As tempting as it is to spend every ounce of free-time streaming “The Wire” on Netflix, nothing beats curling up with a good book and a hot cup of coffee. Yet finding time to read can be a challenge –– especially when there are so many hyped-up books hitting the shelves in 2015. Narrowing down a must-read list of novels, autobiographies and cookbooks is almost impossible, but we’ve done the hard work for you and picked 10 books you should download to your Kindle (or buy at your local bookshop!) immediately. File this one under your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Women In Clothes by Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton
Women In Clothes was one of the best and most unusual books of 2014, incorporating musings, memoirs and observations from hundreds of women (including the likes of Lena Dunham, Molly Ringwald and Tavi Gevinson) about their relationship with clothing. A great book to absent-mindedly flip through or binge-read.
2. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
We’re officially obsessed with Amy Poehler’s debut book, a hilarious and smart group of stories and life lessons about everything from her career, to sex, love, and parenting. Obviously, Yes Please is a must-read for anyone who’s a fan of Amy’s work (uhm, how could anyone not be a fan?), but it would also be enjoyable for those of you who are Poehler newbies.
3. The Infatuations by Javier Marías
It’s no surprise that The Infatuations was short-listed for the 2014 National Book Critics Circle Award. Javier Marías’ latest novel is thought-provoking and fluid, and also happens to be a murder mystery with a female narrator (a first for Marías). In short, it’s impossible to put down –– and for good reason!
4. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
All The Light We Cannot See is an extremely moving and beautiful story of a radio-obsessed Nazi Youth member and a blind French girl who he cross paths with during World War II. It’s gorgeous, descriptive, absolutely begging for a movie adaptation, and pretty emotional –– so yes, tissues are recommended.
5. The Kinfolk Table by Nathan Williams
The Kinfolk Table is one part cookbook and one part slice-of-life narrative about ordinary folks bringing you some truly fabulous recipes. Filled with lovely photography and tied together with a stylish design, this untraditional cookbook is a must for everyone’s kitchen, coffee table or living room.
6. Bark by Lorrie Moore
It goes without saying that Lorrie Moore is one of the best short story writers ever, and Bark is yet another example of her mastery in storytelling. A great book for picking up on your coffee break, this is definitely one of our favorite picks from 2014.
7. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
Roz Chast’s graphic memoir tells the witty and poignant story of Chast’s aging parents. Smart, clever, humorous and extremely relatable, this cheerful story will have you laughing, crying, and experiencing every emotion in between. A perfect way to kick off 2015.
8. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
The Price of Salt was published in 1952, but now’s the perfect time to give it a read. The book is being developed into a 2015 movie (titled Carol) starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, and is about a taboo lesbian relationship between a married woman and her young friend.
9. Moomin: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition by Tove Jansson
Tove Jansson’s Moomin books and comics are absolute gems, and have been enjoyed by adults and kids alike since their publication in the 1940s. This deluxe collection of Moomin comic strips from Drawn & Quarterly is the gift that keeps on giving, and is sure to charm your socks off throughout 2015.
10. The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher by Hilary Mantel
If you’re still not over the brilliance that is Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, you have to get your hands on her new collection of short stories. The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher is particularly brilliant, but each story in this contemporary collection will leave you wanting more.
