Intimations can be read in a single sitting, but it is packed with so much. These essays are the simultaneous balm and wake-up call we need right now.

A slightly mathy but surprisingly useful book about how to think critically about the information and research we read about in the news.

Horse Crazy is part memoir, part journalistic inquiry into the far corners of the world. Even though I don’t have a special interest in horses, I really sunk into and enjoyed it.

Stamped From the Beginning taught me so much more than any other book I’ve ever read about antiracism. It’s long, but very worth the process of working through it slowly.

Fairest is an expertly written memoir that has so much to give its readers. I definitely recommend it.

I don’t have much to say about this beyond what’s been said before: If you are white, read it.

Here for It is an honest, hopeful, moving, funny memoir written in essays by a gay Black man. What else do you need to know?

You’re Not Listening is a well-written, readable, persuasive book that underscores the importance of true, unselfish listening and will inspire you to get better at it.

Figure It Out is an essay collection that I think will have something for everyone, even if not everything is for everyone. I was much more drawn to some than others.

Officer Clemmons is a moving, quick-reading memoir that offers so much more than another perspective on Fred Rogers.

The Source of Self-Regard is an incredible collection, but very academic. While inspiring and impressive, it won’t be for everyone.

Before and After the Book Deal is a helpful, conversational, informative breakdown of all the things that go into writing and publishing a book. As a book reviewer, I found it so interesting!

Successful Aging is a scientific but well-written and interesting look at current thinking about how the brain works and how you can protect it as you age.

WOW. Invisible Women is an unrelenting pop-pop-pop of bruising, important truth bombs. Caroline Criado-Pérez doesn’t hold back. Everyone should read this.

The Catalyst is a helpful, well-researched book about lowering the barriers of resistance in people’s minds. There were some really good nuggets in there that I will probably use quite often.

How to Be An Artist is a slim book containing just over 60 short “lessons.” I think it’s most useful for people pursuing visual art like drawing or painting, but it was a fun little read.

THIS BOOK IS WILD. Ronan Farrow brings the drama this story deserves, as he tells us how he had to fight against literal evil forces to tell the world about Harvey Weinstein’s crimes.

Meander, Spiral, Explode is a quick, fun, interesting look at all the different patterns that appear in narrative.

This is probably one of the top five memoirs I’ve ever read (and I read a lot of memoirs). Incredibly well-written and insightful, this book rings with a truth and strength that I have rarely seen.