W. W. Norton & Company

To my mind, Greenblatt writes the gold standard for nonfiction. In his new book, he takes the story of Adam and Eve and looks at it from every possible perspective: its many origins, its use through history and its cultural effects through time. This is the story behind the story, and a fascinating, intelligent, well researched kaleidoscope of ways to think about it.

An engaging read about not just volcanoes, but also the American logging industry, environmentalism, and people’s staggering ability to ignore what’s right in front of them. Olson offers up the deeply personal experiences of the people near the volcano when it burst, those who survived, and those who didn’t. - Jade

The year is 1399 and young widow Kate Clifford just had a world of trouble thrown on her doorstep. She has two young wards by her late husband's mistress to watch out for, King Richard's (the II) men keep raiding her shipments, and, oh, there's a dead body in her guesthouse. Robb has created a masterpiece and one hell of a compelling protagonist. I loved every twist and turn of this most excellent historical mystery. - Ivy

American Eclipse deconstructs the eclipse to its earthly ties while lacing mid-America to the moon and back. Following three characters across the plains to the point of totality, each with their distinct reasons for converging on such a historic event to the American people, but each a showcase for the greater trends and movements turning the USA to the power it holds today. A must for anyone persuaded by historical astronomy. - Ian

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a delightful human who knows his stuff and is certain you can know yours too. Precise and detailed, he throws in everyday references just when you might get lost—stories about hot chocolate, and a discussion about why dark matter is our frenemy. Whether you’re a subscriber to Science or you’ve been too embarrassed to admit you slept through physics, this brief tour of the universe will have you smiling and feeling smarter than when you started. - Jocelyn

Rather than focusing on big guns and bravado, Roach sheds light on the less discussed aspects of the military and answers questions most of us would not think to ask. What makes the gadgets work and how are they tested? What do fashion designers look for when creating a military uniform? What advances have we made in genital reconstructive surgery? Her signature wit had me fascinating by topics I would never have otherwise explored. - Jade

Sometimes a book jumps out at you that you didn't even know you needed in your life, and this was one of those books for me. Caitlin Doughtry tells her story about being a mortician in the Bay Area and it is dark and hilarious while at the same time being informative. - Karena

Condensing the whole of human history into one comprehensive and relatively concise book may sound impossible, but Jared Diamond has accomplished it. He proposes a series of questions about the development of humankind and then proceeds to answer them with detailed and educated insight. I learned about aspects of history I had never even heard of before. - Jade

All of your favorites—Aesir, Vanir, giants, dwarves, elves, and big bad wolves—try once again to fit in as many adventures as they can before Ragnarok descends to destroy them all. Translated by master of the fantastic Neil Gaiman, this updated version is reminiscent of the classic Edith Hamilton collection, but with a tang of Gaiman’s dark sense of humor. - Aric

Perfect for your hipster hunting buddy, that weird neighborhood kid that collects bones, or your cousin who just wants to learn how to skin and mount critters (ethically sourced, of course!)  BONUS! Recipes included! - Rachel