I discovered Negin in her documentary The Muslims are Coming then saw her speak at an event and immediately bought this book. It's a hilarious, but real commentary on race and religion in our culture and society. A must-read in our specific political climate. - Karena
My mother introduced me to David Sedaris’s work when I was (far too) young. That alone probably says a lot about how I turned out. Sedaris is a master of wicked humor, and during his lecture tours he often reads excerpts from his diaries to the eager crowd. They are funny, insightful, and more than a little snarky, and he is finally releasing some of them for our reading pleasure. I can’t wait! - Ivy
The quintessential book for lexophiles and logophiles! Lexicographer Kory Stamper takes readers on a delightful tour of Merriam-Webster’s hallowed cubicles and shows us how dictionaries are created and edited. Full of charming, hilarious, and never-pedantic anecdotes—including how in the world the word “irregardless” earned a spot in the dictionary—this is fantastic for any wordsmith. - Kelly
John Powell, a physicist with a master’s degree in music composition, adds another volume to the compendium of obsessive, awesome scientists from different disciplines trying to determine why music affects us so much. In this exploration, though he draws on psychology, Powell takes particular notice of music in the context of daily, regular human experience and how it amplifies an already good life. - a.c.
Hilarious essays on race, gender, and pop culture by the host of CNN’s United Shades of America. Kamau is a self-proclaimed blerd (a black nerd) who writes as effortlessly about Michael Jordan and Spiderman as he does about being a cisgender male getting woke-schooled by a feminist. This book will inspire you to raise a fist in solidarity as often as it will make you laugh. - Jason
This is not a How to Be Alone (though Jonathan Franzen’s essay collection is worth reading); it’s an exploration into loneliness as represented in the art of lonely artists. Laing beautifully examines well-known artists like Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol and introduces us to lesser known and incredibly interesting people like Henry Darger and David Wojnarowicz. After reading this book I found myself wanting more “alone” time with art. The Lonely City is a meditative read. - Ashley
Whenever I run into the imagined barrier known as Writer’s Block, I do what a good writer does. I read. And what better way to dissolve that creative dam than by reading about writing itself. Zen in the Art of Writing’s eleven essays serve as a testament to the craft, and after reading one, two, or a few, I’m ready to put my pen to paper, and my fingers back on the keys. - Aric
I first loved this collection for its incredible range, its humor and sterling intimacies. With Trump’s threats on Iran, immigrants, I see it now as a promise between women: our grace to build and rebuild a life wherever we land should define global history. Women-- not race, not war-- but women, building lives, write the next chapter. - a.c.
If you are already familiar with the unique Dutch magazine Flow, then you’ll know you’re in for a treat. It’s hard to describe this book, except to say that it is living, breathing inspiration. Part essay and think piece, part action item and resource guide, full of activities, illustrations and more, it’s perfect to flip through, pore over, interact with, and make into your own beautiful, thoughtful creations. - Melinda
Dan Rather spent decades as a newsman and journalist and recently has found a new and unexpected following in social media. No longer bridled by impartiality but still dedicated to facts and exposing truths, he speaks with passion and emotion about the urgent matters of our time (of which there are so many). This collection of essays reminds us of the things that make our country great—from institutions like public libraries and national parks to the struggle for civil rights and the drive toward science and innovation—while also questioning what patriotism looks like. With his plainspoken and hopeful voice, Rather’s reflection on what it means to love America is perfect for readers of any age. - S.B.
In the winter of 1952 in London, 12,000 people succumbed to a thick and deadly smog. That death statistic would remain hidden for decades. Meanwhile, an unlikely killer picked off vulnerable women. He lured them into his home before murdering them and hiding them in the walls. Both killers have had a lasting influence on society and have led to changes in environmental laws and criminal justice. An eerie and interesting read. - Jade
An excellent balance of thoughtful and hilarious, sharp and poignant, Vacationland is a beautifully written collection of essays on getting older, learning how to be yourself, and tricking strangers into thinking they’ve seen a ghost. Hodgman’s unique voice comes through clearly in his matter-of-fact writing style and it feels like he’s right here talking to you (and only you). If you’ve read everything he’s already written and you’re out of episodes of Judge John Hodgman to listen to, get this book. - Megan
This book is like the ultimate party companion: it’s funny and smart and it feeds you lines that will make you seem funny and smart. From the creator of the web comic Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal (and his super-cool wife) comes a book that will tell you everything you need to know to explain to your smarmy friend why certain technologies aren’t here (yet). Perfect for anyone who loves Bill Nye or just loves looking to the future. - Jax
The witch aesthetic has been on the rise, with women looking to this enduring symbol of feminine power to inspire everything from hairstyles to literature. I can’t wait to get my little black-magic hands on Literary Witches, with its great combination of witchery and fantastic female authors. If black cats and writers like Butler, Woolfe, and Dickinson are your jam, then you gotta check this out. - Jax
I am so excited for the release of this book! Any self-professed wordsmith or etymology nerd should be, too. Paul Anthony Jones looks at 100 words in the English language that have surprising or silly origins (think “tiddlywink”) and traces their journey from their intended use to the definitions we now know. These bite-sized lessons are sure to spice up your small talk and keep you endlessly entertained. - Kelly
Caitlin Doughty is a staff favorite, and I inhaled her latest book in one night. Traveling to experience how other cultures treat death, she finds a variety of practices, ranging from open-air pyres to walls of glowing Buddhas representing cremated remains. Her humor and respect make this a wonderful, inspiring read. Death should be a celebration of a life well lived, not something to fear, and Doughty opens up a world of possibilities about how death can be approached. - Rachel
A perfect gift for your millennial daughter, sister, or best friend! Financial independence is a non-negotiable act of self-love. TFD began as a website by a woman correcting past credit mistakes. Along with financial advice, Chelsea offers encouragement, insight from collaborators, and pivotal life skills like kitchen pantry basics and money negotiation for relationships. - a.c.
While I bought this book solely for the title, it’s become the most read and marked up books I own. Kerr has taught me how to deal with ant carcasses, mold stains, burnt up crockpot bits, and all sorts of other home life shenanigans. Accurate, sassy, and not afraid to touch on the gross stuff, I highly recommend this one. - Rachel
This is a fantastic read. As a relative newcomer to superhero comics, it was really fascinating to read about the backgrounds of iconic female superheroes and the non-super characters like Lois Lane. I highly recommend this book if you want to understand what we’re talking about when we ask for better female representation in comics. - Karena
Shared with me by a local writer last winter, this collection offers powerful gifts—from Firoozeh Dumas of Funny in Farsi to Marjan Kamali, whose voice “clicked” in my head like that of a sister. Given trump’s threats on Iran and immigration, I want to see this 2006 anthology in our hands once more as a promise between women: our grace to build and rebuild a life wherever we land should define global history. - a.c.
