What’s better than getting cozy on a cold winter day than with a good read. Here are few suggestions.
‘The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom‘ by Shari Franke
In this deeply personal account, Franke—the eldest daughter in the now-infamous 8 Passengers YouTube family—recounts the hidden reality that existed behind the polished façade broadcast to 2.5 million subscribers. While viewers saw an image of wholesome family life, she describes a childhood governed by an extreme moral code imposed by her mother, Ruby Franke, whose strict worldview tightened as the family’s online following expanded.
The memoir traces how Ruby’s influence became intertwined with that of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt. Together, the two enforced a harsh disciplinary system that escalated into what authorities later described as abuse. Their arrests in Utah in 2023 on multiple counts of aggravated child abuse marked a turning point not only for the public’s understanding of the family, but for Shari herself, who publicly signaled the moment with a single-word post: “Finally.”
In The House of My Mother, Shari breaks her silence to detail what she experienced inside the home viewers believed they knew. She sheds light on her family’s entanglement with Hildebrandt’s “ConneXions” program, explores the dangers of influencer culture, and reflects on the long path toward reclaiming personal freedom after years of control and fear.
Both a revelation and a testimony of resilience, Franke’s story offers an unfiltered look at the cost of curated perfection—and the strength required to escape it.
Harmonia Rosales Reimagines Ancestral Myth in ‘Chronicles of Ori‘
Renowned painter Harmonia Rosales brings her sweeping artistic vision to the page with Chronicles of Ori, a striking retelling of African cosmology and Yoruba mythology. The book, already earning starred reviews from Booklist and Kirkus, blends Yoruba creation stories, oral traditions, and diasporic memory into a unified epic that feels both ancient and urgently contemporary.
Rosales spans the cosmos in her debut work, beginning with the formation of the universe and moving through eras marked by colonialism, cultural resilience, and rebirth. Central to the narrative are the Orishas—divine, complex beings whose power shapes the world of mortals. Readers encounter Oduduwa, whose leadership establishes Yorubaland, as well as Eve, a young heroine rising from a time of violence to help restore her people’s greatness. Serpents, shadows, and mythic forces move through these pages, grounding the narrative in the spiritual richness of West African cosmology.
What sets Chronicles of Ori apart is Rosales’s signature visual storytelling. Her vivid paintings, integrated throughout the book, extend the emotion and power of each tale, transforming the volume into both a literary and artistic experience.
With its sweeping scope and luminous imagery, Chronicles of Ori invites readers to rediscover mythology through an African-centered lens—one that honors heritage, imagination, and the enduring power of story.
Teens Caught in a Deadly Chase for Missing Cash in Desmond Hall’s ‘Better Must Come‘
Desmond Hall’s Better Must Come follows two Jamaican teens whose lives collide in a dangerous twist of fate. Deja, accustomed to receiving care packages from parents abroad, dreams of stability. Gabriel, entangled in a gang, longs for escape. Their paths cross just as Deja discovers a bloodied boat and a wounded man who hands her a bag meant for someone else. She tries to help—unaware it holds half a million dollars. The gang hunting the money pulls both teens into a perilous chase, testing their loyalty, courage, and hope for a future beyond the turmoil surrounding them.
A Stunning Tribute That Restores the Humanity Slave Owners Tried to Erase
“Freedom Over Me” brings humanity and dignity to eleven enslaved people whose names appeared in an 1828 estate document. Using that historical record as a foundation, Ashley Bryan blends expressive art and lyrical poetry to reimagine their inner worlds — their skills, memories, families, and dreams that no auction block could erase. The book contrasts the cold monetary values assigned to each person with the richness of their hopes and identities. A recipient of multiple honors, Bryan’s work turns sparse archival fragments into vibrant portraits, reminding readers that even under brutality, the enslaved held onto the one thing no one could own: their dreams.
The Quiet 1972 Law That Blew Open the Doors for Every Girl in America
“Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX” traces how a quiet but revolutionary 1972 law transformed opportunities for girls across the United States. Karen Blumenthal recounts the era when girls were routinely barred from sports teams, student jobs, and even future careers — not because they lacked ability, but because the rules simply shut them out. Through vivid storytelling, she highlights the lawmakers, parents, educators, and young athletes who fought persistent resistance to push Title IX into law and ensure it was enforced. Their efforts reshaped classrooms, campuses, and playing fields. Today, girls thrive in sports, fill medical and law schools, and pursue every ambition because this small statute opened the door.
Joe Louis: Beyond the Ring, Fighting for Freedom
Joe Louis, the legendary heavyweight champion, is celebrated not just for his 1938 knockout of German boxer Max Schmeling, but for his activism during World War II. In The Fight of His Life, historians Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith chronicle Louis’s dual battles—against the Nazis abroad and racial injustice at home. Serving in the army, he promoted unity across segregated bases and advocated for Black soldiers facing discrimination. After the war, Louis joined civil rights efforts, championing voting rights and equality. This biography reexamines his legacy, honoring the fighter whose courage extended far beyond the boxing ring.
Finding Joy Within: Zanna Keithley’s New Guide to Self-Love
Zanna Keithley’s upcoming release, Affirmations for Self-Love, offers a warm invitation to reconnect with inner peace and purpose. Blending mindfulness, reflection, and personal growth, the poet and content creator delivers 100 gentle lessons designed to inspire confidence and compassion. Each page encourages readers to tune into intuition, practice daily care, and choose actions rooted in love. With its focus on joy, abundance, and emotional clarity, this collection serves as a steady companion for both bright days and challenging ones. Keithley’s words remind readers that life becomes richer when they follow the quiet wisdom of the heart.
‘Cursed Daughters‘ Explores Love, Luck, and Legacy in Lagos
Oyinkan Braithwaite’s latest novel, Cursed Daughters, a “Read with Jenna Today Show” book club pick, is a wickedly funny and perceptive exploration of family, superstition, and love. The story follows Eniiyi, born on the day her cousin Monife is buried, whose striking resemblance sparks a belief that she is Monife reincarnated. This family history comes with a curse: “No man will call your house his home,” a spell that has haunted three generations of Falodun women.
When Eniiyi saves a handsome boy from drowning, she confronts both the curse and her family’s tragic legacy. Seeking answers in the spiritual undercurrents of Lagos, she struggles to rewrite her fate and break the cycle of heartbreak that has plagued her lineage.
Praised by The New York Times and TIME, Braithwaite blends humor, romance, and dark family drama, crafting a story that is both gripping and reflective. Cursed Daughters asks: can one defy generational curses, honor love, and carve a life distinct from the shadows of the past? With its rich characters and sharp narrative, the novel is a brilliant meditation on second chances, resilience, and the choices that define us.
Published Nov. 4, this book continues Braithwaite’s reputation for sharp, electrifying storytelling.
Inside the Race: Kamala Harris’ ‘107 Days’ Chronicles a Historic Campaign
Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ new book, 107 Days, offers a gripping, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most intense presidential campaigns in American history. Released September 23, 2025, the memoir has quickly climbed the charts, reaching #10 on Amazon and earning high praise from readers with a 4.6-star rating.
Harris recounts the whirlwind 107 days following July 21, 2024, when her running mate, Joe Biden, announced he would not seek reelection. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Harris — code-named “Pioneer” by the Secret Service — had to navigate campaign strategy, debate preparation, and the pressures of unprecedented scrutiny, all while making history as the first woman elected vice president.
From private moments rarely seen by the public to the high-stakes decisions of a national campaign, Harris offers an intimate and urgent perspective on leadership, resilience, and democracy in action. With candor and the pace of a page-turning novel, 107 Days immerses readers in the triumphs, heartbreaks, and sheer intensity of a race that redefined American politics, providing an unfiltered view of what it takes to run for the highest office in the land.
‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon’ Reveals the Man Behind the Legend
Doug Woodham’s Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon, out Oct. 14, offers the first full biography of the artist in more than 25 years. Based on over 100 interviews with family, friends, collectors, and artists, the book provides fresh insights into Basquiat’s life, art, and lasting influence.
Nearly four decades after his death at 27, Basquiat’s work continues to captivate the world, from museum exhibitions to fashion and pop culture, with some paintings fetching over $100 million. Woodham explores the artist’s complex identity, including his cultural heritage, sexuality, childhood trauma, and struggles with addiction, while also examining the posthumous rise of his legacy.
The biography reveals how a small circle of gallerists, collectors, and even Basquiat’s father helped cement his status as an icon, reshaping the contemporary art world. The Making of an Icon is both a celebration of Basquiat’s genius and a candid account of the challenges behind his enduring legend.
Brooklyn’s Untold Civil Rights Battle
Jeffrey Louis Decker’s Rebel Girl and the Godfather (Sept. 1) tells the gripping true story of Mary Sansone, an Italian American housewife, and Joe Colombo, a Mafia boss, as they clashed over civil rights in 1960s–70s Brooklyn. From her basement kitchen, Sansone launched the Congress of Italian American Organizations to support the poor, while Colombo led the Italian American Civil Rights League, rallying thousands with high-profile demonstrations. Their rivalry redefined perceptions of Italian Americans, portraying Sansone as a fearless activist and Colombo as a renegade leader. Decker’s book uncovers a surprising chapter in America’s civil rights and ethnic history.
Love, Legacy, and the Gold Coast: Nana Malone’s New Romance Shines
Gold Coast Dilemma, the upcoming novel from USA Today bestselling author Nana Malone, blends heartfelt romance with cultural duty. Set for release on April 29, the Editors’ Pick follows Ofosua Addo, a Ghanaian American heiress whose loyalty to family and tradition clashes with an unexpected spark. A chance meeting with charming Cole Drake leads to an unforgettable kiss, but Ofosua’s path is already mapped out—including a lavish Ghanaian wedding that quickly unravels. When Cole reappears during her moment of crisis, Ofosua must decide whether love can truly outweigh expectation.
‘The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook’ Brings Viral Recipes Straight to Your Kitchen
The flavor, fun, and frenzy of TikTok cooking have jumped from your phone screen to your countertop with The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook by Valentina Mussi. Packed with 75 viral sensations, this collection turns the internet’s most addictive food trends into easy, step-by-step recipes anyone can master. From fluffy whipped coffee and mini pancake cereal to colorful seltzer slushies and late-night mug cakes, the book delivers the dishes that kept users scrolling—and craving.
Designed for creators, casual cooks, and curious beginners, the cookbook makes it simple to recreate the viral bites that dominated social feeds. Each recipe is approachable, photogenic, and crafted for maximum fun, making it perfect for kitchen experiments or social media posts.
Mussi, a Miami-based food and lifestyle content creator, brings her Italian-Colombian background and playful style to every page. Her brand, The Sweet Portfolio, has produced some of TikTok’s biggest hits— including Dorito-crusted fried cheese with over 29 million views, strawberry milk topping 26 million views, and a whimsical “Mermaid Milkshake” surpassing 19 million. Her creations have earned attention from Time, INSIDER, People, and Today.
Whether you’re aiming for viral fame or just a good snack, this cookbook captures the creativity and joy that made TikTok a culinary phenomenon.
‘Knife-Woman: The Life of Louise Bourgeois‘
The first major biography of Louise Bourgeois, Knife-Woman, illuminates the life and art of a twentieth-century icon. Marie-Laure Bernadac traces Bourgeois’s career across sculpture, painting, and printmaking, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and psychoanalytic writings. The book explores her personal relationships, rivalries with figures like Louise Nevelson, and fascination with psychoanalysis, revealing how her life and work were inseparable. Featuring personal photographs and reproductions of her art, this erudite biography captures the genius of Bourgeois while offering deep insight into the woman behind the sculptures. A must-read for art lovers and scholars alike.
‘Jermain Wesley Loguen: Defiant Fugitive‘
Jermain Wesley Loguen’s journey from enslavement to national abolitionist leadership takes center stage in this compelling new biography. Born in Tennessee and self-liberated, he boldly rejected purchasing his freedom, refusing to validate the institution that once claimed him. In Syracuse, his home became a widely known refuge on the Underground Railroad, where he worked closely with figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.
Angela F. Murphy traces Loguen’s evolution into a powerful advocate for Black equality across New York, Canada, and the post-Emancipation South. The result is a vivid portrait of a fearless freedom fighter whose impact reverberated long beyond his era.
‘Why Sound Matters (Why X Matters Series)‘
A poignant consideration of the material aspect of sound and how it fundamentally shapes our experience of the world, both in its presence and absence.
From the joyous communal connections fostered through shared auditory experience to the devastating impact of noise pollution in the deep sea, musician and author Damon Krukowski urges readers to reconsider the significance of sound and its role in both our personal and collective well-being. He looks despairingly at how the multipronged efforts of urban dwellers to mitigate city noise have led to increased isolation, loss of community, and a sense of physical detachment from one’s surroundings. He considers the consequences of the commodification of sound in the digital era. And he looks at what’s at stake in trying to preserve the world’s dwindling quiet places.
Interspersed with personal reflections from years of working in the music business, this book investigates sound’s role in the environment, its value as a material, its relationship to labor, and how it affects our interactions with one another. Krukowski invites you to hear the world anew and renew your relationship with one of our most precious natural resources. So listen up!
Keith McNally Tells All: The Balthazar Founder’s Brutally Honest Memoir Spares No Regrets
“I Regret Almost Everything” is an unfiltered, witty, and unexpectedly tender memoir from Keith McNally, the restaurateur who helped define modern New York dining. Best known for creating iconic spots like Balthazar, Pastis, Minetta Tavern, and Morandi, McNally traces his journey from a rough London childhood to becoming a central figure in Manhattan’s cultural scene. With sharp humor and emotional honesty, he reflects on failed marriages, complicated family ties, an early stint as a child actor, and a life-altering stroke. The memoir also explores his late-in-life social media fame, offering a candid portrait of ambition, vulnerability, and reinvention.