In this panoramic survey, designer Penick (The Water-Saving Garden) sheds light on horticultural practices unique to Texas. Featuring exquisite photographs by Kenny Braun, the collection showcases 27 gardens across the state, including a desert oasis in Marfa, a sanctuary for native prairie plants in Plano, and a certified organic farm in the Rio Grande Valley. The author highlights gardeners who have persevered in a climate known for extreme heat, drought, floods, and hurricanes. For example, she explains how one Houston homeowner adapted her garden to the flood-prone region by removing paving and incorporating deep-rooted native plants to help “the garden soak up water like a sponge when it rains.” Penick also details the challenges she herself has navigated in her Central Texas garden, like sloping land, dry shade, and hungry deer. Throughout, she offers creative projects to try at home, such as planting a pocket prairie, recycling concrete paving, and growing native pollinator plants. Penick aptly captures the passionate determination of Texas gardeners, who “hit the ground running in February and March, feverishly pruning and planting and watching spring swiftly unfold,” while Braun’s photos illuminate these vibrant outdoor spaces. It’s a captivating tour of thriving Texas green spaces. Photos. (Oct.)

Reviewed on 08/15/2025 | Details & Permalink

Knitwear designer Oksvold blends traditional Norwegian knitting with bold designs and colors in this vibrant collection of patterns for cold weather clothing. For each design, Oksvold draws influence from her personal life. The colors and textures of the Lucie Oversized Sweater, for instance, were inspired by a sweater Oksvold’s mother-in-law knitted in the 1980s and later passed down to her. Similarly, the striking colorwork in the Une Sweater symbolizes Oksvold’s joyous return to hiking after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. A section of “zero-waste projects” offers creative ways to use leftover yarn, including a striped sweater that can be made with either worsted or bulky yarn, felted insoles for shoes, and hats. While Oksvold’s anecdotes are uplifting, the patterns are largely geared toward experienced knitters, as she assumes familiarity with reading color charts, and some projects require steeking, or adding extra stitches that can be cut to form openings like armholes. Still, Oksvold offers plenty of valuable advice, like knitting a 7”x7” swatch to check gauge before starting a garment, adding a wet towel to the dryer to encourage friction for felting pieces, and freshening wool garments by airing them out or placing them in the snow instead of washing them too frequently. Skilled knitters will be inspired. Photos. (Oct.)

Reviewed on 08/15/2025 | Details & Permalink

This deeply researched guide from Fischer, an archaeological field supervisor, explores the history of traditional textile techniques that have largely been forgotten and instructs modern crafters on how to recreate them. Fischer explains methods for working with fibers and threads, like spinning without a wheel, fingerloop braiding, and rope-making. She then outlines processes for creating clothing and accessories, like twining and slip-stitch crocheting. Color photographs illuminate each method, and the projects make use of natural fibers, such as nettle, linden, and flax. Fischer delves into the history of each technique, describing when they were first used and how they evolved. For example, nålbinding, the process of looping yarn together to make flat textiles, dates back to the Stone Age. It creates particularly strong and dense fabric, good for cold-weather use (the Vikings used it to make socks), but it is tedious and time-consuming and was eventually overtaken by knitting and crocheting. In the last section of the book, Fischer shows readers how to build their own textile tools, from crochet hooks and spindles to flax hackles and wooden weaving tablets. The volume is rich with historical anecdotes (“Threads and ropes are among the oldest structures created by humans”) and beautiful imagery, including photos of ornately patterned textiles and handwoven baskets. Fischer breathes new life into lost arts. (Aug.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink

In this prescriptive guide, neurologists Dorsey and Okun (Ending Parkinson’s Disease) explain the latest research concerning Parkinson’s, a neurodegenerative disease that causes tremors and stiffness, and detail steps for risk reduction. The disease has become “disturbingly common,” according to the authors, who argue that genetics alone aren’t to blame: “rather, chemicals in our food, water, and air have created this largely man-made disease.” To address the “Parkinson’s pandemic,” they present a four-part road map using the acronym PLAN. They urge prevention of the disease through bans on harmful chemicals, like the pesticide paraquat, which has been strongly linked to Parkinson’s; learning more about the disease through increased funding for research into its causes (scientists believe it could start in the nose or gut); amplifying patients’ voices so care models can be constructed to adequately meet their needs; and navigating new treatments, such as electrical stimulation, behavioral interventions, and over-the-counter medications that can be repurposed for Parkinson’s patients. In addition to outlining this detailed plan for the country at large, the authors clearly articulate what individuals can do to reduce their risk, like washing produce, filtering water, and avoiding certain dry cleaning chemicals. Readers interested in both public policy and individual risk mitigation will find Dorsey and Okun’s program accessible and inspiring. (Aug.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink

“Cheese is magic,” asserts cheese monger and practicing witch Kubick (Cheese Sex Death) in this enchanting combination of cheese-forward recipes, stylish charcuterie boards, and spirituality. She breaks down best practices for selecting cheeses, slicing, serving, and spell-casting, before offering up seasonal recipes organized around the Wheel of the Year, a pagan calendar. Wintertime includes a wreath-inspired plate of alpine cheeses, rosemary flatbreads, and pomegranate seeds; a Valentine’s Day cheese plate promises to cast a (consensual) love spell with triple-cream brie and honey, served with a “love potion” cocktail made with gin, cardamom, and lime; and a platter for the vernal equinox pairs every zodiac sign with a specific cheese. Throughout, Kubick breaks down the meanings of individual ingredients: blackberries offer protection; rose water appeases fairies. Skeptical readers will roll their eyes at the invocation of various folklores and Kubick’s conception of cheese boards as spiritual offerings or sacred altars, but there’s no denying the appeal of the elegant photography and rich flavors. Hardier recipes for appetizers, mains, and desserts round things out, including panzanella made with Finnish bread cheese; a cheese-stuffed pumpkin; a blue cheese riff on a yule log with bacon, pecans and horseradish; and goat cheese cheesecake. Witchy entertainers will find bountiful inspiration for their next party. (Sept.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink

Debut authors Libenson and Rofeberg, who cohost the Judaism Unbound podcast, collect 200 conversations from their show for this thought-provoking look at how Jews today are “re-thinking, re-imagining, and experimenting” with their faith. Guests discuss projects that reimagine “Jewish futures,” often by challenging the status quo. For example, Shira Stutman explains how the Washington, D.C., synagogue where she was a head rabbi served as a way station for Jews in their 20s and 30s to learn “what it means to live a full... Jewish life” before moving on to other congregations or finding a place in the wider Jewish community. Artist Eileen Levenson frames her website, Haggadot.com, which enables the creation of custom-made haggadahs, as a reflection of a DIY Judaism that sees every viewpoint about the faith “relevant in some way,” while Sarah Lefton’s BimBam, a website dedicated to short animated videos of the weekly Torah portion, highlights the importance of accessibility in Jewish learning. While not every innovation will resonate with readers, all prompt meaningful conversations about how Judaism can evolve in ways that maintain its relevance without sacrificing its core principles. Those concerned about Judaism’s future will find plenty to chew on in these creative and expansive dialogues. (Sept.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink

Nutritionist and celebrity personal trainer Pasternak (The Body Reset Diet) delivers a sensible plan to healthy eating that doesn’t exclude any food groups. Arguing that cutting out foods like carbs or sugar is neither sustainable nor healthy, Pasternak promotes a balanced diet of essential nutrients—carbs, fats, and other foods commonly seen as dangers included. He dubs his portion-sizing formula PATH: a “palm” of carbohydrates, “all” the vegetables, a “thumb” of fat, and a “hand” of protein. Desserts are also built in: Pasternak, who says he eats a chocolate chip cookie almost every day, encourages readers to find their version of that treat, without guilt: “if you can’t have flexibility in what you eat and eat what you love, there is no pathway to achieving healthy weight loss.” He details the science of burning and storing fat, explaining that low-carb diets can negatively impact your hormone levels, making it harder to lose weight. To help readers put PATH into practice, Pasternak offers 50 easy-to-follow recipes, such as bouillabaisse, Korean bibimbap, and PB & J Oatmeal Short-Stack Pancakes. This rational guide debunks the idea that healthy eating requires deprivation. (Aug.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink

French pastry chef Bourgeois’s English-language debut is an instructive overview of fundamental techniques. Intended as a primer for the truly uninitiated, its streamlined instructions, all accompanied by step-by-step photography, offer a simplified approach to French baking. A brief list of essential baking equipment and foundational recipes for pie crusts, sponge cake, and pastry cream are followed by “Classic Desserts,” including Parisian flan and chocolate mousse. A section on “Snacks, Bars, and Cookies” features coconut macaroons and no-bake chocolate truffles. Recipes encourage variations: loaf cake comes in three different flavors; fruit tarte tatin shines with blackberry, apricot, or apple; and granola bars can be made with cranberries or chocolate and hazelnuts. Showstoppers include pear belle Helene, sugar syrup–poached pears covered with dark chocolate and almonds, and an elegant but easy meringue pavlova with mixed berries. Traditional French confections such as madeleines, lunettes, and creme brulée also appear. The look-and-learn layout will appeal to beginners, but a lack of introductory notes and troubleshooting tips may make the more involved recipes intimidating. For the most part, though, this practical how-to manual will be a treat for aspiring bakers. (Aug.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink

Kellett’s personable debut showcases meals she has cooked for herself and her six housemates in the converted London warehouse they share and out of which she also runs a supper club. Recipes are largely vegetarian “with a little bit of fish” and designed to feed large groups. Despite the title, the collection has a chapter each dedicated to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. Morning meals include savory choices such as soy sauce–marinated hard-boiled eggs and a cheddar jalapeño quick bread alongside sweets like blueberry muffins. For lunch, there’s a versatile bean salad or a cold soup that’s a hybrid of gazpacho and salmorejo. Many of the flavor-forward recipes, including sticky rice with miso eggplant and Sri Lankan dal with spicy coconut sambal, lean on Asian influences, while Kellett’s flatmate from Reggio Emilia inspires the Italian flare of dishes like tomatoes in brothy fregola. Standards like puttanesca and hummus are balanced by less familiar options such as a German potato tart. Desserts are likewise divided between old favorites, such as tiramisu and apple crumble, and Kellett’s original creations, including halva cookies with dark chocolate chunks and a chocolate torte with white miso. The result is perhaps a bit unfocused, but the relaxed communal vibe entices. This decidedly unfussy collection will inspire many a host. (Aug.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink

Neurosurgeon and journalist Gupta (Keep Sharp) shares tips for treating chronic pain without opioids or other addictive substances in this practical guide. He notes that nearly a quarter of adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain—whether it be migraines, back pain, joint pain, nerve pain, or other conditions. Finding treatment can be difficult because of the complex, subjective nature of pain, but “there is hope,” he argues. Drawing on emerging research and patient interviews, Gupta offers a range of physical and psychological strategies for treating chronic pain, like proper sleep, healthy eating, and exercise. For example, he shares how mindfulness meditation helped a woman relieve chronic back pain, and explores the recent uptick in usage of antidepressants to address persistent migraines. “Pain relief isn’t just about physical relief; it is an integral part of a complex, dynamic healing process,” he writes. Refreshingly, Gupta sheds light on “invisible” chronic conditions, which lack obvious symptoms and are difficult to test for, like fibromyalgia, a type of musculoskeletal pain. With an empathetic voice, Gupta presents readers with a broad array of accessible techniques and supportive advice. This will empower readers seeking relief from pain. (Sept.)

Reviewed on 08/01/2025 | Details & Permalink