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List: New Nonfiction Books in January 2026


A photo of The look

The look

"In this ... journey through her style evolution, from the moment she entered the public eye during her husband's U.S. Senate campaign through her time as the first Black First Lady and today as one of this country's most influential figures, Michelle Obama shares how she uses the beauty and intrigue of fashion to draw attention to her message. Featuring the voices of Meredith Koop, Obama's trusted stylist, as well as her makeup artist Carl Ray, hairstylists Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway, and many of the designers who have dressed Obama for notable events, The Look brings readers behind the scenes not only to reveal how her most memorable looks came together but also to tell a powerful story about how we present ourselves"-- Page 2 of cover.

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A photo of Family of spies : a World War II story of Nazi espionage, betrayal, and the secret history behind Pearl Harbor

Family of spies : a World War II story of Nazi espionage, betrayal, and the secret history behind Pearl Harbor

"A propulsive, never-before-told story of one family's shocking involvement as Nazi and Japanese spies during WWII and the pivotal role they played in the bombing of Pearl Harbor ... Jumping back and forth between Christine discovering her family's secret and the untold past of the spies in Germany, Japan, and Hawaii, Family of Spies is fast-paced history at its finest, and will rewrite the narrative of December 7, 1941"-- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of The last of the doughboys : the forgotten generation and their forgotten world war

The last of the doughboys : the forgotten generation and their forgotten world war

In 2003, 85 years after the armistice, Rubin managed to find dozens of American veterans of World War I, aged 101 to 113, and interview them. All are gone now. They were the final survivors of the millions who made up the American Expeditionary Forces. Self-reliant, humble, and stoic, they kept their stories to themselves for a lifetime, then shared them at the last possible moment, so that they, and the World War they won, might at last be remembered.

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A photo of My little donkey : and other essays

My little donkey : and other essays

A collection of searching, curious, and surprising essays catalyzed by the author's move in her sixties to a small Italian village, exploring selfhood, coincidence, inheritance, and the impermanence of identity In 2021, in her mid-sixties, Martha Cooley moved with her husband from the United States to Castiglione del Terziere, a village in northernmost Tuscany. The essays in My Little Donkey are reckonings with the fallout of this major life change and what it says about destiny, inheiritance, and the impermanence of identity." -- provided by publisher.

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A photo of The power and the glory : the history of the World Cup

The power and the glory : the history of the World Cup

"A definitive new history of the world's most watched sporting event--just in time for the 2026 tournament​. Since 1930, the World Cup has become a truly global obsession. It is the most watched sporting event on the planet, and 211 teams competed to make it into the 2022 tournament. From its inception, it has also been a vehicle for far more than soccer. A tool for self-mythologizing and influence-peddling, The World Cup has played a crucial role in nation-building, and continues to, as countries negotiate their positions in a globalized world. The Power and the Glory is a comprehensive history of the matches and goals, the tales of scandal and triumph, the haggling and skulduggery of the bidding process, and the political and cultural tides behind every tournament. Jonathan Wilson details not merely what happened but why, based on fresh interviews and meticulous research. The book is as much about the legends of the sport, from Peľ to Messi, as it is about the nations that made them, from Mussolini's Italy to partitioned Germany to controversy-ridden Qatar. Brimming with politics, heart, and drama, on and off the pitch, The Power and the Glory is the definitive story of the greatest cultural event of our time." -- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of Across the universe : the past, present, and future of the crossword puzzle

Across the universe : the past, present, and future of the crossword puzzle

"An entertaining and eye-opening look at the history of the crossword, who constructs it, and why it matters as both a reflection of and influence on our culture. From WORDLE to SPELLING BEE, we live in a time of word game mania. Crosswords, in particular, gained renewed popularity during the Covid-19 lockdown, when games became another kind of refuge. Today, 36 million Americans solve crosswords once a week or more, and nearly 23 million solve them daily. Yet, as longtime New Yorker crossword contributor Natan Last will tell you, the seemingly apolitical puzzle has never been more controversial. In recent years, popular puzzle makers like The New York Times-the original and still the gold standard for word games-have been challenged for the way they prioritize certain cultures and perspectives as either the norm (read: white and male) or obscure (everyone else). At the same time, the crossword has never been more democratic. A larger, younger, more tech-savvy, and solidaristic group of people have fallen in love with puzzle solving, ushering in a more inclusive rise to the kinds of people constructing them, challenging the very idea of them and, in fact, what "normal" actually is. With a critical eye toward its history, Natan Last explores the debates about the future of the crossword and investigates those who want the puzzle to transform into a tool of progressivism; ultimately, asking if the crossword can help us reshape the world. Across the Universe interrogates all the ways words-and the games we make using those words-change our culture while bringing us into the worlds of those pushing for the crosswords' much-needed evolution"-- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of That's a great question, I'd love to tell you

That's a great question, I'd love to tell you

"Elyse Myers is known to her twelve million followers as 'The Internet's Best Friend,' sharing her relatable stories and comedic sketches and serving as an advocate for topics such as neurodivergence, impostor syndrome, body image, and more. Whether she's making people laugh with tales of disastrous dates or giving a voice to that awkward internal monologue many of us have, she has three simple goals behind everything she makes: To make people feel known, loved, and like they belong. In 'That's a great question, I'd love to tell you,' Elyse delivers a debut collection of deeply personal stories and hand-drawn illustrations, offering even more intimate reflections beyond what fans have seen on her social media"-- Publisher's website.

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A photo of The hours are long, but the pay is low : a curious life in independent music

The hours are long, but the pay is low : a curious life in independent music

"In this memoir, Rob Miller, co-founder of Chicago's storied Bloodshot Records, tells the story of the unlikely evolution of Bloodshot from a list scribbled on a cocktail napkin into an internationally renowned home for roots music, soul, Americana, and "alt-country," as well as the story of his own evolution from shy, dorky Detroit teenager to DIY label owner. Credited with launching the careers of celebrated musicians such as Neko Case and the late Justin Townes Earle, as well as resurrecting the careers of forgotten legends such as soul singer Andre Williams, Bloodshot had an almost 30-year run as an anchor of Chicago's vibrant independent music scene from the 1990s into the early 2020s. Throughout, the label remained fiercely independent, resisting efforts to pigeonhole their sound or succumb to the music industry's hit machine mentality. With the 2021 sale of Bloodshot, Miller stepped away from the work that defined his life for decades. Written with wry self-deprecation and full of anecdotes from the trenches of indie music, the book offers a scabrous critique of Big Music and a unique behind-the-scenes look at a little label that could" -- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of Move. Think. Rest. : redefining productivity & our relationship with time

Move. Think. Rest. : redefining productivity & our relationship with time

"[The author] reveals how the best organizations allow the personal and the professional to converge at strategic moments, which often come when we step away from our desks and phones. According to Nixon, it is this MTR framework-which allows for simple activities like going for a walk, daydreaming, engaging in more casual yet meaningful conversations, pondering questions about a challenge post-meeting-that is the best way to collectively revise, re-organize and re-energize our daily lives. Nixon's MTR framework (Movement, Thought, and Rest) will change the way you work. And it will do so without demanding that you overhaul your personality, adhere to a rigid protocol, or life-hack the liveliness out of your working hours"-- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of Pain-free body : simple stretches and exercises for common aches and pains

Pain-free body : simple stretches and exercises for common aches and pains

The Pain-Free Body is your essential guide for addressing pain and discomfort the moment it starts. With clear illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations of common aches and diagnoses, this book helps you tackle pain at its root rather than relying solely on medication for temporary relief. In today's world, where health advice is often overwhelming, The Pain-Free Body offers a refreshingly simple, accessible approach. Dr. Dan Ginader, a highly regarded physical therapist, shares science-backed, client-proven strategies for pain relief through exercises and movements suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Drawing from years of experience helping thousands of people, Dr. Ginader has crafted a practical manual that empowers readers to break free from chronic pain and take control of their health. This isn't a quick fix or magic cure, but a reliable resource that promotes lasting results. Think of it as your go-to tool, just like keeping pain relievers on hand, only this time, you're not masking the pain; you are addressing its root cause using nothing more than your own body, Dr. Ginader's advice, and some easy stretches, self-massage techniques, and movements using inexpensive and easy-to-find tools like therapy bands that promote lasting change.

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A photo of The illuminated book of birds

The illuminated book of birds

The Illuminated Book of Birds is a celebration of the birds of the world by award-winning painter Robin Crofut-Brittingham. It includes large-scale fine art paintings of the birds in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, along with flightless birds, unusual birds, and extinct birds. It looks at birds together, grouping them by geography and families, and delights in uncovering their habits and cultural and mythological significance. Every bird is individually featured, with curious and fun facts that will delight new and seasoned birders. In total, readers meet nearly 400 hand painted birds and experience a global birding adventure from the comfort of home.

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A photo of Evergreen : the trees that shaped America

Evergreen : the trees that shaped America

"A sweeping natural history of the humble trees that built nations, sparked wars, and became the world's most cherished holiday tradition.In Evergreen, Cornell University professor Trent Preszler weaves together a captivating story of humanity's deeply rooted relationship with evergreens, revealing how the trees shaped economies, launched cultural movements, and propelled America's rise to global prominence. With stunning historical range and lyrical insight, Preszler guides readers from the awe-inspiring evergreen cathedrals of the West to Christmas tree farms in the Midwest, sawmills in the South, the iconic Rockefeller Center spruce in the East, and beyond." -- Jacket flap.

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A photo of Intrepid girls : the complicated history of the Girl Scouts of the USA

Intrepid girls : the complicated history of the Girl Scouts of the USA

"When eight-year-old Amy Erdman Farrell moved with her family to Akron, Ohio, in 1972, she found herself adrift in a sea of taunting boys and mean girls. Shy by nature, she dreaded her long, unhappy days at school. But a few years later, Farrell found an escape from bullying, the promise of sisterhood, a rising sense of confidence, adventure, and - best of all - lifelong friendship when she joined a Girl Scout troop. Decades later, award-winning author Farrell returns to those formative experiences to explore the complicated and surprising history of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Drawing from extensive archival research, visits to iconic Girl Scout sites around the world, and vivid personal reflections, Farrell uncovers the Girl Scouts intricate history, revealing how the organization has shaped the lives of more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. With Farrell as our own intrepid guide, we travel to American Indian boarding schools, Japanese American incarceration centers, segregated African American communities, middle-class white neighborhoods, and outposts throughout the globe. Intrepid Girls unpacks how the Girl Scouts navigated tensions over feminism, race, class, and political differences, carving out extraordinary opportunities for girls and women - even as it participated in the very discrimination it promised to transcend. For anyone who has ever worn a uniform or wondered about the hidden history behind this iconic American institution, Intrepid Girls will surprise, inspire, and challenge what we think we know about the Girl Scouts"-- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of The problem with plastic : how we can save ourselves and our planet before it's too late

The problem with plastic : how we can save ourselves and our planet before it's too late

The Problem with Plastic explores the widespread impact of plastic on human health and the environment. Tracing its rise from celebrated innovation to global pollutant, the book reveals how plastic contributes to pollution, climate change, and social inequities. Beyond exposing the crisis, it offers practical tools and inspiring stories of activism, showing how individuals and communities can take action to reduce plastic's toxic legacy.

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A photo of Broken girl : a true story

Broken girl : a true story

"Sometimes the whole truth is the death of everything. -- Caroline Laner Breure was on vacation in Spain with her boyfriend when her skull was crushed. A year later, following starless months in a coma and painful rehabilitation, Caroline returned to her beachside apartment in Sydney, only to find that her home was not her home, her lover was not her lover, and her friends were not her friends. Everyone and everything she'd loved had vanished. Physically broken and no longer able to trust her own mind, she painstakingly searched for clues to explain the cruel disparity between her past and present. This is the true story of how Caroline solved her own mystery and reclaimed her life. A jagged and luminous survivor's account and a defiant celebration of imperfection, Broken Girl is a powerful and poetic celebration of staggering loss and betrayal, fierce beauty, dark humor, love, and rage." -- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of How not to die (too soon) : the lies we've been sold and the policies that could save us

How not to die (too soon) : the lies we've been sold and the policies that could save us

Have you ever questioned why, despite the avalanche of self-help books and optimization hacks, we remain embroiled in multiple global health crises? Populations worldwide are gaining life-shortening excess weight (even in poorer countries), and water contamination is rampant (even in richer countries). In such dire circumstances, a gratitude journal won’t help. The stark reality is that we’ve been sold a monumental lie. The obsession with individual health optimization has distracted us from the real game-changer: holding governments accountable for policies that can significantly extend our lifespans. How Not to Die (Too Soon) is a vital, transformative guide that shifts the focus from individual responsibility to societal accountability. It’s time to demand the changes that will save lives. -- Amazon.

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A photo of Notes on being a man

Notes on being a man

"Boys and men are in crisis. Rarely has a cohort fallen further and faster than young men living in Western democracies. Boys are less likely to graduate from high school or college than girls. One in seven men reports having no friends, and men account for three of every four deaths of despair in America. Even worse, the lack of attention to these problems has created a void filled by voices espousing misogyny, the demonization of others, and a toxic vision of masculinity. But this is not just a male issue: women and children can't flourish if men aren't doing well. As we know from spasms of violence, there is nothing more dangerous than a lonely, broke young man. Scott Galloway has been sounding the alarm on this issue for years. In Notes on Being a Man, Galloway explores what it means to be a man in modern America. He promotes the importance of healthy masculinity and mental strength. He shares his own story from boyhood to manhood. He explores his parent's difficult divorce, working through his anger and depression issues, trying to make money, and raising two boys. He shares the sometimes funny, often painful, lessons he learned along the way"-- Publisher description.

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A photo of The seven rules of trust : a blueprint for building things that last

The seven rules of trust : a blueprint for building things that last

Examines the development of Wikipedia as an online collaborative project and considers how trust functions within large, decentralized communities. The book reflects on the platform's growth from an early internet experiment to a widely used global reference resource and discusses the challenges its contributors faced in establishing norms of cooperation, civility, and reliability. Drawing on experiences from Wikipedia's early years, Jimmy Wales explores how trust is formed, maintained, and applied within organizations and public systems, particularly during a period in which confidence in many institutions has declined. The work presents principles intended to support accountability, collaboration, and long-term community building.

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A photo of Holy disruptor : shattering the shiny facade by getting louder with the truth

Holy disruptor : shattering the shiny facade by getting louder with the truth

"In Holy Disruptor, Amy Duggar King--"Crazy Cousin Amy" from 19 Kids and Counting--shares her unfiltered testimony of what it was really like behind the scenes in the Duggar family. Through her story, you will discover how to break free from toxic environments, shed lies and manipulation, and become a "holy disruptor" with your own voice"-- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of Small moves, big life : 7 daily practices to supercharge your energy, productivity, and happiness (in just minutes a day)

Small moves, big life : 7 daily practices to supercharge your energy, productivity, and happiness (in just minutes a day)

"Drawing on contemporary research behind habit formation, Small Moves, Big Life distills essential self-care practices for optimal physical and mental health to help women find energy and calm in the chaos. Feel empowered to crush challenges with confidence while reserving space (and time!) to care for the people in your life who matter most-especially yourself"-- Provided by publisher.

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A photo of Killing the dead : vampire epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World

Killing the dead : vampire epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World

"Killing the Dead provides the first in-depth, global account of one of the world's most widespread yet misunderstood forms of mass hysteria -- the vampire epidemic. In a spellbinding narrative, John Blair takes readers from ancient Mesopotamia to present-day Haiti to explore a macabre frontier of life and death where corpses are believed to wander or do harm from the grave, and where the vampire is a physical expression of society's inexplicable terrors and anxieties. In 1732, the British public opened their morning papers to read of lurid happenings in eastern Europe. Serbian villagers had dug up several corpses and had found them to be undecayed and bloated with blood. Recognizing the marks of vampirism, they mutilated and burned them. Centuries earlier, the English themselves engaged in the same behavior. In fact, vampire epidemics have flared up throughout history -- in ancient Assyria, China, and Rome, medieval and early modern Europe, and the Americas. Blair blends the latest findings in archaeology, anthropology, and psychology with vampire lore from literature and popular culture to show how these episodes occur at traumatic moments in societies that upend all sense of security, and how the European vampire is just one species in a larger family of predatory supernatural entities that includes the female flying demons of Southeast Asia and the lustful yoginīs of India. Richly illustrated, Killing the Dead provocatively argues that corpse-killing, far from being pathological or unhealthy, served as a therapeutic and largely harmless outlet for fear, hatred, and paranoia that would otherwise result in violence against marginalized groups and individuals."-- Provided by publisher.

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