Ruthie's Staff Picks

By Underground Books

Crying in H Mart: A Memoir

Michelle Zauner

$26.95 $25.06

What do you do when your identity was so wrapped up in a person and then they die? Michelle Zauner's mother passed away of cancer, and her relationship with her Korean heritage, her sense of self, and family were all attached to her. This is a perfect book for all of those who are struggling with their relationship to their mothers and their heritage. When I lost my mother I felt like a bridge to one side of my family burned down. This book felt like Michelle Zauner was holding my hand over our shared grief, and showing me that the world still moves on.

Carmilla

Joseph Sheridan Lefanu

$17.00 $15.81

Unfortunately most vampire books live in the shadow of Brom Stoker’s Dracula, however Carmilla is not one of them. Written 25 years before Dracula, Carmilla is a dark and gloomy seductress who can hold her own weight against the king of the vampires. This book is a goth kid's dream. A Victorian woman who spends all of her time alone with her father in a gloomy mansion, has an unexpected visitor show up. This visitor is a beautiful woman who wishes to befriend her and maybe something more, but she harbors a deep bloodsucking secret. For fans of queer stories, dark settings, and sexy vampires this is the book for you.

Revolutionary Suicide: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Huey P. Newton and Ho Che Anderson

$18.00 $16.74

Growing up I was always told that the Black Panthers were bad. Up until college I thought that they were an over militant group that could be called terrorists. I have never been so wrong in my life. This party truly changed America for the better by creating so many direct action social programs like free lunch in schools for children, promoting literacy, and creating several food bank systems. This book was written by the founder of the Black Panthers before his untimely death at the hands of the US government. If you are looking for a historical book about race relations, this is the one for you.

Akira 1

Katsuhiro Otomo

$24.99 $23.24

If Blade Runner and Lovecraftian body horror had a baby it would be this series. I recommend this to any one who has seen the 1989 movie, because the film only covers 1 out of the 6 books. It is wonderfully paced with lots of action and violence, as well as some sick motorcycles.

Bad Gays: A Homosexual History

Ben Miller and Huw Lemmey

$19.95 $18.55

Evil twinks in your area! Learn about malicious and evil historical figures, who just so happen to be queer. I had no clue that half of these people were gay, let alone all the murder, bigotry, and war crimes they committed.

Happy Place

Emily Henry

$27.00 $25.11

Y’all already know I’m a pretty big Emily Henry fan and this book is no exception. However, this book is her least romance forward book. Instead focusing on the coming of age period between your 20’s and 30’s . It touches on subjects like isolation, keeping long term friendships, and the harm of pleasing people. Although for my romance fans there is still a lovely and heartwarming second-chance romance for you. This was a bit of a detour from the average Emily Henry book, but I loved it all the same.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Talia Hibbert

$19.99 $18.59

TALIA HIBBERT SUPREMACY!!! The title does not lie, it is an unfairly cute book. Bradley and Celine were best friends who had a huge falling out, but after both apply to a program for the chance of a scholarship they must work side by side. This little romcom also packs quite an emotional punch. Discussing what it's like to have OCD and how to handle large emotions when you're unequipped to. It has the witty dialogue that Talia Hibbert is known for and an incredible amount of heart. For people who like their romance books less spicy or just want a quick fun read, this ones for you.

Belle of the Ball

Mari Costa

$17.99 $16.73

A feel good graphic novel about the importance of friendship, acceptance, and growth. For fans of Heartstopper this is another heartwarming queer romance set in highschool. Featuring a sapphic love triangle of a cheerleader, a star soccer player, and the school mascot. This book is funny, cute, and wonderfully illustrated. It was a delightful pick me up.

How to Excavate a Heart

Jake Maia Arlow

$18.99 $17.66

Merry Jewishmas! This is a hilarious sapphic Jewish holiday romance. I had to set this book down multiple times because I could not stop laughing. Shani is on her way to her new internship at the Smithsonian when she hits her future girlfriend with her car.They do not get along initially, but strange coincidences and holiday magic keep bringing them together. Full of wonderfully witty dialogue, meaningful conversation about how it feels to be Jewish during the Christmas season, and cute corgis. This is the perfect book to curl up by the fire with during these cold months.

Lore Olympus: Volume One

Rachel Smythe

$19.99 $18.59

I started reading this as a webtoon in hopes of getting back to my Percy Jackson roots, and it worked! A cool and sexy retelling of Hades and Persephone, that is full of bright colors and interesting character concepts. It modernizes the old myths and takes out some of the less favorable characteristics. It's a solid cliffhanger of a romance for those who love comics, myths, and modern day retellings.

Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory: Stories

Raphael Bob-Waksberg

$17.00 $15.81

I’m not very shy about Bojack Horseman being my favorite TV show. So when I found out the show runner had a book, I had to get it. It did not disappoint! These are surreal and humorous short stories that pack a lot of punch. My personal favorite stories from the collection are “A Most Blessed and Auspicious Occasion,” about a young couple planning a satanic ritualistic wedding, and “Up-and-Comers,” about a group of superheroes that can only activate their powers when drunk. Much like Bojack Horseman, expect it to be as oddly sad as it is funny.

The Charm Offensive

Alison Cochrun

$17.99 $16.73

Dev is a producer on a 'Bachelor' like TV show, and he is the absolute best at his job. He chalks this all up to the fact that he really believes in love and that he is making true romance happen on the show. But his bachelor this season is anything but prince charming. He is anxious, mildly repulsed by touch , and doesn't believe that romance exists. Dev makes it his personal mission to whip him into the perfect contestant and find him true love. This was super funny, heart warming, and about platonic love as much as romantic love. This book had very poignant conversations about the importance of mental health as well as some delightful Ace representation from one of the main love interests. I’m so upset I put this book off for so long.

The Poppy War

R. F. Kuang

$19.99 $18.59

This book is pure rage. The Poppy War is full of violence, revenge, and ambition. It is cut throat in its brutality, but it never feels unjustified. The main character searches to rise above her station and eventually seeks revenge for the genocide of her people. The book asks us, what would we be willing to do to hurt those that have hurt us? There is so much heart and catharsis in this book, while still tackling hard concepts. However, if you are a bit squeamish please check the trigger warnings before reading.

People We Meet on Vacation

Emily Henry

$16.00 $14.88

See! I don't always recommend only horribly sad books. This is the perfect friends to lovers romance. Two unlikely friends who are completely different, go on vacation with each other for over a decade until they have a falling out. Two years later they reunite for a destination wedding. It was so funny and the chemistry was perfect. It is a better When Harry Met Sally, and has one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time.

Goodnight Punpun, Vol. 3

Inio Asano

$24.99 $23.24

This manga took my heart out of my chest, crushed it, and then spit on it. It was one of the best manga I’ve ever read and I fully understand why it’s a cult classic. This is a super poignant coming of age story. The main character is drawn as a little bird in comparison to every other character being fully illustrated. The contrast makes the character stick out and makes you truly put yourself in his shoes. The relationships in this manga are so deeply personal, funny, and heart wrenching. If anyone has any doubts about graphic novels, this is a perfect example about how the medium truly upholds the story.

The Lathe of Heaven (Reissue)

Ursula K. Le Guin

$17.00 $15.81

George Orr is having a problem, anything he dreams comes true. He steals drugs to try and stay awake until he gets caught and has to go to state mandated rehab. His therapist quickly realizes that his dreams change reality, and he attempts to control that power. This is a perfect introductory book if you are trying to get into Ursula K. Le guin’s work, or just science fiction as a whole.

Emma: 200th-Anniversary Annotated Edition (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Jane Austen

$18.00 $16.74

Listen, I get it—Pride and Prejudice is the most well known Austen work for a reason, but can we please appreciate its more annoying younger sister? Emma is the book for the unhinged girlies. Emma is a wealthy woman who has no need nor desire to marry, so she decides to play matchmaker for her friends instead. She is quick-witted, a little mean, and always in other people's business. And I LOVE HER! This has Jane Austen’s signature voice and humor, as well as a begrudging romance. If you like Pride and Prejudice or are just trying to get into classics, give Emma a try.

Yellowface: A Reese's Book Club Pick

R. F. Kuang

$30.00 $27.90

Have you ever wanted to be stabbed by a book? If so, just read anything by R. F. Kuang. This is a cut-throat satire about the publishing industry. This book is as humorous as it is brutal. I HATED every single character in this book with a passion that could win wars, but I could not put it down. It hits on incredibly hard topics about racism, artistry, and recognition while simultaneously giving us one of the most tense plots ever written. When I finished this book, I realized I was holding my breath the entire time.

The Bodyguard

Katherine Center

$29.00 $26.97

A perfect cute and fluffy romance to ease your woes. Hannah is a bodyguard who has had an awful week. Her mother passed away suddenly and her boyfriend just broke up with her. So when an easy case pops up for work she takes it. But the person she's protecting is a famous movie star, who she has to pretend to date in order to keep him safe. A super fun book for those who prefer their romance a little less steamy. It is quick, lighthearted, and such a great pick me up.

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (Updated)

Anthony Bourdain

$16.99 $15.80

I used to be embarrassed that I had a hard time eating. I was scared of something that everyone else seems to be okay with. When it got really bad I would watch Parts Unknown with Anthony Bordain, because he just ate and enjoyed it. There was no cooking, just sitting and talking. He never really ever questioned what he ate, because he was too focused on the conversation with the person next to him. I really admired that. In this book you get to know the ins and outs of the restaurant industry, but more than that you get to know the people who work in them. People who work insane hours and are often considered rejects from society, but are incredibly passionate not just about food, but about what a good meal can do. This book is not overly romantic about the food service industry, but it is hopeful. If you too have a hard time with food, or eating I think this is the perfect book to try and make the act a little less daunting. I also would like to thank Anthony Bourdain for being the best dining companion even beyond the grave.

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Jennette McCurdy

$27.99 $26.03

As a professional dead mom haver, this book was painfully relatable. Jennette McCurdy has to watch her mom slowly pass away of cancer. All while reconciling with the fact that her mom, who was her hero, might have not been that great of a person. Though this is more than a book about grief. Jennette tackles tough subjects such as, eating disorders, child stardom, poverty, and girlhood with both humor and heart. I can only hope that she finds as much catharsis and support as I felt reading this book.

Gender Queer: A Memoir

Maia Kobabe

$24.99 $23.24

Gender has always smothered me. It is an overwhelming figurehead that to this day I fear I will never escape, and that feeling of suffocation and otherness is hard to describe. Genderqueer looks at the overwhelming concept of queerness, sexuality, and gender and words it in a way that is both compressive and gentle. This book felt like talking to an old friend and finding out that everything that you felt and thought was odd about yourself, is completely normal. Most importantly this book tells you that you do not have to have every aspect about yourself figured out at once, it is okay to grow and change. I understand that this book keeps getting banned for transphobia related reasons, but I really wish I had this book as a teen.

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Ned Vizzini

$10.99 $10.22

It is hard to do anything when you want to die. Nothing is easy, even though it looks like it should be. As a former gifted student, and full time adult with depression this book gets it. It is about an honors high school student who has depression and can not understand why just daily tasks are so much harder than they should be. So he goes to a mental hospital to get help and find reasons to keep on living. Up until reading this book I always thought that the sayings, "You aren't alone." and "I understand.", were incredibly cheesy. However, now I can say that this book showed me how nice it feels to be understood.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

Scott Cunningham

$16.99 $15.80

As a former Catholic, most of what I knew about Wicca was shrouded in misconceptions and stereotype. It was about dark magic and living in a godless world. However, that is so incredibly false. Wicca is a religion based in loving oneself and the nature that surrounds him. When reading this book I learned so much about Wiccian lore, but also about practices that everyone can do to feel better and more in control of their situations. For anyone who is interested in learning more about Wicca, or just seeking some spiritual help, this is a perfect place to start.

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

Alison Bechdel

$18.99 $17.66

Trying to understand a parent after they have passed is painful. You learn way too much about them, way too quickly, and they aren't there to answer any of your questions. Family is complicated and this book shows all of the frustrations, love, and hardships that they bring. Cartoonist Alison Bechdel, shows her relationship with her Dad in a wonderfully realistic light after his suicide. As a child who has lost a parent this book holds such an important place in my heart.