Penguin

Many of us have become much more familiar with pantry staples like beans during Covid-19 times. But just when you think you’ve maxed out on them, along comes this terrific book to reignite your love for legumes. Yonan showcases his passion for the humble bean in 125 delicious, modern, vegetarian recipes including Yellow Bean & Spinach Dosas and Harissa-Roasted Carrot & White Bean Dip. 

Punyaratabandhu’s grilling recipes for seafood, meat and vegetables cooked over charcoal is fantastic. With Filipino Roasted Pork Belly Rolls to Malaysian-Style Grilled Soy Sauce Chicken Wings to Chicken Satay with Coriander and Cinnamon and beyond, these recipes showcase the vibrant flavors of Asian-style barbecue that will definitely tempt you to move beyond burgers. 

A comprehensive book that brings to light what some have tried to erase from our history. This is a must-read for all ages, powerfully honest and compelling from start to finish.—Shannon

This book should be required reading for everyone. Jason Reynolds is a genius: He takes a complex issue (the history and modern-day manifestations of anti-Black racism in the US) and makes it accessible for any reader. I love the emphasis on how to be actively antiracist. Also a great choice for adults daunted by the 608-page original! —Stephanie

I tore through this absolutely engaging memoir by Dominique Crenn, whose highly acclaimed San Francisco restaurant, Atelier Crenn, is the recipient of three Michelin stars. Charming, personable, and determined, Crenn found her way in the food world despite the lack of female chefs in chauvinistic France where she grew up. She yearned for America, where she believed anything was possible (except for a decent sandwich). When I started this book, I thought that I might not connect with the world of fine cuisine, but I ended up being mesmerized by Crenn’s descriptions of creating, plating, and serving her food, which engage all of the senses. Not only that, but a great deal of Rebel Chef deals with her family, identity, sexuality, and search for home. This memoir is as tender, bold, sweet, and gracious as the chef herself.

Beyond its title’s unexpected relevance, Always Home is the perfect book to curl up with in these times. Fanny Singer has written a warm, lovely memoir about growing up as the daughter of culinary icon Alice Waters, who raised her to appreciate beauty in the world and to be grateful for good food, family, and friends. Singer writes with humor and grace and an awareness of the privilege she enjoyed growing up at Chez Panisse and traveling the world on culinary adventures. Although she clearly adores her mother, she thankfully does not shy away from including her foibles—such as her insistence on highly curated spaces (leading to hiding clothing and items deemed too garish) and her complete lack of baking talent. This book is a total delight (the description of Fanny’s school lunches had me in stitches) and even includes recipes.

In her new book The Bird Way, Jennifer Ackerman, author of The Genius of Birds, expands on fresh discoveries in the science of birds. Ackerman once again uses her engaging prose to shine a light on the startling ways in which birds are very much like us. Her lyrical and informative depiction of “the bird way” is the most delightful, inspiring, and exciting book I’ve read in ages.
Don’t miss our virtual event with Jennifer Ackerman on June 30th.
 

In his new, large format release, revered author and illustrator David Allen Sibley explains the mysterious behaviors of the most common backyard birds. With vivid and exacting illustrations to accompany the text, What It’s Like to Be a Bird is both an accessible entry point for young birders and rewarding to the more experienced individual. 

Prepare to be transported from your favorite armchair to the high seas; reading this book is like bingeing a great history documentary. Enemy of All Mankind uses the story of a mysterious and infamous pirate named Henry Every to take the reader on a journey through the origins of piracy, the history of India’s economic system, the emergence of global trading corporations, the spread of Islam, the frustrating beginnings of celebrity journalism, and more. Steven Johnson knows how to write captivating history.

Real Queer America is a cross-country road-trip stretching all the way from Provo, Utah, to the Deep South. It pairs a narrative tour through the sometimes surprising yet always vibrant queer communities in America’s red states with Samantha Allen’s own transition journey. This is a window into the profound cultural shifts underway in our country today, revealing an amazing national network of chosen family fighting for a better world. Real Queer America is a treasure trove of uplifting stories of incredible LGBTQ people working for change. Fans of Love and Estrogen and Susan Kuklin’s Beyond Magenta are sure to enjoy.

Having grown up queer in the Soviet Union and going on to cover the resurgence of totalitarianism in Russia, National Book Award winner Masha Gessen (The Future Is History) sounded the alarm about the trajectory America was on within the first 48 hours of Trump’s election. Her urgent book lays out the ways in which autocracy works and is also a guide to enduring and resisting the ongoing assault. Absolutely essential reading.