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"I want to eat this whole book! Beautiful, achievable Indian food. A must have for every kitchen!" Recommended by Lauren.
"Brilliant! Min-Blowing! Heart-opening! I got it now. Thanks. Wow." -Recommended by Alena
"Part memoir, part cultural essay, this book is actually an ode to passion, enthusiasm, fandom, obsession, and joy - wherever you find it. Hilarious and insightful; as a self-professed nerd, I felt so seen!" -Recommended by Molly
"From the author of Quiet comes another AMAZING book! Boy, did I need to read it. Helped me open uo to my own bittersweet (which I had been closed to recently). I was surprised how uplifting I found this book. Feels so good to be re-opened." -Recommended by Alena
"It had been too easy for me to despair about the world until I found this book, which showed me hope is an action- not a fantasy, but a reality. FYI, the audio version has the added bonus of hearing Goodalls uplifting voice." -Recommended by Jeanette
"For lovers of David Bowie, Devo, and the Sex Pistols, this book is a visual diary from a photographer who has rocked as hard as the bands he features. Punk lives!" -Rob
"A beautiful mini-version of this gorgeous deck, with full tiny book! Take it with you in its tin. I love it!" -Alena
"Hear ye, hear ye, all you political lefties, avid gardeners, Orwell fans, and knowledge seekers: take a guided tour of interconnected realms you never knew existed. I love how Solnit leads us downunexpected paths and lets us marvel at what we discover enroute." -Jeanette
"Brilliant! Fun! Captivating! Pithy!" -Alena
"Be astounded by what it takes to overcome the inhumanity of imprisonment, to rise above it, and to create a thing of beauty." - Jeanette
This is not only an absorbing profile of an ichthyologist (I couldn't resist using that word!), but also a probing examination of what it means to find purpose in life. Recommended by Jeanette
If you, too, love the eastern side of the Sierras, you will follow Kendra's wandering trail with a heightened appreciation for the area. Recommended by Jeanette
This book has the power of a vision quest with its illuminations on Apache cultural history and the boom/bust cycles of a mining town. Recommended by Jeanette
Part poetry/part self-help, this book guides us to open our eyes to the details of life worth writing about and gives us tools to actually write about them. I picked this up and was immediately inspired. A great tool for the new poet and an affirmation to the veteran. Recommended by Rob
So much more than the title implies, this is really a work of philosophy. Full of insight, it explores new questions about how we think these days. Recommended by Christie
I can't imagine a more vital book for people seeking solutions to the socio-economic problems ravaging our country. Recommended by Jeanette
This isn't "another book on writing." It's a book that reminds us that it's ok to not be writing but if we want to be writing, there are doors and paths that can lead us out of the dark. Wild Words is:
Refreshing
EyeOpening
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
Recommended by Rob
A historical and cinematic narrative of non-fiction by a true master, The Splendid and the Vile is the story of Winston Churchill's most difficult years and his greatest triumphs, both worldly and domestic. The amazing Erik Larson hits it out of the park! Recommended by Rob
Enter the wonderful, wacky world of Tom Gauld and leave with a big smile on your face! In his new collection of cartoons, Gauld focuses his unique humor on the world of science with hilarious results. You might want 2 ... 1 for you and 1 for a friend. Recommended by Jane
I loved Orloff's book, The Empath's Survival Guide. Here's a lovely check-in and supportive guide for us sensitive souls. Read it daily or as needed -- with gratitude and joy. Recommended by Alena
A candid, cutting, hilarious, and oh-so-relatable take down of our tendency to celebrate dudes for doing the bare minimum. Stories and comics of bad texts, gaslighting, trash cats, dogpiles, Pygmalion, and more! Recommended by Molly
Confession: I'm only an armchair adventurer. My love of the outdoors doesn't extend to risky escapades, so I vicariously follow others on their treks -- and this one thrilled me. Recommended by Jeanette
Two amazing feats in one book:
1 - The author won a grueling horse race across Mongolia when all the odds were against her.
2- She keeps you racing along with her wondering how in the world she did it.
Recommended by Jeanette
It astounded me that a graphic novel could make the devastation of losing your home in a fire more real for me than any news account or photographs. If you live in Califoria and haven't prepared your emergency evacuation kit -- this will prompt you to do so. Recommended by Jeanete
More inspiration and solid ideas from the author brought us Steal Like an Artist. Recommended by Alena
Just wonderful*. And impossible to put down. *As is all Shapiro's writing. Recommended by Christie
Hilariously snarky (yet true) laugh-out-loud descriptions of 50 orth American birds, written by a professional birding amateur. Newver fails to bring a silly smile to my day. Recomended by Vera
A lovely, sensitively written meditation on grief and joy. Recommended by Christie
As always, her work is both timeless and exquisitely timely, as she explores the challenges and rewards of loving nature as our hearts break over it. Recommended by Christie
I'm turning 60 this year, and this book is just what I needed to hear! Encouraging, empowering, knowledgeable, and real. Like being in a group of women, led by Mary Pipher, who share their stories to support, harness growth and transformative, meaningful aging! Recommended by Alena
In the current onslaught of natural disasters, it's uplifting to read how people united by their desire literally to feed the masses after Hurricane Maria managed to succeed when Trump, FEMA, and even the American Red Cross failed miserably. Their story serves as a model for rethinking emergency relief measures and using a combo of good will and social media to help each other. Recommended by Jeanette
Down-to-earth tips for gardeners, plus a charming cover and interior illustrations designed by Mia Johnson, who grew up right here in Mendocino. Recommended by Jeanette
This is a story that everyone needs to read -- as citizens, as mothers, as neighbors. But it's also a story that everyone will WANT to read, because it's utterly captivating. I'm grateful to the author for her generosity in sharing her life so well. Recommended by Christie
You've read the statistics, but this personal story makes it relentlessly real what it is to lead a hardscrabble life in the midst of our times of increasingly politicized socioeconomic disenfranchisement. Recommended by Jeanette
I've always been a little obsessed with Mr. Rogers, and this book has caused a serious relapse. It captures the spiritual clarity, the commitment to unerring kindness, and the radical honesty that drew me as a child. And he was full of surprises! I love this book. Recommended by Christie
Small Fry is excellent -- She can really write. I'd read Lisa's story even if she'd had The World's Most Average Childhood ... which she didn't. Recommended by Christie
LOOK! They've added photographs. Beautiful. Recommended by Christie & Alena
Morbid? No way! This is an utterly fascinating look at how we as humans have widely different approaches to death. (Disclosure: I'm a huge fan of the author. Check out her "Ask a Mortician" You-Tube Series.) Recommended by Jeanette
MIND-BLOWING! Elegantly written. Deeply engaging. I actually listened to this book -- read Benedict Cumberbatch -- on my phone! Thanks to Libro.fm. Interested? Ask us how or follow the "All About Audio" link on our Front Page. Recommended by Alena
Thomas Moore who wrote Care of the Soul and Dark Nights of the Soul, now brings us a book on soul and aging. Need I say more? Recommended by Alena.
It's a fascinating look at an unsavory time in early modern history. Grann revisits the systematic killings of the Osage people and tells it with the mystique of an intense "whonunnit." And he writes with such character that the real people involved in the case become like sympathectic cast members in a mystery play. This is a must read for American History buffs and mystery lovers! Recommended by Rob
If you like plants, people, or science, this is for you! It's a lyrical memoir of life in and out of the lab that starts strong and just gets stronger. I loved it! Recommended by Christie
Amazing!!! Here's a forester from Germany whose love of nature from when he was six years old is reignited by what he experiences with trees -- how they communicate through their roots, scream at ultrasonic levels, feel pain, live as family groups, care for their elders and youngsters. Groundbreaking! Imagine a "managed" forest where machines are banned. It exists! Let's spread the word. Anyone who loves trees will love this book. Recommended by Alena & Christie
When you are ready to dive in and finally do some intense healing, this is the book for you. After laying out the scientific evidence, Wolynn gently walks you, step-by-step, through his path of revealing then healing your inheritied family trauma. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. Don't let the word "trauma" stop you from readin this book. Who knows what will be revealed and healed when you do! I LOVED this book!!! Recommended by Alena
Do yourself a favor and experience this heartrending account of what it truly means to grow up Black in this country. I can think of no more important book for every American to read. Recommended by Jeanette
For those whose "grieving" isn't primarily sadness. You are not alone. Recommended by Alena
Don't worry! Open this book and laugh your a** off.
Recommended by Emily & Alena
Mary Oliver has done it yet again. With trees, birds, rocks, sky and the everydayness of us, she still surporises me alive. Recommended by Alena
Hilarious and informative discussion of questions most of us would never think (or want) to ask. No subject is too outrageous to be given serious consideration, not even non-scientific ones like "Soul Mates", "Speed Bumps" or "The Loneliest Human". Reading is believing (and laughing out loud). Recommended by Emily & Terry
It's about keeping only what sparks your joy! Discard first -- by category, then organize. This quirky little book is: Riveting, Surprising, Funny, Dare I say -- A Pageturner! And it works -- I have already unloaded bags and bags of clothes, books, paper ... and I'm still going with a smile. Tidying IS contagious! Recommended by Alena
First, the seemingly irreverent title snagged my curiosity, then the author quickly reeled me in with her anecdotes about working in a crematorium. THIS IS NOT A MORBID BOOK. Intermixed with the droll humor is a love of life that will make you reconsider how our culture treats the dead. Recommended by Jeanette
Interested in doing National Novel Writing Month? This book will get you through it! It helped me write over 60,000 words last November. Recommended by Alena
A. B. Hammond, an unrivaled timber baron with activities centered in Humboldt County, converted public domain forests into private wealth. Building an empire on trees, from forest to finished lumber, his biography could be read as environmental, labor, and business history. Also a revealing look at the timber industries that founded Mendocino. Recommended by Katy
Stories of humans and animals, life and death, and beauty. With 11 Barry Moser illustrations adding to the reading experience it's a "keeper". I wish I could write like this. I can't ... so I'll enjoy Lopez's storytelling. Recommended by Katy
In the mid 20th century there were women who were called Dress Doctors. On radio shows, visiting women's clubs and in magazines they taught harmony proportion and balance while sewing clothes at home. Knowledge, not money, was the key to timeless fashion on a budget. Generations of women, myself included, grew up taking Home Economics and learning about color fabric and style as we sewed some of our own clothes. A fascinating look at America's fashion history (and it's decline...) Recommended by Katy
Forget your fear that a book about people in a slum will be too depressing. Although non-fiction, this reads like the best ficktion -- with complex characters who will thoroughly engage you. Recommended by Jeanette
I dare you! Open to any page in this book and fall in love with a poem. Billy Collins is fantastic as always. Funny and Brillian. He has an amazing capacity to turn the everyday into the unexpected. Be surprised! Recommended by Alena
With a foreword by Jesus Christ, offensive language and not-so-pc cocktail recipes, this book isn't for everyone. But we're not everyone, and we think this book is effing funny! P.S. Try the recipe on page 99. Recommended by Sichelle & Emily
Knocking on Heaven's Door by Katy Butler is the most important book you'll read about end-of-life medical care. We can't think of a single person who wouldn't benefit from reading this book! It's not just about dying, it's about life. Readable. Well-Researched. Thought Provoking. Mind-Opening. Honest. Hard to Put Down. Give it to your loved ones. Recommended by Sally & Alena
Just turn to page 8 and read the paragraph you find there. Recommended by Christie
This should be required reading for anyone ages 18 - 30. Hilarious and informative. Recommended by Emily
A young Victorian explorer goes on a quest to discover a then mythical beast ... the gorilla. He encounters swamps, snakes, cannibals and ritual sacrifices; and brings back stories and evidence of Gorillas that rocked Darwin's world. Recommended by Sichelle
Natalie Goldberg has done it again! Thank you Natalie. I feel connected with my writing again, with myself and the world. I feel connected with practice in a new and renewed way. A joy to read that includes the dark recesses too. Enjoy this book again and again. Recommended by Alena.
This is a fascinating comparison of traditional societies and modern / industrialized societies, based on decades of the author's experiences in the Pacific Islands. It includes personal anecdotes that add interest without romanticizing the societies of yesterday. Lots of food for thought! Recommended by Joan
I promise you will find this book inspiring, entertaining, enlightening and funny. This gem is a "keeper" to be re-read often! Recommended by Sally
Shaun Tan, popular illustrator of unique children's books (The Arrival & Tales of Outer Suburbia) shares his inspiring sketch book of unfinished drawings. Recommended by Sally
A beautiful book from a beautiful writer. When Terry Tempest William's mother died, she left her daughter a bookcase full of journals she had kept. They were all, surprisingly, blank. Empty. Here are 54 ruminations inspired by that mystery. Recommended by Alena.
I'm really glad I own this book. What a great resource -- it's validating, helpful, and wonderfully researched. It's great to know, as an introvert, I am not alone! I am not crazy! I am not anti-social! Cain provides insights and resources for being all you are -- out in the world, and in your own inner world. Recommended by Alena
Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, but armed with his Journal of Best Practices, David is determined to become the husband he was meant to be. A laugh-out-load "primer for all of us on how to be better partners." Recommended by Terry.
What an amazing story! 15 years old, with no blood claim to the throne, Catherine becomes the Grand Duchess of Russia, ruling Russia for over 30 years. An inspiring true-life fairy tale. Recommended by Sally