Maria Popova

"Poetry Unbound" is an illuminating anthology that pairs fifty contemporary poems with insightful reflections from poet and podcast host Pádraig Ó Tuama. From Ada Limón to Ocean Vuong, Ó Tuama engages with diverse voices and explores how the meaning of each poem can reach into our own lives. This inspiring journey tackles themes of self-acceptance, history, identity, and resilience through the art of being alive. For those looking to start a conversation with poetry, "Poetry Unbound" presents the perfect window.

Explore the inner thoughts of a creative visionary in Faith, Hope and Carnage. This profound book shares Nick Cave's own words and candidly examines themes of faith, art, music, freedom, grief, and love. Through over forty hours of intimate conversations with Sean O'Hagan, Cave's life from childhood to present day is explored - including his loves, work ethic, and recent transformation. Gain inspiration and hope from a truly thoughtful and creative mind.

Discover an elegant collection of essays, poems, and passages on trees, accompanied by watercolor illustrations, that delve into nature, spirituality, and self-knowledge. Hermann Hesse's inspired thoughts on the symbolism of trees as a representation of transcendence and rebirth mirror the changing seasons and landscapes as experienced by the author, offering a reminder that trees are a mirror of our own struggles, happiness, and purpose. This book is a must-read for anyone who seeks a deeper connection with nature and themselves.

"Things to Look Forward To" is a heartwarming book about finding joy in everyday moments, whether big or small. With beautiful illustrations and uplifting messages, author Sophie Blackall reminds us that there is always something to look forward to, even in tough times. From baking muffins for a friend to putting a smiling face on an egg in the fridge, the book offers gentle reminders of the objects, gestures, and ideas that warm our hearts. This is a perfect gift for anyone going through a hard time or celebrating a joyful new beginning.

Discover the power of a bittersweet outlook on life with this thought-provoking masterpiece. The same author who brought us the bestselling phenomenon, Quiet, delves into the importance of acknowledging our sorrows, longings, and the passing of time. Through personal stories, research, and memoir, we explore bittersweetness as a way of being, a storied heritage that can help us transcend pain and connect with others. At a time of discord and anxiety, this book will bring you unexpected insights and kinship.

"Uncommon Measure" explores the relationship between time and consciousness, and how music influences our perception of time. The book follows a young Korean American violinist who must redefine her artistic goals after experiencing performance anxiety. Through neuroscience and quantum physics research, Hodges delves into how our perceptions shape our experiences. This powerful debut is a National Book Award longlist and New York Times Editors' Choice pick.

Experience the transformative and timeless poems of the legendary Persian mystic. This vibrant selection features groundbreaking translations by an American poet of Persian descent. Rumi's poems induce a sense of ecstatic illumination and liberation, inspiring serenity, compassion, and oneness with the divine. Returning readers in many languages for inspiration, this new translation preserves the intelligence and drama of the poems, offering both aesthetic delight and visionary wisdom.

A celebrated musician and filmmaker presents a stunning new book that explores daily life through unique and striking artwork. These humorous and intriguing illustrations expand on the dingbat to evoke the complexities of life under lockdown and the global impact of the pandemic. A must-read for anyone looking to gain new perspectives on shared human experiences and the ongoing revision of history.

Sweat by Bill Hayes explores the cultural, scientific and personal history of exercise. Hayes takes readers through the origins of different forms of exercise, chronicling how they have evolved over time. From ancient Greek "art of exercising" to modern day fitness fads, Sweat ties personal experience to the cultural and scientific history of exercise, providing a new understanding of its place in our lives today.

Lost & Found is a moving exploration of love, loss, and discovery in a world that's both wonderful and full of suffering. With both memoir and guidebook elements, author Kathryn Schulz delves deeply into the complicated nature of our finite lives with curiosity, tenderness, erudition, and wit. Don't miss this enduring account of love in all its many forms from one of the great writers of our time.