Carmen Maria Machado
[isbn]
Impossible to put down, even when it made my heart hurt/stomach turn/eyes sting with tears, Machado's memoir unfolds with the insidious, blooming ache of a bruise into something spectacular and necessary. One of the best books I’ve read this year, and ever.
Recommended by Tove H.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Heather B. Armstrong
[isbn]
This is the best book I've read in 2019 so far, and one of the best books on mental illness I've ever read. Heather does such an incredible job of describing the depths of depression and passive ideation that I got goosebumps. If you live with mental illness or you know someone who does, I highly recommend you read this book.
Recommended by Deana R.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Jackie Shannon Hollis, Jody Day
[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.
|
Teresa Wong
[isbn]
It is so good to continue to hear honest, healing stories of pregnancy and early motherhood. It's not all blue skies all the time and you can take courage from another woman's courage and keep moving forward. Teresa is funny and to the point in this graphic memoir! Some may not be able to relate to having so many resources (human and financial) to meet their needs, but for me that doesn't diminish the impact of her perseverance through postpartum... (read more)
Recommended by Ruth J.
|
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.
|
Mariam Gates, Margarita Surnaite
[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.
|
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.
|
Sanae Ishida
[isbn]
Oh, if only we all had a Ninja Grandma! Little Kunoichi, her baby brother, and her pet bunny go to visit Grandma, who lives in a tree house island that does a secret amazing thing. There are so many fun things to do! But all is not just silly games here; Grandma Ninja has sage advice about the meaning of life, and the gifts we all have inside. Ninja Grandma is the best! Adorable!
Recommended by Dianah H.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Mary Laura Philpott
[isbn]
This book found me at exactly the right time and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. With a mug of tea and these essays in hand, my experience with this book was that of having a no-holds-barred conversation with an old friend I knew would never judge me. Philpott explores what it means to miss yourself, what it means to feel like you need an escape hatch, what it means to live with and recognize the hundreds of yous you've been, and... (read more)
Recommended by Carrie K.
|
Meg Raby
[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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Pam Grossman
[isbn]
I am so smitten with this book! It is so many things — an exploration of witches throughout history, the representation of witches in popular culture, the meaning behind the concept of “witch," and some personal stories about witchcraft thrown in for good measure — and I loved every minute of it. Pam Grossman, author and host of the podcast The Witch Wave, does a great job discussing a subject she considers very meaningful and personal... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Cori Doerrfeld
[isbn]
The sweetness of this story makes me a little teary. Rabbit knows that sometimes what a person needs when they're upset is not a solution but just your presence and a listening ear. A fantastic way to start a conversation with kids about their needs and also a great reminder to adults that we don't always have to fix things.
Recommended by Christine R.
|
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.
|
Jenn Bailey
[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.
|
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.
|
Sophia Shalmiyev
[isbn]
Mother Winter by Sophia Shalmiyev is a poetic collage of a memoir, more like a work of art. Honest and fascinating. Gorgeous, stunning prose. Exquisite execution. Shalmiyev swept me away with her imagery and deep probing insight. Loved this book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Eva Eland
[isbn]
It warms my heart to think of all the kids who will be helped and comforted by this lovely book. Instead of shying away from a tough feelings, it portrays sadness directly and honestly, offering simple yet powerful tools to try when you're feeling sad. Essential for every child's library!
Recommended by Christine R.
|
Liz Scott
[isbn]
Elizabeth Scott shares the achingly real struggle to understand her childhood and her narcissistic parents in her hilarious/beautiful/wrenching memoir, This Never Happened. Raging narcissism is the foundation of her confused childhood and continues into her acquiescent adulthood; there is no escape. But she works hard to excavate the truth of her life, overturning each insane interaction with her parents, looking for answers, looking for... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Esmé Weijun Wang
[isbn]
Although I do not share Esmé Weijun Wang's diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, I too have wondered how to separate my brain from my true self — is there even any distance at all? In this riveting collection of essays, she documents the realities of living with a stigmatized diagnosis and explores the elusive nature of identity. Translated literally, "schizophrenia" means split mind and Wang struggles to reconcile the sum of her parts into a... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Nicole Chung
[isbn]
The openness and honesty with which Nicole Chung writes about her life is captivating. This is an intensely personal book, but handled with a precision that keeps it from feeling voyeuristic. If you only read one memoir this year, read All You Can Ever Know.
Recommended by Ashleigh B.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
[isbn]
This incredible memoir is a masterful example of what the graphic novel format can accomplish. The emotive art and engaging storytelling work hand-in-hand to immerse the reader in Congressman John Lewis’s early life and activism, and the frame narrative of President Obama’s 2009 inauguration pulls the struggles, efforts, and hopes of the civil rights movement into the modern day. March is an essential reminder that this history is far... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|