The Big 5-0 by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 For Better or For Worse reflects universal family feelings so well it's translated from English into eight languages. What makes creator Lynn Johnston's portrayal of the Patterson family and friends so beloved shines once again in The Big 5-0. This book follows the blooming romance of son Michael and his girlfriend, Deanna, daughter Elizabeth's last year in high school, and John, the father, turning 50. The book overflows with the heartwarming and realistic family exchanges that have become For Better or For Worse trademarks.

Women of Means: Fascinating Biographies of Royals, Heiresses, Eccentrics, and Other Poor Little Rich Girls by Marlene Wagman-Geller, 294 pages

 The Grass Isn't Greener on the Other Side: Heiresses have always been viewed with eyes of envy. They were the ones for whom the cornucopia had been upended, showering them with unimaginable wealth and opportunity. However, through intimate historical biographies, Women of Means shows us that oftentimes the weaving sisters saved their most heart-wrenching tapestries for the destinies of wealthy women.

Happily Never After: From the author of Behind Every Great Man, we now have Women of Means, vignettes of the women who were slated from birth—or marriage—to great privilege, only to endure lives which were the stuff Russian tragic heroines are made of. They are the nonfictional Richard Corys—those not slated for happily ever after.

Women of Means is bound to be a non-fiction best seller, full of the best biographies of all time. Some of the women whose silver spoons rusted include:

Almira Carnarvon, the real-life counterpart to Lady Cora of Downton Abbey Liliane Bettencourt, whose chemist father created L’Oreal... and was a Nazi collaborator Peggy Guggenheim, who had an insatiable appetite for modern art and men Nica Rothschild, who traded her gilded life to become the Baroness of Bebop Jocelyn Wildenstein, who became a cosmetology-enhanced cat-woman Ruth Madoff, the dethroned queen of Manhattan Patty Hearst, who trod the path from heiress... to terrorist

In the Land of Second Chances by George Shaffner, 296 pages

 Meet Wilma Porter, the plucky and kindhearted owner of the only bed and breakfast in Ebb, Nebraska. Wilma knows everybody in town and everybody is in a bit of trouble. No one more so than Calvin Millet, though. His wife has up and left him and their ailing daughter. His department store is close to bankruptcy. His house has been destroyed by a tornado. The folks of Ebb, including Wilma and her indomitable gang of friends, watch Calvin's fortunes wane with great dismay, for in Ebb, everyone's fate is connected to his.

When a handsome stranger named Vernon L. Moore comes to town selling games of chance, more than a few eyebrows are raised. A consummate salesman, he befriends the troubled townspeople one by one. He listens to their stories and asks them intriguing questions that make them see their situations differently. The father of a dying child, the reclusive widow who's taken permanent board at the B & B, the banker with ulterior motives, and the outspoken Wilma Porter are all changed by their encounters with this mysterious man who seems not of this world. After all, no one has seen a traveling salesman in Ebb for more than thirty years. But wherever he's from and whoever he is, he leaves behind a town where second chances are not only possible, they can--and do--happen.

Sunshine & Shadow by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 In Sunshine and Shadow, Johnston's approach again radiates truth, humor, and compassion as the Pattersons deal with the illness and death of Elly's mother. Readers mourn with the Pattersons as they gather for a loving tribute, wishing their cherished mother could be there with them. "You know what, Dad?" Elly says to her father. "I bet she was." The family also watches as life goes on: college student Michael's love life heats up and Elizabeth has begun the transformation into a young adult. Through it all, John and Elly raise their brood-Michael, Elizabeth, and April, as well as Edgar the dog-with a liberal mix of love and laughter. Heartwarming and humorous, the Pattersons give readers a reason to smile while emphasizing what's really important in life.

Adler by Lavie Tidhar and Paul McCaffrey, 128 pages

 It's the League of Extraordinary Gentlewomen, as Irene Adler teams up with a host of famous female faces from science, history and literature to defeat the greatest criminal mastermind of all time!

At the start of the 20th Century, Jane Eyre returns home to Britain after serving as a nurse during the Boer War. Grieving the loss of her sweetheart and left traumatized by the fighting, she finds her world upended when she is introduced to Irene Adler - and is propelled into a world of intrigue, espionage and murder! The duo is soon racing to stop the radioactive secrets of Marie Curie, intended for good, being turned into weapons of mass destruction! 

The Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute, 282 pages

 There are families like the Beans all over America. They live on the wrong side of town in mobile homes strung with Christmas lights all year around. The women are often pregnant, the men drunk and just out of jail, and the children too numerous to count. In the 'Beans of Egypt', Maine, we meet the God-fearing Earlene Pomerleau and experience her obsession for the whole swarming Bean tribe. There is cousin Rubie, a boozer and a brawler, tall Aunt Roberta, the earth mother surrounded by countless, clinging babies, and Beal, sensitive, often gentle, but doomed by the violence within him. 

Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, 304 pages

 Such is the lament of George Trimble, just one of the many good folk of Spoon River--late of the grave and raised from the dead to bear witness to life. Whether minister or judge, housewife or mayor, clerk or carpenter, banker, lawyer, or town drunk, these monologues form an unforgettable legacy of the private hopes, the dreams, and the aspirations, the successes and the failures, the jealousies and the betrayals, the prejudices and the disillusionments of the people of spoon river.

Middle Age Spread by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 In her touchingly funny daily strip, Lynn Johnston gives her fans realistic characters who humorously deal with both the good and bad that life gives them. Every day, Johnston demonstrates--through hormonal children and parents who aren't always right--that life goes on For Better or For Worse. In Middle Age Spread, parents John and Elly have started to notice their own aging process: the increasing need for glasses, exercise, and computer skills. Their children are also growing older. Michael, the eldest, advances ever nearer to adulthood as he makes his way through college in a distant town, creatively managing classes, a grumpy landlady, and a special girlfriend. Daughter Elizabeth, with her contact lenses, short new hairdo, and boyfriend, Anthony, is becoming a young lady upon whom her parents increasingly rely. The youngest, April, along with the Patterson pets, Edgar the dog and Mr. B the bunny, provide welcome doses of comic relief. But Elly worries about her parents. Her mother has grown dangerously weak and is often bedridden. With heartfelt authenticity and gentle humor, Johnston's Middle Age Spread delicately describes a loving family whose life together speaks to the noble human spirit in all of us.

Growing Like a Weed by Lynn Johnston, 144 pages

 It's the small moments in life that end up meaning so much. In the Patterson clan, those tiny revelations and bits of joy multiply, laying the foundation for a family that loves and grows stronger every day.

Young April dancing in the fall leaves. Elizabeth abandoning her budding maturity to don a bunny costume. Michael pulling an all-nighter, then finding out he's turned in his project a week early. The youngsters in Lynn Johnston's heartfelt For Better or For Worse are growing like weeds--and becoming more special all the time.

In Growing Like Weeds, readers experience a growth spurt of sorts as Michael becomes a man at college. His roommate Weed, while appearing to be a questionable influence ("Never take advice from a guy who crushes beer cans with his head," as Johnston puts it) actually brings out the adult in Michael. A new romance, quality time with Mom and Dad, and a deepening respect for his sister Elizabeth (whom he once called "Lizardbreath") become the way stations in Michael's path to maturity.

But everyone else in the Patterson family is on the move, too. Elizabeth starts to notice boys, while April has become the family's pint-sized philosopher. Elly's dismayed when she feels her bones creak and notices a need for new glasses, while John relives his own "glory" days in college. Then they realize that Michael's friends, Tracey and Mike, are old enough to run a business and have a baby. Everyone, it seems, is Growing Like a Weed.

Fans love the Patterson family because they're a dear and delightful clan who are welcome wherever they go. This latest collection is certain to entertain!

Love Just Screws Everything Up by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 Elly and John Patterson, along with their children Michael, Elizabeth, and April, make up one of the most beloved families in America. The clan from "For Better or For Worse" is not only recognized, their lives are studied, identified with, and, most of all, treasured for the amusing reflections they provide.Perhaps it's seeing part of ourselves in this familial five--something that makes them so endearing. Maybe it's the good old-fashioned values they display. No matter what her secret, creator Lynn Johnston excels, once again, with this collection, "Love Just Screws Everything Up," that gives us a chance to grow even closer to the Pattersons and their devoted dog, Edgar.

This collection of heartwarming and humorous vignettes traces the Pattersons as they toil and traipse through their daily existence--lives much like our own, amplified by Johnson's insightful take on the extraordinarily funny things that happen to ordinary people. For example, we watch as Elly, seemingly stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, uses her cell-phone to call the office--while actually waiting to give her drive-up donut order. Or there's John scolding his girls during a fishing trip for wasting the live bait, only to have a gull grab his next cast in mid-air.

No matter what their situation, no matter what their challenges, the Pattersons always come through with smiles--at least on their readers' faces. This creative collection, "Love Just Screws Everything Up," is sure to captivate all fans of cartooning's first family.

Starting From Scratch by Lynn Johnston, 140 pages

 In a collection of selections from the popular and critically acclaimed comic strip about family life, mother Elly gets her first job, baby April arrives, and Farley's bouncy puppy Edgar moves in.

Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters, 386 pages

 The year is 1903. The place is Cairo. And preparing to tackle an archaeological dig in the Valley of Kings, the intrepid Amelia Peabody dreams of a large cat, an Egyptian sign of good luck. In fact, an ominous message warning “Stay away from tomb Twenty-A” only intrigues her. But Amelia soon acquires a fearful headache when teenage son Ramses and her beautiful ward Nefret sneak about to help a pretty American who thinks she’s being stalked. And when tomb Twenty-A yields a mummy wearing silk undies, Amelia finds herself in a labyrinth of macabre murder, passion, and cruel deceit. Now she needs the cat’s good luck and more: feline stealth, a nose for something rotten, and nine lives—or her next dig may be her own grave…

Things Are Looking Up ...by Lynn Johnston, 127 pages

 More family antics from the annals of "For Better or For Worse"--the sensitive comic strip that deals with marriage, parenting, elderly parents, and youngsters. Original.

Eureka! The Surprising Stories Behind the Ideas That Shaped the World by Marlene Wagman-Geller, 255 pages

 The fascinating inspirations behind common inventions and creations- from Barbie to Sweet and Low to Mt. Rushmore.

The slinky was born aboard a World War II ship.
The Barbie doll was inspired by a German sex toy.
Weight Watchers began with a Jewish housewife in Queens, New York.

Eureka! explores the fascinating stories behind these famous creations and many others-from blue jeans to the Taj Mahal to Mickey Mouse-detailing the relationships between inspirations and their inventors. Readers will delight in the intriguing-and sometimes surprising-origins behind the ideas that have shaped the world.

I Left the House Today! by Cassandra Calin, 143 pages

 Cassandra Calin’s ability to document the hilarity of relatable everyday events in a series of webcomics has generated a huge following on social media. This beautifully illustrated compendium of first-person comics about the trials of the single life, school, stress, junk food, shaving, and maintaining a healthy self-image. Cassandra Calin's comics frequently highlight the humorous gap between expectations and reality, especially when it comes to appearance and how much she can accomplish in one day.

What, Me Pregnant? by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 In this collection, Elly, who is juggling a new job, the adolescent traumas of Michael and now Elizabeth, plus the usual housework woes, finds out she is pregnant!! The shock finally wears off and the family deals with the idea of another person in their household. Then one stormy night baby April is born at home, and the Pattersons forget their worries and focus on the beautiful new baby girl, while getting used to midnight feedings and changing diapers!

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams, 344 pages

 Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance.

Good Mourning: A Memoir by Elizabeth Meyer, 280 pages

 In this funny, insightful memoir, a young socialite risks social suicide when she takes a job at a legendary funeral chapel on New York Citys Upper East Side.Good Mourning offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most famous funeral homes in the country where not even big money can protect you from the universal experience of grieving.

It's Gossip Girl meets Six Feet Under, told from the unique perspective of a fashionista turned funeral planner.

Elizabeth Meyer stumbled upon a career in the midst of planning her own father's funeral, which she turned into an upbeat party with Rolling Stones music, thousands of dollars worth of her mother's favorite flowers, and a personalized eulogy. Starting out as a receptionist, Meyer quickly found she had a knack for helping people cope with their grief, as well as creating fitting send-offs for some of the city's most high-powered residents.
Meyer has seen it all: two women who found out their deceased husband (yes, singular) was living a double life, a famous corpse with a missing brain, and funerals that cost more than most weddings. By turns illuminating, emotional, and darkly humorous, Good Mourning is a lesson in how the human heart grieves and grows, whether you're wearing this season's couture or drug-store flip-flops.

If This Is a Lecture, How Long Will It Be? by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 Lynn Johnston brings her particular talent and hilarious insights to parents' No. 1 domestic problem--having a teenager! Every parent (and every teenager) will identify with the chaosthat adolescent Michael's hormone attacks bring to the Patterson household.

Pushing 40 by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 The Patterson clan; Elly, John, Michael, and Lizzie continues to charm moms, dads, brothers, and sisters with the lighthearted and engaging chronicles of their family in this For Better or For Worse collection, Pushing 40. Cartoonist Lynn Johnston's presentation of daily battles, bungles, tears and smiles has endeared her to a loyal following across the country.

Pushing 40 provides new dimensions of Johnston's lively and entertaining portrayal of family life ;bringing nods of recognition with her sensitive insight and wry sense of humor.

Go The Distance by Jen Calonita, 329 pages

 What if Meg had to become a god?

After Hercules proves he's a true hero and regains his godship, all seems right in the world. That is, until Zeus tells Meg that she can't be with Hercules because she's, well, mortal. Luckily, Hera has a solution, offering Meg a chance to prove herself worthy of a spot on Mt. Olympus--as a god. All Meg has to do is complete a mysterious quest.

The mission? Oh, just to rescue her ex's current wife from the Underworld. The ex-boyfriend she saved by selling her soul to Hades. The ex-boyfriend who immediately moved on to someone else while she was stuck in the Underworld. Can Meg put her past behind her and use her quick-wit to defeat monsters and gods alike, including the nefarious Hades? Will she finally figure out her place and contribution to the world? Or will her fear of commitment have her running away from an eternity of godhood with Herc?

It's All Downhill From Here by Lynn Johnston, 126 pages

Lynn Johnston draws from the everyday wonders of domestic chaos contemporary living at its funniest to create the situations in For Better or For Worse. In this seventh collection, It's All Downhill From Here, the cartoonist's magic once again captures the joys and tribulations of "normal" life.

Keep the Home Fries Burning by Lynn Johnston, 125 pages

 Cartoons take a humorous look at family life, including television, badminton, trumpet lessons, barbecues, friends moving away, the first day of school, Halloween, Christmas pageants, and inlaws.

The Oxford Illustrated History of the Book edited by James Raven, 431 pages

 In 14 original essays, The Oxford Illustrated History of the Book reveals the history of books in all their various forms, from the ancient world to the digital present. Leading international scholars offer an original and richly illustrated narrative that is global in scope.

The history of the book is the history of millions of written, printed, and illustrated texts, their manufacture, distribution, and reception. Here are different types of production, from clay tablets to scrolls, from inscribed codices to printed books, pamphlets, magazines, and newspapers, from written parchment to digital texts. The history of the book is a history of different methods of circulation and dissemination, all dependent on innovations in transport, from coastal and transoceanic shipping to roads, trains, planes and the internet. It is a history of different modes of reading and reception, from learned debate and individual study to public instruction and entertainment. It is a history of manufacture, craftsmanship, dissemination, reading and debate.

Yet the history of books is not simply a question of material form, nor indeed of the history of reading and reception. The larger question is of the effect of textual production, distribution and reception - of how books themselves made history. To this end, each chapter of this volume, succinctly bounded by period and geography, offers incisive and stimulating insights into the relationship between books and the story of their times.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley, 326 pages

 From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them when they come out to Palm Springs for weeklong visits, or when he heads home to Connecticut for the holidays. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is honestly a bit out of his league.

So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick’s brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. Quickly realizing that parenting—even if temporary—isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human.

With the humor and heart we’ve come to expect from bestselling author Steven Rowley, The Guncle is a moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times.

The Last Straw by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 For Better or For Worse is Canadian cartoonist Lynn Johnston’s humorous look at the ups and downs of the Patterson family, a contemporary suburban family.

It Must Be Nice To Be Little by Lynn Johnston, 127 pages

 Cartoons poke fun at the problems encountered by a Canadian family in their daily life.

Is This "One of Those Days," Daddy? by Lynn Johnston, 128 pages

 Lynn Johnston has been bringing life to the Patterson clan for over 25 years, and for readers around the world, life just wouldn't seem right without her daily dispatch. Is This "One of Those Days," Daddy? gives readers more of what they've come to expect from Johnston's beloved cartoon: a sense of connection, a shared intimacy with a family as familiar as their own, and a front-row seat to the enduring, endearing comic saga called life.

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #17, 256 pages

 

Betty and Veronica Double Digest # 37, 256 pages

 

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #67, 228 pages

 

Betty and Veronica Double Digest #16, 256 pages

 

Archie's Double Digest #29, 256 pages

 

I've Got the One-More-Washload Blues... by Lynn Johnston, 127 pages

 Comic strips show the daily trials and pleasures of family life for Elly, her husband John, a dentist, and their children Michael and Elizabeth.

Archie's Double Digest #17, 256 pages

 

When the Green Woods Laugh by H. E. Bates, 99 pages

 ‘There!’ Pop said. ‘There’s the house. There’s Gore Court for you. What about that, eh? How’s that strike you? Better than St Paul’s, ain’t it, better than St Paul’s?’ And so Pop Larkin – junk-dealer, family man and Dragon’s Blood connoisseur – manages to sell the nearby crumbling, tumbling country home to city dwellers Mr and Mrs Jerebohm for a pretty bundle of notes. Now he can build his daughter Mariette the pool she’s long been nagging him for. But the Larkin’s new neighbours aren’t quite so accepting of country ways – especially Pop’s little eccentricities. In fact, it’s not long before a wobbly boat, a misplaced pair of hands and Mrs Jerebohm’s behind have Pop up before a magistrate … 

Mother Earth, Father Sky by Sue Harrison, 486 pages

 In a time before history, in a harsh and beautiful land near the top of the world, womanhood comes cruelly and suddenly to beautiful, young Chagak. Surviving the brutal massacre of her tribe, she sets out across the icy waters off America's northwest coast on an astonishing odyssey that will reveal to Chagak powerful secrets of the earth and sky... and the mysteries of love and loss.

A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir by Colin Jost, 315 pages

 If there’s one trait that makes someone well suited to comedy, it’s being able to take a punch—metaphorically and, occasionally, physically.

From growing up in a family of firefighters on Staten Island to commuting three hours a day to high school and “seeing the sights” (like watching a Russian woman throw a stroller off the back of a ferry), to attending Harvard while Facebook was created, Jost shares how he has navigated the world like a slightly smarter Forrest Gump.

You’ll also discover things about Jost that will surprise and confuse you, like how Jimmy Buffett saved his life, how Czech teenagers attacked him with potato salad, how an insect laid eggs inside his legs, and how he competed in a twenty-five-man match at WrestleMania (and almost won). You’ll go behind the scenes at SNL and Weekend Update (where he’s written some of the most memorable sketches and jokes of the past fifteen years). And you’ll experience the life of a touring stand-up comedian—from performing in rural college cafeterias at noon to opening for Dave Chappelle at Radio City Music Hall.

For every accomplishment (hosting the Emmys), there is a setback (hosting the Emmys). And for every absurd moment (watching paramedics give CPR to a raccoon), there is an honest, emotional one (recounting his mother’s experience on the scene of the Twin Towers’ collapse on 9/11). Told with a healthy dose of self-deprecation, A Very Punchable Face reveals the brilliant mind behind some of the dumbest sketches on television, and lays bare the heart and humor of a hardworking guy—with a face you can’t help but want to punch. 

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene, 180 pages

 Nancy, unaided, seeks to find a missing will. To the surprise of many, the Topham family will inherit wealthy Josiah Crowley's fortune, instead of deserving relatives and friends who were promised inheritances. Nancy determines that a clue to a second will might be found in an old clock Mr. Crowley had owned and she seeks to find the timepiece. Her search not only tests her keen mind, but also leads her into a thrilling adventure. 

A Breath of French Air by H. E. Bates, 159 pages

 Ma hankers for France, heat. So all ten Larkins flee cold wet England in August. Son-in-law Charley teaches bon mots for his childhood sunny seaside, bursts beachballs sent at his topless tanning Marriette. Air is stormy, tea weak, food tough, burnt. Ma's bulk bursts chair. Host Mlle Dupont eyes Pa's bachelor passport and "milord's" monogrammed Rolls.

The Darling Buds of May by H. E. Bates, 116 pages

 The Darling Buds of May, which came out in 1958, was the first of five Larkin novels and in it readers witness the transformation of Mr. Charlton from a undernourished and timid tax clerk to ‘Charlie’, a fully-converted member of the Larkin way of life: an easygoing celebration of nature, food, drink, and family. In the process, the reader is introduced to the Brigadier, Miss Pilchester, and Angela Snow. Setting the style for the series, the book ends with a grand celebration, and the announcement of the wedding of Charlie and Mariette.

Dinner Music in a Combat Zone by Jeremy Paul Amick, 270 pages

 An interesting look at the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a drafted young man from Mid-Missouri. Roger Buchta didn't want to serve but when drafted, did his duty as a medic. With a deep interest in education, his letters home showed a viewpoint of the country and war not often seen in war literature. This biography is a must read.

The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters, 303 pages

 Amelia, her husband Emerson, their 13-year-old son Ramses, and their beautiful ward Nefret return to Egypt for an exciting excavation. The dig is at an undisturbed Royal Tomb, a true find--and an irresistible temptation for art thieves, jealous colleagues, looters, the press, and the countless evil-doers. As Ramses and Nefret rub elbows with thieves and thugs, Amelia finds herself faced with a surprising new villain who is every bit as clever and resourceful as the intrepid Amelia herself.

The Unyielding by Shelly Laurenston, 401 pages

 Stieg Engstrom, Angriest Viking Ever, has got big problems. The human Viking Clans of earth are in danger of being obliterated—along with the rest of the world—and the only one who may be able to save them is a super pain-in-the-ass Crow. Most people annoy Stieg, but this is the one woman he really can’t stand…

Erin Amsel loves being a Crow! Why wouldn’t she when the other Viking Clans are so hilariously arrogant and humorless? She’s not about to let all that come to an end! She just didn’t expect to be shoulder to shoulder in battle with Stieg. Then again, he’s so easy to torment—and also kind of cute.

With the future of the world riding on them, Stieg knows he’ll have to put aside his desperate need to kiss the smirk right off Erin’s face. Wait. What? He didn’t mean that—did he? No! They have one goal: To conquer the idiots. Because nothing bugs Stieg more than when idiots win. If only he can keep himself from suddenly acting like one….

My Trip Down the Pink Carpet by Leslie Jordan, 260 pages

 A hilarious romp from small-town USA to the pink carpet of Hollywood with the beloved Emmy-winning actor, playwright, and gay icon

Leslie Jordan is a small man with a giant propensity for scene stealing. Best known for his bravura recurring role as Karen's nemesis, Beverley Leslie, on Will & Grace (for which he won a Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy in 2006), he has also made memorable appearances on Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Monk, and Murphy Brown.

Raised in a conservative family in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Leslie -- who describes himself as "the gayest man I know" -- boarded a Greyhound bus bound for LA with $1,200 sewn into his underpants and never looked back. His pocket-sized physique and inescapable talent for high camp paved the way to a lucrative and varied career in commercials and on television. Along the way he immersed himself in writing for the stage, and his one-man testimonials have become cult off-Broadway hits. But with success came dangerous temptations: a self-proclaimed former substance abuser and sexaholic, Leslie has spent time in jail and struggled to overcome his addictions and self-loathing.

My Trip Down the Pink Carpet is a rollicking, fast-paced collection of stories, served up with wit, panache, and plenty of biting asides. Filled with comically overwrought childhood agonies, offbeat observations, and revealing celebrity encounters -- from Boy George to George Clooney -- it delivers a fresh, laugh-out-loud take on Hollywood, fame, addiction, gay culture, and learning to love oneself.

The Hamburger: A History by Josh Ozersky, 146 pages

 What do Americans think of when they think of the hamburger? A robust, succulent spheroid of fresh ground beef, the birthright of red-blooded citizens? Or a Styrofoam-shrouded Big Mac, mass-produced to industrial specifications and served by wage slaves to an obese, brainwashed population? Is it cooking or commodity? An icon of freedom or the quintessence of conformity?

This fast-paced and entertaining book unfolds the immense significance of the hamburger as an American icon. Josh Ozersky shows how the history of the burger is entwined with American business and culture and, unexpectedly, how the burger’s story is in many ways the story of the country that invented (and reinvented) it.

Spanning the years from the nineteenth century with its waves of European immigrants to our own era of globalization, the book recounts how German “hamburg steak” evolved into hamburgers for the rising class of urban factory workers and how the innovations of the White Castle System and the McDonald’s Corporation turned the burger into the Model T of fast food. The hamburger played an important role in America’s transformation into a mobile, suburban culture, and today, America’s favorite sandwich is nothing short of an irrepressible economic and cultural force. How this all happened, and why, is a remarkable story, told here with insight, humor, and gusto.

The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald, 123 pages

 In 1959 Florence Green, a kindhearted widow with a small inheritance, risks everything to open a bookshop - the only bookshop - in the seaside town of Hardborough. By making a success of a business so impractical, she invites the hostility of the town's less prosperous shopkeepers. By daring to enlarge her neighbors' lives, she crosses Mrs. Gamart, the local arts doyenne. Florence's warehouse leaks, her cellar seeps, and the shop is apparently haunted. Only too late does she begin to suspect the truth: a town that lacks a bookshop isn't always a town that wants one.(less)