Popular Culture
by Christopher Clarey
What it is: a well-researched and richly detailed biography of tennis star and 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.
Topics include: Federer's playing style, memorable matches, and rivalries; his personal life and philanthropic pursuits.
About the author: New York Times tennis correspondent Christopher Clarey has followed Federer's career for decades and has interviewed him more than any other sports journalist.
by William Henry Evans & Omar Holmon
What it is: a witty and thought-provoking blend of pop culture criticism and social commentary written by Black Nerd Problems website creators William Henry Evans and Omar Holmon.
What's inside: irreverent essays exploring Black representation in comics, Hamilton ticket prices, Mario Kart as personality test, the merits (or lack thereof) of The Lion King's Simba, and more.
Don't miss: "The Sobering Reality of Actual Black Nerd Problems," which discusses the dangers of cosplaying while Black.
by Hayley Mills
What it's about: child star and Disney darling Hayley Mills' roller-coaster life in the spotlight.
Read it for: Mills' frank assessment of the perks and pitfalls of the Disney star system -- after rising to fame with roles in Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, she was forced to maintain a wholesome image, losing out on roles in Lolita and other adult-oriented films.
Did you know? For her role in Pollyanna, Mills became one of only 12 actors in history to receive the Academy Juvenile Award.
by Billy Porter
What it's about: Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actor Billy Porter's inspiring and hard-fought success in the entertainment industry.
Is it for you? Porter's intimate debut doesn't shy away from the hardships he's faced, including childhood sexual abuse, bankruptcy, racist and homophobic treatment in Hollywood, and living with HIV.
Try this next: Fans of moving and conversational celebrity memoirs will want to read Gabrielle Union's You Got Anything Stronger?
by Paul Rees
What it is: a richly detailed biography of pioneering heartland rock singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, written by veteran music journalist Paul Rees.
Featuring: exclusive interviews with Mellencamp's loved ones and colleagues; never-before-told stories of his life and career; a deep dive into his discography.
For fans of: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen.
by Phoebe Robinson
What it is:New York Times bestselling author and comedian Phoebe Robinson's third wide-ranging and laugh-out-loud collection of essays.
Topics include: quarantining while in a relationship; the limitations of self-care; natural hair love; performative activism; building a "mini empire."
Who it's for: Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy Robinson's entertaining latest, which feels like having an intimate chat with a friend.
by Stanley Tucci
What it is: a charming and witty memoir detailing actor Stanley Tucci's culinary pursuits and the stories behind them, filled with simple recipes made from inexpensive ingredients.
For fans of: the foodie memoirs of journalist Bill Buford and chefs Gabrielle Hamilton and Ruth Reichl.
Recipes include: Italian staples including ragú, pasta fagioli, and Negronis.
by Stevie Van Zandt
What it's about: E Street Band guitarist, Sopranos actor, and activist Stevie Van Zandt's life and career.
Why you might like it: At turns thought-provoking and self-deprecating, Van Zandt shares candid musings on career triumphs and trials, his commitment to social advocacy, and dishy showbiz anecdotes.
Did you know? Though Van Zandt's best-known acting role was playing Silvio Dante in The Sopranos, he was almost cast as Tony Soprano.
by Douglas Wolk
What it's about: Eisner Award-winning Reading Comics author Douglas Wolk's quest to document Marvel Comics history -- by reading every Marvel comic published since 1961 (more than 27,000).
Read it for: a concise and impassioned overview of 60 years of superhero comics history, profiling characters both famous (the X-Men) and forgotten (Night Nurse).
Don't miss: insightful footnotes; an appendix including noteworthy storylines and illustrations.
by Dave Zirin
What it's about: the impact of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests during the 2016 NFL season.
Featuring: interviews with athletes and coaches who were spurred to action following Kaepernick's example.
Reviewers say:The Nation sports editor David Zirin's thoughtful book is "necessary reading for all" (Library Journal).
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