Book List
FICTION
SHRINES OF GAIETYAlready one of the best writers working, Atkinson just gets better and better. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
PRETEND IT'S MY BODYOriginal work intent on creating new ways to imagine transformations. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
IF I SURVIVE YOUA fine debut that looks at the complexities of cultural identity with humor, savvy, and a rich sense of place. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE OLD PLACEby Bobby Finger
A surprising page-turner—homey, funny, yet with dark corners of anger and grief. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
LUNGFISHAs startling and intense as the windswept landscape the book depicts. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
CANCIÓNby Eduardo Halfon ; translated by Lisa Dillman & Daniel Hahn
Another minimasterpiece by a master of the form. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
DIDN'T NOBODY GIVE A SHIT WHAT HAPPENED TO CARLOTTAA brash, ambitious novel carried by an unforgettable narrator. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE BIRDCATCHERby Gayl Jones
Jones’ mercurial, often inscrutable body of work delivers yet another change-up to readers’ expectations. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE BOOK OF GOOSEby Yiyun Li
Stunners: Li’s memorable duo, their lives, their losses. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
NO ONE LEFT TO COME LOOKING FOR YOUby Sam Lipsyte
A badass book with brains, wit, moral decay, and radical outrage to spare. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE PASSENGEREnigmatic, elegant, extraordinary: a welcome return after a too-long absence. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
STELLA MARISA grand puzzle, and grandly written at that, about shattered psyches and illicit dreams. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE HERO OF THIS BOOKNovel? Memoir? Who cares. It’s a great story, beautifully told. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
LESSONSby Ian McEwan
A richly observed story that spans decades to recount lives of sometimes-noisy desperation. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE BETRAYEDMelvin deftly illustrates that family alliances may be as complicated as political ones. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
SACRIFICIOA compelling, melancholy novel that explores the beautiful rise and often violent breakdown of dreams, ideals, and love. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE CONSEQUENCESby Manuel Muñoz
Nuanced, thoughtful, often moving stories. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
OUR MISSING HEARTSby Celeste Ng
Underscores that the stories we tell about our lives and those of others can change hearts, minds, and history. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
TI AMOby Hanne Ørstavik ; translated by Martin Aitken
A remarkably frank and finely sieved account of two people approaching the ultimate parting of the ways. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
CARRIE SOTO IS BACKA compulsively readable look at female ambition. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
LIBERATION DAYA tour de force collection that showcases all of Saunders’ many skills. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
THE FURROWSStylistically refreshing and emotionally intense, cementing Serpell’s place among the best writers going. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
SWEET, SOFT, PLENTY RHYTHMA captivating modern romance evoking love, loss, recovery, and redemption. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >FICTION
WHITE HORSEAn engrossing modern horror story that blends the power of Indigenous spiritualism with earthly terrors. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
STRANGERS TO OURSELVESby Rachel Aviv
A moving, meticulously researched, elegantly constructed work of nonfiction. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBEby Mark Bergen
Powerful insight into a ubiquitous yet still shadowy company. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THE MOSQUITO BOWLCollege football and World War II: not an obvious combination, but Bissinger handles it brilliantly. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
SURRENDERby Bono
Chatty and self-regarding but pleasantly free of outright narcissism. A no-brainer for U2’s legions of fans. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
PROFILES IN IGNORANCETop-notch political satire from a practiced pen. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
BLACK SKINHEADA remarkable work that leaves us feeling hopeful for change. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THE PETROLEUM PAPERSA damning, necessary exposé of corporate malfeasance with lethal consequences. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >HISTORY
MEMORIES OF A GAY CATHOLIC BOYHOODA warm, humane coming-of-age memoir that delivers much more than its title suggests. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THE STORY OF RUSSIAA lucid, astute text that unpacks the myths of Russian history to help explain present-day motivations and actions. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
INCITING JOYby Ross Gay
A pleasingly digressive and intimate memoir in essays. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
STAY TRUEby Hua Hsu
A stunning, intricate memoir about friendship, grief, and memory. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THE THIRD RECONSTRUCTIONJoseph successfully links episodes in the struggle for civil rights to form a continuum of injustice and resolution. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
FOLK MUSICby Greil Marcus ; edited by Max Clarke
Marcus delivers yet another essential work of music journalism. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR
AND THERE WAS LIGHTby Jon Meacham
An essential, eminently readable volume for anyone interested in Lincoln and his era. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVESby Iuliia Mendel ; translated by Madeline G. Levine
A nuanced portrait of a leader in a time of crisis who has definitely risen to the occasion. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THE SONG OF THE CELLAnother outstanding addition to the author’s oeuvre, which we hope will continue to grow for years to come. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
WHAT IF? 2A delight for science geeks with a penchant for oddball thought experiments. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
TOKEN BLACK GIRLA trenchant, honest, and unique memoir about body image, fashion, and Blackness. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >HISTORY
THE EVOLUTION OF CHARLES DARWINAn irresistible scientific biography and adventure story with a happy ending. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
MAYBE WE’LL MAKE ITby Margo Price
A brutally honest and at times heart-wrenching account of one musician's struggle to make it in a challenging industry. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
FEELS LIKE HOMEby Linda Ronstadt & Lawrence Downes ; photographed by Bill Steen
A lively, lovely exaltation of the dry, cactus-studded, indelible Sonoran Desert. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THE WORLD RECORD BOOK OF RACIST STORIESby Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar
An excellent look at lived experiences of Black Americans that should be required reading for all Americans. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
SURVIVAL OF THE RICHESTA dense but thorough and authoritative condemnation of tech worship. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
THEY CALLED ME A LIONESSby Ahed Tamimi & Dena Takruri
An expertly crafted, trenchant memoir from a formidable activist. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
DINNERS WITH RUTHAn affectionate, revealing portrait of an important figure in American history. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
LIKE A ROLLING STONEA frank, sharp memoir by a zeitgeist-savvy entrepreneur who ranks among the earliest of modern influencers. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
YEAR OF THE TIGERby Alice Wong
A stunningly innovative, compulsively readable hybrid of memoir, cultural criticism, and social activism. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >NONFICTION
TEACHING WHITE SUPREMACYAn outstanding contribution to the historical literature of American racism and racist ideologies. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
YOU CAN'T KILL SNOW WHITEby Beatrice Alemagna ; translated by Karin Snelson & Emilie Robert Wong ; illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Visceral and surreal. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
LOVE FROM MECCA TO MEDINAby S.K. Ali
A contemplative exploration of faith, love, and the human condition. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
DEMON IN THE WOODby Leigh Bardugo ; illustrated by Dani Pendergast
A poignant, humanizing backstory for the antagonist of this beloved, long-running series. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
MONSTERS BORN AND MADEby Tanvi Berwah
For dystopian fantasy fans seeking something fresh and savage. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
NOTES FROM A SICKBEDby Tessa Brunton ; illustrated by Tessa Brunton
Painfully real. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
CHILDREN OF RAGNAROKThis innovative story with a satisfying ancient mythology baseline strikes a refreshing note for the genre. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
THINGS I KNOWby Helena Close
A bittersweet, honest look at loss and trauma. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
THE LUMINARIESAn entertaining addition to the tradition of young adult adventures in finding oneself. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
MY GOOD MANby Eric Gansworth ; illustrated by Eric Gansworth
Riveting, timeless, and indispensable. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
THE GETAWAYby Lamar Giles
Hold tight: You’ll want to stay on this nightmarish roller coaster till the end. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
FOUL LADY FORTUNEby Chloe Gong
Thrilling from start to finish. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
WE DESERVE MONUMENTSby Jas Hammonds
A love story—romantic and familial—that is a must-read. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
BRAIDING SWEETGRASS FOR YOUNG ADULTSby Robin Wall Kimmerer ; adapted by Monique Gray Smith ; illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt
Both an urgent, essential call to action and an uplifting love letter. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
BIG LIESby Mark Kurlansky ; illustrated by Eric Zelz
Impassioned, thorough, and brilliant: describes the struggle for truth that “keeps the world from descending into chaos.” Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
THE DEPTHSReaders will dive in so deep they might forget to come up for air. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS
IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I LOVE YOUby Will McCormack & Michael Govier ; illustrated by Youngran Nho
Heavy pain exquisitely rendered. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
OUR SHADOWS HAVE CLAWSedited by Yamile Saied Méndez & Amparo Ortiz ; illustrated by Ricardo López Ortiz
This bloodcurdling anthology soars. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS
SHUNA'S JOURNEYby Hayao Miyazaki ; translated by Alex Dudok de Wit ; illustrated by Hayao Miyazaki
A reimagined folktale as grand as its painted visuals are sublime. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS
NUMB TO THISby Kindra Neely ; illustrated by Kindra Neely
This exploration of a gun-violence survivor’s raw pain amid ever repeating disasters will resonate with far too many. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
THE SILENT STARS GO BYA textured historical romance that is far more than the sum of its parts. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
BRIARCLIFF PREPA necessary story, full of emotion and with a hopeful ending. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
MAN MADE MONSTERSby Andrea L. Rogers ; illustrated by Jeff Edwards
A creepy and artful exploration of a haunting heritage. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
GLEANINGSOne for the legions of fans of this world. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
THE FIRST TO DIE AT THE ENDby Adam Silvera
A rush of emotion and suspense. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
IF NOT USby Mark Smith
A textured, thoughtful work grounded in timely and enduring themes. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
VICTORY. STAND!by Tommie Smith & Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
Authentic and inspiring. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >TEENS & YOUNG ADULT
I'M THE GIRLA bold, unflinching, and utterly enthralling novel. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
PIECE BY PIECEby David Aguilar & Ferran Aguilar ; translated by Lawrence Schimel
Humorous and uplifting. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE DOOR OF NO RETURNA riveting, not-to-be-missed trilogy opener that will leave readers invested in what is to come. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
MOONGARDENNicely realized, intriguingly complex, and well set up for sequels. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS
CRABGRASSby Tauhid Bondia ; illustrated by Tauhid Bondia
The author has learned exactly the right lessons from the history of comics. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
RUBY FINLEY VS. THE INTERSTELLAR INVASIONA page-turning mix of science, science fiction, and mystery that will empower readers to pursue their own STEM passions. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
UNDERCOVER LATINAby Aya de León
An engaging, insightful adventure with a heartfelt conclusion. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
MARYA KHAN AND THE INCREDIBLE HENNA PARTYby Saadia Faruqi ; illustrated by Ani Bushry
A delightful story of friendship, family, and upended expectations. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE LABYRINTH OF DOOMby Stuart Gibbs ; illustrated by Stacy Curtis
A lighter-than-air blend of knightly exploits and rib-tickling twists. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
TELL ME A STORY, PLEASEby Kyoko Hara ; illustrated by Kazue Takahashi ; translated by Alexandrea Mallia
A lovely, funny story about friendship and finding confidence. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
WILDOAKby C.C. Harrington ; illustrated by Diana Sudyka
Tugs on ethical sensibilities and heartstrings with equal strength. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
OH, SALby Kevin Henkes ; illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Quietly, delightfully superb. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
WE ARE HEREby Naomi Hirahara ; illustrated by Illi Ferandez
An excellent introduction that makes clear the richness and diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
BUZZKILLby Brenna Maloney ; illustrated by Dave Mottram
Fresh, lively, funny, and very, very informative. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
MERCI SUÁREZ PLAYS IT COOLby Meg Medina
A fabulous finale to a memorable trilogy. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
WE WERE THE FIREA stirring, cleareyed look at the young people who risked much for social change as they fought for their civil rights. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS
FRIZZYby Claribel A. Ortega ; illustrated by Rose Bousamra
An exquisite excavation of hair politics, family dynamics, and self-love. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
SEEN AND UNSEENby Elizabeth Partridge ; illustrated by Lauren Tamaki
A bold combination of art, media, and records create a compelling read. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
WINDSWEPTby Margi Preus ; illustrated by Armando Veve
An inventive, memorable must-read. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
A SEED IN THE SUNby Aida Salazar
Compelling and atmospheric. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
LOLO’S LIGHTA poignant coming-of-age story that explores the ripple effects of death, loss, and forgiveness. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE TRYOUTby Christina Soontornvat ; illustrated by Joanna Cacao ; color by Amanda Lafrenais
A funny, painfully honest look at a middle schooler finding her way. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
ALWAYS, CLEMENTINESerious themes lightened by comedic touches; the strong emotional attachments will linger with readers. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
WEIRD RULES TO FOLLOWby Kim Spencer
A touching exploration of identity and culture. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
A ROVER'S STORYby Jasmine Warga ; illustrated by Matt Rockefeller
The intelligences here may be (mostly) artificial, but the feelings are genuine and deep. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
WAYS TO SHARE JOYby Renée Watson ; illustrated by Andrew Grey
A tale of family and friendship that exudes pure joy. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTIONA relatable novel that will encourage readers to fight for their rights. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
ME AND MUHAMMAD ALIby Jabari Asim ; illustrated by A.G. Ford
This bundle of Black joy belongs on every bookshelf. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE BEST KIND OF MOONCAKEby Pearl AuYeung ; illustrated by Pearl AuYeung
A historically specific setting with an eternal lesson. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
FARMHOUSEby Sophie Blackall ; illustrated by Sophie Blackall
A lovely, tender reimagining of people in a long-past time and place. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
GOING PLACESby Tonya Bolden ; illustrated by Eric Velasquez
A richly layered, powerful introduction to an entrepreneur and the problems he solved. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
I AM RUBY BRIDGESby Ruby Bridges ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
A unique angle on a watershed moment in the civil rights era. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE UNIVERSE IN YOUby Jason Chin ; illustrated by Jason Chin
Another fantastic voyage from an accomplished author/illustrator, creatively presented. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
I HAVE A SUPERPOWERby Stephen Curry ; illustrated by Geneva Bowers
A positive boost from a strong role model. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
WOMBAT SAID COME INby Carmen Agra Deedy ; illustrated by Brian Lies
A superb read-aloud balancing messages about the environment and generosity with humor and heart. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
MAYBE YOU MIGHTby Imogen Foxell ; illustrated by Anna Cunha
This gorgeous book shimmers with hope and possibilities. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
FOREVER COUSINSby Laurel Goodluck ; illustrated by Jonathan Nelson
A sweet story of friendship, family, and community. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
PLAYTIME FOR RESTLESS RASCALSby Nikki Grimes ; illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
A stunning, warm story about the many ways that play sparks joy. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
HANA'S HUNDREDS OF HIJABSby Razeena Omar Gutta ; illustrated by Manal Mirza
A fun and charming introduction to the beauty of hijab. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
MARVELOUS MABELby Crystal Hubbard ; illustrated by Alleanna Harris
An account of a sports pioneer that should be widely read and shared. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
MAGNOLIA FLOWERby Zora Neale Hurston ; adapted by Ibram X. Kendi ; illustrated by Loveis Wise
An artfully rendered tale of life and love that also conveys an essential but often overlooked chapter in U.S. history. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
SAY HELLO?by Sung Mi Kim ; illustrated by Sung Mi Kim ; translated by Clare Richards
Though the protagonists miss what could have been a wonderful friendship, readers can learn from their mistakes. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE LINE IN THE SANDby Thao Lam ; illustrated by Thao Lam
A monstrously important message. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
MUSIC IS IN EVERYTHINGby Ziggy Marley ; illustrated by Ag Jatkowska
Close your eyes, listen to the music, and experience the joy of family with this buoyant tale. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
A RIVER'S GIFTSby Patricia Newman ; illustrated by Natasha Donovan
An illuminating glimpse at the Elwha River and its gifts. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
PARADISE SANDSby Levi Pinfold ; illustrated by Levi Pinfold
Drink from this chalice. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
DIGESTION! THE MUSICALby Adam Rex ; illustrated by Laura Park
As “gross and amazing” as its topic, certain to receive thunderous ovations—standing or otherwise. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
STILL THIS LOVE GOES ONby Buffy Sainte-Marie ; illustrated by Julie Flett
This story will remain in readers’ hearts long after this book is shelved. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE SUN IS LATE AND SO IS THE FARMERby Philip C. Stead ; illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Waste no time in adding this gem to the storytime shelf. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
A LAND OF BOOKSby Duncan Tonatiuh ; illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Utterly indispensable. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
HELLO, MOONby Evan Turk ; illustrated by Evan Turk
Learning, empathy, and wonder in an ever shifting luminous landscape. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
A SONG FOR THE UNSUNGby Carole Boston Weatherford & Rob Sanders ; illustrated by Byron McCray
Effectively raises the profile of an African American crusader who was stigmatized for more than his race alone. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
VÁMONOSby Cynthia Weill ; illustrated by Martín Melchor , Agustín Tinoco Cruz , Avelino Pérez & Maximino Santiago ; photographed by Otto Piron
Gorgeous, unique art makes this an illustrative standout. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
THE PIGEON WILL RIDE THE ROLLER COASTER!by Mo Willems ; illustrated by Mo Willems
Roller-coaster enthusiasts or not, children will eagerly join our intrepid hero on this entertaining ride. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >CHILDREN'S
BUSY BETTYby Reese Witherspoon ; illustrated by Xindi Yan
An entertaining, if light, addition to the growing shelf of celebrity-authored picture books. Full review >
FULL REVIEW >