**Wandering Stars** by Tommy Orange weaves a poignant narrative that spans generations, exploring the enduring impact of historical trauma on Native American families. **1864, Colorado:** The story begins with Star, a young survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre, who is taken to Fort Marion Prison Castle. There, he is forced to abandon his heritage under the watchful eye of Richard Henry Pratt, a prison guard who later establishes the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. This institution aims to erase Native culture and identity. **A Generation Later:** Star's son, Charles, finds himself at the same school, enduring harsh treatment from Pratt. Despite the brutality, Charles forms a bond with Opal Viola, a fellow student. Together, they dream of escaping the cycle of violence and reclaiming their identities. **2018, Oakland:** Fast forward to modern times, Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield struggles to keep her family together after her nephew Orvil is critically injured in a shooting. As Orvil grapples with his recovery, he becomes fixated on school shootings and relies heavily on medication. His brother, Lony, battles PTSD and seeks solace in rituals connecting him to his Cheyenne roots. Meanwhile, Opal searches for healing through traditional ceremonies and peyote. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, **Wandering Stars** delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for healing amidst the scars of history.

Daphne finds herself in a small lakeside town in Michigan after her fiancé, Peter, leaves her for his childhood best friend, Petra. Alone and starting anew, she takes a job as a children's librarian and ends up sharing an apartment with Miles, Petra's ex. Despite their differences—Daphne is organized and reserved, while Miles is laid-back and messy—they form an unexpected friendship. As they navigate their heartbreak, they concoct a plan to post misleading photos of their summer escapades, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt moments. But as their friendship deepens, Daphne begins to question if her new chapter might include unexpected feelings for Miles.

Set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Long Island summer, the story follows Alex, a young woman adept at navigating the world through charm and deception. After a falling out with her older boyfriend, she finds herself adrift and unwelcome, yet determined to maintain her lifestyle. As she drifts from one social gathering to another, Alex's precarious situation becomes increasingly tense, revealing her desperation and the fragile nature of her constructed identity. The narrative explores themes of survival, manipulation, and the search for belonging in a world where appearances can be deceiving.

Journalist Julia Ioffe explores modern Russia through the lives of its women. Drawing on her own return to Moscow and on stories from revolutionary feminists, wartime fighters, single mothers, and contemporary activists, she traces how women's roles shifted from Soviet-era professionals to post‑Soviet expectations of domesticity and how those social changes relate to broader political developments. Part memoir, part reportage and history, the book uses personal and historical vignettes to illuminate Russia’s recent transformations without revealing its outcomes.

The book challenges conventional views on government spending and deficits, arguing that countries with sovereign currencies, like the United States, are not constrained by revenue when it comes to funding public programs. It introduces Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), which posits that such governments can and should spend more freely to address issues like unemployment, healthcare, and infrastructure, without the fear of insolvency. The author contends that the real limitations are inflation and resource availability, not budget deficits, and advocates for a paradigm shift in economic policy to better serve public needs.

This collection of poetry explores themes of identity, love, and the lingering impacts of colonialism on indigenous peoples. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, the poems delve into personal and collective histories, addressing the complexities of cultural heritage, displacement, and resilience. The work intertwines intimate moments with broader social and political commentary, creating a tapestry that celebrates survival and the enduring power of love amidst adversity.

"The Friday Afternoon Club" by Griffin Dunne is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. The narrative weaves through Griffin's life, highlighting his encounters with iconic figures and pivotal moments that shaped his journey. From a near-drowning incident saved by Sean Connery to sharing an apartment with Carrie Fisher during the filming of Star Wars, Griffin's life is filled with unique experiences. Amidst these adventures, the tragic loss of his sister Dominique casts a shadow, leading to a notorious trial that deeply impacts his family. Despite the challenges, the story is infused with humor and resilience, capturing the essence of a family navigating the complexities of life with love and laughter.

Ruth follows a woman raised in a closed Christian commune where daily rituals and communal rules shape every aspect of life. As she moves through childhood, marriage, and motherhood, her growing curiosity and doubts about the community’s beliefs force her to reckon with obedience, identity, and what it means to belong.

"Splinters" by Leslie Jamison is a memoir that delves into the complexities of life after a marriage ends. It explores themes of motherhood, art, and new love, as Jamison reflects on her deep connection with her young daughter, the dissolution of her marriage, and the influence of her parents' relationship. The narrative weaves together the magical and mundane aspects of life, capturing moments like pumping breastmilk in a shared office and experiencing the thrill of new love on the open road. Through her introspective journey, Jamison examines how to embrace joy amidst loss and reconcile hope with past mistakes, offering a profound exploration of life's many facets.

Ukraine, 2022: Yeva, a solitary biologist living out of a mobile lab, is obsessed with saving a rare snail species while funding her work by entertaining Western “romance tour” visitors. When two sisters—posing as a bride and translator while searching for their activist mother—join her, the trio sets off on a risky journey across the country with a last-of-its-kind snail named Lefty in tow, only to have their plans upended by the Russian invasion.

**Beautyland** by Marie-Helene Bertino is a heartfelt story about Adina Giorno, a woman who feels out of place on Earth. Born in Philadelphia at the same time Voyager 1 is launched into space, Adina has an unusual connection to a distant planet. As she grows up, she discovers she can communicate with her extraterrestrial relatives using a fax machine. Throughout her life, she sends them updates about the peculiarities and wonders of human life. Encouraged by a close friend, Adina considers sharing her unique insights with the world, pondering if she might not be alone in her experiences. This novel explores themes of belonging, resilience, and the delicate balance of life on Earth.

A multi‑generation family saga that ranges from coastal Scotland to a human colony on Mars. When fusion scientist Hannah is visited by Roban, a young man traveling backward in time from the Colony, several family members must confront a warming Earth and the difficult choices between staying and leaving. The novel explores time, memory, hope, and the costs of escape, without revealing key plot events.

The book explores the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, focusing on the competitive race between the United States and China to dominate this transformative technology. It delves into the unique strengths and weaknesses of each country, highlighting China's ability to implement AI innovations swiftly due to its vast data resources and entrepreneurial spirit, contrasted with the U.S.'s pioneering research and development capabilities. The narrative also addresses the societal and economic impacts of AI, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and collaborative efforts to harness AI's potential for global benefit.

A Sunny Place for Shady People is a collection of twelve captivating stories set in Argentina, where the ordinary collides with the supernatural. Mariana Enríquez crafts tales of everyday individuals, particularly women, whose lives are upended by encounters with the eerie and the surreal. From a neighborhood plagued by ghosts to a riverbank where birds were once women, these stories explore the blurred lines between reality and the macabre. Enríquez's writing is both haunting and mesmerizing, offering a glimpse into a world where the boundaries of good and evil are indistinct.

In a post-industrial Connecticut town, nineteen-year-old Hai is stopped from jumping off a bridge by Grazina, an elderly widow with dementia. He becomes her caretaker, and over the course of a year their unlikely friendship reshapes his sense of family, identity, and belonging. The novel traces memory, loss, and the quiet ways connection can offer a second chance.

The book explores the profound impact of Indigenous peoples on the history of the United States, challenging traditional narratives that often marginalize Native American contributions. It delves into the complex interactions between Indigenous communities and European settlers, highlighting how these relationships shaped the nation's development. By reexamining historical events from an Indigenous perspective, the book seeks to provide a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of American history, emphasizing the resilience and influence of Native cultures throughout the country's evolution.

A candid, often darkly funny memoir from a former Facebook executive that offers an insider’s look at life inside a tech giant. Wynn-Williams recounts elite encounters, workplace sexism, the strains of working motherhood, and how decisions and company culture at the top shaped both employees’ lives and broader events—without revealing specific outcomes.

Set in a small Australian town, the narrative weaves together the stories of three generations of an Indigenous family grappling with their cultural heritage and the impact of colonization. As the protagonist returns home for her grandfather's funeral, she discovers a dictionary he was compiling of their native language, which becomes a powerful symbol of resistance and identity. Through this linguistic journey, the novel explores themes of memory, loss, and the enduring strength of cultural roots, offering a poignant reflection on the importance of preserving one's heritage in the face of adversity.

The book is a candid and heartfelt memoir that explores the journey of self-discovery and identity of a transgender individual. It delves into the author's experiences growing up, navigating the challenges of fame, and the personal struggles faced while coming to terms with their gender identity. Through a series of intimate reflections, the narrative highlights themes of resilience, authenticity, and the importance of embracing one's true self, offering an inspiring and empowering message to readers.

"The Coin" tells the story of a young Palestinian woman striving to fulfill her family's dream of thriving in America. Teaching at a school for underprivileged boys in New York, she employs unconventional methods that challenge societal norms. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends a homeless swindler, and together they dive into a scheme reselling luxury Birkin bags. As she navigates the contrasting worlds of opulence and poverty, her internal struggles intensify. Caught between her desires and the pressures of her new environment, she becomes fixated on purity and self-image, drawing her students into her personal battles. The narrative culminates in a powerful convergence of her past and present, leading to a profound unraveling. "The Coin" is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, materialism, and the impact of inherited trauma.

"The Burning Earth" by Sunil Amrith explores the intricate relationship between human history and the environment. The book delves into how agricultural innovations have transformed the planet, enhancing the lives of billions while simultaneously leading to exploitation and environmental degradation. Through historical examples like Spanish silver mining in Peru and British gold mining in South Africa, Amrith highlights the intertwined narratives of human progress and ecological impact. The book also examines how the pursuit of development by new nations has often come at a significant ecological cost. Amrith's work offers a fresh perspective on global history, emphasizing the role of environmental factors in shaping human migration and societal changes.

The book explores the profound philosophical and scientific ideas of three pivotal figures—Immanuel Kant, Werner Heisenberg, and Gabriel García Márquez—examining how their revolutionary thoughts intersect and influence our understanding of reality. It delves into Kant's theories on perception and knowledge, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, and García Márquez's magical realism, weaving a narrative that highlights the interplay between reason, imagination, and the mysteries of existence. Through this exploration, the book offers insights into how these thinkers challenge and expand the boundaries of human comprehension, inviting readers to reconsider the nature of truth and the limits of human understanding.

"A Walk in the Park" by Kevin Fedarko is an enthralling narrative of a 750-mile journey through the Grand Canyon. This adventure takes readers through a vertical wilderness, navigating cliffs, steep drops, and stretches with scarce water access. Fedarko's trek is a rare feat, with fewer people having completed it in one go than have walked on the moon. Alongside photographer Peter McBride, Fedarko uncovers Native American ruins, remnants of Old West camps, and the impact of modern tourism. This book offers a unique glimpse into the canyon's hidden wonders and challenges.

This insightful book delves into the intricate financial landscape of China, unraveling the complexities behind the country's rapid economic growth and the looming debt crisis that threatens its stability. The narrative explores the vast network of shadow banking, local government debt, and the real estate bubble, painting a vivid picture of how these elements intertwine to create a precarious financial situation. Through a blend of on-the-ground reporting and expert analysis, the book offers a compelling examination of the challenges facing China's economy and the potential global repercussions if these issues remain unaddressed.

Helm follows a fierce, almost supernatural wind that shapes lives and stories across centuries in Northern England. Through linked episodes — a Neolithic tribe, a Dark Age priest, a Victorian engineer, a farmer’s daughter, and present-day scientist Dr. Selima Sutar — the novel traces human attempts to placate, banish, harness, love, and study this elemental force as people confront environmental change. It’s a lyrical, spoiler-free exploration of the relationship between people and the natural world.