Recommended by Jonathan P.

Following Ricki Wilde who is an outcast from her family due to her lack of interest in the family, we go on a journey as she tries to make her dream of owning a flower shop in Harlem, come true. She stumbles, across a beautiful mysterious man in the process. I enjoyed this so much. The romance made me swoon, and the fantastical elements added so much richness — I did not want to put it down.

Recommended by Dan B.

When Terry Pratchett died, he demanded that his unfinished work be flattened by a steamroller — and it was! No new work would ever be found. Except these stories discovered out of Pratchett’s past, that he wrote for local papers under a synonym early in his career. These stories are funny, usually fantastical, and hint at the themes he would favor in his later work. What an unexpected delight, especially the proto-Discworld story that concludes the collection. What luck for Pratchett fans!

Recommended by Gary L.

Hanif Abdurraqib is at the top of his game with this one. Using basketball as a vehicle for reflection of east Columbus history and personal memoir. There’s Always This Year is a triumph of contemplative emotionally-rich writing that will have you wiping tears and sitting on the edge of your seat.

Recommended by Rebecca R.

A beautiful tale about a worm who has loved and lost. This book is perfect for anyone who wants a 250 page picture book with a lot of worm facts and a lot of heart. I recommend reading this before bed!

Recommended by Jonathan P.

I’m in awe of Brontez Purnell as a writer .He is a mastermind at creating narratives that are humorous and biting and simultaneously can leave you on the verge of tears. We see so many moments in this collection where a level of vulnerability peaks through the humor, talking about his mother, his body, race, and trauma. This collection is stunning because it is so human. A kaleidoscopic view of the human experience.

Recommended by Meghan M.

Despite already hearing massive spoilers for this sapphic novella, I know it’d never be less than five stars for me. Our main character, Ru, pines a woman who dresses like a fairy and mulas her own soap. You’ll be in a cottage-core dream with all the lush descriptions of Ash’s homestead and homemade products and cooking. But don’t let the sweet, sensual moments between these two women distract you from noticing what sinister secrets lurk about.

Recommended by Caroline A.

Holy hell. With breakneck pacing and lush language, this fever dream of a book captures the claustrophobia and madness of an abusive relationship like nothing else I’ve read. As someone who survived a similar situation, it resonated deeply with me. Not for the faint of heart.

Recommended by Rebecca R.

I’ve never read a book about grief as beautiful as this. No matter your comfort level with your own mortality, this book does a lovely job on showcasing how grieving a loved one is an opportunity for connection and a revival of tradition. While the subject of death may make you assume you’ll cry in the end, I actually found myself smiling.

Recommended by Gary L.

In this gorgeous stream-of-conciousness that reads like a dream, anthropology student David Mazow is studying local culture in a small French village when he discovers a local custom where life and death take a three-day sabbath while death-workers have a giant feast. Enard's writing is quiet and beautiful and this felt like something truly new.

Recommended by Caroline A.

Dark, gruesome, and stunningly written, these spooky stories will stay with you (especially when you turn the lights off). A powerful commentary on state violence, the patriarchy, and the specters of fascism in Argentina. The title story, "Under the Dark Water," and "No Flesh Over Bones," are my favorites.

Recommended by Rebecca R.

We love a feminist vigilante vampire! Based on the movie of the same title, this first volume introduces an Iranian ghost town where a lonesome vampire stalks the streets in search of their next victim.

Recommended by Meghan M.

Tamblyn's poetic prose and unique handling of perspective pull you into this search for a serial female rapist. Authorities call her Maude, and she has been targeting men of all walks of life for years. It's infuriating to see society's dismissal of the victims' pain while everyone remains intrigued by Maude's persona and the grotesque scenes she leaves in her wake. Despite having less than 300 pages, it won't be a quick read as you may have to step away at times.

Recommended by Jonathan

A searing and direct commentary on ableism, “upright” privilege, and accessibility. Eddie delivers critical insight on what it is to be Black, queer, and disabled, existing in a world that has little regard for and rarely accommodates disabled folks. This memoir is difficult at points. Eddie recounts his struggles finding a competent care aid and the common disregard for his humanity. Yet, it is so inspiring seeing how Eddie uses his voice. Cheers!

Recommended by Gary

Coming in at just under 100 pages of Cormac McCarthy-esque fury, Of Cattle and Men follows Edgar Wilson, an empathetic stun operator in a Brazilian slaughterhouse who takes pride in doing a horrific job with care, but quickly realizes something is driving both the cattle and the world around him into violent madness. Winner of the 2023 Circador Prize.

Recommended by Caroline

A blend of memoir and writing advice, this book is a must for anyone crafting art from lived experience. Too often nonfiction is labeled as “navel-gazing” (at least, when it’s written by anyone who isn’t an old white man). In reality, telling our stories is an act of resistance, If you were looking for permission to write your truths, this is it.

Recommended by Daniel K.

Mary Beard returns with another excellent book on the history of the Roman people. Using the prominence of the emperor to illuminate the rest of the Romans, we learn of royal cooks, couriers, physicians, tutors, and others as they impacted and interacted with the emperors they served. Ordered by topic rather than chronology, this is a refreshing and unique look at a well-tred subject. Immersive and never too dry! A great gift for history fans.

Recommended by Meghan M.

From the moment Kate was born to a mother who entertains “man friends,” she was destined for a career in sex work. She moves from rural New Zealand to the U.S. to work at a famous brothel. As a newly minted Bunny, she meets an eclectic cast of characters who help her check her privilege as a cis, white woman and teacher her how to not get lost within herself.

Recommended by Gary L.

Fernanda Melchor is a master of painting the violence of everyday life. This is Not Miami is set in Melchor’s hometown of Veracruz, uses narrative nonfiction to explore violence and brutality, all while leaving room for empathy and understanding. Sharp and devastating.

Recommended by Jonathan P.

Pritty is a story of a teen figuring out what love is. Pritty is falling for the neighborhood bad boy and your life changing. Pritty is discovering your passions and talents, and figuring out how to love yourself. Pritty is the unabashed Black, queer tour-de-force that I always was searching for in my teenage years. It doesn’t feel heavy, though the topics covered are relevant. A must read.

Recommended by Daniel K.

A highly conceptual and often poetic novel, The Stronghold reads like a coming-of-age story written by Kafka, if he was a hopeless romantic. This book ponders on the strange cruelty of time, the soft welcoming prison of routine, mislead dreams, squandered youth, and the hope people place in false promises. Join protagonist Giovanni in this swirling, existential story of dread and uncertainty! It’s fun!

Recommended by Gary L.

A strange little book that could be considered both a guidebook to an ancient game and a philosophical text. If you’re a Go player, you’re going to love this book. If you’re a chess player, please get a life. Pairs well with The Maniac by Benjamin Labatut!

Recommended by Caroline A.

This wonderfully weird, genre-defying blend of poetry, memoir, and cultural criticism examines horror films, literature, 00’s goth culture, racism, and queer identity through the lens of the author’s experiences as a queer, Black metalhead in the south. A truly unique book. The essay on Marilyn Manson is a must-read.

Recommended by Jonathan P.

The world has watched Britney Spears for three decades, the good and the bad. From die-hard fans to casual listeners we’ve had our moments of both deep concern and curiosity, waiting to hear the full story. The Woman in Me feels like you’re sitting in the same room as Britney, as she finally is able to tell her story - from the beginning. A painfully insightful, beautifully authentic story of a woman overcoming, and breaking free. A must read.

Recommended by Meghan H.

This is one of the few books I’ve reread and annotated. Unraveling the couple’s story from ed to beginning gives readers a unique way to explore how each person’s actions during the ups and downs of life eventually destroyed their relationship. It gives an accurate depiction of emotional abuse and exactly how complicated an unhealthy romantic partnership can get. We need more representation of this dynamic so more people realize the immense hurt it causes and take it seriously.

Recommended by Dan B.

This is a delightful graphic novel for kids that shows the fun of playing music with others! Skeleanor just wants to play an instrument- ANY instrument- with a band. She tries any instruments and the townspeople go running, but finally she is invited to join the band, and plays wonderful music. Perfect for any kids excited about picking up an instrument!

Recommended by Caroline A.

If you're like me and love the music, aesthetics, and nihilism of black metal, but hate the gross fascists & edgelords who've gatekeeped it for too long, this is the book we've been waiting for! This gorgeous volume features art, comics, and essays from a radical, queer, anti-racist, perspective on the genre. I wish my best friend, a queer diehard metalhead, could have lived to see this book.

Recommended by Rebecca R.

I've left chicken out to defrost in my kitchen sink for longer than I'm willing to share. Learn how to not give yourself food poisoning and stop wasting money on fresh produce with sister co-authors Margret & Irene Li. This field guide / cookbook is well-illustrated and will help you learn valuable "home cook" tips and tricks.

Recommended by Caroline A.

I cry every time I read “Someday I’ll Love Ocean Vuong” (p. 82). Ocean is one of the greatest poets of our time. If I was stranded on a desert island and could only bring one book, it would be this.

Recommended by Gary L.

In his follow-up to How to Resist Amazon and Why, Danny Caine argues the importance indie bookstores play in our society and local communities. He also highlights some of my favorite shops, including the local legends at Two Dollar Radio HQ.

Recommended by Rebecca R.

I read Zauner’s essay of the same title in the New Yorker during my last semester of teacher school. My mentor teacher let me teach it to our class of tired, bored, second semester seniors. Zauner’s words inspired conversation on grief, music, and local korean BBQ spots!