in praise of difficult women celebrates 29 heroines who dared to break the rules and live life on their own terms. from frida kahlo to carrie fisher, lavern cox to elizabeth taylor, these women refused to shrink themselves or silence their voices. they planted their feet, said "i’ll do what i want, motherfucker," and ran the show. packed with life lessons, this book shows us how we, too, can live up to the legacy of these badass women. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

published with national portrait gallery, smithsonian institution.

the american writer and activist james baldwin (1924–87) considered himself a “witness” as he challenged perspectives on america and its history through his work. he was often recognized for speaking out against injustice at a time when other like-minded artists, collaborators, and organizers were overlooked or silenced. by bringing together artworks that feature james baldwin alongside portraits of other influential figures who shaped his life, this morning, this evening, so soon situates baldwin among a community of culture bearers who contributed to his legacy, particularly through his advocacy for gay rights.

the book accompanies an exhibition at the national portrait gallery in washington, dc, curated by the national portrait gallery’s director of curatorial affairs, rhea l. combs, in consultation with pulitzer prize–winning author hilton als. well-known portraits by beauford delaney and bernard gotfryd are presented alongside paintings, photographs, and films representing key figures within baldwin’s circle. by viewing baldwin through the lens of community, readers gain a deeper understanding of how his sexuality and faith, artistic curiosity, ideas of masculinity, and involvement in the civil rights movement shaped his writing and enduring legacy.

the book uses portraiture to explore the interconnected lives of baldwin and figures including lorraine hansberry (writer and activist), barbara jordan (lawyer, educator, and politician), bayard rustin (leader in social movements), lyle ashton harris (artist), essex hemphill (poet and activist), marlon riggs (filmmaker, poet, and activist), and nina simone (singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist), among others.

artists include: richard avedon, glenn ligon, donald moffett, beauford delaney, bernard gotfryd, faith ringgold, lorna simpson, and jack whitten.

a portrait of the passionate performer and civil rights advocate josephine baker, the woman who worked her way from the slums of st. louis to the grandest stages in the world. meticulously researched by both author and artist, josephine's powerful story of struggle and triumph is an inspiration and a spectacle, just like the legend herself.

a clever and witty guide to navigating midlife, this book from bestselling duo trisha ashworth and amy nobile feels like advice from a close friend. covering everything from redefining beauty after 40 to juggling the care of growing children and aging parents, it offers practical tips and encouragement. explore midlife relationships, dive into dating apps, and discover fresh career paths or new life purposes. no matter your situation—married, single, divorced, widowed, with or without kids—this guide helps answer the big question: "what’s next for me?"

this striking volume presents a new body of work by american painter kehinde wiley, who is best known for his vibrant portraiture of black people that challenges the hierarchies and conventions of classical european and american portraiture. drawing inspiration from japanese nature paintings of the edo period (ca. 1600–1868), wiley parallels traditional techniques and materials in these monumental works. exposed linen in the background of the paintings highlights the natural elements of the scenes while preserving a delicate balance of untouched picture space. by recontextualizing the naturalist landscape genre from a non-western perspective, wiley opens new ways of thinking about humanity’s relationship with nature.

following the artist’s sixth solo exhibition at roberts projects in los angeles, this richly illustrated catalog includes commissioned essays that place wiley’s work within the historical context of japanese painting as well as contemporary black art. in wiley’s own words, “in this new turn, i’m trying to break open the conversation again toward what nature really means in the 21st century, in an era of widespread ecological disasters. our relationship with nature is increasingly in a perilous position. it invites a reinterpretation of not only an incredible opportunity to explore the vastness and the beauty of nature, but also the astonishing fragility and sadness that surrounds us, and lost opportunities.”

kehinde wiley (born 1977) was the first black artist to paint an official u.s. presidential portrait, created for former president barack obama. wiley has held solo exhibitions throughout the united states and internationally, and his work is included in the collections of more than 40 public institutions worldwide.

kindred: dana, a young black writer in 20th century los angeles, is inexplicably pulled back in time to a maryland plantation—again and again. there, she meets her ancestors and is forced to navigate the brutal realities of slavery in order to survive and ensure her own future. octavia e. butler’s most acclaimed novel is a haunting, genre-defying masterpiece that examines power, survival, and the painful links between past and present.

knits to wear: effortless patterns by kutova kika, is filled with 17 patterns destined to be cherished favourites. ranging from timeless basics to modern pieces, this collection offers inspiration and brings you joy.  

this collection of 40 recipes for lemonade is filled with classic and innovative flavors the whole family can enjoy (plus a few variations with alcohol for those who imbibe). the recipes show how the beloved lemon pairs so well with an array of unique and delicious flavors—from pomegranate to ginger and cardamom—and creates a lip-smacking beverage that is a refreshing treat for any occasion. with easy-breezy photography throughout plus helpful how-tos for crafting the perfect drink, this little book is sure to add a refreshing splash of summer all year round.

“the most joyful, inspirational interiors, with a fascinating personal story from the master of color himself! matthew shows us how to live life bright!” —sienna miller, actress

the first interior decorating and lifestyle book from former fashion designer matthew williamson, who has been designing with bold, contrasting color for almost three decades, is an invitation to find your own style and embrace color and pattern to live bright.

think beige, grey, and white are the only neutrals? think again. as a lifelong fan of rich jewel tones, fashion designer turned interiors expert matthew williamson makes the case for living cocooned in color

from acclaimed author patricia hruby powell comes the story of a landmark civil rights case, told in spare and gorgeous verse. In 1955, in caroline county, virginia, amidst segregation and prejudice, injustice and cruelty, two teenagers fell in love. their life together broke the law, but their determination would change it. richard and mildred loving were at the heart of a supreme court case that legalized marriage between races, and a story of the devoted couple who faced discrimination, fought it, and won.

magic of pockets: guide to sewing & fixing pockets: paperback. published by microcosm! the magic of pockets: why your clothes don't have good pockets and how to fix that. transform your wardrobe with this step-by-step guide to sewing pockets into your favorite clothes. with simple instructions and line drawings, this book teaches six basic pockets, with suggested alterations to customize your wardrobe, while learning the history of what pockets looked like and why they remain a political tool today. all projects are designed for beginner sewists and most can be made by hand, no specialty tools or machine required. for every pair of pants with the pockets sewn shut, for every skirt with nowhere to put your hands, for every jacket missing a place to put your cash, there's one dress with pockets big enough to hold your entire world. but clothes with pockets should not be so rare. with the skills in this book, you can make your old clothes useful again. everyone deserves pockets!

make your voice heard: send a message with 30 fill-in postcards designed to help you create political change. while signing online petitions and posting on social media are great, nothing beats sending tangible postcards directly to your elected officials. more impactful than an email and harder to ignore than a phone call, these postcards will make your message stand out. remember, these are just the beginning of your participation in democracy, but it's a powerful place to start. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

microcrafts: tiny treasures to make and share: learn the charming art of microcrafting—making adorable, intricate projects no bigger than a spool of thread. from tiny animals to itty-bitty accessories, this book guides you through dozens of mini masterpieces. perfect for crafters of all skill levels who love small-scale magic.

paperback book
this title may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.

mondays not coming by tiffany d. jackson is a gripping, emotionally powerful novel about friendship, loss, and the stories that go unheard. when claudia’s best friend monday suddenly stops showing up to school, no one else seems concerned — but claudia knows something is wrong.

told through a nonlinear timeline, this haunting story pulls readers into a mystery rooted in systemic neglect, grief, and love. jackson’s writing is sharp, compassionate, and impossible to forget, making this a must-read for fans of thought-provoking contemporary fiction.

perfect for readers who appreciate socially conscious storytelling, book club picks, and novels that stay with you long after the final page.

divided into six categories of keisters, this humorous history book takes you on a whirlwind tour of the finest rear ends in museums around the world—from the lusciously rendered bottoms of renaissance painting to the abstract curves of contemporary art. heritage scholars and art educators mark small and jack shoulder pair illuminating social commentary, historical context, and lively captions with captivating depictions of tasteful—and sometimes cheeky—bums in art.

author: mark small and jack shoulder