Charleston Reporter

 by Mark Bittman and Kerri Conan

What it is: a thorough guide to making healthy everyday breads using whole grains and starters, plus information on a variety of grains and flours, a "Beyond the Basics" chapter, and helpful photographs.

Recipes include: Whole Wheat Starter, Buckwheat Pancakes, Baguettes, Amazing Cheddar Biscuits, Olive Bread, Savory Hand Pies, Focaccia, Cinnamon Rolls, Crumby Oatmeal Cookies, Berry Torte.

 by Toni Lipsey

What's inside: instructions for newcomers to Tunisian crochet (aka Afghan crochet or shepherd's knitting); details on tools, yarns, and materials; stitch information; 20 pretty projects; and a resource list.

Projects include: Kensington Tote Bag, Empire Tea Towels, Oxford Floor Pouf, Elm Slouch Hat, Motley Blanket, Pemba Cardi, Pinwheel Pet Bed.

 by Roxy Prima & Phoebe Cornog

What it is: a vibrant, encouraging guide to painting a mural (simple or complex, small or large) that's illustrated with color photos and offers 26 projects, eco-friendly tips, tool details, and information on color theory.

Projects include: Ocean Scene, Polka Dots, Clean Diamonds, Simple Typography, Complex Flowers, Faux Tile Pattern, Mailbox Glow Up. 

 by Mayukh Sen

What it is: a thoughtful, well-researched group biography of seven women who, throughout the 20th century, brought flavors and foods from their homelands to the United States, changing the way Americans eat.

Don't miss: Award-winning author Mayukh Sen also discusses Julia Child, Craig Claiborne, food journalism, and fame.

The seven women: Chao Yang Buwei from China, Elena Zelayeta from Mexico, Madeleine Kamman from France, Marcella Hazan from Italy, Julie Sahni from India, Najmieh Batmanglij from Iran, and Norma Shirley from Jamaica.

 by Zoe Edwards

What it is: a friendly guide to making your clothes last longer that includes a materials list, hand sewing how-tos (repairing hems, mending holes, zipper helps, etc.), details on using a sewing machine (if you have one), and tips on how and when to do laundry.

Don't miss: the section on "fast fashion," which may inspire you to put the book's tips into action.

Did you know? There are approximately 40 million garment workers in the world, but only 2% of them make a living wage.

 by Trent Preszler

What happened: Estranged from his father (a Vietnam vet and South Dakota rancher who had trouble accepting him as gay), Trent Preszler returned home when his dad was dying. Weeks later, Preszler took his inheritance -- his father's toolbox, containing tools he knew nothing about -- and began building a canoe.

Reviewers say: an "impeccably written, loving memoir" (Kirkus Reviews); "a tale as well crafted as the beautiful canoe" (Booklist).

For fans of: Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew B. Crawford; Why We Make Things and Why It Matters by Peter Korn; Bettyville: A Memoir by George Hodgman.

 by Nik Sharma

What's inside: a fascinating scientific exploration of the elements that make up flavor by a talented cook/molecular biologist; over 100 recipes.

Topics include: making food crispy, aroma in cooking, brightness boosters, how fieriness works, common salt and varieties, chilies (fresh and dried), cooking with fats and oils, pantry essentials.

Recipes include: Potato Pancakes, Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, Vegetable Pakoras, Masala Shrimp, "Pizza" Toast, Chicken Kanji, Hazelnut Flan, Sweet Potato Honey Beer Pie. 

 by Jessica Walliser

What it is: an approachable science-based guide to beneficial plant pairings, by horticulturalist and garden educator Jessica Walliser.

Why you might like it: An American Horticultural Society Book Award winner, Plant Partners encourages readers to view gardens as ecosystems and offers specific plant combinations.

Reviewers say: "a new look at a popular subject that has long relied on folklore and conjecture rather than research" (The New York Times).