MacMillan

Meet K, a heroin-addicted high-end prostitute who loves drugstore sushi. Staccato-like vignettes take us through a year in her life. The writing is sparse and brutal, sexy and repellent. The story is riveting and hypnotic, making it impossible to look away. This novel is not for everyone but I think it's remarkable. The conclusion left me speechless and lingered in my thoughts for days. - Trey

Set in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles, Milkman confronts the absurdity of political strife and arbitrary borders, never ignoring the extreme violence and heartbreak that can arise from such divisions. Burns’ voice is dryly humorous, even as her narrator struggles with a stalker, harassment, and a war-torn home. - Jess

Lucia Berlin's 43 captivating short stories are a sucker punch to your heart. Each one is alluring and provides an intimate insight into Berlin's life full of loss, heartbreak, and addiction. I have fallen in love with her writing and savored this collection with all of its tragedy, humor, and unpredictability. - Natalie O.

Though Annihilation is a short piece, it was very easily one of the weirdest reading experiences I've ever had, and I loved it. Vandermeer doesn't fall into the sinkholes of tropes and predictable plot lines. I had no idea where the story would go and could barely put the book down to sleep. This is a perfect book to shake you out of a literary rut. - J

This quirky, clever essay collection showcases an impressive variety of topics. Part travelogue, part memoir, and part investigative journalism, Phillips applies his sense of humor and keen observations throughout the work. Phillips’ writing is reminiscent of David Sedaris, but with less snark and more heart. - Jade

The stunning follow up to her 2005 memoir in verse, Jane, this book's form is what makes it so powerful. Part true crime, part memoir, The Red Parts is most interesting when the moving personal story of grief at its core becomes a cultural critique of America's obsession with violence against women. - Kristi

Smart, bold, and funny - How to Date Men When You Hate Men is an array of reflections on the author's personal experience on dating. A playful collection of stories that illustrate the writer's experience with the male species. While heavy on the patriarchy topic, Roberson is full of great information and witty comebacks to misogynistic comments. - SC

If you loved The Argonauts, read this next. In 2004, while waiting for the publication of Jane, her verse narrative about her aunt’s murder in 1969, improvements in DNA technology helped the Michigan police track down Jane’s alleged murderer, and the case was re-opened. Cautious and nuanced, while simultaneously gripping, this is Nelson’s account of trial. - Wren

This Duck and That Duck are trying to make sense of their Big Puddle and the ever-changing world around them. And we can’t help but root for them as they learn to swim (“‘How do you know?’ That Duck asked. ‘It just feels like swimming,’ This Duck answered.”) and dip and dunk, and then to run and hop and fly. Once the restless itching sets in, they know it’s time to fly South, wherever that is. By paying attention to others that are “Like us, only not us,” these two duck friends do so much more than just waddle in a line. A kindhearted ode to figuring things out. Ages 3–7. - Michelle

Good friends—a frog, a porcupine, and a skunk—go fishing (or at least they call it that) in one of these sweet short stories from award-winning picture book writer and artist Philip Stead. Emotional, sensitive creatures populate this lovely, slower-paced world, which is imbued with a gentle humor. If you liked Frog and Toad, these charming tales will make you feel right at home. Ages 3–7. - Tera