STAFF PICKS

STAFF PICKS ✐

We are a group of voracious readers and always thrilled to share our latest recommendations. Each of our shops has an area dedicated to the books we love to read, with handwritten notes depicting why they should be on top of your ever-growing TBR pile!

This is the digital version of our staff pick shelves.
Peruse around and discover your next favorite!

Chelsea Market

  • The Wind Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami

    Cat says: A spiraling adventure and nightmare all in one. Is reality actually “reality”? This novel makes you question exactly that. Nothing is ever as it seems!

  • Weyward by Emelia Hart

    Alex says: Three women in three different time periods learn how strong they are. If you love witchy books and vibes, you’ll love this.

    * please check the triggers in this book *

  • EVERYTHING Agatha Christie

    Ally says: When I decided to undertake the lifelong task of reading everything Agatha Christie ever wrote, I had no idea the wave I would be starting among the people in my life. Turns out everyone really craves a good murder mystery at some point, and the Queen of Mystery never misses. Not only are her books entertaining and fun, her dives into psychology and humanity intrigue readers to this day. Over 100 years after some of her books were published, her mysteries still hold up as some of the very best (I’ve only guessed 1 out of 25 so far). Everyone here at Chelsea Market has jumped on the bandwagon too! I’ve gotten everyone to branch out and read at least one, and some have gone on to gain a whole new love of mystery novels. Whatever your taste, one of Agatha Christie’s over 80 books will have a murder for you…

  • Bunny by Mona Awad

    Ben says: At first it is a novel about writerly cliques at an elite grad school, and then Awad hits you in the face with an exploding rabbit. Weird, witty, wacky.

  • Outlawed by Anna North

    Maggie says: A group of girl boss bad outlaws who have been cast from society find community and risk everything for their mysterious leader. Epic story, easy and captivating read with a genderless main character!!!

Ponce City Market

  • Stories of Your Life by Ted Chiang

    Amanda says: Jaw -dropping! Poignant! This collection of short stories is truly Science Fiction at its best. For the scientist and the poet, the mathematician and the artist, the left and right brain, this one's for you!

  • Babel by R.F. Kuang

    Lindsi says: The best work of fiction I’ve read in years, and so, so dear to my heart. I’ve never read anything that put into words so perfectly the pain and contradiction of being a Chinese person adopted into the imperial core. I can only hope that this work will speak equally forcefully to those on the other side of the equation — to help Americans see that the world Kuang writes of is not relegated to the past but is very much our present, that the center of power has just shifted from Britain to the United States, which has even further expanded the scope of violence and exploitation necessary to sustain itself. I worried that this book would be utterly hopeless, and while it is indeed gut-wrenching, it’s also a beautiful, hopeful ode to the power of the solidarity and resistance of the oppressed.

    I already can’t wait to read it again!

  • Red Rising by Pierce Brown

    Will says: One of my favorite science fiction books of all time. A satisfying story about revenge, love, and politics. Action packed and extremely cool.

  • Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    Charisma says: An incredible adventure story with protagonists who truly blur the line between good & evil. Engaging characters, wicked villains, and a whole new universe to get lost in.

Pittsburgh Strip District

  • Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

    Mallory says: This was my favorite book of the year. I love Wilson’s writing. It’s personable, yet witty and just so creative. He has a way to write about bizarre circumstances in such a realistic way, like twins that spontaneously combust. The story follows Lillian, the children’s “governess” as she takes care of these two feral anomalies. She becomes their world and they become hers.

  • Scythe by Neal Shusterman

    Viggo Says: This story is set in a very unique world where death is no more. The story follows two characters and their journey to become Scythes. The story sucks you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Having you question everything. It’s filled with strong and emotional moments that make for a great read!

  • The Tatami Galaxy by Tomihiko Morimi

    Levi says: Come jump into the sliding doors multiverse of our nameless protagonist as he waxes poetic on where he went wrong in his early college days and regretting his choice of student club. His friends are weird and his escapades are strange, he is not even super likeable to be honest, but I promise this world will draw you in. It's fascinating and funny and full of heart and definitely one of my favorite books of 2023.

  • Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

    Viv says: This novel takes place between the late 60’s to early 70’s with three main characters. It’s a nostalgic story of loss from the perspective of Toru in his college days in Tokyo. Super sappy and wholesome.

  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

    Sophia says: This book honestly made me the person I am today. High praise for this book, but I read it when I was a Freshman (like our main character) and it made me want to open myself to the people around me and to experience life honestly. I am getting a quote from it tattooed on me.

  • The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus

    Viv says: Philosophical take on the greek myth of Sisyphus, who is condemned to roll a rock up to the top of a mountain, only for it to roll back down to the bottom every time he reaches the top. The greater meaning to this is that there is no greater meaning in life, but what we give it.

  • Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

    Levi says: I honestly don't know where to start. I fell in love with this book almost immediately; and when I tell you I couldn't put it down, I mean that literally, I read this in a single afternoon. It's such a beautiful and moving human story writ large across time and space. This was one of the best books I have ever read and I honestly have nothing negative to say about it. Everyone should read it.

Newbury Street

  • Silver

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  • Gold

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  • Platinum

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Avalon

  • The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill

    Jonas sys: Do not let the beauty of this book and its writing fool you—this dreamlike retelling of The Crane Wife folktale left me quiet, haunted, and yearning. I loved every page.

  • So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole

    Carter says: This book has it all! Dragons? Check! Magic? Check! LGBT Rep? Check! Lovable main characters? Check! Enemies t lovers? Check! An ending that will have you dying for the sequel?
    OH MY GOD CHECK!