Staff Picks
The Pentagon Papers is the obvious inspiration for Whitlock’s title. At first, I was suspect as the length of the book seemed to indicate it was not as encompassing an examination of U.S. involvement in its longest war as it’s model. The Afghanistan Papers, however, brings to light decades of interviews with the actual boots on the ground through the military’s own “Lessons Learned” project. What is compelling clear is that the U.S. took almost nothing from the lessons of our involvement in Vietnam. Once again, year after year, the top brass and our politicians lied about the progress being made in yet another unwinnable war without a clear strategy in a country we never made the effort to understand. Read this book to find out why what is happening in Afghanistan today is not in the least surprising and long ago foreseen.
Dale
A gorgeous tale of courage with a dash of suspense and a beautiful message. I truly want to fall into the pages of this book.
Stacey
The second Witches of Brooklyn is an utter delight! When a new girl is added to Effie's friend group, Effie feels slighted. Meanwhile, mysterious incidents are happening in the neighborhood. Magic won't be enough to solve Effie's problems. Luckily, magic isn't her only resource! A pitch-perfect sequel, this series will enchant readers of The Witch Boy.
Marika
If you've ever struggled with chronic illness, made some of your closest friends online, or turned into a rampaging beast once a month, you're sure to find something to relate to here. If none of the above apply, you'll still probably enjoy this surprisingly realistic take on werewolves and friendship.
Shana
This book is like an ever-lasting gobstopper: a constant sugar high that you won't be able to quit (and it may knock your teeth out). Thriller season starts NOW and Chloe is destined to be your new favorite antihero. Another great entry for Caleb's Dark Academia Book Club.
Caleb
What do a bear, a cabin, and a bean field have in common? They all help tell the tale of Henry David Thoreau's infamous decision to live at Walden Pond. A wonderful explanation of the transcendentalist's classic novel, Walden, DB Johnson's Henry Builds a Cabin walks us through (with the help of some famous literary bear friends) what it means to make your own home built on care, simplicity and love.
Kai
Because of how it is sold to us we cannot accept a return of this title.
Provacative. Moving. At times funny and irreverent, author and playwright Sebastian Stuart's book - What Wasn't I Thinking? takes us back to his early life in New York, his college days in 1970's San Francisco and importantly to the relationship with his beloved cousin Tina. A memoir, an autobiography, a chronicle of times past - this book is a triumph for its author.
Nathan
What is suffering? What is happiness? How do they relate and how do you experience them? Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, provides thoughts on how one can truly face and understand one's hurt rather than only carry its burden. Written in very beautiful, kind, and humble words, No Mud, No Lotus is a book that refreshes oneself like a rejuvenating gulp of crisp air that you didn't know you needed.
Kai
This incredibly well researched graphic biography tells the story of my personal favorite painter, Artemisia Gentileschi. Siciliano doesn't shy away from the dark and often violent truth of Gentileschi's life as she went from her father's apprentice to a famous Renaissance painter in her own right. This book captures the humanity of such a great figure, while still giving us a view of the politics and hardships of the time --and an art lesson to round out the whole thing. Plus, just look at this cover, who wouldn't want to add such a beautiful book to their collection? CW: Sexual Assault
Katherine
![Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes [A Cookbook] Cover Image](https://images.booksense.com/images/books/878/748/FC9781607748878.JPG)
The colourful recipes and history of Korean food culture in this comic book makes cooking really fun!
Sinny
A captivating memoir on exercise, nature, and striving to reach a flow state, this memoir in comics will have you appreciating your gear and likely inspire a fitness feat.
Marika
A kid is a kid is a kid! Let’s play!
Robin
Between her imagination, artistic skills, and storytelling capabilities, Shing Yin Khor herself is a legend. The Legend of Auntie Po is beauty; an inspiring tapestry of myth, love, and fortitude in the face of adversity and discrimination.
Stacey
After getting kicked off the basketball team for fighting, Mara must find a new sport to prove to her coach that she can be a team player. When she tries out for the (previously all-boys) football team, she begins to understand that being a girl can be so much more than being shoved into a dress and heels by her overbearing mother. Layered and feminist, with great female friendships and a super sweet queer romance. What's not to love?
Rebecca
Giant Days has been one of my favorite comic discoveries of the last couple years and now that the creative team is back for this spin-off I can stop crying (/cry less) about it ending. Wicked Things has all the same trademark wit and aesthetic BUT WITH MORE TEEN DETECTIVES. Sold.
Caleb