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Staff Picks
Don’t let the title fool you: this book offers practical and philosophical parenting approaches from current, indigenous Mexican and First Nations cultures. It’s refreshingly upbeat and encourages parents to invite children back into the daily rhythm of a household and contribute to its smooth functioning. [Christina]
Sonali Dev is clever, original, and hilarious. Don’t be alarmed if you haven’t read Jane Austen - this version will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy either way. Be sure to check out Pride and Prejudice and Other Flavors and Recipe for Persuasion afterwards! Each book features characters from her other stories. [Kate]
If you’re looking for an intricately built world, drama, suspense, and total immersion -- this is it. I tore through it and went right to the next one (The Obelisk Gate). Highly recommend The Broken Earth trilogy as a whole. [Karen]
Fun fact/Sad Fact: The author was married to ELIZABETH GILBERT before they passed away from cancer. Rayya Elias was a Syrian immigrant that fled Detroit for NYC as soon as they were old enough to wreak havoc on the Lower East Side. This memoir chronicles their rebellious escapades and career as a hair stylist (which is how they met Gilbert in the first place)! I love reading about people’s chaotic life and this did *not* disappoint. [Jessica]
This is a riveting story that delves into Ojibwe culture and traditions alongside a wild ride of hockey matches, love affairs, and busting a meth ring. I know it sounds like a lot, but it’s so good that I kept reading well into the night every time I picked it up. The characters are quick-witted and there’s a lot of humor throughout the book. [Christina]
Written by my favorite teacher in College, this memoir recalls four years she spent working as a dominatrix in Manhattan. Her intoxicating personality transmits through her writing. A wild ride! [Jessica]
This is a phenomenal tool for educators, writers and mentors who want to revamp their workshops and are willing to look at their current practices with a critical eye. Chavez goes in-depth into how most workshop models perpetuate racism and colonial mindsets, then gives readers tools to dismantle them while building more equitable and joyous practices. [Christina]
I didn't know what to expect with this book but I was completely smitten with it almost immediately. This memoir-in-essays by poet Shayla Lawson educates and enlightens. Lawson drives the point home that Black women are the heartbeat of so much art throughout our history, yet are frustratingly ignored and erased. [Jessica]
I loved this novel all about the relationships between mothers and daughters. As well as the power of female friendship. Amy Tan is a powerful, lyrical writer. [Karen]
This is by far the best book I read in 2020. It is devastating, lyrical, and a damn fine story about the life and death of a young transgender person in Nigeria. This book is so engrossing and well written that I got completely lost in the story! [Christina]