Staff Picks 2017 Roundup!
The most popular staff favorites from this year
We posted them, and you liked them! These are the top liked and saved staff picks from social media in 2017. From books about political activism to discourses on love, our wonderful employees sure know how to pick ‘em!
See our full list of staff picks here!
#1) Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis
“In her latest book, civil rights leader and champion of social justice Angela Yvonne Davis talks about America’s unfair treatment towards Palestine and connects the struggles of African Americans with the struggles of Arabs living in Palestine in terms of getting social justice. She shows how African American and Palestinian communities can create a solidarity movement by learning from each other. This is a must read book of 2017.” — Ayan I. (Main Floor Staff)
#2) Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
“Eating animals is a good read, but honestly don’t read unless you want to be convinced to never eat meat again.” — Michael M. (Main Floor Staff)
#3) Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman by Miriam Horn
“This book is full of storytelling that is both important and beautifully written. Horn deeply connects readers to those who make their lives off the land and see firsthand our growing environmental threats. Read it and support our planet (please!).” — Leigh A. (Marketing Director)
#4) A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut
“Vonnegut brilliantly describes the American climate with sharp satire and vitality. His last published work during his lifetime, this collection of essays recounts the Bush administration, specifically calling out actions and intentions of our leaders and media. An important read on politics and culture, for now and always.” — Aislinn K. (Main Floor Staff)
#5) How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran
“Set against a post-Thatcher working class rural England, Joanna Morrigan’s dive into the world of music journalism is demanding on her: financially, emotionally, even physically. Caitlin Moran, through bawdy wit and wild emotion, boldly draws a young woman navigating the different facets of her identity, it’s intersection with art and politics, and what it means to become yourself.” — Kyle T. (Main Floor Staff)
#6) The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm
“Running through New York with your woes? Doing great in a relationship? Single? This discourse on love is for anyone and everyone. Love is a lofty subject to write about and Fromm does it with grace and fluidity.” — Mordecai M. (Main Floor Staff)
#7) The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano
“This semi-autobiographical novel orbits around two poets who come of age in Mexico City. They become true bohemians, and the book is full of beautiful people who stink, who are missing teeth, and who steal from bookstores (shameful!). It is also threaded through with an encyclopedic and almost mystical love of poetry and literature. it is hard to overstate the impact it had on me, so if you’re looking for a big novel to take on, I think this is the one!” — Brett B. (Basement Staff)
#8) Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson
“ This verse novel tackles the concepts of family, identity, sexuality, and more. Combining allusions to Greek mythology, rhapsodic language that rolls endlessly around in your brain post-read, fascinating geological settings, and the details of a burgeoning homosexual romance, the novel perfectly encapsulates the torments of a Bildungsroman while giving the reader a glimpse of the regular life of Geryon, a red boy with wings.” — Janna J. (Marketing Staff)
#9) The Crooked House by Agatha Christie
“One of Agatha Christie’s own personal favorites, this classic whodunit features some of her most delectable characters…and certainly one of her most shocking and controversial plot twists. This often overlooked mystery is classy, engaging, and baffling from beginning to end. Keep an eye out for the film version starring Glenn Close!” — Spencer R. (Tables/ Visual Merchandising Staff)
#10) The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
“2 words: Witches and Whiches. More words: The Phantom Tollbooth has adventure, humor, and more wordplay than The Mathmagician can wave his wand at. i recommend this modern classic to readers of all ages looking to get out of the Doldrums and take a journey through The Land Beyond! Plus there’s pictures!” — Casey (Shipping Department Staff)
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