Staff Picks March 2024
In Her Own Words
Our top pick for Women’s History Month, Speaking While Female is a definitive collection of speeches by a Who’s Who of notable American Women—politicians, activists, abolitionists, suffragettes, philosophers, first ladies, and media megastars—curated and accompanied by historical context by a professional speechwriter and activist. This vital text is a necessary reminder of the power of the spoken word throughout American history.
Check out our Bookshop.org list for more WHM recs.
Cara
A razor-sharp, darkly whimsical tale of a college theater director’s obsession with a controversial Shakespearian play and a scathing commentary of how women with chronic illnesses are often treated.
Michael
The debut novel from poet Kaveh Akbar, follows Iranian-American writer Cyrus as he searches for answers to his family's tragic past via impromptu plane rides and Brooklyn performance art. Akbar deftly navigates Cyrus' obsession with death (or, more specifically, finding meaning in death) with equal parts humor and warmth.
Chris
Through a high-wire balance of speculative fiction, satire, and literary coming-of-age, Bertino spins a beautifully crafted and unfailingly engaging story of a girl whose astute and matter-of-fact commentary on youth, love, and belonging ricochets constantly between funny and sad and affirming.
Sierra
An emotionally detached skincare fanatic tries to sell her late mother's apartment but, instead, finds herself in a mysterious cliffside spa that promises the ultimate treatment. There, Mirabelle uncovers increasingly disturbing childhood memories, a strangely intuitive jellyfish, and a connection to her mother she thought had been lost.
Did we pique your interest?
Drop us a note to special-order any of these books, and we’ll set aside a copy for you to pick up at the shop.
