Louise has been working at Bookshop Santa Cruz since 2012, and is now Head of Receiving. When she's not absorbed in a book (be it a law dictionary or a biography) she likes to play strange games with her cat Heyhey and discuss the more refined aspects of Star Trek. Louise is a transplant from the Central Valley of California, where she spent a lot of time developing a hay allergy and sitting on the edge of her bed playing guitar.
Three anthropologists find themselves on the island of New Guinea in the 1930s: Nell Stone, discerning and famous, à la Margaret Meade; Fen Stone, her jealous and rough husband; and Andrew Banson, the loner who lusts after Nell when he’s not meditating on the untimely death of his brother. Together, they unearth an ancient mystery and usurp a fragile peace among the Tam society. Perfect pacing and captivating voices make Euphoria one of my favorite books this year.
Against Equality calls for queer people everywhere to rally against capitalism, militarism, and neo-liberal politics in this succinct collection of essays written by members of the Against Equality collective. In a time where basic human rights are being linked to one’s access to marriage and the repealing of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is seen as the apex of inclusion, it’s nice to know that there are queers around who write books that bash back and question pinkwashing tactics.
This edition features over 100 added species, 600+ new paintings, expanded notes on eating habits and behavior, and updated range maps. One gripe that I’ve always had with bird guides is the lack of attention paid to common species. But Sibley really has taken the phrase “expanded and updated” to a whole new level, one that will find beginners and experts making fewer mistakes and discovering new things to love about our more common aerial friends.
If you’re like me, you’re a broke, lazy, kind-of-vegetarian/ part-time vegan cook who knows five different ways to make tofu but still feels uninspired staring at that little white block. That’s where Afro-Vegan comes in to save the day! From the author of the critically acclaimed Vegan Soul Kitchen comes an entirely new cookbook based on a myriad of different cultural traditions from the African diaspora. Highly recommended for those who like to read cookbooks cover to cover, Afro-Vegan is sure to satisfy.
Full of longing for both love and country, Americanah is the story of two Nigerians who find themselves separated by continents and time on their escape from their politically unstable home. While Ifemelu makes her way to America in search of an education, Obinze is locked away from the states and finds himself in London sans papers. Together their stories weave an outsider's perspective on western society. Insightful, funny, and astute Adichie has garnered much attention for this novel, and I'm sure you'll find it's deservedly so.