New Nonfiction January 2026 |
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Blank Space: A Cultural History of the Twenty-First Century
by W. David Marx
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice - A Washington Post Notable Nonfiction Book of 2025 - A People Best Book of November 2025 - An NPR Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2025 A revealing exploration of a quarter century of cultural stagnation, examining the commercial and technological forces that have come to dominate contemporary culture--from music and fashion to art, film, TV, and beyond Over the past twenty-five years, pop culture has suffered from a perplexing lack of reinvention. We've entered a cultural blank space--an era when reboots, rehashes, and fads flourish, while bold artistic experimentation struggles to gain recognition. Why is risk no longer rewarded, and how did playing it safe become the formula for success? Acclaimed cultural historian W. David Marx sets out to uncover the answers. In this ambitious cultural history, Marx guides us through the blur of the twenty-first century so far, from the Obama era to the rise of K-pop, from Paris Hilton to the Marvel cinematic universe, from Beyonc and Taylor Swift to . . . Beyonc and Taylor Swift, whose enduring influence highlights both their adaptability and the broader shifts in pop culture. Combining sociological, economic, and political insights with a deep dive into art, street culture, fashion, and technology, Blank Space dissects the rise of profit-driven, formulaic trends and the shifting cultural norms that often prioritize going viral over innovation. He reveals how backlash against indie snobbery and nineties counterculture gave rise to a counter-counterculture--one marked by antiliberal sentiment, the celebration of business heroes, and the increasing influence of industry plants and the elite class. In a world of crypto bros, nepo babies, and AI-driven art, Marx offers readers a much-needed dose of clarity and context. Vibrantly narrated and sharply argued, Blank Space is an essential guide for anyone looking to understand the chaos of the twenty-first century, the trends, tastemakers, and icons who shaped it, and how we might push our culture forward over the next quarter century--through renewed emphasis on creativity, community, and the values that transcend mere profit.
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Unscripted
by Cheryl Hines
The highly anticipated memoir by the Emmy-nominated actress, director, and comedian Cheryl Hines. Best known for her twenty-four-year portrayal of Cheryl on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Cheryl's story begins in small-town Florida and unfolds across the glittering stages of Hollywood--and right into the heart of the Kennedy family and a presidential campaign. With her signature wit, Cheryl shares hilarious and heartwarming stories from her career in comedy, acting alongside legends like Robin Williams and Larry David, and surviving in Hollywood's unpredictable landscape. From bartending in LA while hustling for auditions to working with comedy icons at The Groundlings, Cheryl provides a candid look at her rise from modest beginnings to earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But Cheryl's story goes far beyond the spotlight. In her memoir, she delves into her personal life, revealing the challenges and joys of a blended familywith her husband, activist-lawyer and 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She also opens up about her lifelong passion for advocacy, including her dedication to United Cerebral Palsy, inspired by her nephew Michael. With humor, wisdom, and unflinching honesty, Cheryl navigates the highs and lows of fame, family, and an unexpected foray into politics--complete with twists no one saw coming. Whether reflecting on her role in Curb, her time on Suburgatory, or her whirlwind introduction to the Kennedy legacy, Cheryl's memoir is a testament to resilience, love, and finding humor in even the most chaotic moments. Unscripted is an inspiring, laugh-out-loud, and deeply moving memoir that showcases Cheryl's ability to find grace and humor in every chapter of her life.
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Family of Spies: A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor
by Christine Kuehn
An amazing and gripping tale, full of suspenseful twists and cinematic details --New York Times Book ReviewA propulsive, never-before-told story of one family's shocking involvement as Nazi and Japanese spies during WWII and the pivotal role they played in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It began with a letter from a screenwriter, asking about a story. Your family. World War II. Nazi spies. Christine Kuehn was shocked and confused. When she asked her seventy-year-old father, Eberhard, what this could possibly be about, he stalled, deflected, demurred, and then wept. He knew this day would come. The Kuehns, a prominent Berlin family, saw the rise of the Nazis as a way out of the hard times that had befallen them. When the daughter of the family, Eberhard's sister, Ruth, met Nazi leader Joseph Goebbels at a party, the two hit it off, and they had an affair. But Ruth had a secret--she was half Jewish--and Goebbels found out. Rather than having Ruth killed, Goebbels instead sent the entire Kuehn family to Hawaii, to work as spies half a world away. There, Ruth and her parents established an intricate spy operation from their home, just a few miles down the road from Pearl Harbor, shielding Eberhard from the truth. They passed secrets to the Japanese, leading to the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. After Eberhard's father was arrested and tried for his involvement in planning the assault, Eberhard learned the harsh truth about his family and faced a decision that would change the path of the Kuehn family forever. Jumping back and forth between Christine discovering her family's secret and the untold past of the spies in Germany, Japan, and Hawaii, Family of Spies is fast-paced history at its finest and will rewrite the narrative of December 7, 1941.
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Learn to Read Hebrew in 6 Weeks
by Miiko Shaffier
This new, easy method has successfully taught thousands to read Hebrew . Using fun memory tricks and pictures to teach you the sound of the letters, this book will have you reading Hebrew in just 6 weeks!
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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