books to read if you wanna learn about random stuff that interests me

The Skeleton at the Feast: The Day of the Dead in Mexico by Elizabeth Carmichael and Chloe Sayer
I've always really dug the aesthetics of Day of the Dead celebrations (especially the art of Jose Posada) and of Mexican Catholicism in general, so it was neat to read the philosophy behind the holiday. Basically, in early November, families in mexico gather to welcome the souls of the dead on their annual visit home. It's a really personal celebration of families, both the folks who have died and those who are still around. This book has tons of information, and even more amazing pictures of old engravings of skulls, papier mache skeletons engaged in various activities, families hanging out and celebrating, and markets full of sugar skulls and crafts. A super beautiful book.

Where'd You Get Those? New York City's Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987 by Bobbito Garcia
This book is ridiculously fun to read. A history of sneaker culture by a self described reformed sneaker fiend who grew up playing basketball and obsessing over shoes in New York. Full of pictures of kids playing basketball and sporting sweet sneakers, old shoe ads, and an amazingly thorough charting of the evolution of athletic shoes. The best part is the insane amount folks quoted in here, on topics ranging from what sneakers were the dorkiest (called skippies), to shoe maintenance (it's all about going out with a toothbrush tucked behind your ear), and pretty much anything else remotely shoe related. A super cool oral history of the era, basically.