Strand Summer Staff Picks
There is no greater way to find your next great read than to ask a bookseller. Spending a substantial amount of time in the stacks gives every bookseller a special knowledge of books that is just waiting to be tapped into. So every week, we feature a #StaffPickFriday from Strandies with recommendations that will undoubtedly grow your TBR to amazing heights. Here we’ve rounded up the latest collection of books that Strand staff is reading.
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
Pretty much the first ever book my kid has voluntarily put down his phone to read on the train. Must be a smash…— Uzodinma, shipping
Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
This might be one of my favorite Neil Gaiman books. It’s pretty short, and you can probably read it easily in a day or two, but it will stay on your mind much long. Reading it felt like being in a dream, and sometimes a nightmare. The slightly supernatural tones enhance but do not overshadow the overall message of the power stories in the light and dark parts of life. — Andrea K., marketing team
Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
A tender and beautiful story of self-realization and finding one’s place in the world that feels small but hugely meaningful at the same time. I first read it at a really crucial point in my life, and to this day it brings me the same feelings of self-understanding and motivation I needed to move on when I felt at odds with everything around me. — Adrian, visual merchandising
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
McNamara’s passion for justice shines through each word, brining into the light a killer whose crimes for so long were unconnected, and whose name the nation never knew. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark should be at the top of everyone’s TBR pile, true crime enthusiast or not. — Andrea C., main floor
The Gone-Away World by Nick Harkaway
Nick Harkaway’s debut novel will leave you gasping for air from all the excitement and verve it has to offer. Each turn of the page is a maniacal joyride into the post-apocalyptic wasteland, populated by characters woven together with such imagination. Epic, hilarious, and unapologetic, Nick Harkaway’s novel is a great addition to science fiction.” Dom, Web Developer
Sexographies by Gabriela Wiener
This is undoubtedly one of the best books I’ve ever read. Gabriela Wiener is the Peruvian Carrie Bradshaw only about a thousand times more daring and introspective. The topics she explores are Vice-worthy (and sex/gender inclusive) but without the exploitation or cheap shock value. I deeply admire her ethics as a journalist because she refuses to examine others’ lives in a removed or self-superior way, causing her own life to be transformed through her interactions. — Janna, Marketing team
There There by Tommy Orange
There There sheds light on pieces of history that often feel glossed over, told through a captivating and downright stunning story. The book follows 12 characters on their travels to the Big Oakland Powwow — their struggles, memories, heartbreak. The 12 characters are each such individuals and their connections to one another are so powerful. Tommy Orange pulls at your heart strings and doesn’t let go until the very last page (be prepared with tissues!). — Leigh, Communication Director
Chocolates for Breakfast by Pamela Moore
Hailed as the sexier, more controversial marriage of The Bell Jar and The Catcher in the Rye, Chocolates For Breakfast grapples with what it means to find enchantment in your life. Moore, only 18 years old when she wrote the novel, speaks to an inter-generational truth about the irreplaceable magic and melodrama of being young, naive, and confused. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wished for more bisexual representation in literature, tried to navigate the world of sex, drugs, and alcohol as a teenager, or had to explain “the difference” between Los Angeles and New York. — Ray C., main floor
Spinning by Tillie Walden
It is a beautiful and ageless graphic novel, perfect for young readers. Her narrative voice and soft art style make this tender coming out story a must read. — Nick, Events team
Solaris by Stanislaw Lem
Solaris is a trip into the frighteningly unknown. The story follows a psychologist named Kelvin as he travels to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris, known for its ocean that seems to control the planet’s orbit. Instead of finding a group of researchers busily studying the strange surface below, he finds locked doors, peculiar noises, and two scientists on the brink of insanity. Before long, Kelvin falls under the influence of the planet’s strange powers, and begins to question his own sanity when he’s visited by his wife –his wife, who died ten years ago. Gripping, eerie, and wonderful, this page-turning book builds a detailed world filled with probing questions into the human psyche. I also recommend Tarkovsky’s 1972 film adaptation. — Cynthia, Events team
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
This book is so much fun! Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero is basically a Scooby-Doo or Hardy Boys book for adults. Cantero is not a native English speaker and still writes better dialogue than 90% of writers! It’s got a great 80’s vibe, Lovecraftian themes (sans racism) and characters that make you want to keep reading. I cannot wait to see what this author does next! — Tim, visual merchandising
Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer
As expected with anything associated with Jeff Vandermeer, the ‘Wonderbook’ is an entirely different beast. It stands apart from most other writing technique books that can often disguise themselves as memoirs, workbooks, or just step-by-step lists. While you could skim through this book for the particular part you’re looking for, to skip over portions of this book would be a disservice. It covers most of what you would expect in brainstorming, characterization, world-building, and the importance of point of view. However, the beautiful illustrations and portions added by writers from Neil Gaiman and Lev Grossman to George R.R. Martin and Ursula LeGuin make this book a standout. For any writer, it is a gem to have on your shelf. — Christine, visual merchandising
