By Ashley Alker, MD – St Martin’s Press, 2026

Maybe you’re someone who, thanks to cartoons, grew up believing that quicksand was a viable threat. 99 Ways to Die is a hilariously grim yet surprisingly comforting ride through the kinds of dangers most of us would rather not think about—until they are forced upon us. Written by emergency medicine doctor Ashley Alker (who jokingly calls herself a “death escapologist”), the book offers 99 real-life ways that people get into trouble, paired with clear, practical advice for staying above it.

The tone is what sets this medical text apart. Alker can shock you and make you laugh in the same breath, without ever losing the point—public health and prevention matter (even if, as she quips, that’s “bad for business” in the ER). The chapters span everything from infections and disease to animals, drugs and poison, crime, sex, the elements, and more, often anchored by stories from the author’s life and work. It’s sometimes funny, sometimes tender, sometimes heartbreaking—and it’s packed with smart guidance that might genuinely keep you, and the people you love, alive.

By Kerry Burnight, PhD – Worthy Books, 2025

Aging well isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about making those years worth living. Joyspan challenges the idea that longevity alone is the goal. Instead, it puts joy, meaning and connection at the forefront, reminding us that emotional well-being isn’t an optional bonus, but the real measure of a life well lived. That shift in focus can change the way we make everyday choices, from how we spend our time to how we nurture relationships.

Rather than sidestepping the difficult parts of aging—loss, caregiving, financial strain, uncertainty—the book leans into them. The author suggests practical ways to stay connected, such as small rituals like a weekly coffee with a friend, joining interest-based groups or even mentoring younger generations. Purpose, too, is reframed—not only in grand achievements but in everyday acts like volunteering, creative expression or cultivating new skills that keep curiosity alive.

Woven throughout are human stories, including the author’s own family experiences, that make these lessons both practical and deeply moving. The book becomes not just a guide but a companion: encouraging readers to embrace flexibility, seek connection and rediscover meaning, no matter the circumstance. 

By Emily Kenway – Seal Press, 2023

It is not every day that you read a book that changes your perspective on society at large and the role you play in it. Who Cares: The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving and How We Solve It is an intelligent, eye-opening publication about a world in dire need of caregivers and the inadequacies of support on an international scale. Kenway shares intimate stories of caregivers all over the world, including her own caregiving journey for her mother through a grueling battle with cancer. She thoughtfully outlines the complexities of caregiving as a chronic stressor, a deeply meaningful experience of human connection and, most importantly, a reality of life.

Kenway explores possible solutions that may alleviate the crisis of caregiving, including new technology, government policies, innovative housing solutions and community support. She leaves readers feeling empowered that the solution begins within us. This is a book for everyone—because everyone will give care and need care, if they have not yet already, at some point in their life.