2023's Top Reads from the USA: Highlighting the Year's Best Literary Offerings

In the year's orbit, a diverse range of captivating literary works has adorned our shelves, complementing the musical releases on our platform. These publications, crafted by independent publishers, have captivated our audience, offering narratives ranging from personal memoirs, photography collections, and journeys of self-discovery.

Among the standout titles this year are offerings from renowned musicians such as Thurston Moore, Sly Stone, Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu, John Densmore, and Glen E. Friedman. The sheer number of engrossing books made for an ever-growing pile, catering to the book-loving taste of our customers each week.

Delve into our carefully curated list of ten exceptional books from this year, showcasing signed copies, special posters, postcards, and unseen photography.

Thurston Moore - Sonic Life (Signed copies available) A compelling memoir by the co-founder of Sonic Youth, chronicling the author's life and art, from his music-obsessed teen years in small-town Connecticut to his legendary rock group's three decades of creation, experimentation, and wonder. Collaborated on by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead.
Sly Stone - Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) From one of the most iconic pop-music geniuses, this memoir offers a rare opportunity to learn about Sly Stone's life and career, serving as a cautionary tale and source of inspiration. The memoir was written with help from Ben Greenman and features a foreword by Questlove.
Jeff Tweedy - World Within A Song Frontman of Wilco and New York Times bestselling author Jeff Tweedy shares 50 songs that changed his life in this book. He discusses the real-life experiences behind each song, exploring how life experiences and music intertwine and elevate each other.
Jesse Rifkin - This Must Be The Place This fascinating history book examines how various factors, including real estate, gentrification, community, and New York City itself, shaped the city's music scenes—from folk to house music. Drawing on numerous exclusive interviews with musicians and scenesters, the author meticulously reconstructs the physical history of numerous classic New York music scenes.
Glen E. Friedman - Just A Minor Threat This collection presents Glen E. Friedman's most iconic photographs of the hardcore punk band Minor Threat, offering a glimpse into the lives and music of one of the most influential bands in history. Many of the photographs in this volume have never been seen before.
Kevin Cummins - David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire Written by celebrated photographer Kevin Cummins, this book offers a selection of his best portraits of the legendary musician David Bowie. The book includes previously unpublished images taken throughout Bowie's career, from his early gigs to his final years.
Chuck D - Summer of Hamn This captivating work by legendary hip-hop artist Chuck D chronicles the tragedy of gun violence, using annotated illustrations to reveal an underlying commentary on society. The depictions are a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of gun violence on individuals and communities.
Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu) - Anything That Moves In this compelling and sometimes controversial book, indie music darling Jamie Stewart shares his journey of fleshy self-discovery and queer awakening. The book is a series of comic, tragic, and erotic X-rays of sex, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, abasement, depravity, and joy.
John Densmore - The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison's Legacy Goes on Trial John Densmore, legendary drummer and founding member of The Doors, offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of art and commerce in this book, using the conflict over The Doors' name and legacy as an example of the greed gene—that part of the human psyche that drives us toward the accumulation of wealth, often at the expense of our principles and relationships.
Robin Turner & The Chemical Brothers - Paused In Cosmic Reflection This definitive story of The Chemical Brothers is told through the voices of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, with contributions from friends and collaborators. The book is fully illustrated with 30 years of visually stunning artwork.

For those eager to stay informed about new literary releases, pre-orders, exclusives, and special offers, be sure to sign up on our platform. Happy reading!

Indie music artist Jamie Stewart's book, "Anything That Moves," provides a captivating journey of sexual self-discovery, offering insights into themes of love, forgiveness, abasement, and joy. In the world of entertainment, this book complements the diverse range of musical releases on our platform.

The book "Sonic Life" by Thurston Moore, co-founder of Sonic Youth, shares a compelling memoir of the author's life and art, with signed copies available for purchase on our platform, making it an exceptional addition for book-loving customers.