“This was the first cookbook I ever saw, let alone read, that strayed from the usual format. Ms. Gray followed her husband, a twentieth century sculptor, on the hunt for marble in often remote locations throughout the Mediterranean. Written with humor, elegance and grace, it’s a culinary catalog of a journey and a kind of cooking that’s the “result of a balance struck between frugality and liberality.” This is a cookbook to read in bed.” – Samin Nosrat

“Alongside Watership Down, this taught me that I had to leave home. (Children who bounced balls in synchronous time were not free. Rabbits who had all they wanted to eat were being bred for slaughter.) Read, age 11 while at Carlekemp Priory Boarding School, North Berwick, Scotland.” – John Cameron Mitchell

“I read Dune because my son recommended it. He thought I would enjoy the dynastic element. I was looking for help with my novel, searching for a story that showed how to build a simple narrative within larger, socio-political themes. I didn’t find the simple narrative, but Dune left an indelible impression on me as a staggering work of science fiction. Herbert’s detailed and engrossing descriptions of life on planet Arrakis were so convincing, they left an actual stink on my palette. The spice mining water reclamation suits, for instance, are visions I could live without. As far as world-building goes, Dune is on my top-ten list of best examples. Plus, every time I think about it, I feel pride and warmth for my son.” – Liz Phair

“I’ve loved tarot since I was a kid, but learning to read it has always seemed like a chore. And tarot books for the most part are just super boring. Still, I love this book. Michelle Tea is a queer witch poet and author who does an incredible job of humanizing every card. I brought it to the studio to kill time with my band between takes, and most of them bought copies.” – Phoebe Bridgers

“Miller’s new novel “Circe,” is in the best tradition of ancient-historical fiction—a worthy heir to Mary Renault. It’s a fabulous novelistic response to The Odyssey, and a timely book about power, abuse, parenting and home.” – Emily Wilson

“Should be required reading for any white person in America who has felt that familiar combination of heart-sickness and passivity when thinking about race. It is a valuable tool in the battle to wring all vestiges of racism out of oneself.” – George Saunders

“I am fascinated by what old photographs can tell us about their subjects and photographers, and Saidiya Hartman’s book blew me away from the first page. She brings Black women and girls to life in a way that is deeply empathetic and fiercely intelligent. I’m enthralled by her gift for combining historical research with evocative imaginative leaps. Her writing in this book is a profound act of reclamation, and a simply stunning read.” – Maaza Mengiste

“She is my patron saint, and this collection of essays helped me understand the world I was not around for but that still shaped my life. Her truths are tiny knives, piercing the surface and bleeding out the illusions of life, especially life in California.” – Greta Gerwig

“A remarkable collection of essays by a remarkable woman. Lorde’s views on race, gender, homophobia, xenophobia, class discrimination… To me this book is a manifesto of multiplicity. In an age in which we are all reduced to single identities and pushed into artificial tribes, Lorde’s intersectional and touchingly human approach is like a balm. It is a book about love, resilience and sisterhood.” – Elif Shafak

“I’d go to any desert island as long as there were dogs. And this book of poems.” – Isaac Mizrahi