Categories
True Story

Audiobook Month Picks!

It’s audiobook month! As a life-long audiobook lover, I’m always here for a good audiobook. Thank goodness, because when Gwen was a puppy, she would cry endlessly, and I’d have to play audiobooks just to calm her down. Dylan, well, he preferred Josh Groban. A true corgi of culture. So for my two right recs, I’m discussing two of my favorite audiobooks! But first, let’s jump into bookish goods and new books!

Also, make sure to read your first Deep Dive newsletter send on the house (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers). You can subscribe at bookriot.substack.com

Bookish Goods

a photo of an enamel pin that features a book on fire and the phrase "Read Banned Books

Bibliophile volume 2- Read Banned Books by the Geek And Artsy Store

The perfect addition to any bookish wardrobe, this pin say it all. And it’s cute, too. $15

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery

Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery by Joseph McGill Jr.

Joseph McGill Jr. founded the Slave Dwelling project in 2010. This book is based on his travels around the country, during which he would spend nights in former slave dwellings from all across the United States.

a graphic of the cover of The Elissas: Three Girls, One Fate, and the Deadly Secrets of Suburbia by Samantha Leach

The Elissas: Three Girls, One Fate, and the Deadly Secrets of Suburbia by Samantha Leach

One of the most anticipated nonfiction books of the year, The Elissas follows three girls who meet at a boarding school for troubled teens. Less than a decade later, all of them are dead. This is their story.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of The Untold History of the Talking Book by Matthew Rubery, Performed by Jim Denison

The Untold Story of the Talking Book by Matthew Rubery, Performed by Matthew Rubery 

I’ve been listening to audiobooks for my entire life, but I’ve never read a history of them! Rubery has compiled a detailed history of the “talking book,” as they were first known. From the very first moments of the initial invention of sound recording, people began to ask questions around what would happen if they recorded a book onto audio? For decades they didn’t have the funds or other resources to make recording widely available. Rubery covers the role disability played in pushing technology forward. I loved how detailed this history was, and think it’s the perfect choice for audiobook reading.

a graphic of the cover of Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby

Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby

Samantha Irby is back with her fourth essay collection, Quietly Hostile. Like her previous essays, Irby uses humor to discuss the difficult things in her life. Chronic illness, the end of a dream, the pandemic — Irby approaches each one with a fresh quip or spot of dark humor. In one essay, Irby and her wife adopt a terrible dog that they definitely didn’t mean to keep. In another essay, Irby describes a major allergic reaction she has when she tries out one of her wife’s supplements. And if you love audiobooks, this is definitely one you need to check out on audio. Irby is a phenomenal narrator, using her sense of perfect comedic timing to create a laugh-out-loud performance that will have you being far too loud in quiet spaces.

a photo of Dylan, a red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Gwen, a black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, sitting on the floor of the Sunroom
Gwen and Dylan in the Sunroom

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

The History of Regional America

We’ve now reached the time of year where the heat and humidity has settled across the South. The Corgis stay in during the heat of the day and only play outside in the evenings when it’s cooler. Summer in the South is full of the intense atmosphere changes that come from entering a freezing store and walking outside just to have the humidity fog up your glasses. But I’ve grown to love the process of trees blooming and the warm breeze sending the petals across the ground. Different regions in the U.S. have their own unique histories and cultures. Today I’m talking about two books that look at America’s past in the South and the Midwest.

Before that, if you’re looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, booksellers, and bookish professionals, subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers. Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com

Bookish Goods

a photo of a black bucket hat that has white words that say, "I'd Rather Be At the Scholastic Book Fair"

I’d Rather Be At The Scholastic Book Fair Bucket Hat by embroidereddadhats

I’ve decided that this will be the summer I use more hats for protection from the sun. Bucket hats have come back just in time! This one is so cute. $20

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Pageboy by Elliot Page

Pageboy by Elliot Page

A lot of us have been anticipating this book for so long! Trans actor Elliot Page describes his experience growing up and starting his acting career before he came out. He performs the audiobook himself, and I will definitely be going that route.

a graphic of the cover of Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark by Sarafina El-Badry Nance

Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark by Sarafina El-Badry Nance

Egyptian American astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance describes her experience studying as a woman in her field. Her memoir is full of a love for science and the determined grit that has enabled her career in a male-dominated field.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egan

A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egan

I read A Fever in the Heartland for a book club with some friends, and we all couldn’t stop talking about it. We all agreed that when we think of the KKK, we typically think of the South. But Timothy Egan is here to remind folks that the KKK took a national approach, finding strongholds across the country. Egan focuses on Indiana, which had local clubs of the KKK in all but two of its counties. He describes the history of the organization in the region, how the KKK had many different goals of ridding the region of various groups that they felt weren’t “desirable.” This book clearly outlines that the KKK had control over a lot of local politics, which gave them great success in their heinous work to destroy any community they thought was not supporting their efforts in white supremacy.

a graphic of the cover of South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

Imani Perry’s family is originally from Alabama, but she moved North for her education and her academic career. In South to America, Perry returns to her home region with fresh eyes, seeing the South in all of its complexities. Each chapter looks at a different sub-region of the South, highlighting important events and histories. The whole reading experience feels like Perry is a docent giving readers a tour of the South, pointing out interesting places and things along the way. Perry argues that the South is the heart of America, that the South is the truest measure of where America is as a nation. She shares many incredible insights with readers, and her work is so well researched and laid out. She also reads the audiobook, so if you love listening to your books, this is definitely one to read with your ears.

Dylan, the red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi, sitting on an orange chair.
Dylan Enjoying the Summer Sun

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

Asian American Disability Memoirs

The sun is shining and the weather has warmed up — I love this time of year! Since our big holiday weekend hike, the Corgis have been passed out, draping themselves all over the furniture in a dramatic fashion, as only Corgis can. They wake up for bathroom breaks and dinner time. Corgis are herding dogs, and difficult to tire out, so I’d call our nature excursion a success!

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and bookish professionals? Subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers, delivered to your inbox! Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a black t-shirt that says, "read with pride." "Pride" is in rainbow letters.

Read with Pride T-shirt by YA Novel Designs

It’s Pride Month! Let’s goooooo! To kick us off, here is a lovely “Read with pride” T-shirt! $18+

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Horse Barbie: A Memoir by Geena Rocero

Horse Barbie: A Memoir by Geena Rocero

Horse Barbie follows the life of Geena Rocero, a trans pageant queen from the Philippines. She finds a home in the U.S. where she’s able to change her gender markers and build a successful career as a model. But as her career took off, she felt like she was losing herself. This memoir is a chance for Rocero to tell her own story.

a graphic of the cover of Genealogy of a Murder: Four Generations, Three Families, One Fateful Night by Lisa Belkin

Genealogy of a Murder: Four Generations, Three Families, One Fateful Night by Lisa Belkin

In the summer of 1960, a young cop was murdered in Stamford, Connecticut. Lisa Belkin follows the complex story of three families over multiple generations, and how they were involved in the cop’s death.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of a cover of Tell Me Everything You Don't Remember: The Stroke That Changed My Life by Christine Hyung-Oak Lee

Tell Me Everything You Don’t Remember: The Stroke That Changed My Life by Christine Hyung-Oak Lee

When Christine Hyung-Oak Lee was in her early 30s, she experienced a stroke, which changed her life forever. For over a year, she had little to no short-term memory. She wrote details down in a notebook so her future self could reread the things that had happened earlier that day. She tried to take care of herself, making her own food and dressing herself, but she struggled to do everyday tasks. In her memoir, Lee describes herself as “Unstuck in Time,” referring to Kurt Vonnegut’s work, which she read and reread during this time. Lee’s memoir is such an important account of someone experiencing a brain-related illness.

a graphic of the cover of The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang

The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang

Wang has lived most of her life with schizophrenia. As she’s moved through the world, she’s experienced a countless number of people who have made a lot of assumptions about her based purely on her diagnosis. But most people she’s encountered have little to no idea what living with schizophrenia is actually like. In her essay collection, Wang shares her experience with the condition, highlighting a lot of the lesser-known details of the disease. Her writing is stunning, with incredible prose and insightful observations. The Collected Schizophrenias is such a beautiful book that I love more every time I read it.

Dylan, a red and white pembroke welsh corgi, sitting on a rock in front of a waterfall. He’s smiling at the camera with his tongue out.
Dylan on a Hike at Sulfur Spring

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

Into the Outdoors!

For readers in the U.S., I hope that you had a lovely holiday weekend. We’ve been having a fabulous time with the Corgis —they do love grand adventures! There’s nothing like a Corgi setting out to explore the world. And of course, like any bookish household, this weekend has been filled with incredible books. I’ve loved being able to slow down and dive into a great story. So let’s talk about some great stories today!

Of course, don’t forget to check out our new podcast First Edition. You can subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a red hat that says "read banned books" on the front

Read Banned Books Vintage Cotton Twill Cap by Green Jane Goods

Outdoor adventures need skin protection! Here’s a fabulous option that has a classic slogan we can all get behind. $27

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Truth Telling: Seven Conversations About Indigenous Life in Canada by Michelle Good

Truth Telling: Seven Conversations About Indigenous Life in Canada by Michelle Good

Cree writer Michelle Good discusses the many issues around contemporary Indigenous identity. Broken treaties, racism, stolen land — Native peoples across what is now known as Canada have long experienced the horrors of ongoing colonization. Good confronts these topics, affirming the right for Native sovereignty and self-determination.

a graphic of the cover of Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir In Archives by Amelia Possanza

Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir In Archives by Amelia Possanza

Amelia Possanza discovers a whole queer world in Brooklyn. There are so many different stories of lesbians throughout history to discover. In Lesbian Love Story, Possanza profiles seven different couples whose love spans the ages.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden

Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden

I had a different book in mind to talk about today, but I couldn’t stop thinking about this one. T Kira Madden has such a brilliant way of precisely writing the story of her life. She grew up in Boca Raton, Florida, the daughter of a Jewish father and a Chinese Hawaiian mother. While she came from a wealthy family, not all was well in her household. From her child’s eyes, she sees her parents’ struggle with their cycles of addiction. Madden has a brilliant way of communicating with the reader, choosing the precise details to include in each scene. Her writing is so entrancing, so moving. I’ve read and reread Madden’s memoir in essays, and I discover something new every time.

a graphic of the cover of Graceland, at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache From the American South by Margaret  Renkl

Graceland, at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache From the American South by Margaret  Renkl

There’s something that I love about a good essay, especially essays about the South. Margaret Renkl is one of the best, and her regular columns are a breath of fresh air. She writes about the complex realities of the new South, with all of its difficult history and present day issues. But there’s also the joy of the successes, no matter how small. Not to mention the incredible nature writing — such descriptions she brings to the page! Each essay is self-contained, a bright, perfectly cut gem. You can read one or all of them if you like.

a photo of Gwen, a black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, sitting and smiling at the camera.
Gwen at Paris Mountain State Park

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

Food Books Perfect for Summer Cooking!

Summer is almost here and I’m ready to cook ALL of the things! There’s just something about all of the fresh produce hitting the shelves that inspires me to try new things and overwhelm my loved ones with all of the things I’ve made. Dylan and Gwen are deeply invested in this process. You have never seen a better set of supervisors. They are here for all of the different kinds of berries, napa cabbage, and broccoli. So today, let’s talk about food books!

Book Riot has a new podcast for you to check out if you’re looking for more bookish content in your life. First Edition will include interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. You can subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a black mug that says, "All I need is books and dogs."

Books and Dogs Coffee Mug by Hippo and Kelpie

Do I need another mug? Probably not. But do I still buy them? Yes, 100%. This mug speaks to me in so many ways. $14

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs by Jamie Loftus

Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs by Jamie Loftus

Are you a person who loves micro-histories about very specific things? Then this book is for you. Jamie Loftus writes about the history of the hot dog in America, noting regional styles, controversies, and how hot dogs are celebrated today.

a graphic of the cover of The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo García by Laura Tillman

The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo García by Laura Tillman

Laura Tillman tells the story of Eduardo “Lalo” García Guzmá, a chef who migrated to the U.S. with his family as a child. But García was eventually deported and made a home for himself in Mexico City. He went on to open his now famous restaurant, Máximo Bistrot, which highlights traditional Mexican cuisine, pushing back against the prioritization of European cuisine that happens in elite spaces.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of Bottom of the Pot by Naz Deravian

Bottom of the Pot by Naz Deravian

Winner of the IACP 2019 First Book Award presented by The Julia Child Foundation, Bottom of the Pot celebrates Persion cooking, highlighting the incredible wealth of flavors of the cuisine. Naz Deravian is a home cook based in L.A., and she shares recipes from her childhood and her takes on Persian classics. When she was just a girl, Deravian and her family fled Iran during the height of the revolution. Food has been a way that Deravian and her family have stayed connected to their culture. I loved these recipes, photos, and little snippets that Deravian shares about her past, connecting moments in her life with her recipes.

a graphic of the cover of Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes by Ronni Lundy

Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes by Ronni Lundy

Victuals, a winner of a James Beard Award, is one of my newest cookbook acquisitions, and I fell in love with it from the moment I saw it. In the last several years, Southern Appalachian cooking has been making its mark on the literary world. Ronni Lundy looks at traditional heritage recipes from Appalachia, celebrating simple ingredients like beans and greens. The photos by Johnny Autry are gorgeous, and take me back to summers watching my grandparents eat salted tomato slices while relaxing on the back porch of their cabin.

a photo of Dylan, a red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi, wearing a midnight blue collar and leash with brass fasteners and detailing. To his left sits Gwen, a black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, wearing a Pinot colored collar and leash with a lilac traffic handle. Her leash and collar also features brass fasteners and detailing. They look like the most stylish Corgi that you’ve ever seen.
Dylan & Gwen love the sunshine.

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

The Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Tulsa Massacre, and More Historical Nonfiction

With summer right around the corner, I’ve been trying to get the Corgis out of the house as much as possible before the heat sets in. But in her mind, Gwen can never get enough exercise. She often goes over to my reading chair, hops in, and pouts at me from across the living room. I hate to break her normally happy little heart, bless. Of course, summertime means summer reading! I love summer evenings walking around downtown or sitting out in the warm summer air. Perfect reading weather. So let’s jump into some of those recommendations!

But first! Make sure to check out First Edition, the new podcast started by Book Riot co-founder Jeff O’Neal. It explores the wide bookish world, with interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a clear cup the has black letters the say, Easily Distracted by Books. The cup has a wooden lid and a straw

Book Lover Cup by Timeless True Studio

At this time of year, I’m getting ready for summer, and a bookish cup is perfect for vacation. Plus, it comes in a lot of different colors. $18+

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Built from the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street by Victor Luckerson

Built from the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, America’s Black Wall Street by Victor Luckerson

Ed Goodwin moved to Greenwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma less than a decade before the Tulsa Race Massacre. Built from the Fire follows Goodwin, detailing his life before and after a white mob murdered over 300 people. Luckerson gives us the bigger picture of that day, tying in Goodwin’s experiences to bring it all together.

a graphic of the cover of Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon by Melissa L. Sevigny

Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon by Melissa L. Sevigny

In 1938, Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter set off down the Colorado river to map out the area and detail the flora and fauna they found along the way. Many thought the two women botanists would never survive the trip through the river’s dangerous rapids. But Clover and Jotter were determined to prove them wrong.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots by Morgan Jerkins

Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots by Morgan Jerkins

Morgan Jerkins follows her ancestry, visiting the different places around the country where her family is from and where they made their home. I love the way she takes readers along on her journey, giving readers a front-row seat to her mental process as she learns new things about her ancestors. She visits places across the South, like South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. Each new place explores the history of her ancestors in that location, and she discovers both good and bad things about her family’s history. I feel like her writing is so intimate as she shares the many feelings she works through. This book is perfect for road trips or to travel the country through reading Jerkins’ story.

a graphic for the cover of Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

Last year, I finally read Patrick Radden Keefe’s incredible narrative nonfiction book Say Nothing, which follows the Troubles in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He begins his story with the disappearance of Jean McConville, a widowed mother of ten. From there, he jumps around to many of the characters involved in different aspects of the I.R.A., detailing how key events in Northern Ireland’s history impact these characters’ lives. It’s truly an incredible work of nonfiction, and I keep recommending it to everyone and their mother’s brother.

a photo of Gwen, of black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, sitting in a gray round chair. Books line the wall to her right. A pillow behind her says, "just one more chapter..."
Gwen in the Library

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

Southern Nonfiction!

It’s a gorgeous day here in South Carolina. The Corgis spent their time toasting their hammies in the warm sunshine and rolling in the patches of clover that have popped up like quilt patches across the yard. We are in the last couple weeks before the sweltering summer heat hits, and the Corgis are here for it. I’ve started bringing out the raspberry iced tea recipes, preparing for watermelon, and anticipating this region’s incredible crop of peaches. Summer is beautiful. So let’s jump into some summer reading options!

Before that, here’s a reminder to check out First Edition, the new podcast started by Book Riot co-founder Jeff O’Neal. It explores the wide bookish world, with interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a phot of a kindle case that looks like a used off white library card, complete with due date stamps

Library Due Date Cards Kindle by The Sparkle Case

As a former circulation assistant who worked at a library that still used these due date cards, I love this Kindle case idea. $27

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Thinning Blood: A Memoir of Family, Myth, and Identity by Leah Myers

Thinning Blood: A Memoir of Family, Myth, and Identity by Leah Myers

Because of the colonialist invention of blood quantum, Leah Myers might be the last member in her family to be recognized as a member of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe by the U.S. government. Myers examines ideas around indigeneity and what it means to actually belong to a Native Nation.

a graphic of the cover of undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism by Brooke Kroeger

Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism by Brooke Kroeger

Brooke Kroeger looks at the lives of women journalists, including figures like Nellie Bly, Ida Tarbell, and Ida B. Wells. Women have always been involved in the reporting of the news and high-profile investigations. Kroeger highlights these women and encourages others to read their work.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of Appalachia on the Table

The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom

In 2019, Sarah M. Broom won the National Book Award for The Yellow House, which follows the story of her family and their connection to New Orleans. She describes her family’s history through the Yellow House, her childhood home that her mother owned for decades. We learn about Broom’s family history and the history of New Orleans. Through her vibrant and engrossing writing, you come to love her family and the Yellow House. This book is such a beautiful work of nonfiction, and I can’t recommend it enough.

a graphic of the cover of Appalachia on the Table: Representing Mountain Food and People by Erica Abrams Locklear

Appalachia on the Table: Representing Mountain Food and People by Erica Abrams Locklear

As an Appalachian book lover who adores food writing, I was so thrilled to learn about Erica Abrams Locklear’s book on Appalachian Cuisine. Locklear examines the history of Appalachian food, its influences, and what it looks like today. I loved the way that she delved into the creativity of Appalachian cooks and the stigma against Appalachian food. She discusses chefs like Ashleigh Shanti and Sean Brock, both of whom have a national presence and discuss Appalachian food in all of its historical complexities. This book is perfect for folks with a love of American cuisine and the incredible food it brings to the table.

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

Working Class Memoirs

Coming from a working class background, I’m always looking for stories from a wide range of perspectives. This is the power of memoirs. These kinds of books invite you into the lives of working class people to bear witness to their lives. But these memoirs aren’t just about the struggles economically disadvantaged people experience. There’s also joy, creativity, and celebration. So today we’re focusing on working class stories, both in the featured new releases and riot recommendations. If you come from a similar background, I hope you feel seen and represented. We write great books, too, and our lives are worth celebrating.

Before that, make sure to check out First Edition, the new podcast started by Book Riot co-founder Jeff O’Neal. It explores the wide bookish world, with interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a olive green book sleeve with mushroom embroidery

Olive Green / Cute Mushroom / Padded Book Sleeve by CPickeringCo

I am so happy that mushrooms are having a moment right now. I just love how cute they are! This is an adorable book sleeve, perfect for nature-lovers. $14

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby

Quietly Hostile: Essays by Samantha Irby

Samantha Irby is a chronically ill, queer Black woman who writes wildly funny essays about everything from reality television to inflammatory bowel disease to being orphaned as a young adult. She narrates her audiobooks, and rarely have I laughed so hard.

a graphic of the cover of uneducated: A Memoir of Flunking Out, Falling Apart, and Finding My Worth by Christopher Zara

Uneducated: A Memoir of Flunking Out, Falling Apart, and Finding My Worth by Christopher Zara

Christopher Zara was expelled from high school for behavioral problems. He then began to explore his identity and became involved in the 1980s punk scene. His memoir follows the ups and downs of his experience finding his way in the world, and fighting for his burgeoning journalism career. There are funny stories and more heartfelt moments.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of rust: A Memoir of Steel and Grit by Eliese Colette Goldbach

Rust: A Memoir of Steel and Grit by Eliese Colette Goldbach

After Goldbach experiences a mental health crisis, she isn’t able to finish the last step of her graduate work. Instead, she gets a job at the local steel mill, writing down her experiences and the complex and very dangerous work she does everyday. Goldbach examines the realities of being paid very well for a job that is such high risk. She’s able to capture the blurry borders of being a person in academia from a working class background. Is the college debt, years of study, and poor job prospects worth it? How does the prejudice of “blue collar jobs” impact her decision? Goldbach does such an excellent job of balancing out all of these different questions while weaving in her own story.

a graphic of the cover of The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

Cornejo Villavicencio and her family have lived undocumented in America for decades. Her dad could only work “blue collar” jobs that didn’t pay well and took an intense toll on his body. Cornejo Villavicencio showed incredible promise, getting high grades, scholarship, and honors. But at every step, she worried about her and her family’s undocumented status. She also experienced suicidal ideation from an early age, her mind filling with intrusive thoughts and clouding her judgment. The Undocumented Americans is part Cornejo Villavicencio’s story and interviews with other undocumented Americans from around the country, showing the diversity of their lived experiences.

a photo of Gwen, a black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, lying next to a copy of before and after the book deal.
Gwen loves to be involved in EVERYTHING. This time she brought one of her favorite toys along. Bunny is the definition of “loved to death.”

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

Backlist Books for the Win!

The clover has spread across the yard and happy bees move amongst the flowers. This is the end of Spring here in South Carolina. The Corgis have been spending a lot of time bounding about the yard, playing endless games of fetch. During the summer, it’s too hot for them to go out during the day, so I try to give them as much time outside as possible while it’s still cool enough. In some perfect moments, Dylan or Gwen will start chasing butterflies, and I might die from the cuteness.

Don’t forget to check out First Edition, the new podcast started by Book Riot co-founder Jeff O’Neal. It explores the wide bookish world, with interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a clear bookmark featuring a black outline of a flower with the name Melissa in cursive

Custom Birth Flower Bookmark by Los Angeles Party

I’m always looking for more birthday gifts with a touch of custom qualities to them. I love how this bookmark has a flower for each birth month and you can choose the color of the outline. So cute! $10

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film by Tre'vell Anderson

We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film by Tre’vell Anderson

Journalist Tre’vell Anderson writes about the history of Black, trans representation on both the big and small screens. Interweaving their personal perspective with careful research, Anderson has written a beautiful testament to community and the importance of Black trans folks seeing themselves on screen.

a graphic of the cover of Nobody's Daughter: A Memoir of Healing the Mother Wound by Rica Ramos

Nobody’s Daughter: A Memoir of Healing the Mother Wound by Rica Ramos

Rica Ramos thought her mother would be there to protect her, to care for her at the worst times of her life. But when Ramos told her mother that she was being sexually abused, her mother did nothing, pretending instead that it wasn’t happening. In Nobody’s Daughter, Ramos writes about coming to terms with her childhood and her mother’s indifference.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

If you love books about cults and how the minds work, Cultish is right in your wheelhouse. This book delves into the details around the language of cults and how everyday exposure to this language influences how people view the world. Through her skill at narrative storytelling and incredible research skills, Montell takes us deep into the influence of cults and the words that help build them.

a graphic of the cover of The Dead Are Arising by Les Payne and Tamara Payne

The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcom X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne

One of the best biographies in recent years, The Dead Are Arising is an award-winning biography of Malcolm X. Les Payne worked on this book for decades, and when he passed, his daughter, Tamara Payne, continued his work and finished the book. The Dead Are Arising went on to receive dozens of accolades, including winning the National Book Award for nonfiction. This is definitely a book you won’t want to miss!

a photo of Gwen, a black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, sitting in a field of clover. She has one of her favorite toys in front of her.

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra

Categories
True Story

Books Perfect for Summer Writing Projects

With summer right around the corner, I’ve been planning my TBR for the endless days of summer that we have here in South Carolina. The Corgis have been joining me on the porch, happy to toast their hammies in the sun and bark at our neighbors. Speaking of our neighbors, the Corgis keep trying to sneak across the way to visit them, running into our neighbors’ open door as I wave hello. The neigbors’ dog comes and visits me as well, like a weird game of dog swap. At least all the dogs involved are having a great time.

Before we get to the goodies, make sure to check out First Edition, the new podcast started by Book Riot co-founder Jeff O’Neal. It explores the wide bookish world, with interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a black t-shirt featuring an illustration of a red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi sitting on a stack of books. She is holding a book in her paws and is reading it.

Easily Distracted By Corgi Book Lover Shirt by Poodle Gag

Sometimes I just look around Etsy for book related Corgi items, because who doesn’t love a strong personal brand? Since it’s warm enough now that I’ll be wearing a T-shirt everyday for the next six months, cute bookish swag is always on my list. $22

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of Oh My Mother!: A Memoir in Nine Adventures by Connie Wang

Oh My Mother!: A Memoir in Nine Adventures by Connie Wang

In each of these essays, Connie Wang examines her relationship with her mother. She examines her connection to her mother from different angles, creating a collection both heartfelt and hilarious. Oh My Mother! is the perfect Mother’s Day read.

a graphic of the cover of American Breakdown: Our Ailing Nation, My Body's Revolt, and the Nineteenth-Century Woman Who Brought Me Back to Life by Jennifer Lunden

American Breakdown: Our Ailing Nation, My Body’s Revolt, and the Nineteenth-Century Woman Who Brought Me Back to Life by Jennifer Lunden

After author Jennifer Lunden moved from Canada to Maine, she became incredibly sick. At 21, she found herself struggling to stand or hold a glass of water. She searched for answers with various doctors, but found none. In American Breakdown, Lunden compares her experience with that of Alice James, a woman from the 19th century said to suffer from neurasthenia.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses

Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses

Matthew Salesses introduces his book by describing how the fiction writing workshop was created by white male writers. Salesses reimagines the writing workshop, examining the elements of writing— plot, character, structure, etc.—from a new perspective. The book includes exercises, giving teachers resources to create better, more inclusive workshops for their students.

a graphic of the cover of Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer's Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum

Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum

A lot of people have a great idea for a book, but where do you even start? Publishing seems so overwhelming. That’s where Courtney Maum comes in. Maum has written my go-to publishing guide for writers who are looking to publish their first book. From finishing your manuscript to book contracts to second books, Maum is here to guide you through it all. She’s structured the book around a Q&A format, using headings and organized chapters to help readers follow along. Maum breaks up a daunting task into different parts, making a seemingly impossible thing actually doable.

a photo of Dylan, a red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi, sitting on the beach with his back to the camera. He's looking out at the ocean.
Dylan enjoys ocean views.

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy reading, Friends!

~ Kendra