Mitchell S. Jackson
[isbn]
Brilliant wordsmith/storysmith Mitchell S. Jackson is coming to us with what on the surface looks like a beautifully-made sports fashion book — and it’s that, and more. It’s a fascinating history, a well-organized timeline, and most of all, an expansive celebration of a unique and empowering culture. This book is cool.
Recommended by Gigi L.
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Gloria Dickie
[isbn]
Bears are beloved, and terrifying, and worthy of careful and empathetic study (the human impact on bear life is both obvious and greater than you think)! Gloria Dickie takes us a thoughtful, thorough, and eminently readable tour of the eight remaining bear species, which is (of course!) a tour through the challenges and creative coping methods required for living on our increasingly complicated planet. Pick this one up if you're a fan of Fat Bear... (read more)
Recommended by Michelle C.
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Justice Williams and Roc Rochon and Lawrence Koval
[isbn]
I am an overweight, queer, BIPOC woman and this book hits home. Yes, I am fat. And yes, I love playing sports and working out. These things CAN exist in the same space. The fitness industry is finally changing and people like me are actually being treated like humans instead of being shamed and shunned. This book gave me hope.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Seimone Augustus and Kate Fagan and Sophia Chang
[isbn]
I am so excited for this cool, comprehensive history of women’s basketball! It covers just about everything, from Senda Berenson, the first woman to discover the game, to Candace Parker returning to Chicago and winning the 2021 WNBA championship. On top of all the history and info about the best teams, players, and coaches, the book is full of awesome illustrations by Sophia Chang. One of my favorite sections is The Movies That Should Have Been... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Richard Siken
[isbn]
Siken's poetry gives me words for emotions I didn't know other folks felt. His artistic mastery of language, imagery, and visceral detail lends itself to hard-hitting, beautiful verse. Flip through, even if you're not a poetry person. You might like it!
Recommended by Carlee B
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Kristen Jokinen, Cheryl Strayed
[isbn]
A remarkable and wondrous ride that feels like it never happens anymore, as if Cheryl Strayed's Wild were mixed with dreams and love and a miraculous spirit of exploration.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Haruki Murakami, Philip Gabriel
[isbn]
A meditation on the disciplines of running and writing. Murakami reflects upon what he draws on, and his motivation and passion for both. His memoir subtly intersects his development and current undertaking of these pursuits. He insightfully contemplates the synthesis of body and mind. If you like running, if you like Murakami, you should buy this book!
Recommended by Jack M
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Mike Prada
[isbn]
Basketball looks nothing like it did 75 years ago. This book goes in depth into the "3 point era" and the evolution of the game. I loved the feeling of nostalgia as I read about these players I grew up watching; like Karl Malone talking about running "pick-and-rolls," and how Scottie Pippen became the perfect player to put in against these tactics. This is such a fascinating read for anyone who loves basketball.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Alison Mariella Désir
[isbn]
Désir's feelings of alienation and "otherness" are so relatable to me as a BIPOC woman living in the PNW. The first few pages where she lines up the history of running as a sport alongside important moments in Black history is absolutely striking. Reading her words, I felt like I was running alongside her, cheering her on as she overcame depression while always carrying around the shared awareness BIPOC know so well: many spaces will not always... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Mary Oliver
[isbn]
Does Mary Oliver's heart beat slower to be able to capture the delicacy of a morning, getting out of bed, or walking outside like she does? I don't know and pardon if the question is distracting. What I mean to say is that reading her work makes my heart beat slower, helps me feel how my life is poetic too. Lots of gratitude for this person.
Recommended by Dana S.
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Julian Aguon
[isbn]
If I could, I would shelve this book in every applicable section, so as to get the maximum number of eyes on it! It is certainly welcome in the climate change section, as its overarching theme is the threat of rising seas to Guam and other Pacific Island nations. I'd also welcome it in US History, where you can learn about our government's treatment of Guam, its people, its resources. Literature Reference? Yep, the book is full of loving... (read more)
Recommended by Lesley A.
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Chris Herring
[isbn]
Need a hoops fix before the season starts? Blood in the Garden chronicles the rough-and-tumble New York Knicks teams of the 90s, arguably the best of many good-to-great teams unable to win a title during the Jordan era. Exhaustively researched by Chris Herring and spanning from the hiring of mercurial perfectionist Pat Riley to their miracle run to the 1999 Finals, this book is sure to provide New York fans something they can enjoy (even... (read more)
Recommended by John Ha
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Monte Burch and Joan Burch
[isbn]
This is the real deal, from making soap and sharpening knives to foraging and butchering. All the skills our great-grandparents had and we can use.
Recommended by Marianne T
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Wade Davis
[isbn]
I knew next to nothing about Colombia before reading this, and I am captivated! It helps that Wade Davis' love for the country shines through every word. The people of Colombia are the real stars, full of life and love and deeply held beliefs that tie them to the land and each other. It made me want to visit this jewel of South America.
Recommended by Lesley A.
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Roddy Scheer
[isbn]
In the Pacific Northwest, we’re gifted with so many natural wonders that it can be hard to keep track: enter Roddy Scheer’s indispensable guide. This book will be my personal tour guide for spring (and summer, fall, and winter, too).
Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Joe Posnanski
[isbn]
The Baseball 100 is perhaps the best baseball book I've read. Joe Posnanski makes the less interesting players fascinating (Kid Nichols, Arky Vaughan) and looks at those who've been written to death (Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams) from a new angle other writers haven't delved into. The Baseball 100 gives credit to Black players who never had a shot at the main limelight before Jackie Robinson and brings their stories to life. This... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Nick Offerman
[isbn]
Join Nick Offerman, Jeff Tweedy, and George Saunders on a journey to Glacier National Park. Offerman’s observations about conservation, history, and geology, and humorous musings about the area, will make you feel like you’re right alongside him, selecting gear from REI, sipping on coffee, and smelling the fresh air together with your pals.
Recommended by Kim T.
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Ben Detrick, Andrew Kuo
[isbn]
This is a highly opinionated and entertaining illustrated encyclopedia of all the things that make the NBA so fun to watch. It contains player profiles, historical tidbits, statistics, and colorful graphs. It is sure to be a hit with every kind of basketball fan.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Dwyane Wade
[isbn]
This is a gorgeous and inspirational memoir from beloved three-time NBA Champion and Olympic gold medalist Dwyane Wade. Full of color photos, it covers his personal journey from growing up on Chicago's South Side, to his college career at Marquette, to his very successful NBA career. He also talks about the people that have supported him along the way, his focus on family life, his thinking about the legacy he is leaving behind, and his love of... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Osamu Dazai and Donald Keene
[isbn]
This book is mentally taxing. It's beautiful, rough, and difficult. You are asked to observe the life of a man who generally struggles to empathize or connect with other people. Where you might find yourself empathizing, the protagonist, Yozo, will not. His alienation is the core of the narrative, leading him into a lifestyle of faking humanity in attempts at feeling anything. It hurts. His relationships (friends, family, romance) are tough.... (read more)
Recommended by Jun L.
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Diana Helmuth, Latasha Dunston
[isbn]
Here in the PNW, we have a certain reputation with the general public. We have the brewery reputation, the creative/artsy reputation, and the outdoorsy "let's go outside" reputation. The problem is that even those of us who were born and raised here don't always have the proper skills to make nature trekking safe or even remotely fun. Whether you are a bonafide couch potato, who has been ignoring the outdoor requirements of your own state, or... (read more)
Recommended by Corie K-B.
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Carmelo Anthony
[isbn]
If you are a fan of the NBA, then you know all about Carmelo Anthony’s playing career. In this memoir, he opens up about his childhood in Red Hook, NY, and Baltimore. I enjoyed this opportunity to get to know Anthony a bit better off the court.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Ben Golliver
[isbn]
I was obsessed with the NBA Bubble when the league restarted in Florida last summer. While I was thrilled to be able to watch basketball again, I was worried for the health and safely of my favorite (and least favorite) NBA players. The experiment was a success, and I cannot wait to read Ben Golliver’s insider account of what life was like living and working in a Disney World hotel for three months covering the most unusual NBA playoffs ever.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Michelle Nijhuis
[isbn]
Read Nijhuis if you want to understand the conservation movement and its key figures. A dense but deeply important read, Beloved Beasts depicts the triumphs without papering over the racism and colonialism that have always been deeply intertwined with the movement.
Recommended by Emily B.
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Elizabeth Kolbert
[isbn]
Kolbert turns her attention to the environmentalists, scientists, and activists who are working to mitigate the damage that human control of nature has caused, to take "control of the control of nature." The result is a hopeful book that highlights the efforts already underway without losing sight of the frightening scope of the challenge.
Recommended by Emily B.
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Michael Pollan
[isbn]
Credited with igniting the mainstream's consciousness surrounding food, Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan carefully examines the culture and processes of the food we eat. A catalyst for various food movements in the 21st century, Pollan successfully wrote a text that challenged and changed the way omnivores the world over think about what's on their dinner plate.
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Michael Bennett, Dave Zirin, Martellus Bennett
[isbn]
Wow, who knew NFL player Michael Bennett was a visionary justice warrior with a worldwide view and the sensibilities for community outreach? He is, and he does, and he has the writing chops to tell us all about it. For a lady who hates sports, this book was so much more than I expected. Bravo, Michael, and keep fighting the good fight!
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Jon Krakauer
[isbn]
Krakauer's personal account of the deadliest season in Everest's climbing history is — hands down — one of the most riveting, harrowing, and thoughtfully written books I’ve ever read, and the title I recommend most to readers who assume nonfiction equals boring.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Douglas W. Tallamy
[isbn]
Buying books for the climate change section can get a little depressing sometimes, so when a book with “hope” in the title comes along, I pay attention! This title is part of a growing area of climate literature that focuses on big picture changes individual folks can make — in this case, how to make your backyard part of a conservation corridor for wildlife in order to help boost biodiversity. Practical, inspirational, and full of scientific and... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
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Noé Álvarez
[isbn]
Noé Álvarez’s impressive debut is both a travelogue of the 6,000-mile Indigenous peoples’ run that took him from Canada to Guatemala and a memoir of the path his life took before and after the run — from an isolating childhood in an immigrant community in eastern Washington, to a more winding route that took him to the East Coast as an adult. While the run was a true test of personal endurance, Spirit Run is not just about one man’s... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Andrew X. Pham
[isbn]
Gritty and emotional, this travelogue/immigration tale had me transfixed. Pham skillfully narrates his family's story both settling in the US and in leaving war-torn Vietnam. His bicycle tour through 1990s Vietnam is a fantastic (and scary!) experience no tourist could have while he seeks a deeper understanding of "home."
Recommended by Ruth J.
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Lauren Redniss
[isbn]
Oak Flat is simultaneously an object of mesmerizing beauty and an urgent book of complete necessity. Lauren Redniss tells the tale of the struggle to preserve a site sacred to the Apache people from a copper mining project that would destroy it utterly. Her vibrant illustrations and careful curation of competing voices convey the high stakes while honoring the dignity of the people on both sides, and the dignity of the natural world as... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Jonathan Safran Foer
[isbn]
A thoughtful and urgent examination of climate change anxiety and how we can — and must — overcome it to take action.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Jane Leavy
[isbn]
Babe Ruth takes Manhattan, and the rest of the country, by storm in The Big Fella. Using the lens of a 21-day exhibition cash-grab, reporter Jane Leavy reveals Ruth as the man who created the celebrity/pitch-person persona that dominates modern culture. Forced from a dysfunctional home by an unfit set of parents, Ruth both bucked authority over his actions and looked for acceptance in the grandstands where his every at-bat was cherished.... (read more)
Recommended by Bill L.
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Christopher McDougall
[isbn]
I love this heartwarming true story about a donkey named Sherman. The author and his family rescued him from a hoarding situation. He was in bad shape, but with the help of friends, neighbors, and some fellow animals, Sherman trained to run the World Championship Pack Burro Race.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Lonely Planet
[isbn]
Lonely Planet’s latest entry in their Epic series, Epic Runs is chock-full of gorgeous photos of runs across the globe and short chunks of information about them. Perfect for the aspirational runner or the seasoned race veteran, and truly a delight to peruse.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Conn Iggulden
[isbn]
Not teaching children how to be naughty won’t prevent them from finding trouble on their own, and sometimes it’s better to have a few tricks up your sleeve anyhow, as you never know when it may come in handy! Such is the thinking behind this spectacular reference manual that celebrates craftiness and ingenuity, with enough projects to get a child less interested in their phone and more invested in exploring the natural world.
Recommended by Moses M.
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Phil Knight
[isbn]
Phil Knight chronicles his journey from selling shoes out of the trunk of his Plymouth to becoming one of the wealthiest people in the world. Entertaining, touching, and crammed with insight, Shoe Dog is the story of how a band of eccentric misfits built one of the biggest athletic apparel companies in the world.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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David Banis and Hunter Shobe
[isbn]
A remarkable, visually stunning collection of infographic maps that allow an unparalleled view of the Rose City, Portlandness is an impressive accomplishment offering indispensable insight into our beloved city. Go ahead, take a look — it may well be the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Eli Clare
[isbn]
I first encountered Eli Clare’s slim memoir in a graduate course on Disability Theory, but to be honest what really struck me at the time — and has stayed with me in the years since — is Clare’s way of integrating the seasonal shifts and geography of Oregon into his powerful story of navigating life as a trans man with cerebral palsy. Exile and Pride does an astonishing job of conveying the parallel experiences of personal and... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Peter Stark
[isbn]
Astoria is Peter Stark’s epic telling of the establishment of what was intended to be the base of John Jacob Astor’s Pacific fur trading empire. The harrowing journeys that led the settlers — by sail, canoe, or overland — to the mouth of the Columbia River are almost beyond belief. The obstacles they faced included not just the many natural barriers of an unmapped continent — sand bars, river canyons, and mountains — but also the... (read more)
Recommended by Keith M.
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Wendy Gorton
[isbn]
This brilliant hiking guide through Oregon’s and Washington’s wilderness areas is an entertainment-packed savior for families adventuring with young children. Gorton pairs each hike — all under four miles — with an educational scavenger hunt for flora and fauna, plus tips on where to go afterwards for treats. Waterfalls and ice cream? Who could resist?
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Erling Kagge and Becky L. Crook
[isbn]
In modern American culture, speed and convenience rule supreme. Explorer Erling Kagge provides a dissenting voice in this slim volume, arguing that slowing down and unplugging are vital for remaining, well, human. He should know: he has walked to both the North and the South Poles on foot. He writes poetically and convincingly that humanity must protect the slowness and stillness of the idle walk in an increasingly frenetic world.
Recommended by Mary S.
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Jon Krakauer
[isbn]
Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild sparked controversy with its first publication. Readers were of two minds, either admonishing Christopher McCandless for his ignorance in traipsing off into the Alaskan wilderness with little firsthand knowledge of the harsh reality of it, or living vicariously through his journey and the middle finger he gave to our modern society. With a careful eye for bias, stemming from journalistic experience,... (read more)
Recommended by Alex Y.
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Kerry Eggers
[isbn]
I couldn’t have been more impressed by Jail Blazers's readability, research, and organization. This book will appeal to anyone who likes NBA history in general, especially the Trail Blazers. And of course, for those interested in this particular Jail Blazers squad, this is catnip.
Recommended by Bart K.
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Jedidiah Jenkins
[isbn]
Jedidiah Jenkins’s memoir is his story of bicycling 14,000 miles from Oregon to Patagonia over the course of 16 months. Readers follow along with Jenkins’s travels, experiencing the people and places he encounters while he reflects honestly on his personal life and struggles.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Joshua Hunt
[isbn]
I did my undergrad at UO and, full disclaimer, couldn't stand the culture built around football and the Ducks or anything else related to the revoltingly dubbed "Uncle Phil" and his Nike empire. Luckily, I ran in activist and academic circles that had long whispered about his dirty dealings with our administration — including, but not even remotely limited to, his successful attempts at shutting down student protests over Nike's financial... (read more)
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Rob Neyer
[isbn]
Rob Neyer gives an excellent portrait of what Major League Baseball looks like today, told through a nine-inning game between the Astros and A's. He does a lot of comparing with 1954's A Day in the Bleachers, 1990's Men at Work, and 2003's Moneyball. Power Ball is a time capsule of today's game worthy to be listed next to them. Neyer has a fair share of criticism to unveil, but it's not without solutions. I... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Jon Mooallem
[isbn]
Mooallem wrote this book for his young daughter, making the often overwhelming topics of extinction and climate change feel much more approachable. He spans decades (sometimes centuries) with his extensive research and fieldwork and, while you certainly have learned something by the end, you feel much more as though you've gone on this "sometimes dismaying, weirdly reassuring" journey with Jon and his daughter. It'll leave you asking questions,... (read more)
Recommended by Alec B.
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Jim Bouton
[isbn]
I couldn't tell you who won last year's World Series, because I don't follow baseball. But this sports book has earned a sterling reputation as a classic that transcends the game.
Author/knuckleball pitcher Jim Bouton has the humorist's eye for telling, pithy detail, and the memoirist's courage in sharing honest and sometimes unflattering anecdotes about himself and his teammates. In short, from its opening pitch to the final out, Ball Four... (read more)
Recommended by Bart K.
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Timothy Egan
[isbn]
This is the story of the biggest forest fire in US history. Three million acres burned across three states, aided by the flammable gas that boiled out of pine sap during the conflagration!
Recommended by Jennifer K.
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Alice Laplante
[isbn]
Dr. Jennifer White is a retired hand surgeon, who, unfortunately, is moving toward late-stage dementia. When her best friend is murdered and found with fingers surgically removed from one hand, Dr. White is the prime suspect. Yet, how to build a case, much less convict, on the bewildering ramblings of an Alzheimer's patient? Told from Dr. White's perspective, Turn of Mind is a moody, gauzy, wispy story; the haze of lost memory is almost... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Lonely Planet
[isbn]
In need of some inspiration to explore the great outdoors? Try Epic Hikes of the World! Lots of photos, tips, and historical tidbits accompany each entry, along with suggestions for similar expeditions. It's also a great resource for armchair hikers — I may not ever climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, but I sure enjoyed reading about it.
Recommended by Leah C.
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Peter Sagal
[isbn]
Part travelogue and part memoir, Peter Sagal’s The Incomplete Book of Running includes plenty of his well-known wit punctuating more serious reflections on the paths (and roads and routes and trails) taken.
Recommended by Keith M.
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Paula Disbrowe
[isbn]
Any Food52 cookbook requires attention. Food52 Any Night Grilling turns out to be one of those cookbooks where every recipe you turn to looks delicious. So many smoky recipes! Smoky Fattoush With Buttermilk Dressing, Smoky Beets With Lentils, Sweet and Smoky Drumsticks, not to mention The Smoky-Sweet Charm of Grilled Desserts. But first on my grill will be the easy and beautiful Halloumi With Blood Oranges, Green Olives, and Pistachios.... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Eleanor Davis
[isbn]
You and a Bike and a Road is a deceptively simple bike travelogue through the desert southwest, with moving reflections on family, immigration, and the fragility of life. Davis's beautifully sketched illustrations made me want to pick up a pencil and hit the road.
Recommended by Piers R.
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Shea Serrano and Arturo Torres
[isbn]
From the author of The Rap Year Book comes this funny, smart, and illustrated collection of basketball debates. Including topics like "Who’s Your Frankenplayer Made out Of?" and "The Disrespectful Dunk Hall of Fame," it is a must-have book for basketball fans.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jonathan Eig
[isbn]
Jonathan Eig had incredible access both to enormous amounts of new material (including interviews and FBI files) and to the most important people in Muhammad Ali's life. His diligent research has produced this fascinating, readable, and definitive biography of Ali, which might change your understanding of one of the most absorbing figures in sports history.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Rachel Ignotofsky
[isbn]
I love this beautifully illustrated, inspiring book. It was very eye-opening to read about these 50 women (from the late 1800s to now) who fought against the stereotype that women’s bodies are weak. These strong, courageous women paved the way for all girls who want to play sports.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Chris Dombrowski
[isbn]
Chris Dombrowski is a poet, a fly-fishing guide, and a wonderful storyteller. In Body of Water he sets out to understand the origins of saltwater fly-fishing and to get to know the guide who helped establish the sport in the Bahamas. Dombrowski's passion for life and his curiosity about the natural world are apparent on every page. Writing this beautiful is as rare as the elusive bonefish he so diligently pursues.
Recommended by Shawn D.
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Keith Law
[isbn]
If you're still holding onto the value of batting average, RBI, saves, and pitcher's wins, read Smart Baseball to see how misleading those statistics are. If you've already been convinced fielding percentage is an extremely flawed stat and want to know more about FIP, WAR, and UZR in easy-to-understand terms, read Smart Baseball. Keith Law breaks down the old numbers and sheds light on the new ones in an addicting read for any... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Tom Verducci
[isbn]
I am not a Cubs fan, but I am a Tom Verducci fan and he deserves his own World Series ring for this account of the rise of the 2016 Chicago Cubs. With alternating chapters on games one through seven of the World Series, Verducci goes into fascinating depth on how Theo Epstein, Joe Maddon, and a lot of young, talented, and upstanding ball players brought the North Side of Chicago its first World Series title since 1908. You don't have to be a Cubs... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Bob Mehr
[isbn]
Trouble Boys is hands down the best rock biography I have ever read. It doesn't matter if you are a fan of The Replacements, their story will hook you from the start. It's all there, in full glory: the banding together, the insidious band politics, the rise to success, the brotherly betrayal, the self-defeating behavior which stalled rock stardom to, finally, a successful reunion that ultimately ended the band again. Told plainly and... (read more)
Recommended by Brien M.
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Philip Connors
[isbn]
Every summer Philip Connors runs away from home. He spends half the year in a remote fire lookout savoring the solitude and the joy of monotasking. His wonderful book, Fire Season, will make you want to quit your job, sell the house, and find your own little piece of wilderness. You've been warned.
Recommended by Shawn D.
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Matthew Battles
[isbn]
If you love the written word, then you'll love its rich history. Palimpsest traces the advancement of writing from Mesopotamia all the way up to the digital age, offering much more than a dry account: we learn as much about the cultural implications as we do about the changes in format and medium. Battles is a lovely writer, and Palimpsest is as entertaining as it is informative.
Recommended by Renee P.
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Michael Finkel
[isbn]
Haven’t we all at one point or another had thoughts of running away and escaping from it all? Well, Christopher Knight did just that… for 27 years! In 1986 he built a secluded tent camp beside a lake in a remote corner of Maine. For nearly three decades he lived off of supplies he stole from nearby cabins and managed to survive some of the harshest winters in America. Stranger in the Woods reads like a hard-boiled mystery and seeks to... (read more)
Recommended by Shawn D.
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Buck ONeil
[isbn]
Buck O’Neil was an ambassador not only to baseball’s Negro leagues, but to the human race. The man exuded optimism as he grew up and played great baseball in a segregated nation. I Was Right on Time tells the story of the Negro leagues through his eyes. Tales of Cool Papa Bell, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, as well as O’Neil himself fill I Was Right on Time. It is a joy to read, as I’d imagine it would be to spend a moment in Buck... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Robert Munsch
[isbn]
The best book for aspiring princesses. A twist on the classic damsel in distress, this princess doesn't need a man, or a fancy dress for that matter. I loved this book as a little girl and I'd like to think it helped me be a feisty, do-it-yourself type of person. Shout out to my dad if he's reading this!
Recommended by Melanie L.
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Abby Wambach
[isbn]
Abby Wambach is a redwood in a forest of greats. As the all-time leading professional goal-scorer (female or male), perhaps she stands a bit taller than the rest. But to be a giant, to claim her place in the sun, it took navigating life’s imperfect demands, both on and off the field. Forward will give longtime fans more of the heart they’ve always loved, and those who are new to the game will be chanting “Ab-by! Ab-by!” while... (read more)
Recommended by D Lozano
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William Finnegan
[isbn]
This lush and glorious ode to surfing is also an absorbing coming-of-age story. William Finnegan's memoir isn't merely a book about a sport, but rather a vivid and incandescent tale of obsession, self-discovery, and transformation. With writing both fluid and perceptive, Finnegan transports his readers to another world.
Recommended by Rebekah A.
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Elly Blue
[isbn]
This entire book makes so much sense. Why wouldn't a business want a bike rack with room for a dozen bikes in front of it instead of a single parking spot? Bike paths and trails may cost a lot (nothing compared to roads for cars), but the benefits will almost always far outweigh the costs. These are a few of the many points Elly Blue makes in her fantastic, entertaining, and succinct book about how bikes can transform the economics of a community... (read more)
Recommended by Jeffrey J.
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Chris Santella
[isbn]
This book causes extreme wanderlust, in the best way. With gorgeous photos and ample insider tips, Fifty Places to Camp Before You Die will inspire even the staunchest nature hater to get outdoors and explore camping spots far and wide.
Recommended by Renee P.
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William Finnegan
[isbn]
William Finnegan is a lifelong surfer and a long-term staff writer for the New Yorker. Through this combination of writing talent and surfing skill, he is able to explain convincingly why so many surfers become obsessed with the sport. Finnegan writes especially well about the difficulty in balancing a consuming activity with the demands of work and family. He also honestly conveys his struggles to keep his ego and competitive instincts... (read more)
Recommended by Shawn D.
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Aspen Matis
[isbn]
Aspen Matis set off on the Pacific Crest Trail at 19 to heal from her rape and the shame she felt afterward, but equally important was discovering that she wasn't the helpless child she grew up believing she was. Those who love the outdoors will enjoy experiencing the PCT through Aspen's eyes, but even if you think you've had your fill of hiking memoirs, read this one for the honesty with which the author tells her story of transformation.
Recommended by Emily F.
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L. Jon Wertheim, Sam Sommers
[isbn]
This is Your Brain on Sports is full of highly entertaining essays that look at the science behind the craziness of sports and sports fandom. The authors explain a lot about human nature both on and off the court. I highly recommend this fun and educational read. Recommended by Jennifer H.
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James Nestor
[isbn]
Shortlisted for the 2015 PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports Writing, James Nestor's Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves is a perfect blend of pop science, personal narrative, and compelling reporting. Beginning at sea level and descending nearly 30,000 feet, Nestor's book delves into the realm of oceanic intrigue, exploring freediving, magnetoreception, echolocation, attempts at inter-species... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Duncan, Dayton and Burns, Ken
[isbn]
The dazzling companion volume to the acclaimed Ken Burns documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea chronicles the fascinating history of the world-renowned United States National Park system. Four hundred pages of richly composed text by Dayton Duncan accompany hundreds of magnificent, awe-inspiring photographs.
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Zack Hample
[isbn]
One would think, perhaps, with the many thousands of books written about baseball over the decades, there would be little to add in the way of novelty or insight regarding the greatest game ever devised by man. But behind the history, the rivalries, and the legends of the game is the often-overlooked object that makes it all possible in the first place: the baseball.
Zack Hample, a well-known ball hawk who has snagged nearly 4,700... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Craig Robinson, Rob Neyer
[isbn]
Of the many books written about baseball, Flip Flop Fly Ball ought to rank amongst the most unique, informative, and entertaining. Devised and written by Craig Robinson, an Englishman whose love for the game was late to bloom, Flip Flop Fly Ball is a collection of bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, and other assorted infographics about baseball miscellany and esoterica.
Robinson's love for baseball... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Edward Abbey
[isbn]
No author encapsulated and celebrated the American Southwest more engagingly than iconoclast and raconteur Edward Abbey. Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness — now nearly a half-century old — is a classic of environmental writing. In this autobiographical work, Abbey chronicles his time as a park ranger and reflects on landscape, culture, politics, tourism, environmental disregard, and degradation — doing so with a unique blend... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Susan Casey
[isbn]
It has long been asserted that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do the vast seascapes that cover some 70 percent of our planet. Susan Casey's seductive book, The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean, goes a long way to support this claim. As Casey, award-winning journalist and editor-in-chief of O magazine, traverses the globe in search of the world's mightiest waves, we are... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Dirk Hayhurst
[isbn]
Dirk Hayhurst may well be the antithesis of the stereotypical athlete, and his book, The Bullpen Gospels, is unlike any other sports memoir of late. Chronicling the uncertain and often frustrating life of a professional ballplayer as he ascends and descends the minor league ranks, The Bullpen Gospels is more than just another tale of big league aspirations. Already crowned as one of the finest baseball books ever written, Hayhurst's... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Jason Turbow
[isbn]
Baseball, perhaps more than any other sport, can appear deceptively simple to the outsider or casual fan. It is, however, a richly nuanced game governed for more than a century as much by the written rulebook as by a constantly evolving tacit philosophy referred to as "the code." The code concerns itself with nearly every aspect of the game and can be considered baseball's moral compass, in place to engender loyalty not only to one's teammates,... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
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Marnie Hanel and Andrea Slonecker and Jen Stevenson
[isbn]
First off, this is a beauty of a cookbook. The fruits and flowers on the cover are gently embossed. What is a picnic without a few ants? Don't miss the tiny guests at the bottom of the cover. This attention to detail is carried along throughout the book: Deviled Eggs with Chorizo Strips, Shocking-Pink Beet Hummus, Figs with Feta and Honey, Spicy Salted Olive Oil Brownies. Illustrations are sweet and enticing with a touch of sass. This cookbook... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
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Daniel James Brown
[isbn]
Brown masterfully narrates the tale of the 1936 American Olympic rowing team and their gold medal triumph. He paints a vivid picture of the men in the boat, their world, and their sport. A fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Armstrong, Karen
[isbn]
Armstrong's career began when she wrote and presented a documentary on the life of St. Paul, which aired on BBC's Channel Four. A former nun and one of the foremost authors writing on comparative religion, Armstrong has published over 20 titles. A History of God discusses the origins of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and explains how our concept of God has changed throughout the course of history. It is fascinating to learn how... (read more)
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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George Dohrmann
[isbn]
Play Their Hearts Out is a must-read book for basketball fans at all levels. Pulitzer Prize winner Dohrmann presents an engrossing saga of an AAU team as its players grow up and try to achieve their basketball dreams. In addition to following the boys from age 10 through high-school graduation, he shows how the grassroots youth-basketball system works. I had no idea how these kids are scrutinized and pressured to succeed, like Demetrius... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Bethlehem Shoals
[isbn]
The guys at FreeDarko have delivered another outstanding basketball book, this time about the history of the game. While not a complete history, they hit many of the highlights of the sport, including the first organized leagues, the Celtics of the 1960s, the ABA, the draft, Michael Jordan, and the Olympic teams. Alongside the written history are FreeDarko's unique visual aids. My favorites include "A History of Violence," mapping out players... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jim Yardley
[isbn]
Pulitzer Prize winner Jim Yardley brings us an entertaining account of a season with the Shanxi Brave Dragons, one of the worst teams in the Chinese Basketball Association. In an attempt to improve his team, owner Boss Wang hires a former NBA coach (the first in the CBA) to take over. What ensues is both a lively basketball story and an illustration of how China's attempts to modernize can sometimes be at odds with its traditions.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Robyn Jasko, Jennifer Biggs
[isbn]
Just as a small plot of land can yield a bountiful harvest, this unassuming little book packs quite a punch. Jasko's friendly, informative, and unfussy instructions cover all the basics of growing, preparing, and preserving your own food, while Biggs's charming line drawings challenge you not to crack a smile in the process. You don't need a green thumb or a culinary degree to enjoy farm-to-table goodness — this book should do the trick.
Recommended by Tove H.
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Jon Krakauer
[isbn]
My to-read list is long as it is, so I usually put off reading bestsellers until (a) the hype dies down and used copies start to become available or (b) someone chastises me for not having read something that came out forever ago. And so it was that 10 years after its release, I finally got around to reading Into Thin Air. Turns out the hype was justified. Krakauer's personal account of the deadliest season in Everest's climbing... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Cotler, Amy
[isbn]
There's more to mindful eating than the "natural foods" aisle of the grocery store, but if that's the farthest you've ever ventured, you may not know where to begin. Not to worry. In The Locavore Way, Amy Cotler demystifies the steadily growing locavore movement, schooling readers in the sourcing and preparation of local fare. Complete with a glossary, resource directory, and recommended reading list (and for the ambitious locavore,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
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Alex Honnold and David Roberts
[isbn]
Alex Honnold is without a doubt the world’s best rock climber. His free solo climbs are the stuff of legend, yet he maintains a modest approach to his craft. Alone on the Wall is a fascinating chronicle of Alex’s adventures around the world and will appeal to anyone who loves nature, travel, and sports.
Recommended by Shawn D.
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