Iron & Wine

In this novella, Colm Tóibín presents a deeply personal and humanized account of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The story is set in the ancient town of Ephesus, where Mary lives in exile after her son's crucifixion. She is visited by followers of Jesus who seek to record her testament, but Mary's narrative diverges sharply from the traditional gospel accounts. She recounts her memories of Jesus' childhood, his miracles, and his eventual crucifixion, all while grappling with guilt, regret, and a profound sense of loss. Mary's voice is one of a strong-willed woman, filled with pain and bitterness, who does not accept the divinity of her son and questions the worth of his sacrifice. The book explores themes of motherhood, faith, and the human cost of religious zeal.

Pete Holmes's 'Spells to Cast on Your Parents' is a lighthearted children's book framed as a dragon-guarded tome that only wizards (kids) can access by performing whimsical spells on adults. The book's playful prompts encourage parents to be silly, fostering imagination and connection through safe, easy activities. Holmes wrote it with his daughter in mind, aiming for content that would delight young readers while keeping the actions simple for caretakers. Through humorous scenarios and gentle guidance, the book supports family bonding and imaginative play. It positions itself as an accessible, fun tool for parents who want to engage more playfully with their children.