Tropic of Orange
Karen Tei Yamashita
Set in a vibrant, surreal Los Angeles, *Tropic of Orange* weaves together the lives of diverse characters—from a Mexican housekeeper in Mazatlan tending a mysterious orange tree to a Chicano journalist in L.A.—against a backdrop of urban chaos, social upheaval, and the ever-present hum of the city. Karen Tei Yamashita crafts an apocalyptic tale with 'surrealist nerve and futurist verve,' exploring themes of displacement, cultural identity, and the hidden connections that bind a sprawling metropolis on the edge of a new world.
Free Food for Millionaires
Min Jin Lee
Set in 1990s New York, *Free Food for Millionaires* follows Casey Han, a Princeton graduate from a Korean immigrant family in Queens. As she navigates the competitive world of post-college career choices and grapples with her identity, class distinctions, and familial expectations, Casey strives for success and respectability while yearning for glamour and insight. This sprawling novel explores the universal clash of cultures, intergenerational struggles, and the complexities of love and ambition within the Korean American community.
Lessons in Chemistry
Bonnie Garmus
Set in the 1950s and 60s, this captivating novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist whose scientific career is derailed by the pervasive sexism of her era. When she finds herself a single mother and the unexpected star of a hit television cooking show, 'Supper at Six,' Elizabeth uses her platform to teach women far more than just recipes, subtly challenging the status quo and inspiring a nation to question their roles. A story of resilience, intellect, and the fight for equality, it blends wit, heart, and a sharp critique of societal norms.
Small Things Like These
Claire Keegan
Set in an Irish town in 1985, this poignant novella follows Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, during the busy weeks leading up to Christmas. As he navigates his daily rounds, Bill confronts the complicit silences of a community deeply influenced by the Church and the haunting specter of the past, particularly the injustices of Ireland's mother and baby homes and Magdalen laundries. It is a powerful story of quiet heroism, moral awakening, and the enduring search for tenderness amidst hardship.
Counting Feminicide
Catherine D’Ignazio
In 'Counting Feminicide,' Catherine D’Ignazio unveils the powerful world of grassroots data activism, where individuals and collectives in the Americas are meticulously documenting feminicide—the gender-related killing of women and girls—to challenge state negligence and reshape public narratives. The book introduces 'restorative/transformative data science,' an approach that centers care, memory, healing, and justice, detailing the intricate processes of resolving, researching, recording, and strategically refusing and using data. Through compelling case studies and a deep dive into co-designing technology with activists, D’Ignazio offers a profound vision for a data science that actively defends life and transforms structural inequalities, leaving readers inspired to rethink the role of data in social change.
All Boys Aren't Blue
George M. Johnson
A powerful memoir exploring the intersections of Blackness and queerness. George M. Johnson shares their personal journey of identity, trauma, and triumph, offering a raw and honest look at the challenges and joys of growing up as a Black queer person in America. This book is a manifesto for self-acceptance and a celebration of marginalized voices.
In a Sunburned Country
Bill Bryson
Join Bill Bryson on a hilarious and insightful journey through the vast and fascinating land of Australia. From its quirky wildlife to its unique culture and stunning landscapes, Bryson's wit and keen observations bring the Land Down Under to life.
Upheaval
Jared Diamond
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, a brilliant analysis of how countries cope with crises, and an explanation of what we can learn from their experiences. Diamond examines how nations survive crises, drawing insights from seven countries facing pivotal challenges. A compelling and insightful exploration of national resilience and adaptation.