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Staff Picks

When i read my first passage of this book, on the invention of books in the ancient world, i thought, "Oh, so that's what i'd be doing in ancient Greece." I never really thought of roving booksellers in ancient Greece? This book takes a somewhat ephemeral history of books, bookmakers, booksellers, and libraries in ancient Greece and Rome. A fascinating read for any book lover. [sweet pea]

Gregg has that eloquent prowess of turning scientific and philosophical concepts into readable and entertaining ideas. His book is well-researched, and I admired how he used the name of a corvid given to it by the Shoshoni before it became "Clark's nutcracker". How did Nietzche relate to human and animal intelligence? Well, I don't want to spoil it. [Blanca]

With this book, you no longer have to find the nearest panaderia! Esteban Castillo guides you through recipes of the most beloved Mexican treats and drinks. And the pictures, and the personal stories just make this baking book a delight to own. [Blanca]

I am a bit of a fiend for any vegetarian dumplings, but have a deep affection for Polish dumplings as i have lived in some very Polish American places. [Why are there no polka bars in the Northwest? There, i said it.] This is the author of store favorite Polska and they give a wide variety of pierogis from savory to sweet. Recommended. [sweet pea]

From attending an early concert to eventually meeting Prince in person, Hilton Als shares with us his impression of the artist while also placing both encounters within his personal histories of love and loss. It inspired me to watch and listen to all of Prince's artistic output once more. [Blanca]

Illyanna Maisonet is a force. She's a powerful writer and an incredible chef. Diasporican is a deeply personal collection of recipes that greatly expanded my familiarity with foods from the Puerto Rican Diaspora. I love that Maisonet doesn't shy away discussing the destructive influences of colonialism and includes headers like "Why the 2:1 Ratio Is Bullshit." I can't wait to continue cooking my way through the many, many recipes I've bookmarked! [Adrienne]

The illustrations are glorious! Even the dogs curl up with a book in this wonderfully written story about a book-giving tradition in Iceland. Kilgore captures in light verse the experience of looking for the right book, which as book lovers know, i can be as much fun as reading. [Blanca]

Alice is a disability justice activist and editor of the amazing Disability Visibility (which, if you haven't, you should read soonest). This is an innovative memoir pulling together essays, graphics, photos, and conversations into a scrapbook of sorts, which makes it both fun and illuminating. [sweet pea]

Margo Price writes so many autobiographical songs, so it was nice to hear even more of the story behind them. Her struggles and triumphs. You don't have to be familiar with her music to get a lot out of this memoir. This is great for any artist honing their craft and hoping to make it some day. [Karen]

Andrea Gentl is infectious with her passion for mushrooms. From broths to cocktails, Gentl organized her cookbook by meal time, so you can quickly find a recipe for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the cocktail hour. Her recipes are infused with flavors from all over the world, which she has traveled as a photographer. I enjoyed learning techniques, and the risotto was delicious! [Blanca]