June 2023

I intend to take some great trips and eat outstanding food this summer, and I had to grab a copy of this travelogue for foodies. Bourdain was such a gifted writer, and it pains me that we lost such a remarkable human being. RIP, Tony.

A beleaguered professor of creative writing and literature at a small and not very distinguished liberal arts college in the Midwest finds his once-promising writing career is in the doldrums. Told in a series of hilarious letters of recommendation the professor is endlessly called upon by his students and colleagues to produce. Each one of which is a small masterpiece of high dudgeon, low spirits and passive-aggressive strategies.

Everyone knows that timing is everything. But we don't know much about timing itself. Drawing on a rich trove of research from psychology, biology and economics, Pink reveals how best to live, work and succeed. Very readable narrative packed with irresistible stories and practical takeaways that give readers compelling insights into how we can live richer, more engaged lives. I’ve already implemented several of the ideas – beginning with prioritizing lunch and siestas!

Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars and a fork-tongued princess are but a few of the truly brilliant stories included in this collection of fairy tales, written by the creator of the popular Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact. Written by teens for teens, this book is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples and stories of real-life “rebel”utionaries in action.

Perfect for tweens. Half-witch Kiki never runs from a challenge. So when her thirteenth birthday arrives, she's eager to follow a witch's tradition: choose a new town to call home for one year. But gaining the trust of the locals is trickier than she expected. Forging new friendships and building her inner strength, Kiki ultimately realizes that magic can be found in even the most ordinary places.

Benny faces many uphill battles throughout this inspiring chapter book. His brother has autism and his father is in the hospital, but Benny focuses on helping others in order to overcome his pain. Children will learn about coping with adversity and developing inner strength.

Join Tim and his friends on a treacherous journey across the seas in the laugh-out-loud funny, highly illustrated third book of the highly popular Once Upon a Tim series.

When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy’s plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That’s because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Newbery Honor recipient Larson teams up with debut illustrator Shinji Fujioka to create a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer – and to unexpected friendships.

In this exploration of what it truly means to swim, expansive vignettes introduce sandpipers, tannin-soaked lakes and the feeling of a small waterfall on sun-soaked shoulders. But what about those who are afraid of the water’s mysterious ways and resist learning to swim? Painting a compelling picture of the many joys and surprises that the water holds, author/illustrator Wong creates a poetic journey that invites children to discover their confidence within to receive the warmth and wonder of the natural world.