Santa's Got A Brand New Bag!

Reads To Unwrap For Holiday 2019 Gift Giving!

It’s that time of year and I have scoured websites and bookstores far and wide to curate a new shopping list for the book lover(s) in your life! All new content with a couple of new themes thrown in!

Here you will find a kaleidoscope of experiences to live through vicariously in the coming months of winter. Some books will be groundbreaking or life changing. Others may provoke thought or render speechlessness. Others may induce fits of laughter or bouts of tears. Still others may haunt your dreams. And many, if not all, will offer up a bountiful medley of all of these side effects. Gathered for you are selections tailored to every imaginable inclination or fixation. I have included a brief description for each individual book recommended. As well I will close with a Cracking The Spine Top Picks section.

Have a wonderful, joyous and magical holiday season.

The Daydreamers:

Lost In A Fictional World…

The Starless Sea – Erin Morgenstern (Nov 2019)

As a man uncovers a story from his own childhood in a mysterious book, he finds himself at a secret club. Clues are uncovered in an ancient library hidden beneath the earth, full of characters who have guarded this mystical realm for ages.

Recursion – Blake Crouch (Released 2019)

A cop investigates the phenomenon known as false memory syndrome; a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. A scientist creates a technology that preserves memories. As their paths cross the story only gets more interesting. *see full review for more details*

Magic For Liars – Sarah Gailey (Released 2019)

Ivy was born without magic and never wanted it. Ivy is perfectly happy with her life. Ivy doesn’t in any way wish she was like her estranged, gifted twin sister. Ivy is a liar. When a murder is discovered at a magical school she will have to return to this world. Like it or not.

Ten Thousand Doors Of January – Alix E Harrow (Released 2019)

A young woman is living in the sprawling mansion of her guardian. She discovers a book that carries the scent of other worlds and tells of secret doors. Each of which reveals impossible truths. A love letter to stories and storytellers!

Red At The Bone – Jacqueline Woodson (Released 2019)

An unexpected teenage pregnancy pulls together two families from different social classes and exposes the private hopes and disappointments that can bind or divide us from each other.

Mostly Dead Things – Kristen Arnett (Released 2019)

One morning a daughter walks into the family taxidermy shop to find that her father has committed suicide. She must step up to manage the business and prop up the crumbling family. Darkly funny, heart wrenching and eccentric!

The Water Dancer – Ta-Nehisi Coates (Released 2019)

A young man born into bondage is separated from his mother when she is sold but is left with a mysterious power. An unexpected and evocative narrative into the dramatic depiction of the atrocities of slavery.

The Supper Club – Lara Williams (Released 2019)

A secret society of young women meet after dark and enjoy feasts as they seek to reclaim their appetites. These daring women allow themselves to be fed and filled up as they embrace all of their hungers.

Lampedusa – Steven Price (Released 2019)

In the decadent Italian aristocracy of the late 1950’s, the Prince of Lampedusa struggles to complete a novel that will be his legacy. Moving story of a man’s awakening to life, just as he is nearing the end of it.

All This Could Be Yours – Jami Attenberg (Released 2019)

All families have secrets and dysfunction, this book unravels something a bit different which keeps the reader engaged. If you can find out why your parents are the way they are will you discover why you are the way you are? That is the question the book seeks to answer.

Your House Will Pay – Steph Cha (Released 2019)

A powerful and taught novel about racial tensions in Los Angeles, following two families who are grappling with the effects of a decade’s old crime. While categorized as suspense fiction, much of it rings true to life. An unflinching confrontation of justice, anger and loss.

The Tenth Muse – Catherine Chung (Released 2019)

A trailblazing mathematician embarks on a quest to conquer the Reimann hypothesis, the greatest unsolved mathematical problem of her time. She turns to a theorem with a mysterious history that may be the key to her own identity.

The Quirky:

For those that love the odd and curious, and beat to their own drum…

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions From Tiny Mortals About Death – Caitlin Daughty (Released 2019)

Every day our funeral director author receives questions about death from people of all ages. Here she offers factual, hilarious and candid answers to some very unique queries.

You Look Like A Thing & I Love You: How AI Works & Why It’s Making The World A Weirder Place – Janelle Shane (Nov 2019)

This title is the best pickup line ever, according to artificial intelligence. A smart and witty introduction to the most interesting science of our time. The author shows how these programs learn, fail and adapt.

The I Wonder Bookstore – Shinsuke Yoshitake (Released 2019)

At the above bookstore, customers come in and ask the owner countless variations on its namesake question; I wonder if you have any books…? The answers are a delight and the illustrations charming!

Weed: Everything You Want To Know But Are Always Too Stoned To Ask – Michelle Lhouq (Released 2019)

Packed with useful tips and delicious recipes from a slew of experts, the book covers smoking, cooking and growing cannabis. As well as some priceless stoner etiquette!

Twenty-One Truths About Love – Matthew Dicks (Nov 2019)

A book about a man who is struggling, written entirely in lists! Unique, funny and deeply personal. And really, who among us doesn’t love a list?!

That Was Awkward: Art & Etiquette Of The Awkward Hug – Emily Flake (Oct 2019)

Odd and entertaining book of illustrations, observations and advice that embraces the inescapable awkwardness of two human beings attempting physical contact.

Girls & Their Cats – Brianne Wills (Released 2019)

This book redefines the stereotype of “crazy cat lady” by showcasing fifty strong, independent and artistic women flanked by their beloved felines.

Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving – Mo Rocca (Nov 2019)

A celebration of the dead people we are fascinated with! A deep dive into why certain lives have mattered in a way you won’t be expecting, Unconventional in the best of ways.

Hyperbole & A Half – Allie Brosh (Released 2019)

Unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem and other things. Who among us hasn’t dreamed of turning the lame, shameful and absurd moments of our lives into funny anecdotes and illustrations?

Little Weirds – Jenny Slate (Released 2019)

Impossible to categorize debut that meditates on topics profound and ephemeral with wonder and stark honesty. A dazzling sensory gift for lovers of poetry and prose.

Dubious Documents: A Puzzle – Nick Bantock (Released 2019)

Embracing wordplay and ephemera in an interactive mystery. Readers must study an introductory note, list of clues and sixteen multifaceted writings to decode cryptic anagrams, pictograms and number puzzles. All leading to the big reveal!

Monster, She Wrote – Lisa Kroger (Released 2019)

Meet the women writers who defied convention to craft some of literatures strangest tales of horror and speculative fiction. Part biography, part readers guide with engaging write-ups and extensive reading lists that will invite you into a whole new world.

The Kiddies:

For the storybook experience…

Chronicles Of Harris Burdick – Chris Van Allsburg (Released 2019)

For years readers have been puzzling over the illustrations by this enigmatic artist. Here some of our most imaginative storytellers attempt to tell the perplexing stories to fit what is drawn on the page. A truly stunning collection.

The Wall – Giancarlo Macri (Released 2019)

A King banishes anyone who looks different than him and builds a wall to keep them away. He soon realizes that his kingdom can no longer flourish, and he must make things right.

Wintercake – Lynne Rae Perkins (Oct 2019)

Featuring themes of friendship, community, empathy and generosity. A book about holiday traditions and why they matter. It’s also a story about making mistakes and how at times that can lead to wonderful things.

Count On Me – Miguel Tanco (Released 2019)

Our heroine has a passion for math. As she looks around the world, she sees math in all the beautiful things. A lovely book about a girl who sees the world differently.

I Wonder – Kari Anne Holt (Oct 2019)

Readers follow a diverse group of kids trying to make sense of the world. The whimsical questions posed will encourage you to take a fresh look around you!

The Sad Little Fact – Jonah Winter (Released 2019)

There once was a fact who could not lie. But no one believed him. When the authorities lock him away with other facts, the world goes dark. But facts are stubborn and want to be known!

Hey Grandude – Paul McCartney (Released 2019)

Yup, that Paul McCartney! Meet Grandude, a supercool grandfather who is an explorer with amazing tricks up his sleeve. Join him as he whisks his grandkids away on whirlwind adventures!

Roar Like A Dandelion – Ruth Krauss (Oct 2019)

A wonderful book of witty and powerful phrases paired with drawings. Irresistible and charming!

Jon Klassen’s Hat Box – Jon Klassen (Oct 2019)

A collection of the deliciously deadpan tales of hats. Wry and sly as characters try to find out what has happened to their head wear.

The Power Book: What It Is, Who Has It & Why – Roxanne Gay (Oct 2019)

Why are you the boss of me? This inspiring and brightly illustrated guide to power takes on different types of power, what it means to have it and how best to use it.

What Do Grownups Do All Day? – David Ryski (Released 2019)

Beyond firefighters and racecar drivers what jobs are left to aspire to? How about punk rock drummer, male nurses, chefs and so many more…

How I Met My Monster – Amanda Noll (Nov 2019)

One night our hero reaches under his bed for a toy truck and finds a note instead. One that reads, “Monsters, meet here for final test.” He thinks it’s a trick until he sees eyes blinking at him.

The Aficionados:

For collectors and admirers…

Quentin Tarantino: Iconic Filmmaker & His Works – Ian Nathan (Oct 2019)

An intimate look at the cult filmmaker, exploring the genesis of his unique style and inspirations. A collector’s edition, no question.

Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book Of Bass – Geddy Lee (Released 2019)

Dive down a rabbit hole into the world of vintage bass guitars with Rush front man Geddy Lee. He has spent the last several years dedicating himself to studying the history of the instrument. Complete with interviews with the greats, this is passion turned into a definitive collection.

Music: A Subversive History – Ted Gioia (Oct 2019)

A preeminent music historian and critic presents a global history of music from the bottom up. He brings to light the outsiders and the rebels who created musical revolution and welcomes the riffraff, insurgents and provocateurs.

30,000 Years Of Art (Mini Version) – Phaidon (Released 2019)

A stunning compact format that presents the huge diversity and artistic achievements from around the globe through the years. Images and concise critical context make art accessible to all.

The World At Night – Babak Tafreshi (Nov 2019)

Bringing together the images of over forty photographers across twenty-five countries. You will be astounded by the lights of the night sky in some of the darkest places on earth. Celestial events, galaxies, planets and stars! Oh my!

Vintage Board Games – Adrian Seville (Nov 2019)

A gorgeous, nostalgic look at board games of the nineteenth century and their evolution to modern times. A journey through the golden age, full of every conceivable theme and craze.

Now Playing: A Seek & Find Book For Film Buffs – Alexandre Clerisse (Released 2019)

Can you spot the Gremlins? A deluxe seek and find that challenges you to locate iconic characters and elements from over half a dozen films laid out in sumptuous set piece spreads!

Woodstock 50th Anniversary – Mike Evans (Released 2019)

Lavishly illustrated day by day, act by act accounts of what took place on Yasgurs’ farm. Full of interviews and quotes, this is the book we want to commemorate this landmark moment in cultural history!

Stoned – Jo Wood (Nov 2019)

Photographs and treasures from a life lived with the Rolling Stones. Images, notes and diary entries reveal a previously unseen and intimate side to these rock legends that are just family to this author.

The Storytellers:

For the truth tellers and change makers…

No Happy Endings – Nora McInerny (Released 2019)

Hilarious, hopeful and heartwarming meditations on a messy, wonderful, bittersweet and unconventional life. Incredibly articulate and well structured. *see full review for more details*

Source Of Self-Regard – Toni Morrison (Released 2019)

Selected essays, speeches and meditations from one of the most celebrated and revered writers of our time. Covering topics such as society, culture, art and more.

The Body: A Guide For Occupants – Bill Bryson (Oct 2019)

This quirky, funny and smart author takes us on a head to toe tour of the marvel that is the human body. An owner’s manual full of extraordinary facts and irresistible anecdotes.

Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Stories Of Race, Culture & Identity – Winona Guo (Released 2019)

Inspiring accounts of conversations had with people from all walks of life about race and identity. Broad and groundbreaking, it provides not only deep examination of the issues at hand, but strategies for effective change.

Catch & Kill – Ronan Farrow (Nov 2019)

Lies, spies and a conspiracy to protect predators are what is unearthed in this book. Controversial tale of the rampant abuse of power, corruption and the tactics deployed in the cover ups.

The Undying – Anne Boyer (Released 2019)

Pain, vulnerability, mortality, medicine; this book is a much-needed intervention in our discourse about sickness and health. A profound look at life through art and science from someone who has been at risk of losing theirs.

The Yellow House – Sarah M Boom (Released 2019)

Tells the story of a hundred years of family and the relationship to home in a neglected area of one of Americas most mythologized cities. It expands the map of New Orleans to include stories of its lesser known natives. Powerful and unparalleled in voice.

How We Fight For Our Lives – Saeed Jones (Oct 2019)

Through a series of vignettes that chart the course of his life, the author builds into a larger examination of race, queerness, power, love and grief. “People don’t just happen. We sacrifice former versions of ourselves.”

In The Dream House – Carmen Maria Machado (Nov 2019)

Engrossing and wildly innovative account of a relationship gone bad and the dissection of the mechanisms and cultural representations of psychological abuse. Though gut wrenching, there are moments of wit and playfulness.

The Light Years – Chris Rush (Released 2019)

Born into a prosperous and fiercely religious family, our author finds himself escaping the tension with his first foray into drugs. A tab of acid dropped on his 12-year-old tongue feels akin to the sacrament. A seeker for kinship, this is his prayer for vanished friends and lost childhood.

Sandworm: A New Era Of Cyberwar – Andy Greenberg (Nov 2019)

From a Wired senior writer comes the true story of the hunt to identify and track an elite team of Russian agents bent on digital sabotage. A chilling, globe spanning detective story with real world implications.

Talking To Strangers – Malcolm Gladwell (Released 2019)

Because we don’t know how to do this, the author posits that we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding into our lives that is having a profound effect on the world. An intellectual adventure with challenging and controversial excursions through history, psychology and media. Would recommend any of this writers works.

The Foodies:

Feed your edible complex…

Save Me The Plums – Ruth Reichl (Released 2019)

Food writer and restaurant critic Reichl chronicles her groundbreaking tenure as editor in chief of Gourmet magazine. Luscious and lyrical. *see full review for more details*

Martha Stewarts Cookie Perfection – Martha Stewart (Oct 2019)

100+ recipes to take your sweet treats to the next level. Taking ordinary cookies to the extraordinary, all the familiar flavours we love taken up a notch in variety and creativity.

Eat Joy: Stories & Comfort Food From Celebrated Writers – Natalie Eve Garrett (Nov 2019)

Collection of intimate, illustrated essays by some of America’s most well- regarded literary stars explores how comfort food can help us cope with difficult times. Heartfelt narratives and drool worthy recipes.

Rachel Ray 50: Memories & Meals From A Sweet & Savory Life – Rachel Ray (Oct 2019)

This self-taught cook opens up about the most memorable moments of her life in this candid memoir inspired cookbook featuring 100+ new recipes. Passionate and fun, this showcases her joy in feeding people.

Jamie Oliver Ultimate Veg – Jamie Oliver (Oct 2019)

Whether embracing a vegetarian lifestyle or just going meatless for a few days, this book has recipes built to give you the sustenance you need.

Kitchen Party – Mary Berg (Released 2019)

Winner of Masterchef Canada, Berg shares her most delicious and stress-free recipes. Grand enough for special occasions and easy enough for weeknights. Excellent instructions and mouthwatering images make this a great addition to any home chef’s library.

Bigger Bolder Baking – Gemma Stafford (Released 2019)

Sweet dessert recipes for maximum deliciousness with minimal effort. The chef and host of a highly popular online baking show hopes to restore a love of everyday baking. Bonus chapter on technique and tips and tricks.

Last Call: Bartenders On Their Final Drink – Brad Thomas Parsons (Oct 2019)

Poignant and funny exploration of the question, “What is the last thing you’d want to drink before you die?” Profiles, portraits and cocktail recipes.

Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food For… – Alison Roman (Oct 2019)

Its not about entertaining, it’s about having people over! The author helps you nail dinner with unfussy food, unstuffy vibes and permission to be imperfect.

Book Of Eating – Adam Platt (Nov 2019)

A wildly funny and irreverent memoir of a globe-trotting life lived meal to meal by one of our most influential and respected food critics. A delightful and sumptuous adventure in professional gluttony.

Fraiche Food, Full Hearts – Jillian Harris (Oct 2019)

Partnering with her cousin, Harris shares a love of cooking that was instilled at an early age. Full of fond memories and home cooking along with ideas for celebrations. All recipes include vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Perfect Pan Pizza – Peter Reinhart (Released 2019)

Roman, Sicilian, Detroit and Grandma’s, all square pie styles are covered! A doughy, crispy ode to everyone’s fav food without the need for fancy equipment.

The Debuts:

For those wanting to find a new voice…

The Others Gold – Elizabeth Ames (Released 2019)

Starting on a college campus and following the friendship of four women through life defining turning points. Each makes a terrible mistake and we see how that impacts not only their relationship but their future.

Confessions Of Frannie Langton – Sara Collins (Released 2019)

A scandalous case of a woman accused of the brutal double murder of her employers. Though her testimony may seal her conviction, the truth will unmask the perpetrators of crimes far worse than murder. *see book review for more details*

Saint X – Alexis Schartkin (Dec 2019)

A haunting portrait of grief, obsession and the bond between two sisters never truly given the chance to know one another. Years after the disappearance of her sister, Claire runs into a primary suspect which sets her on the obsessive pursuit of the truth.

The Secrets We Kept – Lara Prescott (Released 2019)

A tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty and of sacrifice. The fictional take on the real-life story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with propaganda but with the publication of a great love story; Doctor Zhivago.

Library Of Lost Things – Laura Taylor Namey (Oct 2019)

From the moment she first learned to read, literary genius Darcy has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. There she can avoid the crushing reality of her mothers hoarding. Eventually she will have to stop hiding and emerge into the real world.

A Thousand Fires – Shannon Price (Nov 2019)

The Outsiders meets the Iliad. Enough said.

The Tenth Girl – Sara Faring (Released 2019)

A haunted mansion, a family curse, a twist you’ll never see coming. In an isolated finishing school, it is said the land curses anyone who lives there. Unique narratives from both the haunted and the haunter!

A Woman Is No Man – Etaf Rum (Released 2019)

The story of three generations of Palestinian American women struggling to express their individual desires within the confines of their Arab culture in the wake of shocking violence in their community.

Lights All Night Long – Lydia Fitzpatrick (Released 2019)

Ilya arrives in Louisiana from his native Russia for what should be the adventure of his life. The abundance of this new world is as hard to fathom as is the relentless cheerfulness of his host parents. He is consumed by the disappearance of his rebel brother who eventually lands in Russian prison accused of murder.

Initiated: Memoir Of A Witch – Amanda Garcia Yates (Oct 2019)

Fierce, political, personal and deeply inspiring memoir about finding meaning, beauty and power through a life in Witchcraft. This also acts as a manifesto calling magical people of the world to take up their wands; stand up, be brave, describe the world they want and create it.

Here And Now And Then – Mike Chen (Released 2019)

An everyday family man working in IT finds himself pulled into his previous career as a time travelling secret agent from 2142. Stranded in the 1990’s after a botched mission, his secrets about his increasing blackouts and memory loss become impossible to escape.

Of Vengeance – J.D. Kurtness (Released 2019)

One day, a 13-year-old girl decides to startle a classmate. Instead, she accidently kills him. And she likes it. Over the years she finds ways to feed this need.

The Minors:

For teens and wannabees alike…

Eight Will Fall – Sarah Harian (Nov 2019)

In a world where magic is illegal, eight criminals led by the rebellious Larkin are sent on a mission to rid their realm of an ancient evil. They are chosen for a reason and soon realize their destinies are intertwined.

The Bone Houses – Emily Lloyd Jones (Released 2019)

Seventeen-year-old Ryn only cares about two things; her family and her family’s graveyard. Since the death of her parents, she and her siblings are scraping together a living as gravediggers. Horror and fairytale mashup!

There Will Come A Darkness – Katy Rose Pool (Released 2019)

For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations; until the day they vanished. They left behind one final prophecy; this is that story.

The End & Other Beginnings – Veronica Roth (Oct 2019)

Author of the Divergent series delivers a collection of novella length stories set in the future, illustrated with stunning artwork. No world is like the other, each is stranger and more wonderful than the last and brimming with new technologies.

Internment – Samira Ahmed (Released 2019)

Set in a horrifying near future, 17-year-old Layla and her parents are forced into an internment camp for Muslim Americans. With the help of newly made friends, she leads the revolution in the fight for freedom.

The Grace Year – Kim Liggett (Oct 2019)

No one speaks of the grace year. Its forbidden. Girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds and drive women mad with jealousy. So, in their 16th year they are banished to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified. Not all make it back…

Tuesday Mooney Talks To Ghosts – Kate Racculia (Oct 2019)

A handsome stranger, a dead billionaire and a citywide treasure hunt spark an adventure for puzzle loving Tuesday. A deliciously funny ode to imagination and overflowing with love letters to the arts.

Picture Us In The Light – Kelly Gilbert Loy (Released 2019)

Danny Cheng has always known his parents have secrets, but when he discovers a taped-up box in his father’s closet filled with old letters and files, he realizes he had no idea. As he digs deeper, he disturbs the very foundation of his carefully constructed family.

I Hope You Get This Message – Farah Naz Rishi (Oct 2019)

A group of teens must face their truths and right their wrongs as they grapple with the news that the world might end in a week. What would you do if you knew everything was about to change forever?

The Audibles:

Listen With Your Ears…Revelatory!

Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid (Full Cast Narration Including Jennifer Beals, Judy Greer & More…)

The story centers on the meteoric rise of a rock band in the ‘70’s and its lead singers, whose connection is as electric as the music they make together. It’s sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll! *see full review for more details*

Born A Crime – Trevor Noah (Narrated By Author)

Eloquent, touching and funny anecdotes on the comedian’s childhood growing up in South Africa. Its starts with a story of Noah’s mother throwing him out of a moving car to avoid a potentially fatal dispute with gangsters. So, not your average childhood. And, of course his voice is lovely so there’s that!

Gentleman In Moscow – Amor Towles (Narrated By Nicholas Guy Smith)

Deemed an unrepentant aristocrat, Count Alexander is sentenced to house arrest in a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. He lives in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in history unfold outside the hotel’s doors. A stellar and refined listen!

Lincoln In The Bardo – George Sanders (Full Cast Narration Including Lena Dunham, Nick Offerman & More…)

A moving story of a father son relationship featuring none other than Abraham Lincoln, as well as an unforgettable cast of supporting characters. Those living and dead, historical and invented!

Dracula – Bram Stoker (Full Cast Narration Including Alan Cummings, Tim Curry & More…)

A brilliant classic brought to new life with amazing narration! Vibrant and passionate, you will feel as if you are in the story. Chilling…

The Testaments – Margaret Atwood (Full Cast Narration Including Ann Dowd, Mae Whitman, Bryce Dallas Howard & More…)

Having the actress Ann Dowd read the part of Aunt Lydia in the audio version was inspired! *see full review for more details*

Kitchen Confidential – Anthony Bourdain (Narrated By Author)

A renowned book by a gourmet raconteur that offers a behind the scenes peak into the world of restaurant kitchens. Who knew?!

Baddest Bitch In The Room – Sophia Chang (Narrated By Author)

Born to Korean parents and intent on breaking free of the “model minority” myth, Chang moves to New York to infiltrate the world of hip-hop. After years behind the scenes helping remarkably talented men tell their stories, it’s her turn. Please ensure to pick the explicit version…otherwise what’s the point?

Me: Elton John – Elton John (Narrated By Taron Egerton)

In the first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life. Joyously funny, honest and moving story of one of the most enduring singer/songwriters of our time.

The Smartasses:

For those full of snark, sass and wicked humor…

Motherland: A Memoir Of Love, Loathing & Longing – Alissa Altman (Released 2019)

How can a mother and daughter who love, but don’t always like, each other coexist without driving each other crazy? A wry and moving contemplation of aging and the different types of love between women. Ferocious and irreverent!

How To: Absurd Scientific Advice For Common Problems – Randall Munroe (Released 2019)

If you prefer your edification and enlightenment on the light side, this is the book for you! The world’s most entertaining and useless self-help guide, full of impractical advice.

All The Wrong Moves – Sasha Chapin (Released 2019)

A memoir about chess, love and ruining everything. This story traces the rollicking two-year journey to becoming a chess master. Well written and laugh out loud funny life lessons for anyone seeking glory!

Who Says You’re Dead – Jacob M Appel (Oct 2019)

Medical and ethical dilemmas are posited for the curious and concerned. This book offers up the conundrums and asks readers, what would you do? Short and engaging scenarios with a broad range of answers.

I’m Judging You: The Do Better Manual – Luvvie Ajayi (Released 2019)

The author, a comedian, activist and popular blogger serves up necessary advice for the masses in this hilarious book of essays. A handbook the world needs.

Loserthink: How Untrained Brains Are Ruining America – Scott Adams (Nov 2019)

Showcasing the epidemic of sneaky mental habits trapping its victims in their own bubbles of reality. If we fall down the rabbit hole of social media, even the best of us can slip into its seductive grasp.

Are You Kidding Me?! – Lesley Crewe (Released 2019)

A collection of newspaper columns published by this humorist over the years. Her wit is razor sharp and ocean wide! Covering everything from the humiliations of breast pumping to the indignations of aging.

Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice – Ali Wong (Oct 2019)

Her heartfelt and hilarious letters to her daughters cover everything they need to know of life. From the unpleasantness of dating, working in a male dominated profession to trapping a good man. Fierce and funny.

The Bucket/F*ckit List: Things To Do, Or Not. Whatever. – Sara Kinninmont (Released 2019)

The title really says it all doesn’t it? Great for conversation starters or party games. Over 3,000 ideas and choices.