Victoria

This is a very heartfelt memoir documenting ten orphaned Irish siblings and the seemingly impossible feat of their widowed father navigating raising said posse. It's hilarious at times and littered with the Irish politics that defined that era; including a story of the family's windows getting blown out by the IRA. There were definitely elements of my childhood in this memoir that resonated. It's a little Father Ted mixed with Derry Girls with a hint of Angela's Ashes. -Victoria

I had no idea who Conan O'Brien's assistant was before I read this book and I must admit I was drawn to the title and the cover picture. I have loved Conan's writing from The Simpsons, to SNL, to his late-night show, so I was intrigued to see who he would hire in an assistant. Turns out she's a sassy-mouthed, VW-lovin, Armenian-American who revels in mediocrity at the best of times and getting the job done only when it's absolutely necessary. The World's Worst Assistant turns the notion of a work ethic on its head and repriotizes a balance of social and professional life-balance. The book, while documenting a somewhat unorthodox boss and assistant relationship, is hilarious and offers insight into O'brien's career which was a solid bonus. -Victoria

A gripping story about the strategies used to take on one of the world's corporate behemoths. The risk small landowners, activists and lawyers took to fight is evident throughout and this is an incredibly well-written page-turner. -Victoria

This book packs a punch of vegan knowlege, realistic recipes and bold flavors that will appeal to vegans and meat-eaters. I've tried several recipes in the book so far and have been really impressed with the final meals! -Victoria

It's only been two years since we lost this incredible testament to the American spirit of resilience, hope and equity. It is hard to fathom that even toward the end of his life, in some of the country's darkest days, John Lewis was still full of tempered grace, light and hope for the future. This book is brimming with his vast wisdom; acquired over many decades and is a wonderful read for young adult and older readers alike. May we always be looking for "good trouble!" -Victoria

This book is about Megan's rise to soccer stardom but more importantly about her commitment to equity and standing up (or kneeling) for what she believes in. I'm a huge fan of Rapinoe and while there were more details I would have liked to learn about her life, I enjoyed this quick read. This book has also been adapted for young adult readers. -Victoria

This is a great short, insightful little read about thriving despite struggle, falling down seven times and standing up eight. Knowing that life is rarely smooth sailing, this is a great primer on perseverance. -Victoria

This was a richly detailed, emotionally-charged book about family, regrets, obligations, being an outsider, taking your best shot at the American dream and living with the fallout. The character development was so realistic and the book really took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I would highly recommend it! -Victoria

This is a beautifully written debut spanning multiple generations about family, mental health, sexuality and magical realism. Side note; the author is also an illustrator and designed the gorgeous front cover which I must admit first drew me in. I think the cover richly depicts the beauty and content of the vignettes inside. Can't wait to read more and see where this author goes with her next book! -Victoria

Previously published in 1964 with photographs by Richard Avedon, this essay is published here as a stand-alone. Baldwin's ability to analyze, quantify and prophesize American societal constructs are always insightful, honest and ahead of his time. Though written during the Civil Rights Movement, this essay is just as relevant and well-worth reading today. -Victoria

Neruda's expansive poetic questions paired with Valdivia's bold and folkloric illustrations are an exquisite combination. The curiosity of childhood expressed by this beloved poet will appeal to all ages. -Victoria

What an absolutely stunning book! The text is sparse and the illustrations are riveting; showcasing the importance of one of our most valuable commodities; water! I love how the pictures incorporate us humans as part of nature as opposed to being the overlords of our planet. There is so much wonder and reverence in this book. A perfect read during Earth Month, Earth Day or any day! if you like this title, try A River, by Marc Martin. -Victoria

This is a gorgeous book of delicious Korean vegan recipes that are easy to replicate. Equally wonderful are the detailed family histories that exemplify how food and family are interwoven and how special signature family recipes can almost feel like we're reviving a sacred time and place at the dinner table with our loved ones who originally created them. -Victoria

What an incredibly innovative story of a girl, some ghouls and breaking down the fourth wall! The juxtaposition of the gorgeous reality and furniture of an old house with the surreal ghosts is stunning and I've never read a picture book with translucent pages and added surprises before. I love Oliver's picture books but this is definitely one of my favorites! -Victoria

2020 was unprecedented. The news rarely had anything good to say and we're still on our way out of a social isolation experiment that has profoundly impacted the way we connect. Melding the pandemic, what has changed and what is painfully still the same for a black family in America, this book delves in and out of living and loving. The sparse text is brought to life when needed and muted at times by explosive and illuminating illustrations. I would read the back of a cereal box if it was written by Jason Reynolds. Though his words are few in this book, he has distilled them into what really matters. -Victoria

As a child, I was an avid collector of woodlice; observing their habits and putting them up in makeshift "habitat hotels" to experiment with their dietary needs and preferences. Needless to say I more than appreciated Tales from the Ant World. Edward O.Wilson is the ant king and instead of painting these insects in a good or bad light, he simply documents them with impeccable accuracy and detail. This is a fascinating read about a fantastically curious mind with almost 50 years of experience. -Victoria

This is one of the best children's books I've read about coming to terms with a relative with memory loss. The intergenerational connection between the grandchild and grandfather is realistic and beautiful. The author captures the feelings a family unit has when they witness their loved one gradually becoming a shell of their former self. The illustrations are gorgeous and artistically amplify the hopeful story that unfolds. All ages will appreciate this book. -Victoria

This paper-thin pocket-sized manifesto highlights the inequity in climate change and amplifies ways we can get involved to advocate for real change. A great quick read. -Victoria

This was such a raw, honest and hopeful book about making sense of our past to put our best selves forward into the future. I couldn't get enough of this book. -Victoria

Although not like the other prolific fictional works of Didion, this book examines the timeline of grief after we lose someone close in an interesting and solitary way. While some references to her ritzy lifestyle were lost on me, I appreciated many merits of this one. -Victoria

This is a simple but absolutely stunning little story about leaving your motherland and hoping for a brighter future. The text, though sparse soundly resonates and aligns perfectly with the richly detailed and beautiful illustrations. -Victoria

This is a breathtakingly beautiful read and Morales reigns supreme in matching powerful text with absolutely gorgeous illustrations you'll want to fawn over again and again! -Victoria

Witty, dry, and as thoroughly researched as anything Mary Roach ever delves into, Fuzz is a hoot! The author has a brilliant knack for roping you into subjects you never knew you wanted to learn about! Fans of Sarah Vowell and Bill Bryson will enjoy this read. -Victoria

This second novel is equally as eloquent, captivating and heart-wrenching as the first. Characters are beautifully life-like, multi-faceted and layered and the story is realistic, thought-provoking and well worth waiting nine years for! -Victoria

A thoroughly researched exploration of the impact of slavery and how it's history has been recorded through various monuments and landmarks. You may never see the Statue of Liberty or Wall Street the same way again! -Victoria

I'm not sure how this book has escaped my clutches. It is a heart-warming, beautiful, soul-touching reminder that love is love! The sequel, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is released later this month so you have time for a re-read before it comes out! -Victoria

I've been waiting for the prolific blogger of Brain Pickings, Maria Popova to finally write a book and it's as delightful, observant, dry and fascinating as she is. This is a children's book but should be enjoyed by all ages. If you like this, check out You are Stardust by Elin Kelsey (a book Popova once recommended on her blog!). -Victoria

I absolutely loved the brutal honesty, the language and slight mysticism of this book. The author tackles the Islamophobia of a post 9/11 world in a delicately poetic and human way. This is a great read into the lives of those forced to flee their motherland for hopes of better opportunities only to find the grass is often anything but greener on the other side. -Victoria

This is a fantastic page-turner with a delectable plot, well-developed characters and an overall killer debut! Fans of One of Us is Lying, Get Out and Gossip Girl will delight in this read. -Victoria

Absolutely fascinating read on the relationships and complications of how humans have defined, legitimized, legalized or criminalized our interactions with plants. For centuries we have relied on plants for, among other things their sustenance and nourishment. We've used them ceremoniously and of course for their mind-altering properties. In this book Pollan highlights the narrow lens and dogma of "The War on Drugs," and instead presents a more open discussion of the layered properties of plants (opium, caffeine, and mescaline) and their potential. -Victoria

An absolutely fascinating exploration of African American connection to land past, present and future. I loved the acknowledgment of historical truths and hopes for restorative futures in this series of essays, poems and photography. -Victoria

If you're looking to fill the indelible void Anthony Bourdain left in our hearts, this book will not do that. It will offer glimmers of him via his insightful quotes sprinkled throughout and essays by those who were close to him. At the very least it will whet your whistle to delve back into Kitchen Confidential, Parts Unknown, No Reservations and your other favorites. -Victoria

I've read much of Brené Brown's work, but I think this one is my favorites so far because it builds on her framework in a different way. These essays lay out what vulnerability, shame resilience and determination can look like in BIPOC places and spaces. By cracking open who can authentically feel and more importantly learn to thrive by being vulnerable and succeeding despite what has happened to them in the past, her contributing authors offer insight and solace for the reader. The reader can feel more resonance with the authenticity of her work in a way they may never have been able to before. As we begin to see each other on a spectrum of cultural experiences, backgrounds, social statuses, mental health and gender, we have a greater capacity to learn, empathize, communicate and share in each other's vulnerabilities. I loved this book! -Victoria

This is a stunning picture book I found in the Children's collection but this title will very possibly be enjoyed more by adults. The author reminds us that often, when we are hurrying around with our jobs, our families, and all of the countless other things on our to-do lists, our hearts move on from our souls and our souls get lost. In some ways the pandemic forced many of us to examine our priorities and what really matters in life. If there was ever a time to reconnect with our souls, that time is now! The illustrations are pensive and gorgeous and align perfectly with the moral of the story. If you like this, check out Cicada by Shaun Tan. -Victoria

Seasoned activist, abolitionist, community organizer and Founder/Director of Project NIA (an organization that works to end the incarceration of children and young adults by promoting restorative and transformative justice practices,) Mariame Kaba's latest book is a collection of essays that have been described as a "pragmatic playbook" that reimagines institutionalized systems and how ordinary people can collectively implement change. In her essays she describes what it means to defund and abolish the police and how we as communities can contribute to making our spaces more equitable through strategic, collective action. In the beginning of her book she cites a quote from her father: "Everything worthwhile is done with other people". Everything she has done in her work has amplified this sentiment and I think is a truly beautiful mantra. Well worth reading! -Victoria

An incredible illustrated foray into Wait's career. If you can't have this as a coffee table book at home, you should at least check it out and ogle it! -Victoria