Last collection of books

Thursbitch

2003, Alan Garner

The book follows two parallel narratives. The first is set in the 18th century, focusing on a packman named Jack Turner who is mysteriously found dead in the valley of Thursbitch. The second narrative is set in the present day, where a woman named Sal and her friend Ian explore the same area, findin

Fun Home

2006, Alison Bechdel

The graphic memoir revolves around the author's childhood and youth in rural Pennsylvania, United States, in the backdrop of a dysfunctional family. The story particularly focuses on her complex relationship with her closeted gay father, who was an English teacher, a funeral home director, and a his

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

2007, Simon Armitage

The book is a modern translation of a 14th century alliterative poem, which tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table. The story begins when a mysterious Green Knight arrives at Arthur's court, challenging the knights to a beheading game. Gawain accepts the challenge and b

Runaway

2004, Alice Munro

"Runaway" is a collection of short stories that explore the depth of human relationships, the complexities of love, and the consequences of life's unpredictable turns. The stories revolve around women of varying ages and circumstances, each dealing with her own unique situation. Some are escaping fr

William Trevor

1992, William Trevor

This collection brings together numerous short stories from a renowned author, demonstrating his masterful storytelling ability. The stories span a variety of themes and settings, often focusing on the complexities of human relationships and the subtle nuances of everyday life. The author's keen eye

How I Live Now

2004, Meg Rosoff

A 15-year-old New Yorker is sent to live with her eccentric British cousins on a remote farm in England, where she falls in love with her cousin. Their idyllic summer is shattered when war breaks out and the country falls under martial law. The protagonist must learn to survive in this brutal new wo

The Arrival

2006, Shaun Tan

"The Arrival" is a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his troubled homeland to seek a better life in an unknown country. The man's journey is filled with strange, surreal experiences as he navigates a new culture, language, and way of life, all while missing his family.

Seabiscuit

2001, Laura Hillenbrand

The book is a captivating non-fiction tale about a small, knobby-kneed racehorse named Seabiscuit, who, against all odds, becomes a champion in the 1930s. The narrative also focuses on the people around Seabiscuit - the owner, trainer, and jockey - who help him overcome obstacles and reach his full

Chronicles

2004, Bob Dylan

"Chronicles: Volume One" is an autobiography that takes readers on a journey through the life of a renowned musician and lyricist. The book provides an intimate look into his early years, his rise to fame, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. The author's unique narrative style and vivid st

The Collected Stories of Amy Hempel

2006, Amy Hempel

The book is a compilation of short stories that delve into the human experience, exploring themes such as love, loss, and life's many complexities. The author's unique narrative style and sharp wit are apparent throughout, as she crafts characters and situations that are both deeply relatable and pr

The Accidental

2005, Ali Smith

The novel centers around a woman named Amber who unexpectedly arrives and disrupts the lives of the Smart family while they are on summer holiday in Norfolk. Each family member - Eve, a writer, Michael, a university professor, and their children Astrid and Magnus - experience unique interactions wit

The Rest is Noise

2007, Alex Ross

"The Rest is Noise" is a comprehensive exploration of 20th-century classical music, examining the social, political, and cultural contexts that influenced its development. It provides a detailed study of the works of renowned composers, their inspirations, and their impact on the musical world. The

Oxford English Dictionary

1884, Oxford University Press

This book is a comprehensive and authoritative resource that provides definitions, etymology, and pronunciation for more than half a million English words. It is widely regarded as the accepted authority on the English language. The dictionary includes words from across the English-speaking world an

The 9/11 Commission Report

2004, 9/11 Commission

This book is a comprehensive, detailed account of the events leading up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the attacks themselves, and the immediate aftermath. It was compiled by a bipartisan commission and offers an in-depth analysis of the systemic failures that allo

The God Delusion

2006, Richard Dawkins

This book is a well-known critique of religion, arguing that belief in a supernatural creator significantly lacks empirical evidence. The author asserts that faith encourages wars and fosters fanaticism. He also challenges the idea that morality can only come from religion, suggesting instead that h

Reading Lolita in Tehran

2003, Azar Nafisi

The book is a memoir that takes place in Iran from 1979 to 1997, during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The story focuses on a professor who secretly gathers seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western literature in her home. As they read and discuss works by

No Logo

1999, Naomi Klein

This book explores the negative effects of corporate branding and globalization. It critiques the marketing strategies of large corporations, arguing that they exploit workers and manipulate consumers. The author also discusses how these corporations have a significant influence on culture and publi

Random Family

2003, Adrian Nicole LeBlanc

The book is an intimate exploration of urban life in the Bronx, focusing on the struggles of two women, their families, and their community. The narrative delves into the complexities of love, drugs, teenage pregnancy, and poverty, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the American underclass.

How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents

1991, Julia Alvarez

This novel follows the story of the four Garcia sisters, who are forced to flee from their home in the Dominican Republic to New York City in the 1960s due to their father's political dissent. The girls struggle to navigate the challenges of assimilation and cultural identity, as they attempt to rec

Dealing With Dragons

1990, Patricia C. Wrede

This novel tells the story of a young princess who is bored with her life and decides to go live with dragons instead of marrying a prince as expected. She becomes the servant of a dragon and learns about magic, dealing with wizards, and how to outsmart those who underestimate her. The book is a hum

Payback

2008, Margaret Atwood

This book is an exploration of the concept of debt, both financial and moral, and its impact on individuals and societies. The author examines the historical, cultural, and moral implications of debt, drawing on a wide range of sources, from classical literature and modern economics to personal anec

Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers

2000, Robert Bringhurst

"Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers" is a collection of stories from the Haida people, an indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The book provides a deep and insightful exploration of Haida mythology and culture through its rich oral literature. The author ha

Cybernetics

1948, Norbert Wiener

"Cybernetics" is a groundbreaking work that explores the complex relationship between humans and machines. The book delves into the field of cybernetics, a term coined by the author, which refers to the study of systems and processes that exist in mechanical, biological, and electronic domains. The

Behaviorism

1924, John Watson

"Behaviorism" is a seminal work in psychology that introduces and explores the theory of behaviorism, a school of thought that emphasizes the importance of observable behavior over internal mental states. The book argues that psychology should be seen as a purely objective experimental branch of nat

AA Big Book

1939, Bill W

This book is a foundational guide for the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program and its 12-step method to overcome alcohol addiction. It offers detailed explanations of each step, personal stories of recovery, and advice on maintaining sobriety. The book also provides support and guidance for families a

Theory of Games and Economic Behavior

1944, John Von Neumann

This book is a groundbreaking work that applies mathematical methods to the study of economic behavior. It introduces the theory of games, a mathematical framework for analyzing conflict and cooperation between intelligent rational decision-makers, and its implications for economic behavior. The boo

The History of the Standard Oil Company

1904, Ida Tarbell

This book provides an in-depth investigation into the rise of the Standard Oil Company, revealing its unethical and monopolistic business practices. It chronicles the company's growth from a small oil refinery into a dominant force in the American economy, led by a cunning and ruthless businessman.

Smoking and Health

1964, Surgeon General

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of smoking on health, as well as the societal and economic consequences of tobacco use. It delves into the scientific evidence linking smoking to various diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Additionally,

Decline of the West

1918, Oswald Spengler

"Decline of the West" is a comprehensive historical and philosophical work that explores the rise and fall of civilizations. The author argues that every civilization has a life cycle, from birth to maturity and finally to decline. He suggests Western civilization is in its final stage of decline, c

Beyond Freedom and Dignity

1971, B. F. Skinner

This book is a controversial exploration of human behavior that challenges the idea of free will and individual autonomy, arguing instead that human behavior is largely determined by environmental factors. The author proposes that societal issues such as overpopulation, war, and pollution can be add

Happiness in Marriage

1926, Margaret Sanger

"Happiness in Marriage" is a guide that explores the dynamics of a successful and happy marriage. The author discusses the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and communication between partners. It also emphasizes the role of sexual compatibility and the importance of contraception in maint

Intelligent Life in the Universe

1966, Carl Sagan

"Intelligent Life in the Universe" is a comprehensive exploration into the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The book delves into a variety of scientific disciplines including astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics to provide a detailed examination of the conditions necessary for life to exi

How the Other Half Lives

1890, Jacob A. Riis

The book is a detailed examination of the living conditions of the poor in New York City in the late 19th century. It provides a vivid and often shocking account of life in the slums, tenements and sweatshops of the city, based on the author's own investigative journalism. The book had a significant

Function of the Orgasm

1927, Wilhelm Reich

This book presents a groundbreaking exploration of human sexuality, arguing that sexual repression leads to various psychological disorders. The author, a psychoanalyst, introduces the concept of "orgastic potency", which is an individual's ability to fully surrender and discharge pent-up sexual ene

Ten Days That Shook the World

1919, John Reed

This book provides a firsthand account of the Russian Revolution in 1917, specifically focusing on the ten days during which the Bolsheviks seized power. The author, an American journalist, presents a detailed chronicle of the events, people, and emotions during this tumultuous period. His narrative

Conditioned Reflexes

1927, Ivan Pavlov

"Conditioned Reflexes" is a groundbreaking work that delves into the study of behaviorism and the concept of classical conditioning. The author, a renowned physiologist, presents his findings on how an organism's responses can be triggered or conditioned by external stimuli, using his famous experim

The Montessori Method

1909, Maria Montessori

The book provides an in-depth exploration of the educational method developed by the author for teaching children. It emphasizes the importance of self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play in child development. The book also discusses the author's philosophy of observing chil

A Critique of the Theory of Evolution

1916, Thomas Hunt Morgan

The book is a scientific critique of the theory of evolution, presenting arguments and evidence against certain aspects of the theory. The author, a prominent biologist, explores the limitations and inconsistencies in the theory of evolution, challenging the widely accepted Darwinian principles. He

The Power Elite

1956, C. Wright Mills

"The Power Elite" is a sociological study that explores the relationships and interconnections among the political, military, and economic elite in the United States, suggesting that they form a distinct, centralized ruling power structure. The author argues that this group operates outside of the d

Coming of Age in Samoa

1928, Margaret Mead

"Coming of Age in Samoa" is a groundbreaking anthropological study that explores adolescence, sexuality, and social norms in Samoan society. The author lived among the Samoans in the 1920s, observing and recording their way of life, particularly focusing on the experiences of teenage girls. The book

Motivation and Personality

1954, Abraham Maslow

This book is a seminal work in the field of psychology, focusing on the theory of human motivation and personality. The author posits that humans have a hierarchy of needs, with basic survival needs at the bottom and self-actualization at the top. This hierarchy influences all human behavior, as ind

Quotations from Chairman Mao

1964, Mao

This book is a collection of speeches and writings by the former leader of the People's Republic of China. It covers a wide range of topics including communism, revolution, class struggle, and the correct handling of contradictions among the people. The book was published with the intention of promo

Sexual Behavior in the Human Male

1948, Alfred C. Kinsey

This book is a groundbreaking scientific study that provides an in-depth analysis of human male sexual behavior. It presents a comprehensive survey of male sexual activities and preferences, based on thousands of interviews and case studies. The book challenges many societal norms and taboos of its

Psychology of the Unconscious

1912, Carl Jung

"Psychology of the Unconscious" is a pioneering work that explores the complex landscape of the human unconscious, introducing theories that would later become central to understanding personality and human psychology. The book delves into the idea of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the

Encyclicals of Pope John XXIII

1961, Pope John XXIII

This book is a collection of the encyclicals issued by Pope John XXIII during his tenure as the head of the Catholic Church. The encyclicals, or papal letters, address a variety of topics including social justice, peace, human rights, and the role of the Church in the modern world. They provide insi

Reflections from Captivity

1965, Ho Chi Minn

"Reflections from Captivity" is a poignant narrative that chronicles the author's time spent in prison during a turbulent period in his country's history. The author provides an intimate look into his struggles, fears, and hopes, offering a unique perspective on the human spirit and resilience in th

Steppenwolf

1927, Hermann Hesse

The novel presents a poignant exploration of a man's struggle with his dual nature. The protagonist, a middle-aged man, finds himself torn between his humanistic, intellectual tendencies and his more primitive, wolf-like instincts. As he navigates his way through the surreal and sometimes hallucinat

Uncertainty Principle

1927, Werner Heisenberg

"Uncertainty Principle" is a seminal work in quantum mechanics that explores the concept that it's impossible to simultaneously measure the exact position and momentum of a particle. This principle has profound implications for our understanding of the physical world, challenging traditional notions

Roots

1976, Alex Haley

This groundbreaking historical novel follows several generations of an African American family, beginning with Kunta Kinte, a man captured in Gambia in the 18th century and sold into slavery in the United States. Through Kinte and his descendants, the narrative explores the brutal realities of slave

Art and Culture

1961, Clement Greenberg

"Art and Culture: Critical Essays" is a collection of 20th-century critiques on art and aesthetics, highlighting the author's views on avant-garde, kitsch, and modernist art. The book delves into the author's perspective on the role of art in society, the evolution of art, and its intrinsic connecti

Creatures that Once Were Men

1905, Maxim Gorky

"Creatures that Once Were Men" is a collection of short stories that depict the harsh realities of life in the lower classes of Russian society. The stories are set in a night refuge for the homeless, where the characters, despite their grim circumstances, strive to maintain their humanity. Through

In the Shadow of Man

1971, Jane Goodall

This book provides a fascinating and detailed account of the author's groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees in Africa. The author offers insights into the complex social structure, behavior, and personalities of these primates, challenging the then-prevailing scientific belief that only humans

Howl and Other Poems

1956, Allen Ginsberg

"Howl and Other Poems" is a collection of verse that critiques and challenges societal norms and conventions, particularly those of post-World War II America. The title poem, "Howl", is a raw and passionate indictment of capitalist society and its suppression of individuality and human freedom. The

Satyagraha in South Africa

1928, Gandhi

This book is a personal account of the author's experiences during the Indian struggle for civil rights in South Africa. It details the development and implementation of the concept of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance, as a means of combating social injustice. The book provides a unique insight

The Masters and the Slaves

1933, Gilberto Freyre

This book is a sociological and anthropological study of 19th century Brazil, focusing on the relationship between the Portuguese colonists and the African slaves. It delves into the racial and cultural synthesis that occurred, resulting in the unique Brazilian identity. The book is known for its co

Prufrock and Other Observations

1917, T. S. Eliot

This collection of poems presents a critique of society through the lens of a disillusioned modern man. The titular character is a middle-aged man contemplating the emptiness and lack of fulfillment in his life. The poems delve into themes of despair, regret, and existential angst, reflecting the di

The School and the Child

1902, John Dewey

"The School and the Child" is a thought-provoking work that delves into the philosophy of education. The author advocates for a progressive and child-centered approach to education, asserting that learning should be interactive, practical, and relevant to the child's life. The book argues against th

Looking at Dance

1949, Edwin Denby

"Looking at Dance" is an insightful exploration of the world of dance, offering a unique perspective on the art form through the eyes of a renowned critic. The book delves into the technical aspects, aesthetics, and the emotional impact of dance, providing a comprehensive understanding of various da

The Joy of Sex

1972, Alex Comfort

This book serves as a comprehensive guide to human sexual behavior, offering detailed illustrations and instructions on various sexual techniques and positions. The author emphasizes the importance of mutual consent, respect, and emotional intimacy in sexual relationships, and promotes a positive an

I and Thou

1923, Martin Buber

This philosophical work explores the concept of relationships and the nature of dialogue. The author suggests that human life finds its meaningfulness in relationships, which he divides into two categories: "I-It" and "I-Thou". The "I-It" relationship is characterized by a detached and objective per