Katie likes reading coming-of-age stories, essays, books about the outdoors, and books about our mind & body. She also loves children's picture books!
A very beautifully written book that reads almost like a fable. Told in alternating voices from Leah, a scientist who gets trapped in a submarine with her crew, and Miri her wife who takes care of her after her return. This book explores our collective fears in a way that gets under your skin just the right amount.
With more depth than a typical cozy mystery, main character Claudia Lin (a queer- bookish- bike riding- New Yorker) takes it upon herself to investigate a murder, suspiciously tied to her place of employment. The set-up felt original and the characters were enjoyable. If you've ever said, "I could solve that," while listening to a true-crime podcast, this book is for you.
For fans of Jon Krakauer, author Erika Krouse tells a fascinating story about her journey as a private investigator for a Title IX case in collegetown USA. The way she moves between her own history, the victims stories, & the legal implications is effortless and engaging. You could choose to individually follow either of the threads throughout the book (Krouse's personal journey or the development of the legal case) for a great story; but woven together it's just so good.
content: abuse, rape
A quick moving story about two life-long friends navigating their childhood, teen, and adult lives. This story wonderfully illustrates common experiences of long-term friendships and has such a satisfying and touching ending.
TW: suicide
It's easy to be overwhelmed by the history of farming and agriculture in the United States; but this book guides you through the development of family farms, sharecropping, industrialization, factory farms, soil health, and much more. A recommended read for anyone who has an interest in sustainable farming/ agriculture and US history.
This is my favorite read in 2021. And maybe...ever? The ways the characters interact with each other and their community is so real and touching. The idiosyncrasies of Tookie working in an indie bookstore was the icing on the cake. I wanted to slowly read this book in hopes that it would never end.
A tale weaving together climate change, personal struggle & change, and a thrilling nautical adventure. A must read for anyone who loves being outdoors.
Libertie is a girl growing up at the end of the Civil War as a free person in NY. A fictional story, I found myself rooting for her to find her voice and place in her world. She's layered, nuanced, and I loved following her journey into adulthood. This is the first historical fiction book I have picked up in years and would definitely recommend it.
Author Alyssa Cole takes on gentrification in this thrilling novel set in Brooklyn. Cole weaves together a fast paced story of community, current events, and an unexpected relationship. This reminded me of the movie Get Out.
Local food writer Beth Dooley moves from New Jersey to Minnesota and discovers all of the community based agriculture that contributes to our developing food, coop, and farmers market scene. Part memior, part local food study, Dooley write a book that is essential reading for Minnesotans.
Hong weaves her personal experience with the broader Asian American experience. Her essays are full of history, emotion, and humor. Folks who enjoy reading memoirs, immigration stories, or witty personal anecdotes will love this collection.
I can imagine this book in every high school across the US. There are so many complicated topics covered in this book, but all are presented in an approachable way that begs for conversation.
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I loved starting my day with one of these short essays. Each one is full of heart, honesty, inspiration, and provides a sense of belonging. This is a book many of us can use right now.
This book provides judgement free support and a science based look into alcohol on our minds & bodies. If you're re-examining your relationship to alcohol, or are sober-curious, I highly recommend this book.
As we learn more and more about the mind-gut connection, we realize how much a healthy gut plays in our daily lives. No medical degree required for this book; just great information presented in bite sized
pieces.
A thrilling, true story about a subject we love so dearly: coffee. I learned so much about coffee farming, the resurgence of Yemeni coffee, and the dedication of one man to a place he loves. I would recommend this book to EVERYONE who considers themself a coffee drinker.
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For a book to hold my attention AND make me laugh out loud during pandemic time?? YES. This book is one of the funniest books I've read with very relatable stories for Midwestern Millennials.
This is the most encouraging, no pressure, intuitive "how-to" book I've read. Although the author's intention is to help you plan a low-maintenance garden that is good for the earth and your family, some of the lessons can easily be applied to your daily life, outside of the garden. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gardening and landscaping.
An adorable picture book that follows a girl going up on an elevator to party. She sees many friends from all walks of life. Adults will love that this book is friendly, imaginative, and demonstrates what a caring community might look like. Kids will love the silly pictures and easy to follow storyline.
From debut illustrator, Leah Nixon, comes a warm story of friendship between a boy and his dog. When the dog's day goes from the best day ever to the worst day ever, the boy demonstrates how to make it all better and cheers up his best friend.
Such a heartwarming, wordless picture book about a child and a grandmother working together to prepare their apartment for a new family. It's a sweet book with a welcoming message.