Joshua Harmon
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. Bad Jews
A Play
The play centers around three cousins who gather in a cramped Manhattan apartment after their grandfather's funeral. As they mourn, a fierce battle ensues over a cherished family heirloom, a Chai necklace that symbolizes their grandfather's faith and survival during the Holocaust. The dispute quickly escalates into a broader conflict over religious identity, privilege, and what it means to be a "good" Jew in contemporary America. The narrative explores themes of family, faith, and the legacy of history, all while delivering sharp-witted dialogue and dark humor.
The 17119th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
2. The Antiquities Act
A Century of American Archaeology, Historic Preservation, and Nature Conservation
Set against the backdrop of the American landscape, this narrative delves into the complexities of preservation and the human desire to connect with the past. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores the intricate relationship between history, memory, and identity, as characters grapple with the implications of safeguarding cultural heritage. The narrative weaves together personal and collective histories, highlighting the tensions between progress and preservation, and ultimately questioning what it means to truly honor the past.
-
3. The Full Value Of Parks
In this insightful exploration, the narrative delves into the multifaceted significance of parks, examining their role beyond mere recreational spaces. It highlights how parks serve as vital green lungs for urban areas, fostering biodiversity, and offering a sanctuary for both wildlife and humans. The book underscores the socio-economic benefits of parks, illustrating their impact on community well-being, mental health, and local economies. Through a blend of historical context, personal anecdotes, and expert interviews, the text paints a comprehensive picture of why parks are indispensable to the fabric of society.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
4. The Bird And The Sword
In a world where words hold immense power, a young woman named Lark finds herself trapped in silence due to a curse placed upon her by her mother to protect her from a king who fears magic. As she navigates a kingdom teetering on the brink of war, Lark discovers her own hidden abilities and the strength of her voice. With the help of a mysterious and brooding king, she embarks on a journey to break the curse, uncovering secrets about her past and the true nature of her powers. Her quest challenges the boundaries of love, loyalty, and the transformative power of words.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
5. What The Wind Knows
In this captivating tale, a woman named Anne Gallagher embarks on a journey to Ireland to scatter her grandfather's ashes, only to find herself mysteriously transported back to 1921 amidst the Irish War of Independence. As she navigates this tumultuous era, Anne becomes entwined with a group of rebels and a charismatic doctor, Thomas Smith, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her grandfather. Torn between two worlds, Anne must grapple with love, loss, and the complexities of history, all while uncovering secrets that could alter her understanding of her family's past and her own identity.
-
6. Ghosts Of Honolulu
A Japanese Spy, A Hawaiian Hero, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor
Set against the lush backdrop of Hawaii, this gripping narrative weaves together the lives of several characters who are haunted by their pasts and the island's mysterious history. As they navigate personal struggles and uncover long-buried secrets, the story explores themes of identity, redemption, and the enduring power of place. With evocative prose and a keen sense of atmosphere, the tale captures the complex interplay between the natural beauty of the islands and the ghosts that linger in the shadows, both literal and metaphorical.
-
7. You Are Here
In this introspective and poignant narrative, the author embarks on a journey through the American landscape, exploring the intersections of geography, memory, and identity. Through a series of essays, the narrative delves into the complexities of place and belonging, weaving personal anecdotes with broader reflections on the cultural and historical significance of the locations visited. The work captures the essence of travel as a means of self-discovery, inviting readers to contemplate their own connections to the places they inhabit and the memories they hold.
-
8. Flames Of Mira
Set in a world where elemental magic governs the land, the story follows a skilled miner named Ig, who is bound by a magical contract to serve the ruthless and powerful elemental lord, Magnate Sorrelo Adriann. As Ig navigates the treacherous politics and dangerous landscapes of the subterranean city of Mira, he becomes entangled in a rebellion that threatens to upend the established order. With the fate of his world hanging in the balance, Ig must confront his own past and harness the volatile power of the elements to forge a path to freedom and justice.
Purchase from Bookshop.org