1. How to Read Now by Elaine Castillo

Using passion and humor, a collection of essays that rigorously examine how we read and see the world.

2. River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard

A fascinating account of the 19th century British colonial exploration.

3. Heiresses: The Lives of the Million Dollar Babies by Laura Thompson

Entertaining and insightful group portrait that unearths the secrets and scandals of mainly British and American women of the 19th and 20th centuries.

4. There Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important Than Kindness: And Other Thoughts on Physics, Philosophy and the World by Carlo Rovelli

Short essays from the theoretical physicist, exploring politics, art, philosophy and science.

Extensive research, interviews with acquaintances from childhood through adulthood, as well as observations from multiple countries, are compiled by the British journalist to expose the truth and lies of the Putin mystique.

1. 100 Things to do in Sonoma County Before You Die by Yvonne Horn

For tourists and locals alike, a guidebook to the unexpected and unexplored in Sonoma County.

2. The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China by Jonathan Kaufman

Epic narrative of two rival and flourishing dynasties in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

3. The Viking Heart: How the Scandinavians Conquered the World by Arthur Herman

A sweeping epic of how the Vikings and their descendants shaped history and America.

4. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

A professor of plant ecology and a member of the Potawatomi Nation explores how our lives and language interact with and weave through the natural world.

5. This is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan

The latest from the bestselling author who uses history, science and memoir to examine plant-based drugs and the mental effects they can produce.

1. Wheels, No Wheels by Shannon McNeill

Illustrated, ages 3-7. Adventure seeking farm animals take their owner’s tractor and set out to find fun.

2. The Ice Cream Machine by Adam Rubin

Middle Reader, ages 8-12. Six short stories that draw upon the appeal of ice cream, featuring original ideas, characters and exhilarating adventures.

3. Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose by Dav Pilkey

Graphic Novel, ages 8-12. The trademark storytelling and humor returns in this third installment of the popular series.

4. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney

Graphic Novel, ages 8-12. A spinoff from the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series features his best friend.

5. Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey

Graphic Novel, ages 7-10. A new series from the creator of the enormously popular “Dog Man” books.

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