"Kindred" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Dana, a young African American woman living in the 1970s. Suddenly, she finds herself inexplicably transported back in time to the early 19th century, where she becomes entangled in the lives of her ancestors, who are enslaved on a plantation. As Dana navigates the brutal realities of slavery, she grapples with her own identity, the complexities of race, and the enduring legacy of the past. With its powerful storytelling and exploration of the connections between past and present, "Kindred" is a profound examination of history, race, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

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 slavery and its aftermath, the struggle for freedom and civil rights, and the perseverance of a family through immense hardship. The story is based on the author's own family history, making it a significant work in the exploration of African American heritage and identity.

"The Sot-Weed Factor" is a satirical, picaresque novel set in the late 17th century, revolving around an innocent poet from London who is tricked into becoming a tobacco sot-weed factor in Maryland. The protagonist's misadventures, filled with mistaken identities, pirates, Native Americans, and a wide array of eccentric characters, mirror the challenges and absurdities of America's early colonial period. The narrative, rich in historical detail and parody, explores themes of identity, truth, and the nature of reality.

The novel is a first-person narrative told by an aging man who contemplates suicide on his birthday. He recounts the events of his life, including his love affairs, his law career, and his relationships with his friends and neighbors in a small Maryland town. As he reflects on the absurdity of life, he questions the value of existence and the nature of reality, resulting in a darkly humorous and philosophical exploration of the human condition.

"Mason & Dixon" is a postmodern historical novel which follows the story of the 18th-century British astronomers and surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, who are known for the Mason-Dixon line. The novel is written in a complex, digressive style, and it includes numerous sub-plots and a wide range of themes. It explores the scientific, philosophical, and sociopolitical issues of the Enlightenment era, as well as the personal lives and friendship of the two title characters.

"Jacob Have I Loved" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Louise, a twin sister overshadowed by her talented and beloved sibling, Caroline. Set in a small fishing village on the Chesapeake Bay during World War II, Louise struggles to find her own identity and pursue her dreams amidst the challenges of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the limitations of her environment. As she navigates the complexities of adolescence, Louise must confront jealousy, resentment, and the search for self-worth, ultimately discovering the strength to forge her own path and claim her independence.

Set in the 1930s on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the novel follows the life of a struggling African American family living in a small fishing village. The narrative centers around the hardships and resilience of the family, particularly focusing on the mother, who is determined to ensure that her child survives the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and a lack of access to proper healthcare. The story is a poignant exploration of the human spirit and the community's fight against systemic oppression, capturing the enduring hope for a better future amidst the dire circumstances of the Great Depression.

In "What The Dead Know" by Laura Lippman, a woman claiming to be one of the two missing Bethany sisters suddenly appears after thirty years, setting off a chain of events that forces the police, the media, and the families involved to revisit the unsolved case. As the truth slowly unravels, secrets from the past are exposed, revealing the devastating impact the disappearance had on the family and the lingering effects it has had on those left behind.

Set in early 20th century Baltimore, the novel follows the life of Miss Susie Slagle, a boarding house owner who rents out rooms to medical students. The narrative is full of colorful characters, including the students themselves, who bring their own unique stories and perspectives. The book provides a vivid depiction of the time period, exploring topics such as gender roles, class distinctions, and the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a medical career.

"Chesapeake" is a historical saga that spans four centuries, telling the story of the settlement and development of the Chesapeake Bay area in the United States. The narrative follows the lives and adventures of multiple generations of families, both Native American and immigrant, as they navigate the challenges of colonization, revolution, slavery, and the Civil War. The book offers a rich and detailed perspective on American history, society, and culture through the lens of these families and their experiences.

In "Searching for Caleb," a quirky, upper-class family is brought to life, with a focus on the Peck family's black sheep, Duncan. Duncan, who rejects the family's traditions and expectations, embarks on a quest to find his missing uncle Caleb, who disappeared decades ago without a trace. Alongside him is his cousin, Justine, who also feels out of place within their family. The novel explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the need for personal freedom.

The novel explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth through the eyes of a young man who returns to his coastal hometown in North Carolina from college in New York upon hearing of his sister's sudden marriage. As he reacquaints himself with his family's quirks and the rhythms of small-town life, he grapples with his own uncertainties about the future, his place in the family, and his understanding of home. The narrative delves into themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the bittersweet nature of coming-of-age, as the protagonist confronts the universal challenge of figuring out where he belongs in the world.

This novel explores the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry and the journey to self-discovery through the eyes of Louise Bradshaw, a young girl growing up on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay during World War II. Feeling overshadowed by her twin sister Caroline, who is seen as the more talented and favored child, Louise struggles with feelings of jealousy and inadequacy. As she comes of age, she strives to find her own identity and purpose beyond the confines of her insular community and the shadow of her sister. The story delves into themes of family, identity, and the search for independence, ultimately offering a poignant look at the challenges of growing up and the path to self-acceptance.

The book follows four best friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who discover a pair of jeans that miraculously fits each of them despite their different body types. Dubbed the Traveling Pants, the jeans become a symbol of their friendship and a way to stay connected as they spend their first summer apart. As the pants circulate among the girls, they experience a series of personal growth and life-changing experiences, from first loves to family conflicts. The story is a heartwarming exploration of the bonds of friendship, the pains of growing up, and the belief that a bit of magic can appear in the most unexpected places.

The novel follows the unique life of "A," a mysterious being who wakes up each day in a different body, living as that person for 24 hours. With no control over whose life they will inhabit next, "A" has learned to follow certain rules to avoid disrupting the lives of the individuals they temporarily become. However, everything changes when "A" falls in love with a girl named Rhiannon while occupying the body of her boyfriend. This newfound connection challenges "A" to seek a way to be with Rhiannon despite the ever-changing physical identity, leading to a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the human experience.

The novel unfolds as a faux memoir, structured around a grandson's conversations with his dying grandfather, revealing a tapestry of secret histories and hidden truths. The narrative spans the grandfather's adventurous life, from his involvement in hunting Nazis during World War II to his personal and emotional battles on the home front. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the impact of secrets through the lens of a family's complex dynamics, set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century America, blending historical events with the fantastical elements of space exploration and model rocketry.

"Savor The Moment" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a talented photographer named Laurel, who is part of a successful wedding planning business with her friends. As Laurel navigates her own romantic journey, she must confront her fear of commitment and the challenges that come with balancing her personal and professional life. With its delightful blend of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, this book is a heartwarming tale that reminds readers to cherish every moment.

In this captivating novel, a young girl named Marsha recounts a summer in the 1970s when her suburban neighborhood is shaken by a shocking crime. As tensions rise and suspicions grow, Marsha becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the crime, all while navigating her own complex family dynamics and the challenges of adolescence. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful portrayal of the human psyche, the author crafts a compelling narrative that explores themes of guilt, deception, and the lasting impact of traumatic events on a community.

The book is a humorous and poignant examination of middle-aged masculinity, ritual, and nostalgia, centered around a group of men who annually reenact one of the most infamous plays in American football history, the 1985 Joe Theismann leg injury. Over the course of a weekend, these men gather to perform the ritual and in the process, delve into their personal lives, revealing their insecurities, failures, and struggles. Through the meticulous reenactment and the interactions among the characters, the novel explores themes of aging, friendship, and the longing for significance in the face of inevitable decline.