Lynda Barry
[isbn]
If you have ever wanted to draw and thought, "I can't even draw a stick figure," pick up this book. Lynda Barry and I share the same philosophy: everyone has the ability to be creative. While this book focuses on the beautiful marriage of words and pictures, I love that the exercises really bring out a passion for drawing regardless of your skill level.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Courtney Maum
[isbn]
I am so grateful to have found this INVALUABLE resource to guide me through the publication of my first book. It contains vital information for writers at all stages in their careers. With tips and advice on everything from querying agents and setting aside valuable writing time to childrearing and doing taxes (Did you know you can write off the lattes you drink while plugging away on your novel??), this book is a holy text of sorts. I feel like... (read more)
Recommended by Ariel K.
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George Saunders
[isbn]
What a treat, to have George Saunders as a guide! He dives deep into stories he's taught for years, emanating a joy and respect for the craft of storytelling that's incredibly inviting. A delightfully enjoyable and approachable book that has enriched all my reading ever since I picked it up.
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Chuck Palahniuk
[isbn]
If you know Chuck Palahniuk's writing, you know he goes where others dare not tread. The advice imparted here is similar: explicit honesty that holds nothing back. It is this bold trait that garners him a devoted fan base, and what makes this book so rewarding.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
[isbn]
Building on their popular podcast with this fascinating book, the SYSK hosts are going to change the way you look at everything — Mr. Potato Head, getting lost, facial hair, and more. The ideal read for anyone who’s ever wondered why things are the way they are.
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Jennifer Dasal
[isbn]
Move past the stodgily written museum labels to learn the quirky backstories of the art you visit at the galleries. Monet: not just a blotter of pretty paint, but a rebel badass! Norman Rockwell: painter of cheesy Americana, or really cool and socially conscious artist? ArtCurious is a fun and engaging look art history. No, really, it is!
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Benjamin Dreyer
[isbn]
An English grammar that you can’t stop reading: I, too, thought that an oxymoron until I picked up Dreyer’s English. Enchanting and nerdy, esteemed copy editor Dreyer’s interest in the nitty-gritty of language is buffeted with enough wit and history that even semi-colons shimmer with glamour. An indispensable resource, Dreyer’s English reminds us that words (and punctuation, and spelling) matter, and that wielding them well is... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Bill Bryson
[isbn]
I can't think of anything more mind-numbingly boring than following the evolution of the English language — but wait, just kidding! — this book is utterly fascinating. It's a satisfying balm for the book geek hiding in my heart. Bryson is a national treasure, and everything he writes is both hilarious and informative. Trust me, you'll never look at English the same way again.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Dennis Baron
[isbn]
The contemporary desire for better pronouns — ones that are nongendered and/or nonbinary — is nothing new. In his thoroughly researched book, Dennis Baron documents how many years this gap in the language has been felt (hundreds, at least) and how many new pronouns have been suggested (also hundreds, at least).
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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Susan Orlean
[isbn]
Just as she did with The Orchid Thief, Orlean tells a true story that has the page-turning appeal of great fiction. This time her focus is a devastating fire that struck the LA library in 1986, and it serves as a launchpad for a riveting journey into the history of LA, public spaces, and the vital role of libraries themselves.
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Randall Munroe
[isbn]
Cartoonist Randall Munroe’s impish love of physics has driven him to discover and share how to best use it for absurd ends, like moving a house with rockets or boiling a river with tea kettles. Please don’t do either.
Recommended by Keith M.
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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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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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Cecelia Watson
[isbn]
While not my favorite punctuation mark — that would be the em dash — I hold a great affection for the semicolon. That affection is obviously shared by Cecelia Watson, and it has driven her to write a witty history of this specific mark that extends to explore our relationship with grammar and language more generally. An alternate title could be The Semicolon; Against Pedantry, but some would no doubt quibble.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Mary Norris
[isbn]
Mary Norris's Greek to Me is as warm, beautiful, and inviting as Greece itself. Norris is as witty and charming as ever, and her paean to Greek language and culture is irresistible.
Recommended by Jill O.
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Katherine Dunn
[isbn]
Written originally as a writing lecture and published posthumously, On Cussing (by the beloved author of Geek Love) may be short but it’s far from sweet. Packed with history and advice on how to wield your foulest language like a true swordsman, On Cussing is a spicy, seductive read.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Benjamin Dreyer
[isbn]
Want to know something interesting? The word "namesake" works two ways. That is, if you're named for an older relative, they are your namesake... and YOU are theirs. If you find this sort of information remotely interesting, you'll love Dreyer's English. This witty book is also a bit of a mystery, as I'm hard-pressed to explain how Benjamin Dreyer pulled off the trick of making a writer's guide such a joy to read. Over at the New... (read more)
Recommended by Bart K.
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James Mustich
[isbn]
As a lifelong passionate reader, this epic compilation enthralled me. It's not only a brilliant guide to what to read next, but a satisfying read all on its own, with illustrations and fascinating sidebars of information.
Recommended by Kathi K.
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Grackle & Pigeon
[isbn]
Brimming with colorful photos and sketches to get your creative juices flowing, this whimsical book is all about creating cozy spaces anywhere you happen to be. You’ll find a treasure trove of imaginative ideas — there’s even a book cave!
Recommended by Moses M.
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Ryan North
[isbn]
Time machine broke down? Don’t worry — this book contains all you need to know to rebuild civilization! Crammed full of science and history, bursting with humor and personality, How to Invent Everything is the most wildly inventive, fascinating book I’ve read in a long time.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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David Grann
[isbn]
The Lost City of Z is the perfect book to read when you're antsy for some armchair adventuring. This clever tale is both the story of Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who traveled to the Amazon in 1925 and never returned, and Grann, as he retraces Fawcett's steps in an attempt to learn what happened to him. But it's so much more than that — it's also about the Western tradition of exploration and exploitation, the punishing Amazonian... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Francine Prose
[isbn]
In this celebratory collection that will delight casual readers, bibliophiles, and everyone in between, Francine Prose shares 33 reasons to love literature through essays on such works as Great Expectations, Jennifer Egan’s Manhattan Beach, and the short fiction of the other Elizabeth Taylor.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Cheston Knapp
[isbn]
Cheston Knapp's Up Up, Down Down is funny and lovely, intelligent and unnerving, unexpected and utterly satisfying. (And deserving of even more praiseworthy adjectives!) In a year of great essay collections (so far), Portland writer (and Tin House editor) Knapp stands out as a keen chronicler of coming of age. His essays end up probing the nature of adulthood, identity, and self-awareness. This will be one of your favorite reads... (read more)
Recommended by Jill O.
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Ray Bradbury
[isbn]
Any writer will tell aspiring writers that the best way to learn to write well is to read. Read, read again, read some more, and read well. So, read advice on writing from one of the greatest writers. Ray Bradbury reminds us to be true to ourselves, and that it is important to write to be happy.
Recommended by Alex K.
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Chris Baty
[isbn]
Who better to get advice from for NaNoWriMo than the man who invented it? Chris Baty makes novel writing less intimidating by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Been chewing on a few ideas? Sink your teeth into this book and devour easy instructions for writing stories that apply to more than just NaNoWriMo.
Recommended by Alex K.
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Amy Tan
[isbn]
In Where the Past Begins, Tan shares her memories of growing up, family secrets, and how emotional truth and fiction comingle. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to her work, Tan’s unforgettable prose and wry sense of humor make this a can’t-miss read.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Lonely Planet
[isbn]
Need some inspiration for your next adventure? With its breathtaking photos and truly unique suggestions, Lonely Planet’s new guide may just motivate you to go on a cycle safari through Botswana, try sandboarding in Peru, or camp inside a glacier in Norway.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Natalie Goldberg
[isbn]
This is a book about not only how to write well, but also how to find fulfillment in writing. Writing Down the Bones differs from other how-to-write books by providing useful writing exercises to promote inspiration and improve writing skills, instead of just offering clichéd advice or standard grammar rules. Natalie Goldberg equips writers, whether they are seasoned or just starting out, with tools to effectively reduce stress and the... (read more)
Recommended by Alex K.
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Bruce Handy
[isbn]
While revisiting kids’ books can be a lot of fun, reading Bruce Handy’s colorful commentary on beloved children’s classics is even more delightful. His insights are paired with fascinating details about the authors, and while he isn’t afraid to criticize some favorites (The Giving Tree, for one), his passion and enthusiasm are infectious.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Simon Winchester
[isbn]
One of the best nonfiction books I've come across, Simon Winchester's The Professor and the Madman is a riveting read. That seems an unlikely thing to say about the history of the making of The Oxford English Dictionary, but Winchester's genius makes the subject come alive like the best thriller ever written. Delicious!
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Ryan Higa
[isbn]
YouTube sensation Ryan Higa has almost 20 million subscribers on his channel nigahiga. Inspired by his "Draw My Life" video, which has been viewed over 30 million times, Ryan recounts his experiences with growing up in Hawaii, family dynamics, surviving bullies, and choosing a positive attitude in this funny and heartfelt memoir.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Maja Säfström
[isbn]
This book made me giddy. Not only because I learned things like, “Flies can taste with their feet.” But with Maja Säfström’s whimsical drawings and incredibly infectious enthusiasm, every page of this compendium left me laughing and full of wonder at our weird animal kingdom.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Schwalbe, Will
[isbn]
Books for Living is a must-read for any booklover. I found myself wanting to highlight almost every sentence of Schwalbe's introduction — it just hit home so hard! In each chapter, he shares a different book and the impact it had on his life. He's a strong believer that books find us at the right times throughout our lives, lending a new perspective or simply providing a couple of lines of encouragement when we need them most. This tome... (read more)
Recommended by Carrie K.
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Manjula Martin
[isbn]
Making a living can be tricky business; making a living from writing can be filled with twists and turns aplenty. Scratch is a lively collection of essays centered around writing and money. Thought-provoking, funny, and deeply insightful, this book is well worth dipping into even if you're not a writer.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Wizards RPG Team
[isbn]
Having played the 1st edition as well as 3.5, this edition reigns my favorite. It basically kept all the good stuff from 3.5 but got rid of a lot of the tedious math. Battles now feel much more like they are happening in real-time. I have always, always played an elven rogue, but I like this edition so much that for my next campaign, I'm finally branching out and playing a wizard! The new tiefling details are also fun for those who want to create... (read more)
Recommended by Junix S.
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Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, Ella Morton
[isbn]
I don't think there is a more perfect coffee table book. It's not just beautiful (but it is really beautiful) — it's full of fascinating information about places I've never heard of.
Recommended by Ashleigh B.
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Tom Wolfe
[isbn]
In distinctive Wolfe fashion, both learned and amusing, this fascinating new work lays out the argument that the capacity for speech, and not evolution, has enabled human achievement. Witty and insightful, be prepared to have your perception of speech forever changed. Recommended by Moses M.
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Mary Norris
[isbn]
This isn’t your stodgy English teacher’s grammar guide. Norris’s endearing and surprisingly entertaining memoir offers a candid look at the glorious subtleties of language — and the trials and tribulations of the copy department in one of our nation’s most revered literary institutions: The New Yorker.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Allison Hoover Bartlett
[isbn]
Wow! What a fascinating book about a fascinating man: John Gilkey, professional book thief. Hoover Bartlett seems to have a hard time untangling herself from her story, which gives the book an interesting discordant feel. It is practically impossible to look away from this man's train wreck of a career, while your loyalties unwillingly waver from book dealers, to Gilkey, to the FBI, and back again. Bibliophiles will alternately salivate and... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Randall Munroe
[isbn]
Ever wonder how a "food-heating radio box" (i.e., microwave) works? How about those "big flat rocks we live on" (tectonic plates)? Using only the thousand most common words in the English language plus line drawings, Munroe cleverly breaks down complex concepts into simple ideas in this funny and fascinating book.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Daniel Levin Becker and Daniel Levin Becker
[isbn]
Ebullient to those already under the Oulipian spell and likely befuddling to those ingenuity intolerant, Daniel Levin Becker's Many Subtle Channels is a fascinating, engaging, and well-researched account of Ouvroir de Littérature Potentielle (translating loosely as the "workshop for potential literature"), a collective of mostly French writers and mathematicians that employ(ed) a range... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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