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Staff Picks

This collection of essays (written by a phenomenal poet) is smart, intricate and incredibly well written. It's a short read, but it now lives next to my favorite poetic reference books on my bookshelf. Most of the essays center around gender, ethnicity, nationhood and the intersectionality of all three as they relate to the author's identity as a Queer Native American. The essays are deeply personal and thought-provoking. I devoured this book. If you enjoy Mary Ruefle or Maggie Nelson, you'll love this book!

The Horror! No, really, this horror/dystopian novel about medical experimentation on African Americans is spooky, to say the least. I listened to the audio book, which was expertly narrated, and the story itself is riveting and believably suspenseful. I couldn't stop reading/listening. I was absolutely hooked on this novel, start to finish [Christina].

This is one of the best poetry reference books I’ve ever read. It’s also just an incredibly interesting read. It’s lyrical, imaginative, unpretentious, and thought provoking. I used some of the chapter themes (which are actually written lectures Ruefle delivered to her writing students) as writing prompts. If you're a writer, philosopher or budding linguist, this book is for you [Christina].

This is such a fun, quirky read! The narrative, told mostly through the voice of Janie - a young woman struggling to find her way after her mother's death - is witty and quick-paced. The plot is delightfully original, too, following Janie as she starts working for, and then plotting a chicken heist against, the chicken/egg farming industry. I laughed out loud throughout the entire book [Christina].

I would try to sell this book to you, but this epic science-fantasy is about lesbian necromancers, undead swordswomen, and political intrigue, so it sells itself. [sweet pea]

Ben Lerner dives deep into what makes a family and what happens when psychology collides with real life. While there is a mysterious narrative thread, the strength of this book is its case study of its subjects. [Karen]

This book has beautiful portraits of many of my favorite historical figures, like Gladys Bentley, Audre Lorde, and Chavela Vargas, but also introduces you to new heroes, like the series of Brazilian singers featured. [sweet pea]

The story of three generations of ghost hunters, helping both animal and human ghosts move on. When the main character, a sixth grader, suffers a personal loss, she views ghosts differently as she fumbles along trying to process her grief. An interesting world in a touching book. [sweet pea]

Up for a romp? This novel is fun! It has romance and witticisms in spades, and at its center, two characters desperate to grow. An indulgent treat. [Raissa]

First published in the 1970s, this little book fits perfectly with the modern issues we are facing. This is Berry at his wise and prescient best. We should all start Thinking Little. [Karen]