Staff Picks

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Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook By Illyanna Maisonet, Michael W. Twitty (Foreword by), Dan Liberti (Photographs by), Erika P. Rodriguez (Photographs by) Cover Image
By Illyanna Maisonet, Michael W. Twitty (Foreword by), Dan Liberti (Photographs by), Erika P. Rodriguez (Photographs by)
$32.50
ISBN: 9781984859761
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Ten Speed Press - October 18th, 2022

I am very much Not a Cook, but this book inspired me to try. Maisonet is like a personal cooking coach, and I love how she redefines authenticity as she knows it.

Sarah


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Phenomena: Doppelmayr's Celestial Atlas By Giles Sparrow, Martin Rees (Foreword by) Cover Image
By Giles Sparrow, Martin Rees (Foreword by)
$65.00
ISBN: 9780226824116
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: University of Chicago Press - November 14th, 2022

A coffee table book that sits right at the intersection of art, science, and history! If someone you love has an interest in star-gazing, astrology, or just likes beautiful illustrations, this makes for a perfect splurge.

Murphy


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I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook By Nicole Ponseca, Miguel Trinidad Cover Image
$40.00
ISBN: 9781579657673
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Artisan - November 13th, 2018

A great collection of recipes including vegetarian and vegan adaptations from the Filipino culture with stories and lots of pretty images too!

Hazel


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Dracula (Deluxe Edition) By Bram Stoker, Edward Gorey (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Bram Stoker, Edward Gorey (Illustrator)
$40.00
ISBN: 9781454944218
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Union Square & Co. - November 23rd, 2021

A gorgeous edition of one of the most inluential classics in the horror/gothic genre illustrated by the iconic Edward Gorey. It's the perfect gift horror/gothic lovers, classic literature enthusiasts, collectors, and those who just love beautiful books.

Morgan


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The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir By Paul Newman, David Rosenthal (Editor), Melissa Newman (Foreword by), Clea Newman Soderlund (Afterword by) Cover Image
By Paul Newman, David Rosenthal (Editor), Melissa Newman (Foreword by), Clea Newman Soderlund (Afterword by)
$32.00
ISBN: 9780593534502
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Knopf - October 18th, 2022

Actor, philanthropist, husband, father, race car driver, film director, superstar Paul Newman (1925 –2008), was a conflicted man, who with self-deprecating humor, extraordinary good looks and abundant talent became one of the most iconic movie stars of the past 75 years. This revealing, candid and honest memoir tells his life story in his own words – and those of his family and friends - revealing a somber and introspective man, and yet one who counted his many blessings with true appreciation.

Nathan


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Bestiarium Greenlandica: A Compendium of the Mythical Creatures, Spirits, and Strange Beings of Greenland By Maria Bach Kreutzmann (Editor), Engell Ujammiugaq (Introduction by), Agust Kristinsson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Maria Bach Kreutzmann (Editor), Engell Ujammiugaq (Introduction by), Agust Kristinsson (Illustrator)
$29.95
ISBN: 9781777081706
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Eye of Newt Books - April 19th, 2022

Everyone know what a leprechaun is. Or a fairy, or a unicorn. But why dont as many know about Amaroq the giant wolf that can steal your soul if threatened? And Eqalussuaq the shark that brings fish to widows and orphans?

John


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Under Water, Under Earth By Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Mizielinski Cover Image
$37.99
ISBN: 9780763689223
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Big Picture Press - October 11th, 2016

I would have gone crazy for a book like this as a kid! It just absolutely pops. It's so informative, but still fun and engaging. The large format and reversible design makes it a unique and memorable book to cherish.

Stacey


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The Lunar Chronicles Boxed Set: Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Fairest, Stars Above, Winter By Marissa Meyer, Erin Siu (Editor) Cover Image
By Marissa Meyer, Erin Siu (Editor)
$71.94
ISBN: 9781250774071
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Square Fish - October 13th, 2020

Got a tween in your life? Empower them with this collection of badass fairytale heroines in space. Character driven, action packed, innovative, and emotional, Meyers' writing gets better with every book. (Not usually the case with a series) Recommend.

Wendy


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The Left Hand of Darkness (Penguin Galaxy) By Ursula K. Le Guin, Neil Gaiman (Introduction by) Cover Image
By Ursula K. Le Guin, Neil Gaiman (Introduction by)
$25.00
ISBN: 9780143111597
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Penguin Classics - October 25th, 2016

This book is my favorite out of all of Ursula K LeGuin's works, now in a gorgeous new edition with an introduction by Neil Gaiman. LeGuin's story of a Terran (Earthly) ambassador to a world where the people change gender several times over the course of their lives. It's a story of both political relations and understanding, as well as one about the human (and alien) capacity for love, and is perfect for new and old fans of LeGuin alike.

Annie


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The Clackity (Blight Harbor) By Lora Senf Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9781665902670
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers - June 28th, 2022

Spooky, scary, and full of heart, The Clackity is a wonderful middle grade tale of a young girl on a quest to save her aunt from the monsters in their small town. With wonderfully creepy illustrations to accompany the chilling story, this one is perfect for a snowy evening in with a cup of hot cocoa. Just make sure to check under the bed before you turn in for the night.

Jen


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The Beatles: Get Back By The Beatles, Peter Jackson (Foreword by), Hanif Kureishi (Introduction by) Cover Image
By The Beatles, Peter Jackson (Foreword by), Hanif Kureishi (Introduction by)
$60.00
ISBN: 9780935112962
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Callaway Arts & Entertainment - October 12th, 2021

I try to choose staff picks of general interest, and I will freely admit that this book probably isn't - it is for readers who love the Beatles. You don't have to be a fanatic (I'm not), but if you love Let It Be (I do) then this book is not only appealing but probably mandatory. At a literal level, it is a textual and photographic transcript of the studio sessions preparing for their last concert, with the songs that became that album (and much of Abbey Road); but writ large it is really a narrative of the last phase of the band. They are talking, joking, playing, creating, arguing, reminiscing - far more than the story of a break-up, it is an exploration of a phenomenon. And the photos are magnificent.

David


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Creature: Paintings, Drawings, and Reflections By Shaun Tan Cover Image
$35.00
ISBN: 9781646142002
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Levine Querido - November 1st, 2022

Hugely interesting and inspiring collection of Shaun Tan's weird creature illustrations, plus insight from Tan about his artistic development and approach to design. Great for Weird Creature Enthusiasts small and large!

Piera


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The Hand Book: A Complete Guide By Magda Gargulakova, Vitezslav Mecner (Illustrator), Scott Alexander Jones (Editor) Cover Image
$18.95
ISBN: 9788000066004
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Albatros Media - November 8th, 2022

This unique book is such a delight! Made up of vibrant illustrations-slash-infographics about the social, physical, historical, and aesthetic tradition of hands, readers of all ages are guaranteed to learn something new and have a lovely time doing so.

Catherine


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The Quiltmaker's Gift By Jeff Brumbeau, Gail de Marcken (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jeff Brumbeau, Gail de Marcken (Illustrator)
$19.99
ISBN: 9780439309103
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Scholastic Press - March 1st, 2001

With illustrations like hand-painted I Spy pictures, this story about generosity is a work of art that doesn't talk down to kids. Giving can be just as wonderful as receiving!

Murphy


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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: Tenth Anniversary Edition By Benjamin Alire Sáenz Cover Image
$24.99
ISBN: 9781665925419
Availability: In Stock: Click Title to See if it's in CAMBRIDGE or BOSTON
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - November 8th, 2022

With a newly revamped cover, stunning end pages, sprayed edges, AND a ribbon bookmark, Ari and Dante's story celebrates its 10th anniversary. Following two teenagers as they come of age and uncover all the beautiful and ugly things in life related to family, friendship, and personal identity, this book is a definite tear-jerker with some truly beautiful lines. This will make the perfect gift for the teen in your life who might also be struggling to sort out the tricky puzzle that we call life or, more generally, anyone who wants to get existential and teary-eyed.

Cindy


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