Sarah Kay

Discover the little things that bring joy in Ross Gay's The Book of Delights. In this genre-defying collection of essays, Gay takes a clear-eyed view of life's complexities, from being a black man in America to the ecological and psychic violence of consumer culture. His meditations on delight celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the connections we have to each other. This powerful and inspiring book will remind you to find space for joy in your own life.

"We Were All Someone Else Yesterday" by Omar Holmon is a powerful hybrid book filled with poems and essays that delve into the themes of growth and grief. After the loss of his mother, Holmon turns to pop culture as a way to navigate his emotions. The book is a mix of sadness and humor and is accessible to all with its relatable references. This warm and inviting read is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of life and loss.

This impactful book of poetry delves into the historical events surrounding the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, an event that shaped the last century. Eve L. Ewing explores the hidden histories and experiences of everyday people surviving in a divided urban landscape. Her poetic reflections touch on themes of race, class, violence, segregation, and the impact of the event on our present. With an Afrofuturist perspective, Ewing illuminates the thin line between past and present. An important and thought-provoking read.

"The January Children" is a collection of deeply personal poems that explores the experience of navigating the postcolonial world as a stranger in one’s own land. The author mythologizes family histories until they break open, using them to explore aspects of Sudan’s history and diaspora. The poems speak to tensions generated by a hyphenated identity in the Arab and African world. It is a postcolonial narrative that is both terrifying and tender, melancholy and defiant.

Explore the complexities of grief with this insightful book. Whether it's a small or overwhelming loss, this book will teach you what happens to us when we lose someone or something important. With this volume, you'll have a better understanding of grief and how to move past it. Keep it close at hand to help navigate any variety of grief experiences or to assist friends in finding "good grief."

Explores themes of confusion, fear, and loss through the lens of music and culture. From attending a Bruce Springsteen concert after visiting Michael Brown's grave to reflecting on the impact of the Paris nightclub attacks on young Muslims, Hanif Abdurraqib's essays provide a poignant and magnetic view on our world. This collection of previously published and original essays uses music and culture to better understand ourselves and our times.

Experience Hurricane Katrina in vivid detail with Patricia Smith's poetry collection "Blood Dazzler." Following the storm's path from its early days to the heartbreaking aftermath, these poems give voice to those affected, from politicians to survivors to the hurricane itself. Smith's work serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the disaster's impact and a necessary step toward national healing.

Dark Sparkler is a haunting and provocative collection of poetry that explores the tragic stories of more than twenty-five actresses, from Marilyn Monroe to Brittany Murphy. Written by award-winning actress and poet Amber Tamblyn, this emotionally charged work examines the toll exacted on young women who are offered as starlets. With original artwork commissioned by David Lynch, Marilyn Manson, and other luminaries, Dark Sparkler culminates in an extended confessional epilogue of astonishing candor and poetic command.