Spend extra time at home with these picks.
Being up to date on all things health and wellness is social and cultural currency these days. And while quick-hit news bites are great, in-depth reads are still a worthy pursuit. Many non-fiction books come out every month, though, and it can feel overwhelming to cut through the clutter. That’s why we started the Furthermore book club. Here, our picks for May.
The book: America's First Female Serial Killer
By: Mary Kay McBrayer
The gist: Mary Kay McBrayer is the co-founder of the horror movie comedy podcast, Everything Trying to Kill You. In this, her first true crime novel, she dives into the life and troubled origins of Jane Toppan, a 19th-century Boston-based nurse-turned-serial-killer.
The book: Gloves Off
By: Lowell Cohn
The gist: Veteran San Francisco Chronicle sportswriter Lowell Cohn has spent close to half a century interviewing sports stars, reporting on stunning losses and wins, and gaining locker-room insights. Here, he compiles his pieces into a volume featuring household names like Sugar Ray Robinson and Michael Jordan.
The book: Eat a Peach
By: David Chang and Gabe Ulla
The gist: Few restaurants have made as big of a global impact as David Chang's humble Momofuku noodle bar in Manhattan's East Village. The restaurant, which opened in 2004, was the first in a chain of eateries that now spans the globe. In his memoir, Chang reflects on a career from chef to bona fide celebrity in the food world and beyond. Originally slated to be released this month, it's now available for September preorder.
The book: Brave, Not Perfect
By: Reshma Saujani
The gist: Reshma Saujani's TED Talk on teaching girls bravery has over five million views. In Brave, Not Perfect, the CEO of Girls Who Code digs even deeper into the gendered ideas that women are taught from a young age, and how embracing imperfection is an essential way to exceed your own expectations. "It’s time to stop letting our fears drown out our dreams and narrow our world," Saujani says.
The book: Family Meal
By: Random House
The gist: To help support the restaurant industry during the coronavirus crisis, Random House put together a digital-only collection of 50 simple recipes from culinary legends like Ina Garten, Dan Barber, Ruth Reichl, and more. All proceeds from the book will go to the Restaurant Workers' COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.