From bodega cats and bird anatomy to Emily Wilson on the art of translation—our nonfiction picks are as wide-ranging as the readers who will love them.
The latest from Atlas Obscura tours the weird and wonderful across 50 states, five territories, and Washington, D.C.—in the latter, visitors can dial up knock-knock jokes, kid jokes, and random thoughts via the public Jokes Phone. The World Famous Crochet Museum, a former photo-processing booth in Joshua Tree, Calif., is packed with dozens of works by anonymous fiber artists. Themed sidebars, such as a mini guide to folk-art hub Lucas, Kans., encourage deep-dive excursions.
The latest in Rothman's popular Anatomy series is a sweeping, hand-lettered look at food sources and feather patterns, vision and vocalization, and courtship, conservation, and more. She delights in avian minutiae, illustrating, for instance, eight collective nouns (a charm of finches; a siege of herons) and 11 beak shapes (e.g., filter-feeding, fish-catching, and seed-cracking). The subject is close to Rothman's heart: her dad, who cameos in the book, leads bird walks in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx.
This winning roundup profiles the lives and careers of dozens of working felines across New York City neighborhoods. Though it's illegal to keep pets in a business that serves food—store names and addresses are withheld from the book—shop owners have long used cats as organic pest control. Evocative photos by Kilkis pair with Rimada's commentary on how bodega cat culture reflects the diverse, busy city; a cat's name "is not always a settled fact. It depends on who is speaking, what language they use, what shift they work, and how long they have known the cat."
In this dazzling exploration, Wilson, bestselling translator of Homer's Odyssey (2018) and Iliad (2023), serves as an intrepid guide to the storm-tossed seas of literary translation. She acknowledges that modern culture influences interpretations of ancient texts but urges readers and translators to instead "open ourselves to the strangeness of the past, and allow it to change us." Buoyant, accessible analyses and dynamic examples make this essential reading.
For this cozy collection of classic diner fare, actor Patterson draws inspiration from his childhood in New Jersey diner country and his role as Gilmore Girls diner owner Luke Danes. Behind-the-scenes info and Easter eggs for show fans pop up throughout: the Discontinued Monte Cristo refers to an obsolete menu item featured in one episode, while Connecticut Paella and New England clam chowder both nod to the show's Northeast setting.
In this frank account, Girls cocreator Dunham takes an unsparing look at the physical and emotional costs of her first decade in the spotlight, wincingly taking stock of all the ways she ignored signals to slow down. Though the subject matter is heavy, Dunham's self-deprecating humor and penchant for gossipy anecdotes provide crucial counterweight. Fans of Girls will welcome this dispatch from, as Dunham's character Hannah Horvath put it, "a voice of a generation."
Coddington came to public attention for her steadfast, unpretentious turn in the 2009 Vogue documentary The September Issue. Her latest book spans the decade since she stepped down as the magazine's creative director and serves as a platform for the imaginative shoots she continues to produce. No matter how outlandish the scenario, she writes, there's one through line in her work: "You must see the dress. That's the contract. If you can't see the clothes, it's not a fashion picture—it's just a photograph."
Journalist Moor defines trees as "a way of being" in this impassioned examination of their history and biology. Since human ancestors lived among their branches, trees have shaped humanity's sense of time, self, and life, the author contends. Moor's nature writing, which synthesizes reportage and philosophy, is beautiful and refreshingly original.
Spanning two centuries, this collection touches on both historical moments and significant photographers from around the world, seeking to capture the medium's impact on art, science, nature, celebrity, politics, and society. Herschdorfer includes well-known photographers like Man Ray and Diane Arbus, and famous images like Eadweard Muybridge's 1878 photoset of a galloping horse, and offers rarer treasures as well, such as Rosalind Franklin's first photo of a DNA molecule, in 1952, and a set of 1915 Autochrome color photos by Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii capturing traditional Russian culture.
Blending poetry, prose, science, and vibrant art by Alaska writers and artists, Alaska Literary Field Guide is a stunning celebration of the landscapes and wildlife of the Last Frontier.
A gorgeous exploration of Beatrix Potter’s botanical art. Through illustrations from her beloved gardens, learn how each plant inspired the literary world of Peter Rabbit and friends.
Heaven isn't a distant hope to cling to—it's a reality that changes how you live today. "Heaven for Today" is your invitation to let the life to come transform the life you're living right now.
Discover the story behind the exclusive Hot Wheels ’68 Camaro with never-before-seen concept art, designer interviews, and the creativity that fuels every Hot Wheels car.
The fifth book in the bestselling Mindfulness Essentials series, a back-to-basics collection from world-renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh that introduces everyone to the essentials of mindfulness practice. With sections on healing, relief from nonstop thinking, transforming unpleasant sounds, solitude, being peace, and more, How to Relax includes meditations you can do to help you achieve the benefits of relaxation no matter where you are.
Told he was too small, David Eckstein became a two-time World Series champion and 2006 World Series MVP. His memoir shows how grit and character can take you further than anyone expects.
Beautiful Bonnie Connelly of Hot Springs, Arkansas, admits killing her first husband—but not the second or third. In Killer Wife, Bitty Martin (author of the award-winning true crime book Snake Eyes) untangles the mysteries of Bonnie’s many fatal loves for the first time. Featuring gripping storytelling, in-depth research, and interviews with victims’ family members, this page-turning true tale of murder is the only account of the attractive Southern woman who preferred a bullet to a divorce.
Magic Hour at Disney explores Disneyland and Walt Disney World at dusk, when fading sunlight and park lights shine together, revealing how atmosphere and design create storytelling in the sky above Main Street.
Explore the remarkable history of American Girl through rare archival art, letters, product designs, and stories celebrating one of America's most beloved brands.
The secret to happiness is to acknowledge and transform suffering, not to run away from it. Here, Thich Nhat Hanh offers practices and inspiration transforming suffering and finding true joy. Thich Nhat Hanh acknowledges that because suffering can feel so bad, we try to run away from it or cover it up by consuming. We find something to eat or turn on the television. But unless we’re able to face our suffering, we can’t be present and available to life, and happiness will continue to elude us.
Philippe Halsman: The French Crate presents the rediscovered glass-plate negatives by legendary photographer Philippe Halsman, capturing the development of his style and life in 1930s Paris.
Vibrant Vietnamese entertaining made easy, with wildly creative recipes, show-stopping party boards, interactive feasts, and innovative cocktails designed to bring everyone to the table.
Seasoned activists Annie Leonard and André Carothers explore how peaceful protest has shaped our world—and why protecting this essential democratic right matters more than ever.
A New York Times and USA Today Bestseller. Explore how psychedelic therapy can address anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges, from two leaders in the field of trauma treatment.
After a childhood health crisis, David Stelzer helped transform his family's Oregon farm into Azure Standard, building a major organic food company rooted in clean food, healthy soil, faith, and grit.
From falconry to fishing and climbing to surfing, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard reflects on sport, business, and environmental activism in this eclectic portrait of a unique life well lived.
Sun Cheese offers a hopeful answer to biodiversity loss, wildfire, and climate disruption. All humans can help cool the climate with better knowledge of ecology that is informed by highly productive paleolithic land and seascapes.
A fully illustrated book that explores how to rebuild society from scratch if the modern world disappeared tomorrow. With thought-provoking ideas from science, art, engineering, and more, it’s an imaginative guide to reestablishing the world.
Best-selling author and translator Emily Wilson has captivated millions with her translations of The Odyssey and The Iliad. Here, she explores why Socrates trial and death have mattered for more than 2,400 years
Destroy the demons hiding in everyday life. This powerful 90-day devotional equips readers to recognize spiritual attacks, confront darkness, break strongholds, and walk in lasting freedom.
Have you ever had an experience you feel you have to precede with, “I know this sounds crazy, but . . .?” Novelist Bonnie Nazdam explores the strange stories we tell—and how they might help us heal.
The Plum Village Cookbook offers something increasingly rare in contemporary food culture: an invitation to slow down. The recipes are simple, nourishing, and deeply appealing.""—bryant terry, James Beard Award–winning author of Vegetable Kingdom Offering a unique blend of mindfulness and culinary creativity inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the serene lifestyle of Plum Village, this is a great companion for those who seek harmony in both food and life.
Dinesh D’Souza explores archaeology, history, and ancient discoveries that illuminate the world of the Bible, offering a compelling case for the reliability of Scripture and its enduring significance.
When America went to war, so did Walt Disney. From 1941 to 1945, his dream factory joined the Allied arsenal, creating training films, propaganda, and insignia that educated troops and sustained the American spirit.
A luminous collection of essays from Riverhorse Nakadate—angler, musician, conservationist, and lifelong nomad—whose devotion to wild places and the healing power of water pulses through every page.
