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2016 Staff Favorite
Lindy West's vulnerable and hilarious memoir explores a range of feminist issues, but at its core tells the story of a woman finding her voice and her purpose. It is a book that made me feel not only understood, but celebrated.
-Miranda
2016 Staff Favorite
My only proof that Life Breaks In was written with an audience in mind is in Cappello's play with language. Depression, for instance, used to be known as "the exactingly physical, 'jaw fall'; or the bluntly negating 'unlust.'" Otherwise, Cappello's most circuitous and literate account of our moods' what and wherabouts is fluctuant and unconcerned as mood itself. "Depression," it turns out, "is not so much a mood as it is a refusal to give oneself over to mood's unpredictable changeability." Nuance and amorphism are key, not just to figuring out who we are, but that we are. Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" plays an important role, as well. Life Breaks In does what the essay claims to do: it tries, before it knows, and in doing so instills in us desire to try, too. To try what, exactly? That's up to you.
-Colin
"Flowers changed the face of the planet. Without them, the world we know - even man himself - would never have existed."
From "The Immense Journey: An Imaginative Naturalist Explores the Mysteries of Man & Nature," chosen by bookseller Katy
2016 Staff Favorite
The Genius of Birds is a marvelous collection of facts, anecdotes, and observations on bird intelligence, cognition, and communication. A fascinating read for everyone, not just bird-watchers and scientists. The information on the navigational abilities of birds is particularly riveting. Read and amplify your avian awareness!
-Rich