As excited as I am by the recent publication of my own book, I'm equally stoked that several of my good friends have books out this season, all of which should be read by you and your loved ones. They are, in no particular order:
Searching for John Hughes, by Jason Diamond
I grew up in Manhattan and the movies of John Hughes were farther away from my experience than Kids, but Jason's memoir is relatable, moving, and enjoyable for its wit and emotion without the necessary pop culture sympathies.
Hot Sauce Nation, by Denver Nicks
Denver's cross-country survey of hot sauce covers history, science, and personal stories with brilliant prose.
Stuffed Animals, by Divya Anantharaman and Katie Innamorato
My friend Divya makes incredible art from dead organisms and with her new book, you can too!
Atlas Obscura, by Ella Morton, Joshua Foer, and Dylan Thuras
Atlas Obscura is one of the best sites on the internet, chronicling the most interesting places and things in the world. Ella's labor of love is a masterpiece that should be read for decades to come, if not centuries.
The Good Immigrant, by Coco Khan and others
I'm still waiting for this one to arrive in the mail, but it's been making waves in the UK, with Coco's essay garnering particular critical acclaim.
Amberlough, by Laura Elena Donnely
This one's not out yet, but you should pre-order it. Lara's fantasy-espionage novel, set in a kind of Weimar dystopia, is a work of unique vision and lush prose.
