Staff Picks: Mike Ploetz’s Favorites
Hi, I’m Mike. I work at DK as Associate Marketing Manager for our children’s titles! Like so many people working at Penguin Random House, I grew up with a book permanently secured in both hands. My tastes run the gamut, but these days I’m especially drawn to picture books; they’re just something I’ve enjoyed collecting as I get older and try to hold on to every possible piece of my youth. #realtalk (Are people still hashtagging? Is a question an old person would ask.) Anyway, I hope my book recommendations bring a little joy to your life!
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Add to BookshelfThe Left Hand of Darkness
by Ursula K. Le Guin
Ten or so years ago, I began to consciously read my way through several “best of” sci-fi reading lists. Le Guin always makes the list, in some form, so I decided to start here. This novel is famous for its philosophical discourse on gender and sexuality, but besides that, there’s plenty of action, political intrigue, and romantic pining. (All on a faraway planet, of course.)
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$26.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Mysteries of the Universe
by Will Gater
Continuing the space theme, I have to recommend this one from DK. Grownups, don’t be afraid to buy this one for yourself. It’s full of beautiful photography and I love the way the book’s topics are ordered: from closest to farthest away from Earth. Also, gold-foil edges and a satin ribbon bookmark make the whole package eminently Instagrammable. Just saying.
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$24.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Utopia Avenue
by David Mitchell
Some books make you nostalgic for eras you missed out on, and this is definitely one of those books. Like all of Mitchell’s work, Utopia Avenue is many-layered, and different readers will find different things to love. I’m not really a classic rock expert, but others might find the book’s numerous historical references to be a lot of fun. Myself, I enjoyed the callbacks to the author’s other books, with a few familiar characters popping in to make trouble.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$18.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Bug Boys
by Laura Knetzger
This graphic novel launched a personal interest in a subgenre I didn’t realize existed outside of Pixar movies: cartoon bugs. Through short, colorful comics, two friends learn about the world outside their village and start to figure out the shape of their own futures. Adventure Time fans will be sure to fall in love with these beetle bros and their angsty, warm-hearted adventures.
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$13.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Interestings
by Meg Wolitzer
In the height of summer, this is one book that always comes to mind. A group of teens meet at camp and form an intense bond that gets tested over the years as they all grow up and apart. Some characters seem charmed, skirting around life’s many snares, while others are eternally cursed. It was the first book that really challenged me to think about lasting happiness and the hard work of leaving your teenage years behind.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$18.00Buy from Other Retailers:
