| NONFICTION & POETRY |
| Recommended by Cheryl
Amy Tan started drawing birds in her journal in her sixties after an art class. The result is startling. If you enjoyed The Comfort of Crows you will enjoy this book. |
| Recommended by Jake
Owing just as much to Robert Caro as Roger Angell, The New York Game is an engaging two-for-one biography of the game of baseball and the city of New York, persuasively arguing that the two are fundamentally intertwined. Illuminating and frequently fascinating, this book captures the rise of organized baseball from a hobby into America’s pastime, and is a great read even if (like me) you can’t stand the Yankees. |
| Recommended by Cat
Hampton Sides has the amazing ability to craft a narrative from an array of sources while also bringing the past to life in an engaging way. This is a history of the third and final voyage of Captain Cook, though it is just as much the story of the ensemble cast of crew members and notable people of the day. Cook’s legacy is hotly debated, but the story of this voyage is nothing short of remarkable and fascinating. |
| Recommended by Jake
The first biography of the most underrated filmmaker in Hollywood history, Carrie Courogen’s book on Elaine May is a fascinating spotlight on a figure who so often hid in the shadows. Capturing her sketch comedy roots, graduation into film directing, and second life as a script doctor, this book is a stunning insight into a notoriously reclusive living legend. The perfect gift for your favorite film nerd. |
| Recommended by Hannah P.
Ada Limón, you’ve done it again. In this diverse collection of striking new poems, fifty writers reflect on our belonging within nature while also encouraging us to rethink our preexisting ideas of both literary and literal landscapes. If you think you already know “nature poetry,” think again. Of course, it is 100% required that you enjoy this while sitting outside on a beautiful day. |
| Recommended by Rachel
Sheila Heti took a knife, carved open my chest, and carefully lifted out my heart to preserve it in the pages of this book. The crazy part? It is in alphabetical order, down to the very last letter of the last word. Utterly genius and one of a kind. |
| Recommended by Jordan
This memoir by Tia Levings, who was featured in the documentary Shiny Happy People, tells the story of a brave woman’s escape from an abusive fundamentalist marriage and lifestyle. This is the perfect book to read while we unpack our religious trauma and fight for our rights. |
| Recommended by Andy
Largely forgotten by American, the siege of the Iranian Embassy captivated the world for six days in 1980. The incident helped establish Maggie Thatcher’s reputation as the Iron Lady. |
| Recommended by Andy
The author of Pappyland provides an in-depth examination of the murder of Emmett Till. Thompson’s family farm is just 23 miles from where the torture and killing of Till took place. This gives him a unique perspective on Mississippi and the crime that changed America. |
| Recommended by Andy
This book is the result of Doris Kearns Goodwin and her husband Richard Goodwin going through 800 boxes of speeches, articles, photos and other memorabilia from their storied careers. A fascinating journey back with two people who witnessed history being made through the Sixties. |
| Recommended by Andy
Pulitzer Prize winner Brands recounts the debate between Roosevelt and the America First movement headed by Charles Lindbergh. The arguments echo discussions being held today regarding the Untied States role in the world. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
This is the meteoric rise and then fall of Inigo Philbrick, a young art dealer who is ultimately convicted of fraud, as told by his friend and one-time business partner. The author holds back nothing, giving the reader a true peek behind the curtain into the sometimes morally gray world of art dealing. This is perfect if you’re shopping for someone who always knows the latest drama. |
| Recommended by Jake
The definitive biography of the most controversial figure in baseball history, this is a stunning treatise of Pete Rose as a hero too good to be true, undone by his own hubris. O’Brien also argues that Rose’s betting scandals lead directly into the death of America’s pastime. A fascinating and frequently frustrating examination of the late, great player, Charlie Hustle is one of the best baseball books of the year. |
| Recommended by Patsy
In this gem of a collection of conversations, Brendan O’Hea explores play by play roles Dame Judi has inhabited over a long career on stage. Interstitial chapters on the company, audience, Shakespeare’s language and more give insight on history, method, costumes. Theater fans and actors alike will delight in the details and humor. |
| Recommended by Cheryl
Once again Erik Larson has written nonfiction that reads like fiction. Fort Sumter may be noted as the beginning of the Civil War but it was not a violent battle but instead a series of miscommunication and misdeeds. Lincoln’s inauguration paralleled the building isolation of the Fort Sumter. troops. It was a small spark that lit a firestorm. |
| GIFT/COFFEE TABLE BOOKS |
| Recommended by Patsy
Gorgeous photos of Williams’ NW Connecticut garden with tablescapes and vignettes will delight, transport, and inspire. Perfect for anyone looking for some fresh yet timeless ideas. |
| Recommended by Lindsay
One of my favorite books I’ve picked up this year is The Work of Art, a series of interviews conducted by Adam Moss with writers, artists, musicians, and more about the actual work–the failed attempts, the writing and rewriting, the conversations that opened up a stuck idea, the routines and rituals–that goes into creative work. It’s a beautiful celebration of how our weird little brains can make incredible things. |
| Recommended by Tara
A must-have book for the fashion lovers in your life. A look back through some of Diane Keaton’s most memorable looks through the decades. |
| Recommended by Sarah
From Celia Cruz to Rihanna, Barbra Streisand to Megan Thee Stallion, How Women Made Music charts the myriad ways women have influenced the trajectory of music and popular culture. This volume combines over 50 years’ worth of work from all of your favorite music writers into one beautiful package. The perfect gift for any music lover! |
| Recommended by Maddie
Out of all the books that have come out on Taylor Swift this year, this is the one that has my full Swiftie stamp of approval. Sarah Chapelle is a long-time fashion writer and reporter whose Taylor Swift Style blog I have been following for years. I was so excited when I saw she was coming out with this book, and just in time for it to make a perfect holiday gift for the Swifites in your life! |
| Recommended by Sydney
The beloved Margaret Renkl is back at it again. Leaf, Cloud, Crow is the prettiest guided journal I’ve ever seen, and would be a great choice for anyone who finds themselves enjoying nature. Interspersed with writings from Margaret, this journal has plenty of insightful and poetic prompts awaiting! |
| COOKBOOKS |
| Recommended by Cat
Get this for the José Andrés fan in your life (who isn’t?!) or that person who is always looking for new flavors to experiment with. The recipes here range in effort level from approachable to a Big Weekend Challenge so there’s something for everyone! |
| Recommended by Cat
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a person in possession of a desire for bread, must be in want of King Arthur flour. This is THE baking book for experienced bread bakers and novices alike and makes the perfect gift for anyone whose dream is to make the perfect loaf of sourdough. |
| Recommended by Ashby
A bus tour of Hong Kong. At once memoir, travel journal, photo album, gardening how to, and vegan cookbook. I was charmed from the first pages. Want to grow bean sprouts? There’s a how to and why. The food pictures are indeed vibrant and enticed me to try several recipes including steamed eggs which produced the creamiest eggs I have ever eaten. Flipping through was a journey of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. |
| Recommended by Chelsea
Who doesn’t love Matty Matheson? Who doesn’t love soups, salads, and sandwiches? Filled with gorgeous food pictures and Matty’s hilarious personality, this cookbook makes a perfect gift for anyone. |
| Recommended by Patsy
Wildly popular blogger and viral recipe creator Carolina Gelen presents 100 crowd-pleasing, effortlessly delicious recipes that showcase her simple-but-sophisticated style. |
Musing 