In his author’s note for his astonishing debut book “The Nightingales” (Avid Reader Press, 2026), San Franciso-based gay illustrator and comic book artist Emil Wilson writes that the “basic setup” of the story is true, but it “isn’t a memoir” and he took “several liberties.” Regardless, in addition to essentially reinventing the visual presentation of a graphic novel, he has created unforgettable characters. Set in 1985 Oregon, there’s wise teenager Lou (aka Louise), kid sister of gay brother Emil; helpful father Donald; self-involved mother Annemarie (who is on a first name basis with the Virgin Mary); Donald’s gay co-worker Jim, a man with AIDS whom Donald invites to move into the family’s home when he loses his apartment; and Jim’s Pomeranians, Henny and Penny, who function as a kind of Greek chorus and add a dose of levity. Be sure to have a box of tissues close by when you get to part five because you will need it.

It’s hard for me to believe, but more than 20 years have passed since I last interviewed Ani DiFranco. Since that time, she’s released another seven albums. She became a mother to a daughter and a son. She made her Broadway debut. She co-produced a song on a Margaret Cho album. She wrote a memoir and two books for young readers. Her latest book, “The Spirit of Ani: Reflections on Spirituality, Feminism, Music & Freedom” (Akashic, 2026) was co-written with Lauren Coyle Rosen. Essentially a series of interviews, DiFranco’s voice, brilliance, and spirit, of course, come shining through on each page. 

Check out our interview with Jeff Zentner, the author of "Love, Like Apples."