Award-winning books
All the Light We Cannot See
What is All the Light We Cannot See about?
"All the Light We Cannot See" presents a blind girl, Marie-Laure, from France and an orphan, Werner, from Germany. Two different stories happen during the Nazis regime: one flees from it, and another works for it. What will be if their ways intertwine?
The Year of Magical Thinking
What is The Year of Magical Thinking about?
How can one continue living after losing the closest, most beloved person? Joan Didion, who has lost both her husband and daughter, shares the overwhelming grief she had to face. This is more than a memoir, it's a guiding light for everyone battling grief and trying to keep on living.
The Color Purple
What is The Color Purple about?
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker will take you into the heart of rural America, where a young Black woman named Celie finds her voice amidst a world of oppression. Walker discusses major problems of racial and gender oppression,as well as sisterhood and personal empowerment. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will take you on an emotional journey, leaving you profoundly transformed.
Between the world and me
What is Between the world and me about?
“Between the World and Me” delves deeply into the challenges that Black Americans face in the United States. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates shares his experiences and observations to shed light on the systemic oppression that plagues Black communities. He wants to draw public attention to racism, police brutality, and violence. Coates prompts readers to reflect on the complex issues underlying racial injustice and encourages detailed discussions on addressing and dismantling these injustices.
Never Let Me Go
What is Never Let Me Go about?
Kathy and her friends Ruth and Tommy are students of a seemingly nice boarding school called Hailsham that hides a dark mystery. You’ll explore their world through Kathy’s perspective, diving deep into her experiences and choices. Partly a coming-of-age story and science fiction, it poignantly explores the themes of conformity and free will.
The Giver
What is The Giver about?
"The Giver" by Lois Lowry starts as a story without pain and conflict. But is good possible without evil? And how long could such a perfect society exist until somebody wants to break free? Follow the 12-year-old protagonist, Jonas, and find out.
To Kill a Mockingbird
What is To Kill a Mockingbird about?
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for” is just one of many insightful ideas in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Besides, it also touches on themes like racial injustice and the loss of innocence through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl. If you want to read a beloved classic of American literature, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a great choice.
Educated
What is Educated about?
“Educated” is a captivating memoir of Tara Westover’s journey from living with a strict Idaho family to receiving an education that transforms her life. This powerful and inspiring narrative delves into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds.
The Orphan Master's Son
What is The Orphan Master's Son about?
In North Korea, stories are more powerful than truth. Pak Jun Do, the son of a disappeared mother and an influential father, learns that survival depends on becoming whoever the regime needs him to be. He rises through the ranks, from tunnel soldier to kidnapper to propaganda puppet, until he’s wearing the identity of a powerful man he’s just helped to eliminate.
A Little Life
What is A Little Life about?
"A Little Life" follows four friends who've graduated from the same college: an aspiring actor Willem, an architect Malcolm, a painter named JB, and Jude, a lawyer. All of them are trying to make their path in New York, dealing with personal struggles and emotional turbulence. In their hardships, we see how they and their relationships change over time.
The Warmth of Other Suns
What is The Warmth of Other Suns about?
Isabel Wilkerson recounts the details of African Americans leaving the oppressive South in search for a more just and safe environment. She connects personal stories of the individuals in those circumstances with a broader historical analysis. This is a story of unbelievable strength and resilience, reported in a poignant manner.
The Goldfinch
What is The Goldfinch about?
Theo Decker's life changes forever after he survives a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City when he is thirteen. In the chaos, he impulsively takes The Goldfinch, a painting that becomes both a treasure and a heavy burden. His mother dies, his father abandons him, and he moves between different guardians. Traumatized, Theo starts working in the antique trade, a world that both fascinates and frustrates him.
Life of Pi
What is Life of Pi about?
"Life of Pi" has an intriguing premise: a boy and a tiger get stuck on a boat in the Pacific Ocean. Pi, his family, and the animals from their zoo were sailing to Canada in a search of a new life, but the shipwreck leaves Pi to survive alone. It is a story of not giving up, of finding meaning and hope, and of the incredible strength of human soul.
The Left Hand of Darkness
What is The Left Hand of Darkness about?
Le Guin didn’t just write sci-fi: she rewrote the rules. In "The Left Hand of Darkness", we’re taken to a frozen planet where the inhabitants can shift between male and female genders. Genly Ai, an outsider, is tasked with bridging two opposing nations, but his real challenge? Understanding a society that doesn’t fit Earth’s norms. Through vivid worldbuilding and deep exploration of identity, Le Guin writes a story about connection that feels ahead of its time, even today.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
What is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe about?
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" is a popular coming-of-age novel. Ari and Dante, two Mexican-American teenagers in 1980s El Paso, seem to have nothing in common but later start building a meaningful relationship. Together, the boys deal with the complexity of growing up and human relationships, searching for the answers.
The Handmaid's Tale
What is The Handmaid's Tale about?
Are you interested in dystopian novels and totalitarian regimes? Margaret Atwood’s "The Handmaid’s Tale" is set in a future where environmental disasters and declining birth rates have led to the rise of the Republic of Gilead. Gilead enforces strict social roles: fertile women become Handmaids to bear children for the country's commanders. You will learn the customs and laws of Gilead following the female protagonist, Offred.
Born a Crime
What is Born a Crime about?
In his book “Born a Crime”, Trevor Noah vividly paints the nuances of a post-apartheid society, offering lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the complexities of familial love. Through the lens of his experiences, Noah delves into the importance of challenging societal norms and understanding one's own identity. These tales not only chronicle his journey but also provide indispensable advice for navigating the intricacies of life.
The Kite Runner
What is The Kite Runner about?
In "The Kite Runner", Amir, a privileged boy in Kabul, betrays his loyal kite runner, Hassan, in a moment of cowardice. Haunted by this act of betrayal, Amir flees Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion. Years later, given a chance to redeem himself, he returns to a war-torn country to confront his past and seek redemption.
Just Kids
What is Just Kids about?
Just Kids by Patti Smith tells the story of her close relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, beginning with their chance encounter in Brooklyn back in the wild '60s and '70s. With this book, you’ll follow their journey through New York City's artistic scene, from humble beginnings to the culture of Max's Kansas City and the Hotel Chelsea. Dive into this nostalgic tribute to their creative bond and a snapshot of an era filled with art, music, and personal growth.
Normal People
What is Normal People about?
Connell and Marianne come from the same small Irish town, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. Connell is popular and quiet. Meanwhile, Marianne is an outsider. What do they have in common, though? Who knows, but they walk together through high school, university, and beyond. Their love story is messy but so achingly real.
The Glass Castle
What is The Glass Castle about?
Jeannette Walls's memoir "The Glass Castle" is a story of love, struggle, and bonds with family. The author's family can be called extraordinary. This very family taught Jeannette to survive and, finally, build a successful life in "The Big Apple." Get inspiration from this powerful memoir.
The Sixth Extinction
What is The Sixth Extinction about?
We all realize that our planet is suffering from substantial environmental problems. But somehow, this awareness doesn't lead to great results: animals continue to die out, and companies continue to pollute the air and oceans. If the topic of extinction is also on your mind, “The Sixth Extinction” by Elizabeth Kolbert can provide many unexpected details about the human impact on the world.
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