Victoria

I love pretty cookbooks, but I especially love cookbook authors who connect us to their rich family heritage, provide gorgeous recipes that are easy to make and share their passion for gathering around the table on every page. -Victoria

This is a gorgeous and thoroughly entertaining read! Derby creates sumptuously beautiful and unbridled illustations that children are sure to delight in. An absolute feast for the eyes, with a few life lessons on manners tossed in! -Victoria

Beaton (Hark! A Vagrant and the hilarious The Princess and the Pony,) brings a completely different topic to light in this graphic narrative. I really enjoyed this part of her life being told graphically. She captures the interpersonal relationships of the workers in a very authentic way and what people must sacrifice in their lives to gain employment. She also is adept at sharing the duality of the Canadian wilderness and its preservation and how the oil sands are inextricably tied to the degradation of the environment and the implications of short-term profit at the expense of the landscape. -Victoria

This is Viola's story in her own words. What resonated most about this book for me was that despite all of the success she has had, along with all of the talent she possesses, Viola reminds us that sometimes the greatest struggle is the one we have with ourselves. As you might imagine, this book is raw, unfiltered and brutally honest. I love her self-reflection and the way she navigates and comes to terms with the complicated relationships we have with our families; how we love but how we also truthfully reconcile pain. This book is steeped in stories, which Davis admits to herself, she loves. I do, too. I felt as though I was sitting right with her as she is making her peace with her past and promises for her future. -Victoria

This book is a hoot! From the hilariously drawn dogs entertaining each other, to the stealth cat adorned in headband and suspicion, kids will love all of the questions and conversations you can solicit with them on each page. I loved that it was a counting book but also that children have the opportunity to count back from ten to one. The humor is subtle so adults will also enjoy this one and the pages are action-packed to keep even the youngest reader engaged. 10 out of 10! -Victoria

Processing the last two years in America is a feat, let alone the past two hundred. In this photographic journey, one of America's most treasured documentary filmmakers has selected moments in history that resonate with telling the story of this country. I love how not all images are pivotal defining moments; some are simply recollecting everyday life. What's evident is that while the country is relatively new compared with others, it has shared some defining times that are quintessentially American. Seeing this journey in photographs highlights the complexity and struggles, the harrowing moments in history as well as the joyous occasions. Burns last picture is one of hope; that through all of the struggle there is still that propensity towards hope. -Victoria

If you've followed the rise of Tabitha Brown on social media, you know what an unending source of joy and positivity she is. Her love of vegan food (and humanity) shines through in the introductions to her recipes and in her "Tabisms" throughout her book. I especially liked the soup section (perfect for right now) as several of her recipes are very unique. One word of caution: if you are a cook who loves to follow a recipe with precision, this is not the book for you. There are no measurements in this book because, as the title suggests, we are cooking with our spirit (which is exactly how I like to throw down in the kitchen!) -Victoria

The intergenerational joy and relationships cultivated with community and nature are just beautiful in this story. Illustrator of one of my favorite picture books, "The Journey," Sanna's use of color and comic style vignettes on some pages add to the richness of the story. Love, loss, warmth, family, community connectedness and using your past to create a better future are bursting out of the pages of this book. -Victoria

This was an intricately-woven page turner brimming with rich details and beautifully realistic and broken characters. Themes of generational trauma, familial histories and mystical intrigue envelop the plot which is extremely well developed. -Victoria

This books brings home the Greek quote, "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” MacAskill argues for us to think about others, all over the world and imagine what a world looks like where we invest in the future of humanity. While some of the work he covers is not new material, this is a great ethically focused overall argument to add to the canon. -Victoria

This is a great short memoir about two incredibly talented humans who took a risk, poured their hearts into their art and never stopped grinding. The sparse language, authentic storytelling and illustrations will resonate with young people adamant on carving out their own individual paths in life; and those navigating the larger world while always striving to stay true to themselves. -Victoria

I love the way Sedaris can bring so much humor and levity to the commonplace. His essay on gun control was heartfelt, but not preachy. He unpacked the pandemic with tact, keen observation and truth. While his essays ebbed and flowed and I didn't enjoy every one as much as another, I gleaned something from each one and it was a great read. -Victoria

I'm a big fan of Ed Yong's work and this one is no exception. It's vast in animal knowledge (there is so much information, you may have to re-read pages). It's also so accessible and he always does the leg work for us so everything is distilled into pure gold. What I loved most about this book is how he measures all of the creatures he describes by their own incredible feats and not simply how they measure up to the way humans define them. Many are sentient in ways we can barely begin to understand and Yong points out many times that the ways some of these animals function is unclear- a true scientist! -Victoria

Former Executive Editor of Essence magazine and a 1619 Project contributor, Villarosa pens a compelling argument against what she had believed for decades: that the problem of adverse Black health outcomes in healthcare were because of a lack of education and poverty. After reading a study by Dr. Harold Freeman, she changed her mind concluding that education, wealth and access to good healthcare still did not equate to equitable treatment within the healthcare system. This is an illuminating and meticulously well-researched book that explores racism and bias in the healthcare system like no other I know of. -Victoria

Never having read any of Backman's other books besides A Man Called Ove, I wasn't really sure what to expect with this one. As someone who enjoys looking through other people's windows at night on a dog walk (not in a creepy way, but rather just to watch from afar how their silhouettes eat dinner and mill around,) I like to speculate what their lives are like, so I was really drawn to this story. Backman meanders at times but creates strong, life-like characters with flaws and strengths we might find resonate in all of us. it is brutally honest at times and funny in other parts. I really enjoyed this read and it was a good reminder to always offer grace as we never know what life challenges other people have been through or are currently facing. -Victoria

This is a very heartfelt memoir documenting ten orphaned Irish siblings and the seemingly impossible feat of their widowed father navigating raising said posse. It's hilarious at times and littered with the Irish politics that defined that era; including a story of the family's windows getting blown out by the IRA. There were definitely elements of my childhood in this memoir that resonated. It's a little Father Ted mixed with Derry Girls with a hint of Angela's Ashes. -Victoria

I had no idea who Conan O'Brien's assistant was before I read this book and I must admit I was drawn to the title and the cover picture. I have loved Conan's writing from The Simpsons, to SNL, to his late-night show, so I was intrigued to see who he would hire in an assistant. Turns out she's a sassy-mouthed, VW-lovin, Armenian-American who revels in mediocrity at the best of times and getting the job done only when it's absolutely necessary. The World's Worst Assistant turns the notion of a work ethic on its head and repriotizes a balance of social and professional life-balance. The book, while documenting a somewhat unorthodox boss and assistant relationship, is hilarious and offers insight into O'brien's career which was a solid bonus. -Victoria

A gripping story about the strategies used to take on one of the world's corporate behemoths. The risk small landowners, activists and lawyers took to fight is evident throughout and this is an incredibly well-written page-turner. -Victoria

This book packs a punch of vegan knowlege, realistic recipes and bold flavors that will appeal to vegans and meat-eaters. I've tried several recipes in the book so far and have been really impressed with the final meals! -Victoria

It's only been two years since we lost this incredible testament to the American spirit of resilience, hope and equity. It is hard to fathom that even toward the end of his life, in some of the country's darkest days, John Lewis was still full of tempered grace, light and hope for the future. This book is brimming with his vast wisdom; acquired over many decades and is a wonderful read for young adult and older readers alike. May we always be looking for "good trouble!" -Victoria

This book is about Megan's rise to soccer stardom but more importantly about her commitment to equity and standing up (or kneeling) for what she believes in. I'm a huge fan of Rapinoe and while there were more details I would have liked to learn about her life, I enjoyed this quick read. This book has also been adapted for young adult readers. -Victoria

This is a great short, insightful little read about thriving despite struggle, falling down seven times and standing up eight. Knowing that life is rarely smooth sailing, this is a great primer on perseverance. -Victoria

This was a richly detailed, emotionally-charged book about family, regrets, obligations, being an outsider, taking your best shot at the American dream and living with the fallout. The character development was so realistic and the book really took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I would highly recommend it! -Victoria

This is a beautifully written debut spanning multiple generations about family, mental health, sexuality and magical realism. Side note; the author is also an illustrator and designed the gorgeous front cover which I must admit first drew me in. I think the cover richly depicts the beauty and content of the vignettes inside. Can't wait to read more and see where this author goes with her next book! -Victoria

Previously published in 1964 with photographs by Richard Avedon, this essay is published here as a stand-alone. Baldwin's ability to analyze, quantify and prophesize American societal constructs are always insightful, honest and ahead of his time. Though written during the Civil Rights Movement, this essay is just as relevant and well-worth reading today. -Victoria

Neruda's expansive poetic questions paired with Valdivia's bold and folkloric illustrations are an exquisite combination. The curiosity of childhood expressed by this beloved poet will appeal to all ages. -Victoria

What an absolutely stunning book! The text is sparse and the illustrations are riveting; showcasing the importance of one of our most valuable commodities; water! I love how the pictures incorporate us humans as part of nature as opposed to being the overlords of our planet. There is so much wonder and reverence in this book. A perfect read during Earth Month, Earth Day or any day! if you like this title, try A River, by Marc Martin. -Victoria

This is a gorgeous book of delicious Korean vegan recipes that are easy to replicate. Equally wonderful are the detailed family histories that exemplify how food and family are interwoven and how special signature family recipes can almost feel like we're reviving a sacred time and place at the dinner table with our loved ones who originally created them. -Victoria

What an incredibly innovative story of a girl, some ghouls and breaking down the fourth wall! The juxtaposition of the gorgeous reality and furniture of an old house with the surreal ghosts is stunning and I've never read a picture book with translucent pages and added surprises before. I love Oliver's picture books but this is definitely one of my favorites! -Victoria

2020 was unprecedented. The news rarely had anything good to say and we're still on our way out of a social isolation experiment that has profoundly impacted the way we connect. Melding the pandemic, what has changed and what is painfully still the same for a black family in America, this book delves in and out of living and loving. The sparse text is brought to life when needed and muted at times by explosive and illuminating illustrations. I would read the back of a cereal box if it was written by Jason Reynolds. Though his words are few in this book, he has distilled them into what really matters. -Victoria

As a child, I was an avid collector of woodlice; observing their habits and putting them up in makeshift "habitat hotels" to experiment with their dietary needs and preferences. Needless to say I more than appreciated Tales from the Ant World. Edward O.Wilson is the ant king and instead of painting these insects in a good or bad light, he simply documents them with impeccable accuracy and detail. This is a fascinating read about a fantastically curious mind with almost 50 years of experience. -Victoria

This is one of the best children's books I've read about coming to terms with a relative with memory loss. The intergenerational connection between the grandchild and grandfather is realistic and beautiful. The author captures the feelings a family unit has when they witness their loved one gradually becoming a shell of their former self. The illustrations are gorgeous and artistically amplify the hopeful story that unfolds. All ages will appreciate this book. -Victoria

This paper-thin pocket-sized manifesto highlights the inequity in climate change and amplifies ways we can get involved to advocate for real change. A great quick read. -Victoria

This was such a raw, honest and hopeful book about making sense of our past to put our best selves forward into the future. I couldn't get enough of this book. -Victoria

Although not like the other prolific fictional works of Didion, this book examines the timeline of grief after we lose someone close in an interesting and solitary way. While some references to her ritzy lifestyle were lost on me, I appreciated many merits of this one. -Victoria

This is a simple but absolutely stunning little story about leaving your motherland and hoping for a brighter future. The text, though sparse soundly resonates and aligns perfectly with the richly detailed and beautiful illustrations. -Victoria