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The NYPL Book List Generator

Here are some wonderful book recommendations handpicked by our librarians that are based on your selections! Don't forget — these books are free to check out from your favorite NYPL branch.

Wine

Liquid Memory: Why Wine Matters by Jonathan NossiterLiquid Memory: Why Wine Matters by Jonathan Nossiter
Wine, like literature, art, and cinema, is a cultural production.
How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto by Eric AsimovHow to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto by Eric Asimov
Combination memoir and manifesto from the chief wine critic at the New York Times.
Wine with Food: Pairing Notes and Recipes from The New York Times by Eric AsimovWine with Food: Pairing Notes and Recipes from The New York Times by Eric Asimov
Gives readers the tools they need to pair wine and food according to their own tastes.
The Road to Burgundy: The Unlikely Story of an American Making Wine and a New Life in France by Ray WalkerThe Road to Burgundy: The Unlikely Story of an American Making Wine and a New Life in France by Ray Walker
An American gambles everything and moves to France to follow his passion for winemaking.
Grand Cru Heist by Jean-Pierre AlauxGrand Cru Heist by Jean-Pierre Alaux
The second book in the Winemaker Detective series calls for solving two murders and the theft of a heist of a grand cru classe.
Inventing Wine: A New History of One of the World's Most Ancient PleasuresInventing Wine: A New History of One of the World's Most Ancient Pleasures by Paul Lukacs
Drinking wine can be traced back 8000 years and much has changed along the way.
Uncorked: The Science of Champagne by Gerard Liger-BelairUncorked: The Science of Champagne by Gerard Liger-Belair
Explores the inner working of the official beverage of celebration.

Travel

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl StrayedWild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
One woman's 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through California and Oregon.
A Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure by Marlena De BlasiA Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure by Marlena De Blasi
Filled with the life, love, food, and scenery of Tuscany.
Beautiful Ruins: A Novel by Jess WalterBeautiful Ruins: A Novel by Jess Walter
Escapism at its finest, and so much more. Good luck putting this one down.
The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean by Philip CaputoThe Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean by Philip Caputo
The author, his wife, and their dogs travel from Florida to Alaska interviewing people along the way about the state of America.
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris by John BaxterThe Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris by John Baxter
Walk the same paths as legendary writers and artists—Picasso, Joyce, and Hemingway, to name a few.
Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin ThubronShadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron
A 7,000-mile journey along the ancient trading road between China and Rome.
Strange Stones: Dispatches from East and West by Peter HesslerStrange Stones: Dispatches from East and West by Peter Hessler
A New Yorker correspondent takes us on a journey across China.
To the Moon and Timbuktu: A Trek Through the Heart of Africa by Nina SovichTo the Moon and Timbuktu: A Trek Through the Heart of Africa by Nina Sovich
A woman's insights on a solo adventure in Africa.
My Mysterious Son: A Life-Changing Passage Between Schizophrenia and Shamanism by Dick RussellMy Mysterious Son: A Life-Changing Passage Between Schizophrenia and Shamanism by Dick Russell
A man and his schizophrenic son witness the annual wildlife migration on Africa's Serengeti Plain.
Stringer: A Reporter's Journey in the Congo by Anjan SundaramStringer: A Reporter's Journey in the Congo by Anjan Sundaram
A young journalist's coming-of-age story.

Cooking

The Gramercy Tavern Cookbook by Michael AnthonyThe Gramercy Tavern Cookbook by Michael Anthony
The New York institution shares its recipes and philosophy.
Huckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes From Our Kitchen by Zoe NathanHuckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes From Our Kitchen by Zoe Nathan
Recipes both sweet and savory from Santa Monica's favorite bakery.
Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking by Fuchsia DunlopEvery Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking by Fuchsia Dunlop
"A must-have for anyone who wants to cook Chinese food at home, home cooks and professionals alike." — David Chang, Momofuku
The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food by Charles PhanThe Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food by Charles Phan
The long-awaited cookbook from a beloved Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco.
Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck by Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ckThug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck by Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck
Thug Kitchen, a wildly popular website, seeks to inspire people to get off the processed foods.
Heritage by Sean BrockHeritage by Sean Brock
Home food and restaurant food reimagined through the lens of Southern heritage.
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy KnisleyRelish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
A fun graphic novel memoir, framed around eating and cooking.
Egg: A Culinary Exploration of the World's Most Versatile Ingredient by Michael RuhlmanEgg: A Culinary Exploration of the World's Most Versatile Ingredient by Michael Ruhlman
Poached or scrambled; in brioches, meringues, mayonnaise, custards, quiches, and cakes.

Architecture

At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill BrysonAt Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson takes us on a tour of his own home, using each room to discuss the history of domestic objects and modern comforts.
Lego Architecture: The Visual Guide by Philip WilkinsonLego Architecture: The Visual Guide by Philip Wilkinson
An in-depth look at the Lego Architecture Series and how iconic buildings were translated into buildable sets.
The Houses of Louis Kahn by George H. MarcusThe Houses of Louis Kahn by George H. Marcus
A beautiful book that explores nine private houses built by an architect known for his monumental projects.
Lina Bo Bardi by Zeuler Rocha Mello de Almeida LimaLina Bo Bardi by Zeuler Rocha Mello de Almeida Lima
A retrospective of the most important architects working in Latin America in the 20th century.
Young Frank, Architect by Frank VivaYoung Frank, Architect by Frank Viva
MoMA's first storybook for kids follows the adventures of Young Frank, a resourceful young architect who lives in New York City, and his grandfather, Old Frank, who is also an architect. (Ages 3–8)
Bleak Houses: Disappointment and Failure in Architecture by Timothy Brittain-CatlinBleak Houses: Disappointment and Failure in Architecture by Timothy Brittain-Catlin
"This is one of the most intriguing, original and gently provocative books on the meaning of architecture for some while." — Architecture Review
The Pinecone: The Story of Sarah Losh, Forgotten Romantic Heroine-Antiquarian, Architect, and VisionaryThe Pinecone: The Story of Sarah Losh, Forgotten Romantic Heroine — Antiquarian, Architect, and Visionary by Jennifer S. Uglow
"Uglow's book is an exuberant match for the beautiful, ornate, and movingly personal nature of Losh's extraordinary church." — The Guardian
How Architecture Works: A Humanist's Toolkit by Witold RybczynskiHow Architecture Works: A Humanist's Toolkit by Witold Rybczynski
Tools for understanding the art and function of architecture through descriptive tours of opera houses, museums, memorials, and private homes.
Bricks and Mortals: Ten Great Buildings and the People They Made by Tom WilkinsonBricks and Mortals: Ten Great Buildings and the People They Made by Tom Wilkinson
Social commentary on who really calls the shots when it comes to designing and building.
Built to Last by David MacaulayBuilt to Last by David Macaulay
A look at some of the most enduring structures humankind ever created.

Theater

Fosse by Sam WassonFosse by Sam Wasson
A biography as lively and engaging as its subject.
Not My Father's Son: A Memoir by Alan CummingNot My Father's Son: A Memoir by Alan Cumming
The actor shares the story of his complicated relationship with his father.
Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the RoofWonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof by Alisa Solomon
The story of Tevye, from the Yiddish stage to Broadway to Hollywood.
The Illusionists by Rosie ThomasThe Illusionists by Rosie Thomas
A novel featuring down-market entertainers in Victorian London.
Lord Strange's Men and Their Plays by Lawrence ManleyLord Strange's Men and Their Plays by Lawrence Manley
In the late Elizabethan era, one company of actors dominated the London stage. This is their story.
100 Essays I Don't Have Time to Write: On Umbrellas and Sword Fights, Parades and Dogs, Children, and Theater by Sarah Ruhl100 Essays I Don't Have Time to Write: On Umbrellas and Sword Fights, Parades and Dogs, Children, and Theater by Sarah Ruhl
A collection of essays on life, theater, and other topics from a major American playwright.
Drama by Raina TelgemeierDrama by Raina Telgemeier
This graphic novel tells the story of a middle school production of Moon Over Mississippi.
Theatre & the Digital by Bill BlakeTheatre & the Digital by Bill Blake
Explores new media in theater, and how theater influences the way we perceive the digital.
What's the Story: Essays About Art, Theater and Storytelling by Anne BogartWhat's the Story: Essays About Art, Theater and Storytelling by Anne Bogart
Loosely connected essays on the nature of art and theatre.

Dance

Dance, Consumerism, and Spirituality by C.S. WalterDance, Consumerism, and Spirituality by C.S. Walter
A look at how consumer behavior is driven by the inherent mysticism of dance.
Dancers Among Us by Jordan MatterDancers Among Us by Jordan Matter
Photographs of dance happening where it is unexpected.
My Life by Isadora DuncanMy Life by Isadora Duncan
The story of Isadora Duncan, who revolutionized dance and blazed a path for future visionaries.
Balanchine and the Lost Muse: Revolution & the Making of a ChoreographerBalanchine and the Lost Muse: Revolution & the Making of a Choreographer by Elizabeth Kendall
A dual biography of choreographer George Balanchine and ballerina Lildia Ivanova, close friends from childhood.
Dancing Through It: My Journey in Ballet by Jenifer RingerDancing Through It: My Journey in Ballet by Jenifer Ringer
A NYC Ballet principal dancer's candid account of her two decades with the company and public struggles with anorexia and binging.
Life in Motion by Misty CopelandLife in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland makes history as the first African-American soloist in the American Ballet Theater.
The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie BuchananThe Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan
A historical novel that brings Belle Epoque Paris to life.
On Stage Alone: Soloists and the Modern Dance CanonOn Stage Alone: Soloists and the Modern Dance Canon by Claudia Gitelman
A collection of essays on modern dance soloists from around the world.
Kinesthetic City: Dance and Movement in Chinese Urban Spaces by SanSan KwanKinesthetic City: Dance and Movement in Chinese Urban Spaces by SanSan Kwan
An exploration of the Chinese diaspora through the lens of bodies and how they relate to place.
Illicit Worlds of Indian Dance: Cultures of Exclusion by Anna MorcomIllicit Worlds of Indian Dance: Cultures of Exclusion by Anna Morcom
Until the 1930s, no respectable woman could perform in public in India. Morcom's work looks at a century of courtesans, bar girls, and transgender performers and their struggles in society.

Music

Go-go Live by Natalie HopkinsonGo-go Live by Natalie Hopkinson
A social history of black Washington D.C. told through its go-go music and culture.
How Music Works by David ByrneHow Music Works by David Byrne
Byrne believes that music emerges from cultural circumstances as much as from individual creativity.
This Will End in Tears: The Miserabilist Guide to Music by Adam Brent HoughtalingThis Will End in Tears: The Miserabilist Guide to Music by Adam Brent Houghtaling
A cross-genre look at sad songs and why we love them.
Dreams of Love: Playing the Romantic Pianist by Ivan RaykoffDreams of Love: Playing the Romantic Pianist by Ivan Raykoff
An interdisciplinary exploration of the romantic pianist, the solo pianist of the 19th century, as cultural icon.
Decomposition: A Music Manifesto by Andrew DurkinDecomposition: A Music Manifesto by Andrew Durkin
Questions about listening to music in a digital era.
Making Samba: A New History of Race and Music in Brazil by Marc A. HertzmanMaking Samba: A New History of Race and Music in Brazil by Marc A. Hertzman
Traces the careers of Rio's music pioneers from the late 19th century through the 1970s, touching on issues of race, gender, and national identity.
New Atlantis: Musicians Battle for the Survival of New Orleans by John SwensonNew Atlantis: Musicians Battle for the Survival of New Orleans by John Swenson
A chronicle of the efforts of musicians to preserve the culture of New Orleans through a series of events that have threatened the city with extinction.
The Ninth: Beethoven and the World in 1824The Ninth: Beethoven and the World in 1824 by Harvey Sachs
A look at the politics, art, and culture of the era when Beethoven wrote his final symphony.

Gardening

Summer Bulbs by Peter McHoySummer Bulbs by Peter McHoy
A practical guide to lilies, dahlias, gladioli, and other summer bulbs.
Hellstrip Gardening: Create a Paradise Between the Sidewalk and the Curb by Evelyn J. HaddenHellstrip Gardening: Create a Paradise Between the Sidewalk and the Curb by Evelyn J. Hadden
A demonstration of how to use the hellstrip, the space between a street and a public sidewalk.
Outdoor Wood Projects: 24 Projects You Can Build in a Weekend by Steve CoryOutdoor Wood Projects: 24 Projects You Can Build in a Weekend by Steve Cory
Twenty-four garden and backyard DIY projects made with wood.
Gardens in Detail: 100 Contemporary Designs by Emma ReussGardens in Detail: 100 Contemporary Designs by Emma Reuss
A reference guide to 100 gardens around the world and their design elements.
Virginia Woolf's Garden: The Story of the Garden at Monk's House by Caroline ZoobVirginia Woolf's Garden: The Story of the Garden at Monk's House by Caroline Zoob
How the lives of Virginia and Leonard Woolf were aligned with the development of their garden.
To Eat: A Country Life by Joe Eck and Wayne WinterrowdTo Eat: A Country Life by Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd
A study of a seven-acre southern Vermont garden and the long-time writing partners' passion for raising, preparing, and eating food.
66 Square Feet: A Delicious Life: One Woman, One Terrace, 92 Recipes by Marie Viljoen66 Square Feet: A Delicious Life: One Woman, One Terrace, 92 Recipes by Marie Viljoen
Includes a three-part chapter for each month describing New York City, the author's garden, and her kitchen.
The Garden of Reading: An Anthology of Twentieth-Century Short Fiction About Gardens and Gardeners by Michele B. SlungThe Garden of Reading: An Anthology of Twentieth-Century Short Fiction About Gardens and Gardeners by Michele B. Slung
A collection of contemporary authors on gardens and gardening, including Stephen King, J.G. Ballard, Robert Graves, and Eudora Welty.
The Backyard Parables, Lessons on Gardening, and Life by Margaret RoachThe Backyard Parables, Lessons on Gardening, and Life by Margaret Roach
Roach explores the ways that gardening informed and saved her life.

Sports

Running Away: A Memoir by Robert Andrew PowellRunning Away: A Memoir by Robert Andrew Powell
A memoir of how running a marathon turned the author's life around.
Spurrier: How the Ball Coach Taught the South to Play Football by Ran HenrySpurrier: How the Ball Coach Taught the South to Play Football by Ran Henry
The story of a Heisman Trophy winner who turns to coaching.
American Pastimes: The Very Best of Red Smith by Daniel OkrentAmerican Pastimes: The Very Best of Red Smith by Daniel Okrent
A compilation of writing by "Red" Smith, a widely read and syndicated commentator.
The Secret Lives of Sports Fans: The Science of Sports Obsession by Eric SimonsThe Secret Lives of Sports Fans: The Science of Sports Obsession by Eric Simons
In collaboration with NPR's Radio Lab, Simons explores sports obsession from several angles.
Color Blind: The Forgotten Team that Broke Baseball's Color Line by Tom DunkelColor Blind: The Forgotten Team that Broke Baseball's Color Line by Tom Dunkel
Traces the rise of the Bismarck squad, focusing on the 1935 season and the first National Tournament.
The Ball: Discovering the Object of the Game by John FoxThe Ball: Discovering the Object of the Game by John Fox
An anthropologist sets out on a worldwide adventure to discover the answer to the question of why we play ball.
Rules of the Game: The Best Sports Writing from Harper's Magazine by Matthew Mills StevensonRules of the Game: The Best Sports Writing from Harper's Magazine by Matthew Mills Stevenson
Sports writing from Harper's archives including contributors such as Mark Twain, George Plimpton, and Tom Wolfe, to name a few.
Something Like the Gods: A Cultural History of the Athlete from Achilles to LeBron by Stephen AmidonSomething Like the Gods: A Cultural History of the Athlete from Achilles to LeBron by Stephen Amidon
Examination of the athlete as icon through the lens of art, literature, politics, and history.

Photography

Ghost Image by Herve GuibertGhost Image by Herve Guibert
A collection of essays by the artist that is part memoir and part exploration of his medium.
Feeling Photography Feeling Photography by Elspeth H. Brown
Essays on the many experiences to be had viewing photographs.
Lo-fi Photo Fun! by Adam BronkhorstLo-fi Photo Fun! by Adam Bronkhorst
Creative projects for polaroid, plastic, and pinhole cameras.
Chuck Close, Photographer by Colin WesterbeckChuck Close, Photographer by Colin Westerbeck
Close's photographic work, from early Polaroids to large-format composites.
New York by Ron GalellaNew York by Ron Galella
A famous and controversial celebrity photographer takes on New York City in the '70s and '80s.
Bruce Davidson/Paul Caponigro by Bruce DavidsonBruce Davidson/Paul Caponigro by Bruce Davidson
The first book to pair the two American photographers focuses on works they produced during visits to Britain and Ireland in the '60s and '70s.
Storyteller: The Photographs of Duane Michals by Linda Benedict-JonesStoryteller: The Photographs of Duane Michals by Linda Benedict-Jones
Duane Michals broke from tradition in the 1960s by inscribing text on his photographs and creating visual stories by stringing images together.
A Different Kind of Order: The ICP Triennnial by Joanna LehanA Different Kind of Order: The ICP Triennnial by Joanna Lehan
Twenty-seven international artists on photography, from the visual to the social.
She Who Tells a Story by Kristen GreshShe Who Tells a Story by Kristen Gresh
Twelve leading women photographers from Iran and the Arab world.
Photojournalism: A Social Semiotic Approach by Helen CaplePhotojournalism: A Social Semiotic Approach by Helen Caple
A look at the mutual influence of reporting the news and photographing news events.

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