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Staff Picks
This is a good overview of Millay's work. One of the great poets, I love how versatile her writing is. Here are her classic poems, as well as many gems to discover. [Karen]
This is a gorgeous book about a difficult topic: witnessing a loved one lose their memory. As someone with first-hand experience with this, it was a heartbreaking read, but Sylvia Molloy's prose is so beautiful and brilliant and full of love, I also found it healing. Jennifer Croft is also one of the best translators working today, in my opinion! [Adrienne]
Told you I love Chloe Liese. This is so messy and imperfect and I love it. It's not a rom-com, it's too real for that. This book perfectly captures anxiety. There's so much pining, I can't. I adore these two so much that they are one of my favorite couples ever. [Danielle]
I worked for 10 years at a nonprofit welcoming newcomers to Washington. During that time, I learned so much from folks who chose to share parts of their stories with me. Too often, newcomers are ignored, spoken over, or their stories are whitewashed by others to fit idealized versions of 'the immigrant experience' or 'the refugee journey.' This anthology is an opportunity to hear from newcomers in their own words about their own experiences. And the artwork accompanying each story is incredible! [Adrienne]
This is one of those teen books that is for everyone who grew up feeling like they didn't quite fit in anywhere, especially Black girls/women. This collection has something for all of us. It's funny, heartfelt, honest, magical, and above all makes me feel seen in a way I desperately needed, even today. [Danielle]
I’m always on the hunt for romances that have a little more to them (i.e. people who aren’t cis white). And while I’m not a rom-com girl, I appreciate and love the diversity and inclusion this book has. It’s authentic and kind and made me feel really hungry. I love how it doesn’t hold your hand regarding Armenian culture. I wish more books were like this while still having a beautiful love story. [Danielle]
I related to this book in several ways. I read Anne of Green Gables aloud to practice my English pronunciation. My assimilation also drew a wedge between my mother and me. I really enjoyed Lee's perspectives on pop culture, and I uttered several "oh my gods" at some of her remembrances. It also made me curious to read her novels, since she does delve a lot into her creative life. [Blanca]
Gahhh Isaac Fellman is such a good writer. I seriously didn't make it four pages in before pausing to read a passage aloud to my partner. How he describes people and feelings, in particular, is so evocative and unique, yet also familiar - I know what he means instantly, even when I'd never in a million years be able to express something in the same way. Highly recommend this short book that's light on the fantasy, heavy on the emotional impact. [Adrienne]
I found this book fascinating, both in form and substance. Chapela explores the tensions and intersections between art and science in a meticulously crafted collection of essays. This book is a conversation-starter and has me wanting to talk about it with all the artists & scientists in my life. [Adrienne]
Wow, 'Cursed Bunny' coming in under the wire to claim a spot among my top books of 2022. This is South Korean author Bora Chung's first book translated into English and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to experience her work. If you are a fan of the creepy, the strange, or the surreal - read this book! [Adrienne]