Top ten books published this month
April 2024
In this Issue
Literature, Language, & Information
Philosophy & Psychology
Spirituality & Religion
Social Sciences: Politics, Economics, & the Human Society
Nature & Science
Cookbooks, Family Living, & the Arts
Biographies & Memoirs
Literature, Language, & Information
Why we read : on bookworms, libraries and just one more page before lights out
by Shannon Reed

In this uproarious exploration of the joys of reading, a long-time teacher, lifelong reader and The New Yorker contributor shares surprising stories from her life and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students and shows us how literature can transform us for the better.
Literary theory for robots : how computers learned to write
by Dennis Tenen

"Intelligence expressed through technology should not be mistaken for a magical genie, capable of self-directed thought or action. Rather, in highly original and effervescent prose with a generous dose of wit, Yi Tenen asks us to read past the artifice-to better perceive the mechanics of collaborative work. Something as simple as a spell-checker or a grammar-correction tool, embedded in every word-processor, represents the culmination of a shared human effort, spanning centuries.Smart tools, like dictionaries and grammar books, have always accompanied the act of writing, thinking, and communicating. That these paper machines are now automated does not bring them to life. Nor can we cede agency over the creative process. With its masterful blend of history, technology, and philosophy, Yi Tenen's work ultimately urges us to view AI as a matter of labor history, celebrating the long-standing cooperation between authors and engineers"
With every great breath : new and selected essays, 1995-2023
by Rick Bass

Spanning his storied career, the acclaimed writer and environmental activist presents this collection of new and selected essays that explore ecological, social and personal landscapes, celebrating the beauty that inspires us.
Modern poetry : poems
by Diane Seuss

"In poems of rangy curiosity, sharp humor, and illuminating self-scrutiny, Modern Poetry investigates our time's deep isolation and divisiveness and asks: What can poetry be now? Do poems still have the capacity to mean? "It seems wrong / to curl now within the confines / of a poem," Seuss writes. "You can't hide / from what you made / inside what you made." What she finds there, finally, is a surprising but unmistakable love"
Philosophy & Psychology
Practical optimism : the art, science, and practice of exceptional well-being
by Sue Varma

Combining philosophy, her own personal experience and the latest research in psychology, psychiatry, medicine and neuroscience, a board-certified psychiatrist offers a scientific and tangible pathway to boosting health, happiness, resilience, success and longevity by cultivating an optimistic mindset.
Supercommunicators : how to unlock the secret language of connection
by Charles Duhigg

A Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, studying supercommunicators—people capable of connecting with anyone, reveals how, everyone time we speak to some, we're actually engaging in one of three conversations, showing us how to recognize which kind of conversation we're having—and teaching us the essential skills for navigating it successfully.
Look again : the power of noticing what was always there
by Tali Sharot

A neuroscience professor and a Harvard law professor team up in this groundbreaking work, based on decades of research in the psychological and biological sciences, that shows how disrupting our routines can lead to seeing, feeling and noticing again—and embracing much-needed change to live happier, more fulfilling lives. Illustrations.
Catastrophe ethics : how to choose well in a world of tough choices
by Travis N. Rieder

A bioethics professor pits the traditional moral reasoning of philosophers like Plato, Hegel and Kant against the confusing and scary global problems of today and offers a personal guide to building a strong and modern ethical and moral compass.
Spirituality & Religion
Reading Genesis
by Marilynne Robinson

A noted novelist and thinker presents an interpretation of the book of Genesis.
Do the new you : 6 mindsets to become who you were created to be
by Steven Furtick

"New York Times bestselling author and pastor Steven Furtick speaks directly to the challenge of living out your God-given identity and calling. He explores and unpacks six practical mindsets everyone can adopt to get from who you are today to where God is taking you"
To be a Jew today : a new guide to God, Israel, and the Jewish people
by Noah Feldman

"A guide to contemporary Judaism by law professor and public intellectual Noah Feldman"
Why can't I get it together? : kick unrealistic expectations to the curb and rest in God's truth
by Jamie Ivey

"We're trying to "get it together" in areas we have no control over. We keep trying, but we'll never move the needle to a better future because it has nothing to do with us or anything we can do. You don't always have to give in to what the world, your family, or your own self declares is the way things are "supposed" to be. God desires goodness and joy for us. God, Jesus, and the Spirit went to great lengths to offer you and me the best good news ever"
Strange religion : how the first Christians were weird, dangerous, and compelling
by Nijay K. Gupta

"The first Christians were weird. Within Roman society, they stood out for the oddness of their beliefs and practices. A New Testament teacher traces the emerging Christian faith against its Roman context to offer today's believers encouragement and hope"
Social Sciences: Politics, Economics, & the Human Society
Remembering peasants : a personal history of a vanished world
by Patrick Joyce

In this new history of peasantry, an extraordinary culture whose impact the past—and the future—remains profoundly relevant, a social historian shines a light on people whose knowledge of the land is being irretrievably lost during our critical time of climate crisis and the rise of industrial agriculture. Illustrations.
Our ancient faith : Lincoln, democracy, and the American experiment
by Allen C. Guelzo

One of America's foremost experts on Lincoln captures the president's firmly held belief that democracy was the greatest political achievement in human history, providing us with a deeper understanding of this endlessly fascinating man and shows how his ideas are still sharp and relevant more than 150 years later.
Women, money, power : the rise and fall of economic equality
by Josie Cox

"For centuries, women were denied equal access to money and the freedom and power that came with it. They were restricted from owning property or transacting in real estate. Even well into the 20th century, women could not take out their own loans or ownbank accounts without their husband's permission. They could be fired for getting married or pregnant, and if they still had a job, they could be kept from certain roles, restricted from working longer hours, and paid less than men for equal work. It wasa raw deal, and women weren't happy with it. So they pushed back. In Women Money Power, financial journalist Josie Cox tells the story of women's fight for financial freedom. This is an inspirational account of brave pioneers who took on social mores andthe law, including the "Rosies" who filled industrial jobs vacated by men and helped win WWII, the heiress whose fortune helped create the birth control pill, the brassy investor who broke into the boys' club of the New York Stock Exchange, and the namesake of landmark equal pay legislation who refused to accept discrimination. But as any woman can tell you, the battle for equality-for money and power-is far from over. Cox delves deep into the challenges women face today and the culture and systems that hold them back. This is a fascinating narrative account of progress, women's lives, and the work still to be done"
The backyard homestead guide to growing organic food : a crop-by-crop reference for 62 vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs
by Tanya Denckla Cobb

Based on extensive research and years of experience, a professional environmental mediator and teacher of food system planning at the University of Virginia provides this one-stop reference that provides key information food gardeners need to grow a healthy, bountiful garden. Original. Illustrations.
Stand by me : a guide to navigating modern, meaningful caregiving
by Allison Applebaum

The founder of the Caregivers Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a clinical psychologist, sharing her own personal journey, gives caregivers the practical tools and support they need to provide their loved ones with the best quality of life and care possible, while promoting their own wellbeing
Nature & Science
How to win friends and influence fungi : collected quirks of science, tech, engineering, and math from nerd nite
by Chris Balakrishnan

The co-founders of the global science organization Nerd Nite present a quirky, illustrated collection of narratives and infographics centered around STEM, such as the importance of microbes and how the Webb telescope has influenced movie special effects. 150,000 first printing. Illustrations.
The naked Neanderthal : a new understanding of the human creature
by Ludovic Slimak

Taking us on an enlightening archaeological investigation, from the Arctic Circle to the deep Mediterranean forests, a renowned paleoanthropologist reveals the Neanderthals had their own history, rituals and customs as he works to decipher their real stories through every single detail they left behind.
The asteroid hunter : a scientist's journey to the dawn of our solar system
by D. S. Lauretta

The Principal Investigator of NASA's historic OSIRIS-Rex Asteroid Sample Return Mission offers a behind-the-scenes account of his team's daring quest to retrieve an asteroid sample—one that held the potential to not only unlock the secrets of life's origins but also to avert an unprecedented disaster.
Birding to change the world : a memoir
by Trish O'Kane

A writer and educator specializing in environmental justice and climate change chronicles her bird-watching journey and shares what she has learned from each new bird she's observed about life, social change and protecting the environment. 75,000 first printing. Illustrations.
Cookbooks, Family Living, & the Arts
Cooking in real life : delicious & doable recipes for every day
by Lidey Heuck

From the rising star who learned to cook when she worked for Ina Garten and inherited the Barefoot Contessa's intuition for what people want to cook comes a collection of 100 recipes that are cook-pleasing and crowd-pleasing and written with the shopper, chopper and dish-doer in mind. Illustrations.
The cottagecore baking book : 60 sweet and savory bakes for simple, cozy living
by Kayla Lobermeier

"From Kayla Lobermeier, author of The Prairie Kitchen Cookbook, comes an enchanting escape into the realm of cottagecore baking, where rustic charm meets mouthwatering flavors. Whether you are already living out your cozy cottage dreams or are just starting to embrace the softer, simpler life, you'll be captivated by the variety of baked goods on offer! Delight in luscious pies that are bursting with fresh, seasonal fruits; delicate teacakes and scones that enchant the eyes and the taste buds; and warm, crusty breads to fill your kitchen with pleasing aromas. Wherever you might be in your cottagecore journey, you'll soon find yourself embracing the slow-paced rhythms of cottage life as you whip up incredible sweet and savory treats"
Mindful eye, playful eye : 101 amazing museum activities for discovery, connection, and insight
by Michael Garbutt

"Experience art and design as never before with 101 imaginative, mindfulness-based practices"
Modern day quilter : 16 patchwork quilts and projects for everyday life
by Kiley Ferons

"Take your love for modern quilt patterns and incorporate them in your home! The ultimate guide for fresh quilting projects, Modern Day Quilter features 16 contemporary quilt patterns that result in one-of-a-kind projects. From adding patchwork to baseball hats, denim jackets, and shoes to making a steering wheel cover for your car, a unique t-shirt quilt, a tote bag, an advent calendar, and more, this must-have modern quilts guide features step-by-step instructions, full-size templates, and expert advice for crafters of all skill levels. Several projects emphasize a new patchwork technique to learn, making this book the perfect resource to try something new and build your confidence as a quilter!"
Biographies & Memoirs
Young Elizabeth : Elizabeth I and her perilous path to the crown
by Nicola Tallis

Drawing on a rich variety of primary sources—from the queen herself as well as those closest to her, an expert historian presents this definitive biography of young Elizabeth I in which she provides an extensive and thorough study of the Virgin Queen's perilous journey to the crown. Illustrations.
Starry field : a memoir of lost history
by Margaret Juhae Lee

Determined to learn about her grandfather, Lee Chul Ha, whose history was lost in early 20th-century Korea, the author combines investigative journalist, oral history and archival research to reclaim his heroic legacy, weaving together stories of her family against the backdrop of Korea's modern history. Illustrations.
Not your China doll : the wild and shimmering life of Anna May Wong
by Katie Gee Salisbury

Set against the glittering backdrop of the Jazz Age and the rise of Hollywood, this celebration of the first Asian American movie star who graced Oscar-winning films shows how she moved away from being typecast as a China doll or dragon lady and worked towards reshaping Asian American representation in film.
The darkest white : a mountain legend and the avalanche that took him
by Eric Blehm

The award-winning author of the New York Times best-sellers Fearless and The Only Thing Worth Dying For tells the life story of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly who died in the 2003 Durrand Glacier Avalanche and also offers a definitive, immersive account of snowboarding and the cultural movement that exploded around it. Illustrations.
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