15 giftable books for every reader

Dinner in One: Exceptional & Easy One-Pan Meals: A Cookbook

by Melissa Clark

If you love one pot meals, Melissa Clark’s new cookbook is the one for you. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and easy—a real time-saver during the hectic school year.

I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life

by Anne Bogel

Our books shape us, define us, enchant us, and even sometimes infuriate us. Our books are a part of who we are as people, and we can't imagine life without them. I'd Rather Be Reading leads readers to remember the book that first hooked them, the place where they first fell in love with reading, and all of the moments afterward that helped make them the reader they are today.

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Hervé Tullet’s Art of Play: Images and Inspirations from a Life of Radical Creativity

by Herve Tullet, Sophie Van der Linden

If Hervé Tullet's name isn’t immediately recognizable, perhaps you’ll recall the title of his bestselling children's book Press Here. Tullet blends autobiography with a celebration of creativity, making for an inspirational read for creatives, parents, teachers, and art enthusiasts alike.

My Reading Life: A Book Journal

by Anne Bogel

You've been asking for a book journal like this for years, and I'm so excited to get it in your hands. I had a lot of fun creating this journal for book lovers—inspired by my conversations with literally thousands of readers over the years about what makes their reading life better—and what doesn't. Tracking the books you read is one of the best ways I know to improve your reading life. My hope is that this journal will help you both articulate your reading taste and broaden your literary horizons, and help you enjoy the process. Bound in a sturdy (and oh so pretty) hardcover, this compact book journal fits right in your tote bag, whether you're going to the library, to school, or to work.

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This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us

by Cole Arthur Riley

I’ve never encountered a book quite like this debut from the creator of the Black Liturgies Instagram account. Cole Arthur Riley offers reflections about spirituality, healing, and our relationship to our bodies. She shares the lessons imparted to her by her grandmother and father and the impact this had on her life and beliefs. It is at once a call for rest and repair, as well as an invitation to dignity and liberation. Perfect for those on your list who appreciate lyrical prose and contemplative nonfiction.

A Ghost in the Throat

by Doireann Ní Ghríofa

"This is a female text." These beginning words are repeated, over and over, throughout. But what to say about this story, how to define it? Words fail me here, because it's so unlike anything I've ever read: part memoir, part meditation on the female creative process, part biography of a long-dead Irish poet, plus a translation of the poet's best-known work. If you're stirred by the offer of gaining a glimpse inside the mind of a modern poet grappling with her brilliant predecessors, read this immediately. This went straight on my Best of the Year list. I listened to the exceptional audio version, narrated by Siobhán McSweeney.

Chirp

Smitten Kitchen Keepers: New Classics for Your Forever Files

by Deb Perelman

I always rejoice when a new Smitten Kitchen cookbook hits the shelves! This time around Perelman endeavors to share 100 “keepers”, recipes so good, you’ll make them the rest of your life. Consider my family on board with this plan.

Also a Poet: Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Me

by Ada Calhoun

Regular readers know I adore sagas of complicated families. This new nonfiction work from Why We Can't Sleep author Ada Calhoun delivers all that and more. Thanks to the book's pre-release publicity, I discovered Calhoun is the daughter of art critic Peter Schjeldahl, who I've been quoting for YEARS (especially in MMD Book Club) about his approach to works that aren't "immediately hospitable." Calhoun's new genre-bending book is a memoir-ish look at their complex relationship—and also a profile-of-sorts about poet Frank O'Hara. I couldn't resist, devoured it in 36 hours, and put it straight on my Best of the Year list. By the time I closed the last page I'd googled a hundred things about NYC history and requested ten books from my local library. Fascinating, devastating, vexing, illuminating. Heads up for a handful of content warnings that aren't obvious from the publisher's description or reviews.

Get Outside: A Journal for Refreshing Your Spirit in Nature

by Ink & Willow

A big reason I love this little journal is that I've never seen another like it—which means your giftee won't already have one on their shelves! The thick bound paperback (with beautiful gold accents) is sturdy enough to get tucked in a backpack or duffel for a trip into the great outdoors, and it's compact enough to not weigh you down. The journal allots space to record twenty nature expeditions big or small, with the bulk of its pages allowing for journaling space, with occasional journaling prompts (some of which are written from a Christian perspective) meant to help you pay closer attention to what you notice along the way.

Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends

by Marisa G. Franco

Psychologist Dr. Marisa G. Franco believes we need to prioritize friendship more. By looking at friendship through the lens of attachment theory, she makes the case for the many benefits of these relationships, including how they shape us and help us become our healthiest selves. This is a guide for how to strengthen and deepen your existing friendships, nurture new ones, and better manage conflict. Relatable, thought-provoking, and ultimately affirming.

Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide (Atlas Obscura)

by Gastro Obscura

This world tour of global cuisine is for anyone interested in explorations of food, history, and culture. It goes beyond traditional cookbook photography with eye-opening shots and unusual vantage points. It highlights hidden gems, unique ingredients, and the many ways what we eat affects and informs our lives. (Recommended by Andrea Jasmine from Main Street Books in WSIRN episode 355: Highly giftable picks for your favorite readers.)

Dahlias: A Little Book of Flowers

by Tara Austen Weaver

Accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, Tara Austen Weaver has gifted us with a love letter to the dahlia. She shares the history behind this beautiful bloom, advice on growing and propagating, and tips to create the most beautiful arrangements. It’s a must for flower fans. There’s also a book about Peonies.

Lonely Planet Epic Road Trips of the Americas

by Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet has a new collectible series that includes the 50 greatest road trips across North and South America and the Caribbean. Whether you’re ready to plan your next road trip or simply looking for a new local scenic route, you’ll appreciate their insider tips, like challenge level, first person accounts, and travel advice. (Recommended by Andrea Jasmine from Main Street Books in WSIRN episode 355: Highly giftable picks for your favorite readers.)

Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew

by Michael W. Twitty

Michael Twitty explores the intersection of Jewish and African diaspora cuisine in the way only he can. With his distinctive prose, he explores the history and culture of these two food traditions and what they can tell us about memory, meaning-making, and identity. I would read anything by Twitty but I especially appreciated hearing his reflections about being Black and Jewish. Plus, recipes are included!

Inciting Joy: Essays

by Ross Gay

A natural follow up to The Book of Delights, Ross Gay’s new essay collection is about the benefits of community and connection and all that we gain when we care for one another. A timely, thoughtful read from a wonderful writer. You could read an essay a day or inhale it in one go.

15 giftable books for every reader

a gateway

to reliable joy this summer

Buckle Up!

summer reading starts May 16th