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Staff Picks

2021 was the year I decided to search more for disability romances - oh did I find some gems! Not only is this author ethical af, but Frankie and Jay are so lovely. Jay isn't perfect, but he tries and he learns and that is so swoon to me. Frankie is just everything, full stop. Their romance feels real and possible and we don't really get that in romanceland. I adore this book with all my heart. [Danielle]

Reading this collection was an ethereal experience. Giada Scodellaro's writing is at times lyrical & abstract, other times incredibly precise & exacting in its material detail. A character in one story remarks: "I like being on the periphery of things.' As a reader, this is how I felt too - like floating on a cloud, on the outside looking in, being whisked through the air from scene to scene. [Adrienne]

This is the childhood I wanted... not really, but I did grow up loving hockey, but feeling like it wasn't for me. A graphic novel like this would have given me the push to pursue it. It can feel overplayed to call a book aimed at kids 'inspiring' but in this case it really is. Besides, in three years we will own this sport. [Danielle]

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]