Last collection of books

The Woman Warrior

1976, Maxine Hong Kingston

This memoir explores the life of a first-generation Chinese-American woman, navigating the complexities of her dual heritage. Through five interconnected stories, the book delves into the author's childhood experiences, her mother's tales of old China, and the struggles of reconciling these two worl

House

1985, Tracy Kidder

"House" is an in-depth exploration of the process of building a home from the ground up. The book follows the journey of a young couple as they work with an architect and a team of builders to construct their dream house. The narrative delves into the intricate details of construction, the complexit

A Walker in the City

1951, Alfred Kazin

This memoir explores the author's experiences growing up as a Jewish child in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn during the 1920s and 1930s. The narrative delves into his relationship with his family, his Jewish identity, his love for literature, and his observations about the changing urban l

Reliable Essays

2001, Clive James

This book is a collection of essays from a renowned critic, covering a wide range of topics from television to literature and reflecting his sharp wit and insightful observations. The author's unique voice shines through in each piece, whether he's discussing the state of modern television or the nu

Collected essays

1958, Aldous Huxley

This collection of essays explores a wide range of topics, from art and democracy to faith and morality. The author draws on his vast knowledge of literature, philosophy, and science to delve deep into each subject, offering insightful commentary and observations. His writing style is both eloquent

Dust Tracks on a Road

1942, Zora Neale Hurston

"Dust Tracks on a Road" is an autobiography that delves into the life of a prominent African American woman who grew up in the rural South during the early 20th century. She discusses her struggles and triumphs as she navigates through racial discrimination, gender bias, and her rise to fame as a re

The Big Sea

1940, Langston Hughes

"The Big Sea" is an autobiography that explores the life of a significant figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The narrative follows his early life in the Midwest, his travels around the world as a seaman, and his experiences in New York during the 1920s, where he was a central figure in the Harlem Ren

Farewell to Manzanar

1973, James D. Houston

"Farewell to Manzanar" is a memoir that tells the story of a Japanese-American family's experiences in internment camps during World War II. The narrative follows the young protagonist as she grows up in the camps, dealing with the harsh realities of racial prejudice and forced displacement. The mem

The True Believer

1951, Eric Hoffer

"The True Believer" is a philosophical analysis of the nature of mass movements and the people who constitute them. The book argues that regardless of the specific cause, whether it be religious, political, or social, all mass movements are interchangeable and their followers are essentially the sam

The Edward Hoagland Reader

1979, Edward Hoagland

This collection of works by a highly acclaimed essayist offers a diverse range of topics, from nature and wildlife to city life and social issues. The author's keen observations and descriptive prose provide a deep and thoughtful insight into the complexities of the world around us, drawing readers

A Drinking Life

1994, Pete Hamill

This memoir explores the author's life from childhood to adulthood, focusing on his experiences with alcohol. Growing up in a working-class Irish American family in Brooklyn, the author was introduced to drinking at a young age and it became a significant part of his identity. Through his journey, h

Ever Since Darwin

1977, Stephen Jay Gould

This book is a collection of essays that explore the theory of evolution and its implications in natural history. The author uses his expertise in paleontology and evolutionary biology to discuss various topics such as human evolution, the science of classifying organisms, and the role of cataclysmi

Great Plains

1989, Ian Frazier

"Great Plains" is a travelogue that takes readers on a journey through the vast expanse of the American Great Plains, exploring its history, geography, and culture. The author travels from North Dakota to Texas, delving into the history of Native Americans, pioneers, and outlaws. The book provides a

Snobbery

2002, Joseph Epstein

"Snobbery: The American Version" is a sociocultural analysis that delves into the nature of American snobbery, its origins, and how it manifests in various aspects of society including fashion, academia, politics, and wealth. The author argues that despite America's democratic ideals and claims of e

Crazy Salad

1975, Nora Ephron

This book is a collection of essays that provide a humorous and insightful commentary on women's issues during the 1970s. The author discusses a variety of topics, from the feminist movement and the pill, to the influence of media on women's body image, to her own personal experiences and observatio

The Immense Journey

1957, Loren Eiseley

"The Immense Journey" is a collection of essays that explore the wonders and mysteries of nature and human existence. The author, a renowned anthropologist, shares his insights and reflections on evolution, the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through vivid storytelling and p

The Solace of Open Spaces

1985, Gretel Ehrlich

This book is a collection of essays that explore the author's experiences and observations after moving from the city to the rural landscapes of Wyoming. The narrative delves into the harsh and beautiful realities of living in the American West, the author's personal healing after a tragic loss, and

We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live

2006, Joan Didion

This book is a compilation of seven works of nonfiction that explore the themes of American culture, politics, and landscape. The author's sharp observational skills and distinctive narrative voice provide insightful commentary on a range of topics, from the counterculture of the 1960s to the breakd

The Water Is Wide

1972, Pat Conroy

"The Water Is Wide" is a memoir that details the author's experiences as a young, idealistic teacher on Yamacraw Island, a predominantly Black community off the coast of South Carolina. He is shocked by the lack of resources and the poor educational standards of the school, and he embarks on a missi

Little Wilson and Big God

1987, Anthony Burgess

"Little Wilson and Big God" is the first volume of a two-part autobiography that covers the early life of a renowned British writer and composer. The book explores his upbringing in Manchester, his education, his service in the British Army during World War II, and his early career as an education o

Notes from a Small Island

1995, Bill Bryson

This humorous travel memoir features an American author's journey across the United Kingdom, where he had lived for two decades. Before returning to the United States, he decides to tour the country, using public transportation and staying in small-town accommodations. The book provides an amusing,

Recollected Essays

1981, Wendell Berry

"Recollected Essays" is a collection of writings that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The author uses his unique perspective as a farmer and environmental activist to delve into topics such as agriculture, land conservation, and the importance of community in creating

Nothing to be Frightened Of

2008, Julian Barnes

This book is a memoir that explores the author's fear of death and his quest for meaning in life. It blends elements of autobiography, philosophy, and literary criticism, drawing on the author's personal experiences, his relationships with his family, and his thoughts on writers and philosophers who

Hogg

1995, Samuel R. Delany

"Hogg" is a highly controversial and graphic novel that delves into the darkest corners of human depravity. Set in an unnamed American city, the story is narrated by an eleven-year-old boy who becomes the accomplice of a professional rapist and serial killer known as Hogg. The narrative explores the

In Memoriam to Identity

1990, Kathy Acker

This novel presents a complex exploration of identity through the intertwining stories of three different characters: a young girl in a love affair with an older man, a gender-confused individual, and a woman who is a stand-in for the author herself. The narrative is fragmented and non-linear, embod

Tours of the Black Clock

1989, Steve Erickson

"Tours of the Black Clock" is a complex and surreal novel that blends historical events and fantasy. The narrative follows the life of Banning Jainlight, an infamous erotic novelist hired by Adolf Hitler to write his sexual biography, as well as the lives of several other characters across different

Easy Travel to Other Planets

1981, Ted Mooney

This novel explores the life of a woman who is part of a government experiment to communicate with dolphins, and she ends up developing an intimate bond with one. At the same time, she is dealing with her mother's terminal illness and her romantic relationship with a man who is obsessed with recordi

Mulligan Stew

1979, Gilbert Sorrentino

"Mulligan Stew" is a postmodern novel that centers around an unsuccessful writer, Antony Lamont, who is attempting to pen a detective novel. The book is filled with literary and cultural references, parodying various genres and styles. It also features characters from his failed novel who are aware

More Than Human

1953, Theodore Sturgeon

"More Than Human" is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of evolution and the potential of human abilities. The story revolves around a group of outcasts with extraordinary abilities, including telepathy and teleportation, who form a collective consciousness, effectively becoming a sin

Creamy and Delicious

1970, Steve Katz

"Creamy and Delicious" is a comprehensive guide to all things dairy. The book takes the reader on a journey through the world of dairy products, from the basics of milk and cheese, to more complex dishes like custards and ice creams. It also includes a variety of recipes, tips on how to choose the b

The Universal Baseball Association

1968, Robert Coover

The book centers on Henry Waugh, an accountant who creates his own fantasy baseball league. He designs an elaborate system of dice rolls to determine the outcomes of games and even the life events of the players, and grows increasingly obsessed with his creation. As the line between his real life an

You Bright and Risen Angels

1987, William T. Vollmann

This novel is an epic tale that combines elements of science fiction, postmodernism, and satire. The story follows a group of revolutionary insects in their battle against humanity, with the narrative weaving in and out of the past, present, and future. The book also explores themes of love, war, an

Yellow Back Radio Broke-Down

1969, Ishmael Reed

This novel is a satirical, postmodern romp through the American West, blending elements of African-American folklore, pop culture, and metafiction. The protagonist, a black cowboy named Loop Garoo Kid, is on a quest to overthrow the corrupt, white-owned power structures of Yellow Back Radio, a ficti

1968, Ronald Sukenick

"Up" is a postmodern novel that explores the life of an unnamed protagonist who is a writer. The narrative structure of the book is unique, as it breaks traditional storytelling norms and uses a fragmented and nonlinear approach to depict various events and experiences in the protagonist's life. The

Darconville's Cat

1981, Alexander Theroux

This novel follows the life of Alaric Darconville, an English professor at a women's college in Virginia, who falls in love with one of his students, Isabel. However, when Isabel leaves him for another man, Darconville is plunged into despair and embarks on a quest for revenge against womankind. The

Omensetter's Luck

1966, William H. Gass

Set in a small Ohio town in the 1890s, the novel revolves around the enigmatic character Brackett Omensetter, a man whose mere presence seems to affect those around him in profound and inexplicable ways. The story is narrated from the perspectives of three different characters: the town's eccentric

The Tunnel

1995, William H. Gass

"The Tunnel" is a complex and challenging novel that explores the life and mind of a history professor who has spent his career studying Nazi Germany. As he writes his magnum opus, he also begins to dig a tunnel from his basement, a physical manifestation of his increasingly dark and claustrophobic

Billy Phelan's Greatest Game

1978, William Kennedy

Billy Phelan's Greatest Game is a novel set in the 1930s, focusing on the life of a small-time hustler and poker player named Billy Phelan. When a local politician's son is kidnapped, Billy becomes embroiled in the case, despite his attempts to stay out of it. The story explores the themes of morali

Legs

1975, William Kennedy

"Legs" is a fictional biography of the notorious gangster Jack 'Legs' Diamond, set in the Prohibition era. The narrative, told from the perspective of Marcus Gorman, a lawyer and friend to Diamond, explores the gangster's life, his criminal activities, his relationships, and his untimely death. The

The Citadel of the Autarch

1983, Gene Wolfe

The Citadel of the Autarch is the final book in a four-part series set in a far future post-apocalyptic Earth. The protagonist, a man named Severian, is an exiled executioner who has been travelling through a world where society has regressed to a technology level similar to the Middle Ages. Severia

The Sword of the Lictor

1982, Gene Wolfe

The third book in a science fiction series, "The Sword of the Lictor" follows the journey of a professional torturer who, after questioning the morality of his profession, flees his post in the city of Thrax with a mysterious and magical woman. The pair face various challenges and encounter a range

The Claw Of The Conciliator

1981, Gene Wolfe

The Claw of the Conciliator continues the journey of a young torturer named Severian, who has been exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. Now in possession of a powerful gem known as the Claw of the Conciliator, he travels through a far-future Earth, where society has regressed to a quasi-medieval

The Shadow of the Torturer

1980, Gene Wolfe

The novel follows a young apprentice torturer named Severian who is exiled for showing mercy to one of his victims by allowing her to die. As he travels through a futuristic, dystopian world, he becomes embroiled in a series of political and supernatural events, while also grappling with his own mor

The Education of Little Tree

1976, Forrest Carter

The book is a heartwarming story of a young orphan boy of mixed ancestry who is raised by his Cherokee grandparents in the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression. His grandparents teach him the Cherokee way of life, including their spiritual beliefs, love for nature, respect for all livin

Hawaii

1959, James A. Michener

The novel is a sweeping historical saga that traces the history of Hawaii from its formation through volcanic activity, the arrival of the first Polynesians, the coming of the missionaries, the influx of Asian immigrants, to its eventual statehood. The story is told through the experiences of a seri

Rubyfruit Jungle

1973, Rita Mae Brown

"Rubyfruit Jungle" is a coming-of-age novel that explores the life of a young girl growing up in poverty in the American South, who realizes she is a lesbian. The protagonist is a fiercely independent and ambitious woman who overcomes societal norms and prejudices to pursue her dreams. The narrative

Talk Before Sleep

1994, Elizabeth Berg

"Talk Before Sleep" is a heartfelt novel that explores the profound bond between two women as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life. When one of them is diagnosed with breast cancer, their friendship is tested in unimaginable ways. As they grapple with the harsh realities of illness, the

Time and Again

1970, Jack Finney

Time and Again is a science fiction novel that follows Simon Morley, a young advertising artist living in New York City, who is recruited by a secret government project to travel back in time to the year 1882. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the complexity of time travel, as Simon

Centennial

1974, James A. Michener

"Centennial" is a sweeping historical novel that traces the history of the plains of northeast Colorado from prehistoric times to the 1970s. The narrative intertwines the stories of the land's various inhabitants over the centuries, including Native Americans, French fur trappers, English nobles, Am

War and Remembrance

1978, Herman Wouk

The novel is a historical saga that continues the story of an American family during World War II. It follows the naval career of one of the family members, his experiences in the Pacific, and his struggles with his marriage. Simultaneously, the narrative also focuses on the harrowing experiences of

The Bean Trees

1988, Barbara Kingsolver

The novel follows the journey of a young woman from rural Kentucky who, on her drive west to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, is unexpectedly entrusted with a three-year-old Native American girl. The protagonist settles in Tucson, Arizona, where she builds a non-traditional family with a group of resili

Murphy

1938, Samuel Beckett

The novel explores the life of the titular character, a disaffected and detached man living in London who prefers the realm of his own thoughts to the real world. After securing a job as a nurse at a mental institution, he becomes increasingly detached from reality. The narrative also delves into hi

The Blue Sword

1982, Robin McKinley

The protagonist, a young orphan girl, is taken captive by a desert king in a foreign land. She discovers within herself a latent magical power and a destiny tied to the fate of the kingdom. As she trains under the king's tutelage, she becomes a warrior and a key figure in an impending war. The girl

Drown

1996, Junot Díaz

"Drown" is a collection of short stories that provide a poignant look into the lives of Dominican immigrants in America, particularly in New Jersey. The stories are interconnected, focusing on the struggles of a young man dealing with issues of poverty, father abandonment, love, and identity. The na

Nine Stories

1953, J. D. Salinger

"Nine Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complex inner lives of a variety of characters, often exploring themes of innocence, alienation, and the loss of innocence. Each story is unique, offering a glimpse into a different world or situation, but all are marked by the auth

The Razor's Edge

1944, W. Somerset Maugham

"The Razor's Edge" is a novel that explores the life of a young American, Larry Darrell, who rejects conventional society to search for spiritual enlightenment in the aftermath of World War I. His journey takes him from Illinois to Paris, and eventually to India. The story is narrated by an unnamed

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

1883, Howard Pyle

The book is a captivating tale about the legendary Robin Hood and his band of merry men in Sherwood Forest. It chronicles their various adventures as they rob from the rich to give to the poor, outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham, and have encounters with characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and

Popol Vuh

1985, Dennis Tedlock

This book provides a comprehensive English translation of the Popol Vuh, the ancient Mayan creation myth. The narrative covers the genesis of the world, the adventures of the Hero Twins, the creation of humans, and the establishment of the Mayan civilization. The book also includes extensive comment

Little, Big

1981, John Crowley

"Little, Big" is a complex tale that weaves together elements of magical realism, fantasy, and family saga. The story follows the Drinkwater family who live in an eccentric house known as Edgewood, which is somehow bigger on the inside than the outside. The family is connected to the realm of Faerie

Jayber Crow

2000, Wendell Berry

The novel follows the life of Jayber Crow, a man who returns to his small hometown in Kentucky after being orphaned and spending time in a seminary. He becomes the town's barber, a position that allows him to observe and meditate on the town's inhabitants and their daily lives. Throughout the novel,