Discover the essential literary treasures in our “Wednesday Wisdom” Uncover a world of captivating stories, profound insights, and timeless wisdom as we unveil a curated collection of must-read books that will inspire, enlighten, and leave an indelible mark on your mind.

The Museum of Human History By Rebekah Bergman

In this impressive debut, Rebekah Bergman weaves together speculative elements. And classic fables to explore the extent we will go to limit the pain of passing time. After nearly drowning, eight-year-old Maeve Wilhelm falls into a strange comatose state that spans years and halts her aging. Her medical anomaly draws a wide cast of characters who believe her mysterious “sleep” holds the answers to life’s most pressing questions. There are moments when The Museum of Human History is reminiscent of another literary fantasy icon Kevin Brockmeier. As the prose and the subtle interconnections between its characters rise to the level of sublime. 

I Done Clicked My Heels Three Times by Taylor Byas

I Done Clicked My Heels Three Times is a debut poetry collection by Taylor Byas. That explores the journey of a Black woman growing up in Chicago and finding her way in the world. The poems are inspired by the cult classic film The Wiz and use a variety of forms, including sestinas, sonnets, and free verse. Byas’s poems are honest and powerful, and they offer a unique perspective on the Black female experience.

Mobility by Lydia Kiesling

Mobility is a novel about class, power, politics, and desire told through the life of one woman, Bunny. The book follows Bunny from her childhood in Azerbaijan to her adulthood in Houston, as she witnesses the rise of the oil industry and the climate crisis it helped bring about. Kiesling’s writing is sharp and insightful, and she deftly explores the ways in which Bunny’s choices are shaped by her environment. Mobility is a powerful and timely novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

My Name Is Iris by Brando Skyhorse

In My Name Is Iris, Brando Skyhorse tackles the surveillance state. And xenophobia in an uncomfortably familiar dystopian vision of American. For Iris, a new divorcée, life is finally beginning to look like what she dreamed for herself and her 9-year-old daughter, Melanie—that is, until a wall suddenly appears in their front yard. Soon, other things begin to give her pause, including a new wearable tech band that’s withheld from her because she’s second-generation Mexican. As its use becomes more prevalent and her lack of access to the techlimits her ability to travel and work, Iris must decide what measures she’ll take to protect herself and her daughter.

Witness By Jamel Brinkley

Witness is a collection of 10 short stories. That explore the act of witnessing, both in the literal and figurative sense. The stories set in Brooklyn and feature a diverse cast of characters.Including animal rescue volunteers, florists, ghosts, and UPS workers. Brinkley’s writing is sharp and insightful. And he deftly tackles a range of complex themes, such as race, class, and grief. Witness is a powerful and moving collection that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The Kingdom of Surfaces By Sally Wen Mao

The Kingdom of Surfaces is a poetry collection by Sally Wen Mao. That explores the intersections of art, history, and identity. The poems in the collection examine the ways in which Chinese aesthetics have appropriated and commodified by Western cultures. And they challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that often surround Chinese culture. The poems beautifully written and thought-provoking, and they offer a unique perspective on the complex relationship between China and the West.

The Great Transition by Nick Fuller Googins

Novels about our catastrophic climate future are becoming increasingly common. But Nick Fuller Googins’s The Great Transition sets itself apart through its visionary scope and possibility for change. Alternating between a daughter’s search for her mother and a thrilling account of her parents’ past as members of a movement to forge a new society. The novel is a testament to how our actions today can determine our fate tomorrow. Urgent but hopeful, The Great Transition an important read for those ready to advocate for future generations.