8 Books We're Dying to Read This Spring

1. The Infinite Resource: The Power of Ideas on a Finite Planet by Ramez Naam

As the world shrinks, fossil fuels deplete, people live longer, technological security becomes more perilous, nations posture, and celebrities tweet, us humans are going to have to figure some things out. Author Ramez Naam declares that, as it turns out, innovation and ideas are our first, last, and best hope.

2. Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson

Peculiarly called "the Zen master," Phil Jackson — the former Lakers and Bulls head coach — has always been lauded for his nontraditional approach to leading giant men with giant egos. Now "retired," he ostensibly reveals his secrets to success and makes every reader who buys this book a champion automatically.

3. Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris

This should be fun. Sedaris marches on with a collection of essays about absurdities found only when one travels the globe, bouncing from weird culture to weird culture.

4. Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters by Jon Acuff

Apparently there are two paths to be taken in life: awesome or average. Unless of course your surname is Kardashian, Kim Jong, or Boo Boo, in which case you can take both. Jon Acuff offers insight into discovering and navigating the awesome path for the rest of us. The book isn't out yet though, so let's all meet at the fork and wait.

5. Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger

This book contains nine short stories. They are all written by J.D. Salinger. He is the author of Catcher in the Rye. That is all that needs to be said.

6. Searching for Zion by Emily Raboteau

A work of creative nonfiction — okay, I'm already interested — this book, written by Emily Raboteau, excavates the author's own identity — yes, yes, go on — as it relates to the African diaspora — ooh, sounds exotic — and the difficult-to-articulate inward yearning for a place that feels like home — amen.

7. My Brother's Book by Maurice Sendak

The final work of the author of Where the Wild Things Are, My Brother's Book features poetry and artwork inspired by Maurice Sendak's brother Jack. Maurice, who inspired many of us with his tales, posthumously shares his own inspiration, giving us a glimpse at the seemingly infinite legacy of human galvanization.

8. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Look, I know this book came out last year and was already named Time's fiction book of the year in 2012, but seriously read this. If you haven't read it, I'll legit lend it to you from my NOOK. If you have read it, read it again.

9. Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation by Aisha Tyler

The title induces a refreshing breath of authenticity and universal relatability, which is then followed by the author's familiar name and my heart goes, "Pitter and patter."