoya
[isbn]
Stoya has made a name for herself in the public sphere through porn, and here she collects her years of fiery, sharp writing to make clear that one's participation in sex work in no way demeans one's intellect. She weaves philosophy and theory into insights from a career in an industry that is both famously romanticized and reviled — refusing to let us get away with lazy caricatures. Even with all that aside, she proves that she's an excellent... (read more)
Recommended by Cosima C.
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William O. Douglas
[isbn]
This is a personal story of place by Pacific Northwesterner William O. Douglas, who was a Supreme Court justice from 1939 to 1975 and advocated for the environment from the bench. Not only did he write A Wilderness Bill of Rights in 1965, he helped quash a proposed highway through Olympic National Park.
Recommended by Jennifer 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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Randy Frost, Gail Steketee
[isbn]
Who knew stuff was so important? My God, read this book and you will never look at your own stuff the same way again. It's really very chilling to see how life can become so complicated by something so seemingly innocuous. Frost and Steketee do an excellent job of peeling away the layers of pathology and leaving the core problems exposed. A riveting read!
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Roz Chast
[isbn]
Roz Chast's moving graphic novel chronicles her parents' lives and final years. You'll recognize her illustrations from cartoons in The New Yorker and other places. She writes with humor, but is also unafraid to talk about the unpleasant: the all-too-serious hardships we face in witnessing our parents getting old.
Recommended by Maya M.
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Sophie Lucido Johnson
[isbn]
Many Love is a memoir about author Sophie Lucido Johnson and her relationships, but it's also a road map for decentering our societal concepts about love as it relates to the nuclear family. Building on the queer theory that came before her, Johnson demonstrates how love doesn't have to be a box where a single romantic partner is the only person you can ever really love. You can love friends more than a sexual partner, you can give... (read more)
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Tom Drury
[isbn]
This comic masterpiece crept up on me; I made it to page 25 before I realized what a thing of beauty Tom Drury's understated dry humor is. But while the irony may be subtle, there is no cynicism here. Instead, enjoy a novel with great heart and genuine empathy for its Midwestern characters. Highly, highly recommended!
Recommended by Bart K.
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Michael Pollan
[isbn]
Michael Pollan’s earnest examination of modern eating habits made waves upon its release in 2006 and is largely responsible for pushing the local food movement into the mainstream. The Omnivore’s Dilemma uses the seemingly straightforward question of “What should we have for dinner?” as an impetus to explore how ridiculously complex our food system has become. What Pollan reveals through his adventures, as he explores three food chains... (read more)
Recommended by Renee P.
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Andrew Solomon
[isbn]
Far From the Tree is the kind of book that fundamentally alters the way you see the world and your place in it. Each chapter is centered around a different horizontal identity, such as dwarfism, autism, and deafness. Solomon interviewed hundreds of people, assembling a staggering amount of information and narrative, but it is his ability to synthesize and summarize that elevates Far From the Tree into something extraordinary.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Mychal Denzel Smith
[isbn]
The debut book from Knobler Fellow and Nation writer Mychal Denzel Smith, Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching, is a personal and political coming-of-age that melds candid detail with trenchant analysis. Taking its title from a Mos Def lyric, Smith's book shares a revealing and self-aware recap of his development as a young black millennial and budding wordsmith. Confronting his own assumptions (about a variety of... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Perre Coleman Magness
[isbn]
Southern Sympathy Food is at once a primer on being a civilized and proper Southerner and a cookbook of excellent potluck recipes. The South is a land where deviled eggs are called stuffed eggs, because bringing the devil to a funeral doesn’t sound nice. You may want to try Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad — with bacon! You may want to give Southern-Style Baked Kibbeh a try (the South has welcomed many a Lebanese immigrant into their... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Kelly Sundberg
[isbn]
It's a brave thing to tell the story of an abusive marriage. It's an even braver thing to tell the story of loving the man who harms you, of protecting the man who beats you, of the moments of a marriage that were loving and sweet along with the times anger and rage crossed the line into violence. Kelly Sundberg's memoir is an essential read, not only for survivors of abuse seeking a book to help them heal, but also for those who try to... (read more)
Recommended by Mo D.
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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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Sallie Tisdale
[isbn]
Years of experience as a palliative care nurse and a Buddhist practitioner have given Sallie Tisdale a unique perspective on death and dying. Redolent with sound advice and wise counsel for both the living and the dying.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Michael Chabon
[isbn]
From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon comes Pops, a personal, intimate collection of essays on fatherhood. With his trademark gorgeous prose and insightful, tender observations, Chabon muses, often humorously, upon individuality and weirdness, feminism, teenage coolness, and more.
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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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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Irene Smit, Astrid Van Der Hulst, Illustrators from Flow
[isbn]
Creative art journaling is really hot right now. Unfortunately, for many of us, knowing where and how to start the creative art process is the largest obstacle in moving forward. Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst guide us in our discovery with simple tutorials in painting, line drawing, style, and most importantly, finding creative joy and beauty in the day-to-day life that surrounds us.
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Roxane Gay
[isbn]
This moving collection of essays, edited by feminist powerhouse Roxane Gay, operates on the simple principle that any level of sexual harassment or assault is, in fact, that bad. Sure, someone else may have had it objectively “worse," but that doesn’t make what we’ve been through okay.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Gabriela Wiener, Jennifer Adcock, Lucy Greaves
[isbn]
Thank god Gabriela Wiener wrote this book, so that I don't have to do any of the things in it! I don't have to spend a weekend with a sex guru and his seven wives, I don't have to visit an upscale swinger's club with my husband, I don't have to be a pants-less prop in a revered dominatrix's demonstration. But more than that, I don't have to face my deepest fears and insecurities. I don't have to look inside myself and record what I find for all... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Caitlin Doughty
[isbn]
The delightful second book by death-positive revolutionary (and American hero) Caitlin Doughty, From Here to Eternity is a heartfelt travelogue through ancient funerary practices and cutting-edge modern deathcare.
Recommended by Hayley H.
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Samantha Irby
[isbn]
Samantha Irby's first book of essays has been buffed and polished, with new material and fresh hilarity. Her writing is intimate, warm, painfully funny, and I guarantee you'll love her blend of candor and comedy. Buy one copy for yourself and another for your best friend!
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Leslie Jamison
[isbn]
Leslie Jamison, author of the extraordinary essay collection (and surprise bestseller), The Empathy Exams, returns with a very different but equally captivating book. The Recovering intertwines Jamison's story of her journey to sobriety with her thoughts about other addicted writers, their work, and their struggles with dependency; it's an incredibly self-aware, unusual, and engrossing memoir. At the beginning of the book,... (read more)
Recommended by Jill O.
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Marina Abramovic
[isbn]
Marina Abramovic, of The Artist Is Present fame, is one of the most fascinating artists working today. Her memoir is as surprising, raw, gripping, and forceful as you would expect, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Lisa Feldman Barrett
[isbn]
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a leading expert on the psychology of emotion, and in How Emotions Are Made, she lays out her revolutionary ideas about our seemingly innate human reactions in accessible and truly compelling chapters. The theories in this book have far-reaching implications, but there are also immediate takeaways for anyone who has struggled to make sense of their emotions.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Barbara Ehrenreich
[isbn]
An articulate refutation of Americans’ obsession with living forever (aka, our collective fear of death and the healthcare industry that feeds it), Natural Causes is eye-opening, well-researched, and thanks to Ehrenreich’s cranky wit, really funny. Doctors may not want this feisty author in their offices, but every patient should have her on their bookshelf.
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Clemantine Wamariya, Elizabeth Weil
[isbn]
In the most important way, this book was hard to read and harder still to put down. Clemantine Wamariya’s voice is strong, sure, and unafraid to be vulnerable, angry, flawed, and human. This is not a feel-good, rags-to-riches refugee story; nor does it sensationalize the horrors that Clemantine and her sister (and so many others) experienced. Instead, we are granted the incredible gift of sitting beside Wamariya as she constructs and claims the... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong
[isbn]
A chilling, in-depth story revealing the psychology of rape from multiple angles. The intertwining accounts and outcomes are both shocking and insightful, providing answers at a time when taking a closer look at why sexual assault happens, and what we can do about it, is vital to society’s way forward.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Tara Westover
[isbn]
I don't know how to talk about this book yet. I've tried to explain how moved I was while reading it. How proud I am of Tara's journey so far. How haunted I feel by what she went through, and by the echoes of her experiences in my own life. I can't keep the tears out of my eyes and I can't praise Educated highly enough.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Dawn Davies
[isbn]
Dawn Davies drew me in with all of the honesty required of a memoir — she reveals everything, without soliciting approval for it. Her awakened understanding that strength comes from the recoveries after the falls, not in avoiding mistakes, is absolute gold.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Amy Cuddy
[isbn]
In her TED talk, Amy Cuddy showed us how effective altering your body posture can be on your mindset. In Presence, she explains the "why" behind the "what" in our behaviors, reminding us of just how dynamic, responsive, and regenerative humans really are.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Jessica Valenti
[isbn]
Lets face it — virginity is made up. Not all women are born with a hymen, so any kind of physical "virginity test" it total bullcrap. Everyone has a slightly different opinion on what counts as sex, anyway. So why is so much pressure placed on girls to maintain their "purity"? Hint — it's the patriarchy. I read this in a college women's studies class, and very much wished I had read it in my 8th grade sex-ed class instead. This well-researched... (read more)
Recommended by Anna M.
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Daniel H. Pink
[isbn]
Timing isn't everything, but it might be more important than you think. Daniel Pink’s When combines insight from psychology, biology, and economics, along with helpful tips and tricks to help you maximize your day. Pink never fails to educate and entertain.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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David Giffels
[isbn]
Giffels’s stellar memoir caught my eye due to its rather morbid subject matter (constructing one’s own coffin), but it was the author’s hearty style and spirited drive to create in the face of destruction that won me over. I won’t soon forget this lighthearted book about the heaviest of subjects.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Maggie Nelson
[isbn]
The Argonauts impacted me deeply, and continues to with each revisit. While it should be required reading for everyone, it's absolutely invaluable to anybody navigating or coming into any kind of queer identity. Maggie Nelson effortlessly combines poetics, prose, and theory to create something both breathtaking and wholly original. The title invokes the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, the great ship that is rebuilt piece by piece on its... (read more)
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Patrisse Khan Cullors, asha bandele
[isbn]
Reading like a series of political essays, this autobiography heralds one of the most articulate, wise, and necessary voices of our time. Black Lives Matter cofounder Patrisse Khan-Cullors's relentless compassion and commitment to raising up all black lives serve as a powerful beacon for change.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Niki Brantmark
[isbn]
A delightful companion to the Danish Little Book of Hygge, Lagom elaborates on the Swedish philosophy of nurturing a balanced lifestyle. It’s the perfect book to take in on a quiet day when you want to slow down and reflect on how you’re spending your time and energy.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Jeannie Vanasco
[isbn]
The Glass Eye was a surprise. Instead of being a simple story about a daughter who loses her father, it takes on a life on its own. Vanasco's grief isn't simple. Instead, you're left sitting there with tears in your eyes and a sob in your throat, because you realize just how much her father’s death affected her, even when the subject switches to her mental illness or relationships with her mother and others. Read this book. It will... (read more)
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Bill Hayes
[isbn]
Insomniac City is a compelling rumination on love, loss, and community. New to New York City, Hayes presents his encounters with fellow New Yorkers in an astonishing series of essays, vignettes, and beautiful photographs. The book centers on Hayes’s relationship with the luminous genius Oliver Sacks. Despite Sacks’s diagnosis and decline from cancer, their love story is of the kind too rarely depicted between gay men: deep, mature, and... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Eddie Izzard
[isbn]
Believe Me is a riveting adventure into the hows, whys, and hilarious life of Eddie Izzard. While he relates the story of his success, Izzard, in his own beautiful way, also inspires anyone who reads this story to achieve their own dreams. Plus, in times like these, the relief of a good laugh is priceless!
Recommended by Shell H.
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Gary Younge
[isbn]
This is one of the most important books I've ever read. Each chapter profiles the life of a child killed by gun violence on the same randomly selected day in America, 11/23/13. Younge is quick to point out that this isn't a book about gun control; instead, it's a book about what happens when gun control is nonexistent in a country where poverty, racism, and segregation are endemic. Younge's 10 subjects are kids whose deaths would have gone... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Kim Gordon
[isbn]
Unapologetic. Fearless. Candid, with a hint of underlying rage. Kim Gordon is one of our most prolific and necessary rock 'n' roll feminists. Girl in a Band is a must-read for music lovers, fashion lovers, history buffs, the she, the he, the they, the them, and everyone in between.
Recommended by Ronnie C.
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Rick Hanson, Richard Mendius
[isbn]
"We are what we think." — Gautama Buddha
Discover the neuroscience and psychology behind the principles used in Buddhism to achieve peace of mind. By offering practical methods and applications to change the way you think, this book can change your life. Like the muscles in the body, with the correct exercise and maintenance, the mind can change its constitution over time. Mindfulness, contemplation, and meditation are just a few... (read more)
Recommended by Alex K.
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Caitlin Doughty
[isbn]
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes is not only a candid memoir with a healthy dose of black humor, but an insightful conversation on the art of dying and an earnest call for a death positive revolution.
Recommended by Hayley H.
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