AUTOBIOGRAPHY
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth
by Chris Hadfield
In 2013 Chris Hadfield, Commander of the International Space Station, captivated the world by using social media to provide us with stunning photography and commentary from space. Now, in his first book, Hadfield offers readers extraordinary stories from space and an insider's perspective on what “thinking like an astronaut” involves and how earthbound humans can use it to achieve success and happiness in their own lives. Instead of visualizing victory, astronauts prepare for the worst, always sweating the small stuff and caring about what others think. Written with humour, humility and profound optimism for the future of space exploration, Hadfield shares exhilarating experiences and challenges from his 144 days on the ISS and gives an unforgettable answer to his most asked question: What's it really like in outer space?
$32; randomhouse.ca
FOOD
Bal's Spice Kitchen
by Bal Arneson
Honouring the traditions and flavours of her childhood, Bal Arneson teaches home chefs how to complement their favourite recipes with new spice combinations in Bal's Spice Kitchen. A leader in fresh and fast Indian cuisine, Arneson vamps up traditional Indian recipes by using Indian flavours in classic North American and European dishes like Coriander Squash Soup, Paneer and Beef Burgers and Masala Mashed Potatoes. More than just a collection of recipes, this book also includes a guide to creating your own spice mixtures, a spice glossary, wine pairings and plating techniques.
$29.95; whitecap.ca
KIDS
Find Momo
by Andrew Knapp
“Momo hides instinctively. I don't know what his intention is. I pick up a stick to throw and he runs off and waits. More often than not, he's somewhere I can't see him. But he can see me.”
Part art/photography book, part game, Find Momo invites readers to play hide-and-seek with a beautiful border collie named Momo who has a knack for finding the best hiding places in a variety of beautiful landscapes and settings captured by his own personal photographer and human companion, Andrew Knapp. Available March 4.
$14.95; quirkbooks.com/canada
FICTION
The Clearing
by Dan Newman
What started as a weekend of whispered secrets and dares in 1976 quickly turned into an act of survival from an unseen terror from the woods ““ a so-called myth that now appears to be reality. Haunted by complex and disconcerting childhood memories, journalist Nate Mason is drawn back to St. Lucia, the island of his youth, to search for answers to that cryptic night. Once landing on the island Nate is convinced he is being followed and discovers that his search for answers could cost him his sanity and his life. In his debut novel, author Dan Newman takes us on a dark, atmospheric psychological thriller where we realize that some childhood nightmares will linger for a lifetime.
$16.99; exhibitabooks.com
HOME Dí‰COR
Behind Closed Doors: The Private Homes of 25 of the World's Most Creative People
by Rob Meyers
Through his connections in the magazine and art worlds, Rob Meyer sent a batch of disposable cameras out to a variety of musicians, artists, bloggers and photographers asking them to take pictures of their favourite parts of their homes. Not only did he get the cameras back, but many of them were completely full. Through these edgy and stylish interior photos we are able to get insight and first-hand perspective on how people like Courtney Love, Martha Stewart, Jeremy Scott, Oliver Theyskens, Tavi Gevinson and many more live and the parts of their homes that best define them. Available March 11.
$29.95; rizzoliusa.com
TRAVEL
How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler (and Save Time, Money, and Hassle)
by Christopher Elliott
Consumer travel advocate and National Geographic Traveler Editor-at-Large Christopher Elliott uses practical advice accumulated over more than 20 years to guide readers through the complexities of travel ““ from cruises to car rentals, travel insurance to time shares, restaurants to resorts and airlines to agents. The perfect guide for beginner and seasoned travelers alike, How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler will arm you with all the information you need for a successful and carefree trip. Available March 4.
$19.95; nationalgeographic.com
STYLE
It's Modern. The Eye and Visual Influence of Alexander Liberman
by Charles Churchward
A must have for lovers of art, fashion, photography, magazines and graphic design, It's Modern explores the creative eye and inspiration of Alexander Liberman, the man who changed visual culture. One of the world's most powerful editorial art directors, Liberman's influence was seen in the early '40s as art director for Vogue taking the publication from stately to the bold and lively work we see today, and from 1960 to 1994 as editorial director for Condé Nast. For the first time Liberman's commercial work and artwork are viewed side-by-side along with personal archival photographs, texts and artworks as well as those from his iconic friends and collaborators.
$65; rizzoliusa.com