Last collection of books

Amity and Prosperity

2018, Eliza Griswold

This book is a detailed account of a family living in rural Pennsylvania, whose lives are disrupted by the fracking industry. It explores the economic desperation that leads small towns to welcome fracking, the environmental and health disasters that follow, and the legal battles that families must

Locking Up Our Own

2017, James Forman

This book delves into the complex and controversial issue of mass incarceration in the United States, particularly within the African American community. It explores the historical, social, and political factors that contributed to the high rates of black imprisonment. The author examines the role o

Evicted

2016, Matthew Desmond

This book provides an in-depth look at the housing crisis in America, focusing on eight families in Milwaukee who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. The author explores the role of eviction in perpetuating poverty, illuminating the business of landlords and the harsh reality of tenants

Black Flags

2015, Joby Warrick

This book provides a detailed account of the rise of the terrorist group ISIS. The narrative delves into the history of the group, tracing its roots back to a Jordanian street thug, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who morphed into a jihadist leader. It also explores the geopolitical conditions and missteps by

Prairie Fires

2017, Caroline Fraser

This book presents a deeply researched biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the "Little House on the Prairie" series. It provides an in-depth look into Wilder's life and the historical context in which she lived, from the westward expansion to the Great Depression and beyond. The narrati

Barbarian Days

2015, William Finnegan

"Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life" is a memoir that chronicles the author's lifelong passion for surfing. The book takes readers on a journey from the author's childhood in California and Hawaii to his travels around the world in search of the perfect wave. Along the way, he experiences diverse cultur

The Pope and Mussolini

2014, David I. Kertzer

This book delves into the secret relationship between Pope Pius XI and the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The narrative reveals how each man relied on the other to consolidate his power and achieve his political goals, ultimately leading to the Vatican’s endorsement of the Fascist regime. The au

Margaret Fuller

2013, Megan Marshall

This biography explores the life of Margaret Fuller, a pioneering feminist, journalist, and women's rights advocate in the 19th century. The book traces her journey from her upbringing in Massachusetts, her role in the transcendentalist movement, her work as a foreign correspondent for the New York

The Black Count

2012, Tom Reiss

This book tells the true story of General Alex Dumas, a man of mixed race who rose to power in France during the French Revolution. Despite his achievements and contributions, Dumas faced severe racial discrimination and was eventually imprisoned. His life and experiences served as inspiration for h

George F. Kennan

2011, John Lewis Gaddis

This biography provides an in-depth look at the life of George F. Kennan, an influential American diplomat and historian during the Cold War. It explores his role in shaping American foreign policy, including his advocacy for a "policy of containment" towards the Soviet Union. The book also delves i

Washington

2010, Ron Chernow

This biography provides a comprehensive and balanced account of the life of the first U.S. president, from his childhood in Virginia, through his military career in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, to his two terms as president. The book offers an in-depth exploration of his co

Milkman

2018, Anna Burns

Set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, this novel follows an unnamed 18-year-old protagonist who is pursued by a powerful, older man known only as the Milkman. Despite her attempts to avoid him and maintain a low profile in her community, rumors spread about their supposed affair, leading to i

Zami

1982, Audre Lorde

This book is a biomythography, blending history, biography, and myth, of a young, black, lesbian woman growing up in 1950s Harlem. The narrative explores her early life, including her relationship with her immigrant parents, her sexual awakening, and her struggle to define her identity in a time of

Psmith, Journalist

1915, P. G. Wodehouse

In this humorous novel, the protagonist, Psmith, takes over a friend's newspaper while he is away. Psmith transforms the paper from a mundane health advice column into a platform for social justice, exposing the corrupt practices of landlords and politicians in New York City. The novel follows his a

Habibi

2011, Craig Thompson

"Habibi" is a graphic novel that tells the story of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves who escape to the desert, where they rely on each other for survival. The story is a complex interweaving of themes including love, religion, exploitation, and the clash of cultures, told through a blend of Isla

Ice-Candy-Man

1988, Bapsi Sidhwa

Set during the tumultuous time of the partition of India in 1947, "Ice-Candy-Man" tells the story of a young girl named Lenny who is growing up in Lahore. Through her innocent perspective, the book explores the religious and political tensions of the time, focusing on the impact of these events on t

American War

2017, Omar El Akkad

Set in the late 21st century during the second American Civil War, this novel follows the life of Sarat Chestnut, a young girl from Louisiana. As the South refuses to give up fossil fuels, the country plunges into a violent and chaotic war, leading Sarat and her family to live in a refugee camp. Sar

Cloudstreet

1991, Tim Winton

"Cloudstreet" is a sweeping family saga set in post-World War II Australia, following two families, the Pickles and the Lambs, who come to live together in a large, ramshackle house on Cloud Street over two decades. The story explores their struggles, triumphs, and the ways they are haunted and bles

Ballet Shoes

1936, Noel Streatfeild

"Ballet Shoes" is a charming tale of three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, living in 1930s London. Raised by their guardian Sylvia and her nurse Nana, the girls attend a performing arts academy where each discovers her unique talent. Pauline shows a knack for acting, Petrova has a passi

Swami and Friends

1935, R. K. Narayan

Set in the fictional town of Malgudi in South India, the book follows the story of a ten-year-old boy named Swami and his adventures with his friends. The narrative encapsulates the trials and tribulations of school life, family relationships, and friendships in a traditional Indian context. The boo

Golden Child

2019, Claire Adam

Set in rural Trinidad, the book tells the story of a family with twin boys, Peter and Paul. Peter is academically gifted, while Paul is considered to be slower due to a complication at birth. When Paul goes missing, their father is faced with a terrible choice that highlights the stark contrasts bet

The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne

1955, Brian Moore

The novel revolves around the life of Judith Hearne, a lonely middle-aged spinster living in 1950s Belfast who struggles with her declining social status and her increasing reliance on alcohol. As she desperately seeks companionship and purpose in life, she becomes infatuated with her boarding house

Poor Cow

1967, Nell Dunn

"Poor Cow" is a novel that follows the life of Joy, a young woman living in London who struggles with poverty and the challenges of being a single mother. The narrative explores the harsh realities of working-class life in the 1960s, highlighting Joy's relationships with men, her dreams of a better

Strumpet City

1969, James Plunkett

"Strumpet City" is a historical novel set in Dublin, Ireland, during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters from different social classes as they navigate the struggles and hardships of life during this tumultuous time. The book vividly depicts the poverty, expl

Home Fire

2017, Kamila Shamsie

"Home Fire" is a contemporary reimagining of Sophocles' Antigone set against the backdrop of modern-day London and Syria. The novel explores the lives of five characters caught in a complex web of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The story revolves around two British-Pakistani families, each struggling

Astonishing the Gods

1995, Ben Okri

"Astonishing the Gods" is a mystical exploration of the intersection of the visible and invisible worlds. The protagonist is an invisible man who embarks on a spiritual journey, seeking knowledge and truth. Along his journey, he encounters various gods and mythical beings, each imparting wisdom and

Mr Standfast

1919, John Buchan

"Mr Standfast" is a thrilling espionage novel set during World War I. The protagonist is a British intelligence officer who is tasked with tracking down a German spy. The mission takes him on a dangerous journey across war-torn Europe, where he encounters a variety of characters and faces numerous c

City of Bohane

2011, Kevin Barry

Set in the year 2053, the book is a dystopian tale about the city of Bohane, a place filled with vice, violence, and tribal warfare. The city is controlled by a gangster named Logan Hartnett, who is challenged by his estranged wife Macu and her lover, a rival gang leader. The narrative is filled wit

The Far Pavilions

1978, Mary Margaret Kaye

The novel is a sweeping epic about a British man, brought up as a Hindu during the British Raj. As an adult, he serves in the British army and falls in love with an Indian princess. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and love against the backdrop of the political and social upheaval of

Riders

1985, Jilly Cooper

"Riders" is a racy novel set in the competitive world of show jumping. The story revolves around a handsome, ambitious protagonist who is determined to reach the top of the sport, even if it means bending the rules. His life becomes complicated when he falls in love with a beautiful woman who is als

I Feel Bad About My Neck

2006, Nora Ephron

This book is a collection of humorous and candid essays reflecting on the struggles and joys of being a woman in the modern world. The author uses wit and honesty to discuss topics such as aging, beauty, marriage, parenting, and feminism. The book is a celebration of womanhood and a contemplation of

Darkmans

2007, Nicola Barker

"Darkmans" is a contemporary novel set in Ashford, Kent, that intertwines the lives of several characters including a father and son, a chiropractor, a mysterious European woman, and the spirit of a 15th-century court jester. The narrative explores themes of history, identity, sanity, and the power

The Siege

2001, Helen Dunmore

"The Siege" is a historical fiction novel set during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II. The story revolves around the Levin family and their struggle to survive the harsh winter and the brutal blockade imposed by the German army. The narrative explores the themes of love, hope, and endurance in

Light

2002, M. John Harrison

"Light" is a science fiction novel that intertwines three narrative threads, two set in 2400 AD and one in 1999. The story follows a scientist who discovers the principles of faster-than-light travel, a space pilot genetically modified to interact with a strange alien artifact, and a serial killer w

Visitation

2008, Jenny Erpenbeck

"Visitation" is a novel that explores the history of a house located by a lake in Brandenburg, Germany, and the various inhabitants it has seen over the centuries. The narrative spans from the early 20th century to the post-war period, encompassing the tumultuous events of the Weimar Republic, the T

Adults in the Room

2017, Yanis Varoufakis

This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the European financial crisis from the perspective of a former Greek finance minister. It offers an insider's view of the negotiations and power plays that took place between Greece and its international creditors during the country's economic crisis. T

Harvest

2013, Jim Crace

Set in a remote English village over a seven-day period, "Harvest" tells the story of a community on the brink of inevitable change. The village's way of life is threatened when three outsiders set up camp on the outskirts, and a fire at the manor house leads to suspicion and blame. As the villagers

Stories of Your Life and Others

2002, Ted Chiang

"Stories of Your Life and Others" is a collection of science fiction short stories that explore complex scientific and philosophical concepts. Each story delves into unique themes such as the nature of time, the basis of knowledge, and the human capacity for love. The most notable story in the colle

Signs Preceding the End of the World

2009, Yuri Herrera

The book follows the journey of a young woman who crosses the Mexico-US border to find her brother. Along the way, she encounters various characters and obstacles that challenge her identity, her understanding of her culture, and her perception of the world. The narrative is filled with allegories a

Days Without End

2016, Sebastian Barry

"Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of

Nothing to Envy

2009, Barbara Demick

"Nothing to Envy" is a non-fiction narrative that provides an in-depth look at life in North Korea through the eyes of six defectors. The book covers a span of 15 years, during which the country faced a devastating famine. It explores the lives of ordinary citizens, their indoctrination, their gradu

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism

2019, Shoshana Zuboff

The book explores the emergence of surveillance capitalism, a new form of capitalism that thrives on personal data. The author details how tech companies, such as Google and Facebook, collect and use personal data to predict and modify human behavior as a means to produce revenue and market control.

Notes on a Scandal

2003, Zoë Heller

The novel centers around a middle-aged high school teacher who develops an illicit relationship with her student, which is discovered by her older, lonely colleague. The colleague, who is envious of the teacher's seemingly perfect life, uses the scandal as leverage to foster a twisted friendship. Th

The Infatuations

2011, Javier Marias

A young woman becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she often sees at a café. When the husband is brutally murdered, she gets entangled with the widow and a mysterious man who knew the couple, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about love, death, and fate. As she delv

Underland

2019, Robert Macfarlane

"Underland" is a deep exploration into the world beneath our feet, taking readers on a journey into the Earth's underworlds. The book delves into the hidden landscapes of the subterranean, from the catacombs of Paris, the underground fungal networks in forests, to the deep sea caves and glacial crev

Women & Power

2017, Mary Beard

This book is a compelling exploration of the history of women in power, examining the cultural underpinnings of misogyny from ancient times to the present day. It argues that women have always been excluded from positions of power, and that this exclusion is deeply ingrained in our collective psyche

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

2011, Jeanette Winterson

This book is a deeply personal memoir about a woman's quest for identity and happiness amidst a turbulent childhood. Raised by an abusive and religiously fanatic adoptive mother in a small, industrial town in Northern England, the author struggles with her sexuality, eventually being thrown out of h

Human Chain

2010, Seamus Heaney

"Human Chain" is a deeply personal and reflective collection of poems that explore themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The author draws on his own experiences, including his childhood in rural Ireland, his relationships with family members, and his reflections on aging and mortality. Th

Levels of Life

2013, Julian Barnes

This introspective and deeply moving book is a three-part meditation on love, loss, and the nature of grief. The first part explores the history of ballooning and photography, the second tells a fictional tale of a love affair between two balloonists in the 19th century, and the third part is a poig

Hope in the Dark

2004, Rebecca Solnit

"Hope in the Dark" is a powerful and inspiring exploration of the transformative power of hope in times of uncertainty. The book challenges the notion that hope is a passive emotion, instead arguing that it is an active process that can inspire change and action. Using a series of historical example

The Green Road

2015, Anne Enright

"The Green Road" is a family saga that explores the lives of the Madigan siblings. The narrative alternates between their childhood in County Clare, Ireland and their adult lives scattered across the globe. The matriarch of the family, Rosaleen, announces her decision to sell the family home, prompt

Sapiens

2011, Yuval Noah Harari

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of the human species, tracing back from the earliest forms of Homo Sapiens to the modern day. It delves into evolutionary biology, the development of cultures and societies, and the rise of major ideologies and technologies. The book also

Autumn

2016, Ali Smith

"Autumn" is a post-Brexit novel revolving around the deep and complex friendship between an old man, Daniel, and a young woman, Elisabeth. Set in the United Kingdom, the story unfolds as Daniel lies in a care home slipping in and out of consciousness, and Elisabeth visits him, reading to him and ref

Secondhand Time

2013, Svetlana Alexievich

"Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets" is a compilation of personal narratives from individuals who lived through the transformation of the Soviet Union to modern Russia. The book provides a vivid and emotional portrayal of the experiences of ordinary people during this period of significant soc

Sudden Death

2013, Alvaro Enrigue

"Sudden Death" is a historical fiction novel that revolves around a fictional tennis match between the Italian painter, Caravaggio, and the Spanish poet, Francisco de Quevedo. The narrative jumps through time and space, touching on the conquest of the Americas, the political machinations of the Vati

An Untamed State

2014, Roxane Gay

This novel tells the harrowing story of a Haitian-American woman who is kidnapped for ransom while visiting her parents in Haiti. Despite her father's wealth, he refuses to pay the ransom, leading to her prolonged captivity and abuse. The narrative explores the protagonist's struggle to survive and

Who Fears Death

2010, Nnedi Okorafor

This novel is a coming-of-age narrative set in a post-apocalyptic Africa. It follows the journey of a young woman born from a violent act, who is prophesied to bring an end to a brutal regime. As she grows, she discovers her magical abilities and must learn to control them in order to fulfill her de

The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley

2017, Hannah Tinti

"The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley" is a gripping novel that explores the life of a rugged, hardened criminal named Samuel Hawley, who attempts to protect his daughter Loo from his violent past. The narrative alternates between the present, where Hawley and Loo are trying to settle down in Massachus

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

2018, Hank Green

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a science fiction novel that follows a young woman who becomes an overnight celebrity after discovering mysterious, alien-like sculptures appearing all over the world. As she becomes entangled in the global mystery and intrigue, she must also navigate the perils and

Bowlaway

2019, Elizabeth McCracken

"Bowlaway" is a multi-generational saga that revolves around a bowling alley in a small New England town. The story begins with the mysterious arrival of a woman who establishes the bowling alley, and her subsequent death sets off a chain of events that impacts the town and its residents for decades