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Our staff has loved these titles recently! Whether it's Zoe's fantasy, Skylar's poetry, Tabitha's literary fiction, Emmie's memoirs, Andy's graphic novels, Charlotte's classics, or Christian's nonfiction, we can recommend something for everyone.
Sammie is a trans femme determined to get through their college buddy's bachelor weekend with as few conversations about their transition as possible. However, two things become quickly apparent to them: one, that none of their old friends knows how to deal with gender and two, that a sinister cult seems to be taking over the libertarian pleasure island on which they're partying. Boys Weekend is a dark satire that perfectly captures the twin horrors of late-stage capitalism and transphobia.
—Andy
This is a book about drugs, sisterhood, queer love, religious guilt, and the weight of the future, whether you know what it will bring or not. I don't think you could ask for anything more. Sharp and crackling with energy, Madievsky's prose pulled me through this story at lightning speed and stayed electric even when discussing the numbness of losing yourself. Worth every minute.
—Tabitha
These short stories are tightly crafted, with not a word wasted. Themes include longing, loneliness, queer desire, Asian identity, self-conception, technology, and modernity. Qian has a great surrealist edge and a unique voice. A noteworthy debut collection that left me wanting more!
—Skylar
As an art history major, this book was my Super Bowl. It's a terrifying, beautiful novel about the discovery of a fifteenth-century set of tarot cards, and the (deadly) impact they have on the Cloisters museum in Upper Manhattan. The writer's love for art and museums is so evident, and I loved the novel's unpredictability.
—Zoe
Many of us have had the experience of reading a book that's labeled as an introduction to a complex concept, but is clearly aimed at people who already have a lot of background. Demystifying Disability is the antidote to that. If you're interested in disability theory but don't know all the terminology, or are looking for resources on how to support disabled people that come directly from our community, this book is a great place to start. That's not to say only nondisabled people can benefit from reading this book--as a disabled reader, I loved the chapter on disability history that we didn't (but should have) learned about in school.
—Clare
This is, perhaps, the best fiction book I've read yet this year. A Likely Story grabbed me within the first few pages and I just couldn't put it down. Featuring rich and complex characters, a glimpse into the upper echelon of the New York City elite, and a hint of mystery, this book-about-books will keep you captive even after you've finished reading it.
—H
Surprise, intrigue and delight. Those are the lovely after effects of reading this book, the first by Maine author Katy Kelleher. Drawn outside of my usual area of interest, this collection of essays captivated me with beautiful language. Kelleher's deft narration and thorough research offers readers joy and wonder as they discover the not-so-beautiful histories behind everyday items associated with beauty, such as makeup, jewelry and flowers. I was disappointed when it ended, but left the pages feeling utterly satiated. A true gem.
—Cail
This book is a phenomenal read for anyone and everyone. If you're experiencing a struggle or having the time of your life, this book poignantly, humorously points out the bigger picture. Acting as the genuine friend we all want, Strayed makes all readers feel understood. Truly changed my life, and whenever someone wants a book they can't put down, this is my go-to recommendation.
—Lucie
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING TO ME. R.F. Kuang is a genre-crossing genius, and this novel is proof. It follows a failing white author, who steals a manuscript from her successful, dead, Asian-American friend. Although she is haunted by the decision, she loves the fame and fortune, and must wrestle with the consequences of her cultural appropriation. It's a fascinating examination of the publishing industry, and EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT.
—Zoe
Amanda Gunn's revelatory debut showcases a daring new voice. Each suite of poems treats its subject matter with a discerning, mature hand: from lyrical sonnets about the life of Harriet Tubman to severe, confessional prose poems about mental illness. An inspired, shocking, and urgently needed collection.
—Skylar
Ruth Ware proves once again she knows how to write a great thriller, this time capturing the horror of not only finding out that your spouse has been murdered, but that you are the main suspect. The perpetual sense of urgency she cultivates reminded me of The Final Girl Support Group (also a great read). It strikes the perfect balance of being fast-paced enough to keep the plot twists coming, but not so fast that it's difficult to follow. It was also interesting to get a glimpse into the world of pen testing--a field I didn't even know existed.
—Clare
Prokaryote Season is a queer fairy tale about the consequences of trying to force an unrequited love. The storytelling and the expressionistic art are both exquisite, and Fox's visual humor is a delight!
—Andy
These stories are weird, clever, tragic, and immensely off-putting. I mean that as the highest compliment. I was unsettled in the best way while reading Kate Folk's collection, and found myself thinking about the (absolutely bizarre) plots long after I put this book down. I recommend starting with "Moist House" for maximum strange energy.
—Zoe
I picked up Lavender House from my extensive "to be read" list at the start of Pride Month, and I'm very glad I did. The beautiful imagery, the complex characters hidden behind carefully crafted façades, and the exploration of what defines a family make this queer historical murder mystery a very worthwhile read.
—Clare
The Wishing Game is a children's book written for adults. It will bring out your inner child and sense of wonder. Mysterious author Jack Masterson has the creative, childlike mind of Willy Wonka, with the reclusive mysterious nature of Salinger. My favorite read of 2023 thus far!
—Erin
If you love reading about bad women doing bad things, Boy Parts is for you! It's a funny, gory, introspective account of a photographer and her trauma -- and the way she continues the cycle of violence onto her models. I've never loved a book while hating its protagonist so deeply at the same time!
—Zoe
Ocean's Echo is a fun, action-packed sci-fi romance set across a fictional galaxy. Playboy disaster Tennalhin and disciplined calm Surit fake a soul-bond to gain the influence they need to save themselves and their world from a corrupt military. The book is a unique and complex story anyone can sink their teeth into.
—H
This is the book that made me a short story lover! It's a beautiful, vibrant collection of stories that revolve around the body and all the various ways it can hold both love and pain. If you don't have the time to finish a whole book, ending your busy day with one of the stories is wonderful. ("Night Garden" is my personal favorite.)
—Zoe
This hilarious and heartfelt travelogue is a welcome addition to the canon of road-trip memoirs! Illustrious internet lesbian Krista Burton details her visits to the few remaining dyke bars in the United States. Along the way she meets the larger-than-life queer folks who frequent the bars and learns a bit about family, identity, and solidarity.
—Skylar
Raw Dog is part travelogue, part labor and cultural history, and all meaty snap. On her cross-country trip to taste all the hot dogs the nation has to offer, Loftus managed to write a perfect time capsule of the summer of 2021 (and it's funny, folks!).
—Andy
It's difficult to make a vampire novel feel fresh and unique with so many on the market, but Kohda accomplishes this task with flair.
—Calais
This book is arguably Marquez's most salient work. It's tighter than 100 Years of Solitude, and the prose is (somehow) more compelling than what you find in Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Tell me something, lady lion of my soul... The novel will spellbind you and will reveal deep desires and frustrations.
—Charlotte
I'm Glad My Mom Died deserves all the hype. This book destigmatizes the complex relationships children of abusive parents have with their families, pushes back against the narrative of forced forgiveness, and provides an important perspective on the problems with child stardom. In her brilliant and culturally significant memoir, Jennette McCurdy shows us that sometimes it's important and necessary to speak ill of the dead.
—Clare
This is the best book I've read in a long time. It seems like it might be a lighthearted prep school expose and turns into an emotionally gut-wrenching epic about friendship, loneliness, guilt, and the persistent uncertainty and intensity of the high school stretch during which it takes place. By the time it's over you can understand wholeheartedly why the narrator is so obsessed with Foster's story, because you will be too.
—Tabitha
My favorite type of art writing is written by artists. And while this is my favorite art writing I've read in a long time it is so much more than that. This is funny, insightful, heart-wrenching, eye opening, raw, and real writing. It's poetry in essay form, as only a poet like Hong could do.
—Emmie
This is the lesbian-awakening coming-of-age campus novel I wish existed when I was a teenager! With sparse, lyrical prose, Fischer infuses mundane college scenes with a uniquely resonant light. Perfect for enjoyers of Donna Tartt and Emma Cline.
—Skylar
I breathed this in over an afternoon, eating a series of granny smiths and happily considering myself someone who also only loves books and apples (as Orner's daughter describes him). In Still No Word from You, Orner's witty, compelling essays trapped me once again. This book is for everyone who is alive, and especially for the readers among us.
—Charlotte
When Anequs bonds with a supposedly-extinct dragon hatchling, her life is turned upside down. In order to protect her island from the punitions of Anglish colonizers, she and her dragon enroll in a dragon training academy. How can she navigate the unjust and violent demands of Anglish culture while remaining true to herself? Blackgoose's indigenous alternate history turns YA fantasy tropes on their head and I can't wait for the next in this series!
—Andy
If you liked Meet the Brennans or Marrying the Ketchups, The Half Moon is for you. Centered around a family, a bar, a fraying marriage, and the never ending challenges of growing up -- even when we feel we are already grown.
—Erin
This intimate collection of essays explores marriage, motherhood, longing, and ambition. Acclaimed memoirist Kelly McMasters gives the reader a uniquely clear lens into the pressures upon an artist's life and the deterioration of her marriage. This collection asks: what are the limits of self-expression? What makes up the places that we call home?
—Skylar
Clarice Lispector writes like she paints: this book is a wide fresco of whites, purples, and blues that tells of a person discovering what it is to have a body. Lori lives off coincidences and spends her days wondering about the expanse of the sea. Read this book to follow the ruminations of a messy, imperfect woman.
—Charlotte