Simon&Schuster

From UCSC alumna Reyna Grande, “A groundbreaking addition to the literature of the Latino immigrant experience. The Distance Between Us is a book that deserves to be celebrated for its candor and for the courage of the woman who overcame so many obstacles to write it.” —Los Angeles Times

“Captivates and inspires.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Cahalan was 24, with a promising career and relationship, when her brain violently rebelled against her, baffling doctors and leaving her fighting for her life and sanity. Both medical mystery and astonishing story of familial devotion, this is also Cahalan’s attempt to recreate a time she barely remembers, her honesty makes this is a startling, powerful read that I could not put down.

I’m pretty sure these two women are living the life of my dreams. (Certainly, their food is the stuff of my dreams.) Friends Christopher and Melissa worked in the food world for many years (as food stylists, recipe directors, and photographers) before starting their own publication, Canal House. The Canal House Cooking series, published three times a year, is simply sensational and I covet every issue. So imagine my enthusiasm when this, their first big cookbook, was released! It is beautiful, inspiring, delicious, and everything I hoped it would be. I can’t imagine a more lovely gift for a home cook.

Did your mom ever tell you not to swallow your gum because it would stay in your stomach for seven years? Ever wonder if that was true? In his new book, Jennings, the witty, charming Jeopardy! champ, gets to the bottom of the old wives’ tales your parents told you and uncovers the truth. This is such a delightful book, perfect for those who like to laugh and learn at the same time. And if you’re giving it to someone who has kids, this is a great read, so they can lie informatively, and if you’re giving it to someone who doesn’t have kids, they can undermine their friends who do!

The leading lights of today’s mystery and suspense fiction weigh in on their favorites. Think of your favorite mystery author and chances are you’ll find them in this volume. A great strength of the collection is that the editors know terrific writers from both sides of the Atlantic and have twisted a lot of arms to get this done. They’re crime writers. Don’t make them have to come twist yours. 

Ken Jennings, the delightfully charming Jeopardy! champion and author of Maphead, returns to debunk the myths of childhood. Using examples in history, scientific studies, and his own experiences, Jennings uncovers the truth behind such classics as “Don’t swim after eating!” This is such a fast, fun read that you’ll completely forget that you’re learning!

If you need the perfect gift for anyone who loves animals, this is it. Each page features a different adorable baby animal, from the incredibly rare, like the Sumatran Tiger, to the far more common, like the surprisingly dainty Caribbean Octopus (really, they’re darling). This book is almost overwhelming in its cuteness, and is guaranteed to produce squeals of joy.