Recommendations based on Real Friendsby Shannon Hale

* statistically, based on millions of data-points provided by fellow humans

  1. Be Prepared

    by Vera Brosgol
    A graphic memoir of a young girl's experience at a Russian summer camp and her struggle to fit in.

    "Beautifully drawn, brutally funny, brilliantly honest. Vera is such a good cartoonist I almost can’t stand it.” —Raina Telgemeier, author of Smile In Be Prepared , all Vera wants to do is fit in—but ... (Barnes & Noble)

  2. El Deafo

    by Cece Bell
    Autobiographical graphic novel about a girl who becomes deaf and learns to navigate the world with her hearing aid, the Phonic Ear.

    The book depicts the childhood of Cece Bell, who required the assistance of a Phonic Ear hearing aid while she was growing up to be the person who she is now. While the hearing aid enables her to ... (Wikipedia)

  3. March: Book Three

    by John Lewis
    The civil rights movement recounted through the eyes of Congressman Lewis and other activists.

    Welcome to the stunning conclusion of the award-winning and best-selling MARCH trilogy. Congressman John Lewis, an American icon and one of the key figures of the civil rights movement, joins ... (Barnes & Noble)

  4. Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?

    by Roz Chast
    A graphic memoir about a daughter's relationship with her aging parents.

    The book's storyline, spanning an eight-year period from 2001 to 2009, concerns Roz Chast's parents living in Brooklyn . The book describes various interactions between Chast and her parents. Chast, ... (Wikipedia)

  5. The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers

    by Maxwell King
    A biography of Fred Rogers, the creator and host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," exploring his life, philosophy, and impact on children's television.

    The definitive biography of Fred Rogers, children’s television pioneer and American cultural icon, an instant, New York Times, bestseller Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was an enormously influential figure ... (Barnes & Noble)

  6. I Am Not Myself These Days

    by Josh Kilmer-Purcell
    A young man's journey of self-discovery and acceptance in an open relationship.

    The New York Times bestselling, darkly funny memoir of a young New Yorker's daring dual life—advertising art director by day, glitter-dripping drag queen and nightclub beauty-pageant hopeful by ... (Goodreads)

  7. I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

    by Malala Yousafzai
    The inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai, who stood up against the Taliban for girls' education and survived an assassination attempt.

    When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when ... (Goodreads)

  8. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me

    by Sherman Alexie
    A memoir about the troubled relationship between a Spokane Indian father and his son.

    A searing, deeply moving memoir about family, love, loss, and forgiveness from the critically acclaimed, bestselling National Book Award-winning author of, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time ... (Barnes & Noble)

  9. Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter & Organize to Make More Room for Happiness

    by Gretchen Rubin
    A practical guide to decluttering and organizing your space to achieve inner peace and happiness.

    NEW YORK TIMES, BESTSELLER • In this lovely, easy-to-use illustrated guide to decluttering, the beloved author of, The Happiness Project, shows us how to take control of our, stuff,—and, by ... (Barnes & Noble)

  10. Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions

    by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
    A guide for raising children with feminist values, and advocating for gender equality.

    From the best-selling author of, Americanah, and, We Should All Be Feminists, comes a powerful new statement about feminism today–written as a letter to a friend. A few years ago, Chimamanda Ngozi ... (Goodreads)

  11. Born to Run

    by Bruce Springsteen
    Autobiographical journey of Bruce Springsteen's life and career as a musician.

    “Writing about yourself is a funny business…But in a project like this, the writer has made one promise, to show the reader his mind. In these pages, I’ve tried to do this.” —Bruce Springsteen, from ... (Goodreads)

  12. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed

    by Lori Gottlieb
    A therapist's journey through therapy, exploring the human condition and the power of connection in healing.

    From a, New York Times, best-selling author, psychotherapist, and national advice columnist, a hilarious, thought-provoking, and surprising new book that takes us behind the scenes of a therapist's ... (Goodreads)

  13. Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History

    by Art Spiegelman
    A graphic novel depicting the traumatic experiences of a Holocaust survivor and his son.

    The first installment of the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel acclaimed as “the most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust” (Wall Street Journal) and “the first ... (Goodreads)

  14. Guts

    by Raina Telgemeier
    A graphic novel memoir about the author's struggles with anxiety and a fear of vomiting.

    A true story from Raina Telgemeier, the #1, New York Times, bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of, Smile,, Sisters,, Drama, and, Ghosts,! Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset ... (Barnes & Noble)

  15. Nickel and Dimed: On

    by Barbara Ehrenreich
    A journalist's exploration of poverty in the U.S., exposing the struggles of low-wage workers.

    Millions of Americans work full-time, year-round, for poverty-level wages. In 1998, Barbara Ehrenreich decided to join them. She was inspired in part by the rhetoric surrounding welfare reform, which ... (Goodreads)

  16. It Was Me All Along

    by Andie Mitchell
    A memoir of a woman's journey through weight loss, self-discovery, and acceptance.

    A young food blogger shares her inspiring story of incredible weight loss–a journey from nearly 300 pounds to losing more than half her size--and establishing a healthy and confident relationship ... (Goodreads)

  17. You Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas

    by Augusten Burroughs
    A collection of humorous and heartwarming stories about the author's experiences during the holiday season.

    You’ve eaten too much candy at Christmas…but have you ever eaten the face off a six-footstuffed Santa? You’ve seen gingerbread houses…but have you ever made your own gingerbread tenement? You’ve ... (Goodreads)

  18. Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House

    by Alyssa Mastromonaco
    A memoir of Alyssa Mastromonaco's time as Deputy Chief of Staff under President Obama, offering insights into the inner workings of the White House.

    If your funny older sister were the former deputy chief of staff to President Barack Obama, her behind-the-scenes political memoir would look something like this . . . Alyssa Mastromonaco worked for ... (Barnes & Noble)

  19. Hidden Figures

    by Margot Lee Shetterly
    A recounting of the true story of three African-American women's contributions to NASA during the space race.

    The uplifting, amazing true story—a New York Times bestseller This edition of Margot Lee Shetterly’s acclaimed book is perfect for young readers. It is the powerful story of four African-American ... (Goodreads)

  20. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia

    by Candace Fleming
    A detailed account of the Romanov family's rise to power, their downfall, and the events leading up to their tragic end.

    Here is the tumultuous, heartrending, true story of the Romanovs—at once an intimate portrait of Russia's last royal family and a gripping account of its undoing. Using captivating photos and ... (Goodreads)

  21. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black, or, a Culture-Up Manifesto

    by Jen Lancaster
    A humorous memoir of a reality TV addict's attempt to become more cultured and less lazy.

    Readers have followed, New York Times, bestselling author Jen Lancaster through job loss, sucky city living, weight loss attempts, and 1980s nostalgia. Now, in this bitter and witty memoir, Jen ... (Barnes & Noble)

  22. Obama: An Intimate Portrait: The Historic Presidency in Photographs

    by Pete Souza
    A photographic tribute to the 8-year presidency of Barack Obama.

    This is the definitive visual biography of Barack Obama's presidency, captured in intimate, unprecedented detail by his official White House photographer. Pete Souza began photographing President ... (Goodreads)

  23. I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives

    by Caitlin Alifirenka
    True story of the meaningful friendship between an American teen and a girl from Zimbabwe, sparked by a letter.

    The true story of an all-American girl and a boy from an impoverished city in Zimbabwe and the letter that changed both of their lives forever. It started as an assignment. Everyone in Caitlin's ... (Goodreads)

  24. Where Am I Now?

    by Mara Wilson
    A memoir by former child actress Mara Wilson, reflecting on her life in and out of the spotlight.

    For readers of Lena Dunham, Allie Brosh and Roxane Gay, this funny, poignant, daringly honest collection of personal essays introduces Mara Wilson—the former child actress best known for her starring ... (Goodreads)

  25. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less

    by Terry Ryan
    A mother's determination to keep her family afloat through creative writing competitions.

    The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio is based on the true story of housewife Evelyn Ryan, who helped support her husband, Kelly, and their 10 children by winning jingle-writing contests. Kelly failed ... (Wikipedia)

  26. My Dog: The Paradox: A Lovable Discourse about Man's Best Friend

    by Matthew Inman
    A humorous and heartwarming comic book about the joys and challenges of owning a dog.

    Matthew Inman dishes another helping of hilarity from his online comic The Oatmeal in My Dog: The Paradox . After years of carefully observing his own dog, Rambo, Inman follows his #1 New York Times ... (Goodreads)

  27. A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog

    by Dean Koontz
    A touching tribute to a beloved pet and the lessons of living a life full of joy and love.

    In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz remembers the golden retriever who changed his life. A retired service dog, Trixie was ... (Goodreads)

  28. Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began

    by Art Spiegelman
    A graphic novel recounting a Holocaust survivor's harrowing experience and his son's attempt to reconcile with his father's past.

    Acclaimed as a quiet triumph and a brutally moving work of art, the first volume of Art Spieglman's Maus introduced readers to Vladek Spiegleman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe, and his son, a ... (Goodreads)

  29. Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship

    by Joshua Harris
    An exploration of traditional courtship, providing guidance for healthy relationships.

    Purpose Driven Romance The last thing singles want is more rules. But if you're looking for an intentional, God-pleasing game plan for finding a future spouse, Joshua Harris delivers an appealing ... (Goodreads)

  30. We Should All Be Feminists

    by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
    A call to action for an inclusive, gender-equal society through an examination of feminism.

    What does “feminism” mean today? That is the question at the heart of We Should All Be Feminists , a personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from her much-viewed TEDx talk of the same name—by ... (Goodreads)