Special Topics in Calamity Physics (Staff Pick)

Because you loved The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
- Wendy
Because you loved The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
- Wendy
Affirmations already make me cry, but now you have a frog in a mushroom hat and high heeled boots telling me them?? Tissues are sold out everywhere.
- Jane
Long live the post horn, indeed! This is the story of the political and personal awakening of a lonely Norwegian PR worker revitalized from existential malaise. Spurred by the mystery of a missing colleague and the romance of an undelivered letter, Hjorth's manic stream of consciousness takes us along a riveting 6 months as our narrator is drawn into the drama (yes, drama!) of Norwegian union responses to the EU postal directive.
It’s tough to be a worm. It’s also tough to be a human, and Vola’s graphic novel explores the travails of consciousness in a delightfully original way, as seen through the eyes of a worm. A book that pushes you to reflect on the human condition AND teaches you fun facts about worms- the perfect combination!
With this laugh-out-loud, poignant-ish part-memoir filled with helpful lists like “Top Eight Ways to Avoid Charming Your Therapist,” Novak bravely gives fellow “depressos” permission to lean in to what they feel, and learn things along the way, maybe.
Kate M
Frog and Toad are back, dealing with anxiety and depression and hats that make them look like internet trolls. They tackle all of these with humor, kindness, and love for each other. These are the bedtime stories we need right now. Frog and Toad are Doing Their Best, and so are you.
Shana
In search of booze, three mermaids venture onto shore, where they have to navigate everything from walking and clothes, to jobs and purpose. Thirsty Mermaids is the adult female friendship comic for everyone who's trying to balance their Little Mermaid nostalgia with their feminism.
Marika
This book is hilarious! Amber Ruffin is awesome as always and her sister seems pretty great too.
Heather
Hilarious and so real, Calin's comics are perfect to read while curled up in sweats (yours or stolen from a significant other) and eating a bag of chips-- preferably ones that leave your hand orange.
Marika
Feel like the end of the world? Fear not: with this handy (and hilarious) guide, you can completely rebuild civilization from scratch--and even take some shortcuts and avoid some of the missteps of our forebears. This book somehow manages to be a fascinating primer on science history and a witty page-turner. Essential reading for the post-apocalypse.
Kate