How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them by Jason Stanley

In How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, Jason Stanley explains fascist ideologies, how it spreads, and why democratic societies are vulnerable to it.

Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII’s Unwanted Wife by Sarah-Beth Watkins

Sarah-Beth Watkins explores the life of Anne of Cleves, fourth wife of King Henry VIII, in her upcoming book Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII’s Unwanted Wife.

Underneath It All: A History of Women’s Underwear by Amber J. Keyser

I love history, and that includes not only important historical events, but also the history of things and how they evolved over the years. When it pertains to women, as well, I want to learn about it even more, so it’s no surprise this book appealed to me for multiple reasons.

Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy by Hallie Lieberman

The first person to receive a PhD in the history of sex toys, Hallie Lieberman has written a fascinating book that tells you everything you wanted to know on the subject, and more. For example, did you know that until as recently as 2008, it was illegal to sell sex toys in Texas? Obscenity laws there (and elsewhere) set the stage for decades-worth of headaches and careful maneuvering for anyone involved in selling them. Regardless of the specific topic—whether it’s about manufacturing, advertising, or selling—there is always a story to tell on how things were done, and how they evolved over the years.

Pioneer Girl Perspectives: Exploring Laura Ingalls Wilder by Nancy Tystad Koupal (Editor)

Many of my earliest reading memories are about the Little House series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I first fell in love with her books when I was eight years old. Little House in the Big Woods was one of the first books I ever checked out of the school library, in fact. I remember how excited I was when I realized there were more books telling the story of Ma, Pa, Mary, and Laura. (And, of course, Carrie and Grace, a bit later.) I was as enchanted with Pa’s stories as Laura was, and I delighted in reading about Ma making cheese, or cooking supper over a campfire. I remember how I used to take in every detail of Garth Williams’ beautiful illustrations, as in love with the pictures as I was the words themselves.