These are among the new titles with local themes or released by local writers, listed in alphabetical order by author names:
“Everyone I Love, Alive” by Jason Bayani
University of Chicago Press, 112 pages, $9.95 paperback, Oct. 6, 2025
San Francisco poet Jason Bayani’s third collection dips into both beauty and sorrow, serenading the reader with tales of hope even in endangered times. Bayani takes on loss by keeping in the present, questioning what is known while reminding people to love the world and embrace humanity. By diving into lyrics, song and prayer, Bayani calls for connection to cultural heritage and promotes compassion and awareness. Filled with love and desire, rage and resistance, Bayani’s poetry calls for spirituality in a time of collapse. The author of the poetry collections “Locus” (a Norcal Book Award Finalist) and “Amulet,” Bayani, who writes for various publications, received his Master of Fine Arts degree from St. Mary’s College. In 2016, he debuted his solo theater show, “Locus of Control,” which ran in San Francisco, New York and Austin. Bayani, the co-executive director of Kearny Street Workshop, the oldest multi-disciplinary Asian Pacific American arts organization in the country. received a 2021 California Arts Council Established Artist Fellowship.
“Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murrieta: The Bandit Chief Who Terrorized California and Launched the Legend of Zorro” by John Boessenecker
Hanover Square Press, 512 pages, $32 hardcover, Oct. 21, 2025
San Francisco writer and Wild West expert John Boessenecker, author of the New York Times bestseller “Texas Ranger” and 11 other books, shines a spotlight on the California Gold Rush era, introducing readers to Joaquin Murrieta, the Robin Hood of El Dorado. Legend may call him a hero fighting injustice, but Murrieta and his gang’s violent adventures, and historian Boessenecker, tell a different tale. The nonfiction title details never-told-before stories of the band of outlaw’s thrilling exploits. A San Francisco trial lawyer and former police officer, Boessenecker has commentated on PBS, The History Channel and A&E, along with publishing numerous articles about the Wild West. History lovers and those looking for a rip-roaring tale of adventure will love the book.
“The Memory Gardener” by Meg Donohue
Gallery Books, 352 pages, $19 paperback, Nov. 25, 2025
San Francisco writer Meg Donahue’s latest is an inviting take on the power of love. Lovers of all things green and garden-y—and those who just crave a good story with lovable and surprising characters—will want to dig into this beautiful novel. The best-selling author of 2019’s “You, Me, and the Sea” (recommended by Oprah.mag, Parade and Entertainment Weekly), “Every Wild Heart,” and “Dog Crazy” has written an new enchanting tale about Lucy Barnes, who returns to her hometown after her mother’s death to restore magical gardens at the Oceanview Home, a stately but deteriorating senior citizen residence surrounded by ruined greenery. Lucy also uses her secret talent: intuiting which flower’s scent will restore each person’s memories of love. Moving, sweet and fun, Donahue’s latest delights. Consider buying one for a friend, then take a walk together in a local garden and gush about how much you loved the book.
“I Am Finally, Finally French: My Accidental Life in Brittany” by Mark Greenside
Skyhorse, 264 pages, $28.50 hardcover, Oct. 28, 2025
Alerting all Francophiles: Part-time Alameda resident Mark Greenside again shares his love and amazement at all things French. In a new book, the author of “(Not Quite) Mastering the Art of French Living” describes his three-decade-long journey from California (via New York) to Plobien, a village of 500 people in rural France, where he purchased a 120-year-old farmhouse. Prepare to learn about the art of French living the hard way, as Greenside details his travails making linguistic and cultural mistakes, or as one friend tells him, “You speak a French that no one else in the world recognize as French.” Greenside fills his tales with self-deprecating humor and adventures that have helped make him what he most longed to be, he believes: truly French.
“With Friends Like These” by Alissa Lee
Atria, 240 pages, $27 hardcover, Nov. 4, 2025
Bay Area author Alissa Lee, formerly in a chief legal position at Google and a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, has written a suspenseful, twisty, fun novel that’s a circus—somewhat literally. “Circus” is what Lee’s assortment of characters call their longtime elimination-style “killing” game, and it looks like it’s leading to real murder. The ambitious cast of Harvard alums, who started out as roomies, have participated in the game for years, but the stakes have gotten higher. Twenty years after they met, Sara tries to figure out the group’s secrets and strategies, especially concerning a sixth roommate’s tragedy. Her suspicion peaks when she learns that the winner of the game will come into a great fortune; the old roommates start accusing each other, and tensions rise. Bestselling author Ruth Ware calls the book “Deliciously twisty…. A heady mix of dark academia, spiraling stakes and tangled loyalties.” Read it with the lights on.
“Connectability, Mastering Relationship Building in Business, Sales, and Beyond” by Fredric Steck
Fast Company Press, 168 pages, $ 25.95 hardcover, Oct 28, 2025
In these times of endless digital tools and fast business deals, Sausalito’s Fred Steck offers a reminder that relationships form the backbone of all success—in both personal and business lives. Cultivating relationships and building bonds are what increase meaning in our lives, not keeping tabs on transactions. Steck, an accomplished businessman (in sales and trading at Goldman Sachs) and competitive Western equestrian rider, believes that meaningful relationships determine success and personal happiness. What’s more, people already have the skills (which include listening, being vulnerable and being generous) to achieve such success. “Connectability” shows readers how to use the tools they have while putting aside the digital tools on which they’re falsely relying.
“A School Lunch Revolution: A Cookbook” by Alice Waters
Penguin Press, 160 pages, $35 hardcover, Oct. 14, 2025
Beloved Berkeley chef and farm-fresh food activist Alice Waters serves up another inviting, important book promoting food security and education as universal rights. Waters, who believes all children deserve to go to school and eat nutritious food, has developed a multigenerational cookbook supporting her goals. The adored Chez Panisse founder, who launched the farm-to-table movement, took it a giant step forward by establishing the Edible Schoolyard Project, which provides free, sustainable school lunches for K-12 students; teaches values of nourishment, stewardship and community; and purchases food from farmers who practice good stewardship. Waters’ latest cookbook recipes span diverse textures and tastes, reimagining and reinforcing the importance of the school lunch. Easy-to-make, sustainable delicacies as Basil and Sunflower Seed Pesto, Chickpea Falafel (the recipe serves 30), and traditional Chinese breakfast dish Chicken Congee feed the student and the soul.
“The New Money Rules: The Gen Z Guide to Personal Finance” by Lillian Zhang
Callisto, 193 pages, $17.99 paperback, Nov. 11, 2025
Don’t let the title fool you: Not just Gen Z members will learn from San Francisco money guru Lillian Zhang’s guide to finance, although Zhang knows just what the generation needs—and wants. This fresh approach to earning and investing for beginners shows young adults how to use today’s finance tools to their advantage. Future investors can invent a five-step savings plan, master digital tools and invest in the stock market, starting with just $5, according to Zhang. Such unusual money strategies as the diagram “Find Your Purpose with Ikigai,” a Japanese concept guiding people toward what brings them joy, is just one fascinating financial technique covered. Zhang, a financial educator and Haas School of Business graduate, aims to give Gen Zers (she herself is one) practical advice they can act on now. The author, who has appeared on Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, “CNBC Make It,” “Business Insider” and “Good Morning America” is dedicated to her Instagram, YouTube and Tik Tok audiences.
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