The book delves into the transformative era of China's governance under Xi Jinping, exploring how his leadership marks a significant departure from the policies of his predecessors. It examines the consolidation of power within the Communist Party, the tightening of state control over various aspects of society, and the implications of these changes for China's domestic and international strategies. Through a detailed analysis, the narrative highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise from this "third revolution," offering insights into the future trajectory of one of the world's most influential nations.

In the small town of Argus, North Dakota, lives intertwine around a tense wedding. Gary Geist, a young man on the brink of inheriting two farms, is eager to marry Kismet Poe, a free-spirited woman with a mysterious aura. Meanwhile, Hugo, a gentle giant with a fiery mane, harbors feelings for Kismet and plans to win her over. Kismet's mother, Crystal, works tirelessly hauling sugar beets and finds solace in late-night radio and visions of guardian angels, all while worrying about the future. Set against the backdrop of the Red River Valley, the story explores the passage of time, the impact of climate change, and the economic challenges of the late 2000s. The characters grapple with everyday questions about life, love, and survival in a rapidly changing world. Through humor and heartache, they navigate their dreams, secrets, and the harsh realities of their prairie community. **The Mighty Red** is a tale of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, highlighting the enduring connection between humanity and the earth.

Set between Tokyo, Houston, and Jamaica, Palaver follows a young man working as an English tutor in Tokyo who spends his nights at a gay bar and maintains a complicated relationship with a married man. Estranged from his family, he is surprised when his mother arrives unannounced after ten years, prompting tense, candid encounters—often mediated by his cat, Taro. As they share meals, conversations, and a trip to Nara, both confront past hurts and reassess what “home” and family might mean. The novel quietly explores forgiveness, identity, and the fragile bonds that reconnect people.

"The Half Known Life" by Pico Iyer explores the concept of paradise and how it varies across cultures and beliefs. Through his travels to places like Iran, North Korea, and the Himalayas, Iyer examines how different societies perceive utopia and the challenges they face in achieving it. The book delves into questions about the role of religion, the nature of conflict, and whether paradise is a distant dream or something attainable in our everyday lives. Iyer combines his global experiences with introspective insights to offer a thought-provoking look at finding peace amidst life's complexities.

Mother Emanuel recounts the history of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston—from its founding in 1817 through enslavement, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights era—culminating in the 2015 shooting that killed the pastor and eight worshippers. The book traces how the congregation helped shape a distinct Black Christian tradition, and shows how its members' resilience, faith, and acts of forgiveness reflect larger struggles and changes in American racial history.

Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard, two writers with a shared past, find themselves working together on a TV show adaptation of Helen's novels. Helen, a successful author, is trying to navigate her career while dealing with writer's block and imposter syndrome. Grant, a screenwriter, has moved on from their past but can't resist the opportunity the show presents for his career. As they collaborate, old emotions resurface, and they must confront their history and the secrets that have kept them apart. In the process, they discover that healing and understanding might come from embracing their connection in the present.

Set in the Allegheny Mountains, "Take What You Need" follows Leah, a web editor and young mother, as she returns to her rural roots after the death of her estranged stepmother, Jean. Upon arrival, Leah discovers Jean's home filled with massive sculptures crafted from industrial scraps, revealing a side of Jean she never knew. A young man living in the house adds another layer to the mystery of Jean's final years and her artistic journey. Through humor and insight, the story delves into the complexities of family ties, the distance that can grow between loved ones, and the unexpected connections that can arise from creativity and discarded materials.

Strangers in the Land follows Chinese migrants who came to “Gold Mountain” in the mid-19th century, the violent backlash and exclusionary laws they encountered on the American West Coast, and the community leaders who resisted. It recounts episodes of racial terror, legal exclusion, and forced expulsions, and traces the long arc to mid-20th-century immigration changes and the persistent legacy of being treated as “strangers” in the United States.

"Some People Need Killing" by Patricia Evangelista offers a gripping exploration of the Philippines' turbulent political landscape under President Rodrigo Duterte. Through vivid storytelling, Evangelista delves into the country's drug war, revealing the harsh realities faced by both victims and perpetrators. Over six years, she documents the chilling accounts of state-sanctioned violence, providing a poignant look at the lives affected by the government's brutal policies. The book examines the societal acceptance of violence and the complex moral dilemmas faced by those involved, painting a stark picture of a nation grappling with its democratic ideals.

After his grandfather dies, Jay travels south with his family to an inherited farm in decline. Over one hot summer he grows close to Chuan, the manager’s son, as family tensions and larger social changes force them to confront desire, loss, and what they will carry forward.

"The Rebel's Clinic" by Adam Shatz explores the life of Frantz Fanon, a pivotal figure in the fight for social and racial justice. The book delves into Fanon's journey from his beginnings in Martinique to his role in the French Army during World War II. Influenced by Existentialism, Fanon studied medicine in Lyon, where he grappled with his identity as a Black man in a predominantly white society. His innovative approach to psychiatry, termed "dis-alienation," was practiced in France and Algeria. Fanon later became deeply involved in the Algerian independence movement, serving as a spokesperson and strategist. His influential works, "Black Skin, White Masks" and "The Wretched of the Earth," continue to inspire movements against racial oppression. Shatz's biography provides insight into Fanon's life and the enduring impact of his writings.

Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe is a reflective exploration of Black life, loss, and memory. Through 248 interconnected notes, Sharpe blends historical and personal artifacts with contemporary experiences and future possibilities. The book delves into themes of language, beauty, and memory, while also touching on history, art, and literature. Central to the narrative is the influence of Sharpe's mother, Ida Wright Sharpe, who instilled in her a love for beauty and words. This work is a tapestry of voices and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of Black existence.

Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson’s Claire McCardell is a concise biography of the American designer who reshaped midcentury womenswear by prioritizing comfort, practicality, and independence. The book traces McCardell’s innovations—separates, accessible fastenings, pockets, and relaxed silhouettes—alongside her professional rise and personal choices that challenged gender expectations and helped define American sportswear.

In this captivating narrative, a young woman becomes entranced by the enigmatic world of a Korean pop star, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and obsession. As she delves deeper into the vibrant and often surreal universe of fandom, she grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and the nature of connection in the digital age. The story weaves together themes of desire, cultural exploration, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of modern life and the search for meaning.

After quitting an adjunct teaching post, a narrator named Sebastian Castillo vows to spend a year without speaking, passing the days with exercise and self‑improvement videos. On New Year’s Eve he breaks his silence to attend a reunion—largely to see a former classmate and love interest, Maria—and a single snowy night unspools into a compact, philosophical meditation on memory, literature, academia, and the slow erosion of youthful hope.

"Salvage" by Dionne Brand delves into the impact of colonial and imperial narratives found in 17th to 19th-century English and American literature. Through a blend of personal reflection and literary analysis, Brand examines how these stories have shaped her understanding of identity and the world. She navigates the complex relationship between reading and writing within these historical contexts, particularly focusing on works like "Robinson Crusoe" and "Mansfield Park." The book is a journey of self-discovery and resilience, as Brand seeks to reinterpret these narratives from an anti-colonial perspective, offering insights into the challenges of crafting a narrative of Black life that is true to its own voice.

Set in 1996 as the US prepares the Defense of Marriage Act, Deep House follows Jeremy’s relationship with a British lover and the precarious choices they make to stay together when the law denies same-sex couples federal protections like immigration. The narrative moves through cities, clandestine apartments, and nightlife scenes while tracing a lineage of gay men who found ways to live and love outside legal recognition. Blending tenderness and sharp humor, the book examines intimacy, domesticity, and the systems that decide which relationships are legitimized.

Neko Case’s memoir traces her journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in rural Washington to her emergence as a musician, exploring how solitude, nature, music, and friendships shaped her identity. It’s a candid, lyrical reflection on creativity, resilience, and making space for oneself.

The book revolves around an eighteen-year-old biracial, unenrolled tribal member who witnesses a shocking murder and is subsequently drawn into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug. As she secretly collaborates with the investigation, using her knowledge of chemistry and traditional Ojibwe medicine, she must confront her own past and identity, navigating the tightrope between the demands of two very different communities. Her journey is one of courage and resilience, as she seeks justice for her community while grappling with complex issues of identity, family, and loyalty.

In a small Irish village, a reclusive woman named Sally Diamond becomes the center of a chilling mystery when she follows her late father's peculiar instructions to "put him out with the trash." As the community grapples with the shocking discovery, Sally's past unravels, revealing a life marked by isolation and secrets. Through a series of unsettling events, Sally is forced to confront her own identity and the haunting truths that have shaped her existence, leading to a gripping exploration of human nature and the complexities of familial bonds.

Margaret Atwood’s Book of Lives is a compact memoir tracing the experiences that shaped her voice — a nomadic childhood in the forests of northern Quebec with scientifically minded parents, pivotal relationships (including life with writer Graeme Gibson), and the moments that fed her imagination. Through linked episodes and reflections, she shows how place, memory, and people influenced her work, without revealing the plots of her novels.

Set in the 1980s, the novel weaves a poignant narrative around a mother and daughter grappling with their fractured relationship amidst the backdrop of socio-political upheaval. The story unfolds as the mother, seeking stability and belonging, becomes involved with a radical commune in Philadelphia, while her daughter navigates the complexities of her own identity and the longing for familial connection. Through their intertwined journeys, the novel explores themes of displacement, resilience, and the enduring quest for home and community in a world marked by uncertainty and change.

"All Things Are Too Small" by Becca Rothfeld is a collection of essays that challenges the modern trend of minimalism and the pursuit of balance in various aspects of life. Rothfeld explores topics like mindfulness, decluttering, and cultural aesthetics, arguing that our quest for simplicity has led to a loss of depth and richness in our lives. She critiques how this mindset affects our homes, thoughts, and even our intimate relationships, advocating for a return to embracing excess, unpredictability, and passion. Through her witty and thought-provoking writing, Rothfeld invites readers to reconsider the value of imbalance and indulgence in their everyday experiences.

Black Moses chronicles Edward McCabe, a Black businessman and political leader who promoted founding a state within the Union governed by Black people. Set during and after the Civil War and Reconstruction, it follows his efforts to recruit Black settlers to Oklahoma and to lobby politicians, and examines the racial, political, and economic obstacles his movement faced as Black Americans sought land and self-governance.

In "Someone Like Us," Mamush, a former journalist, seeks a fresh start in Paris where he meets Helen, a photographer who opens his eyes to love and family. Five years later, as his marriage falters, Mamush returns to his Ethiopian roots in Washington DC. There, he reconnects with his mother and Samuel, a charismatic father figure with a hidden past. Upon his arrival, Samuel is found dead, prompting Mamush to embark on a journey across America. As he searches for answers about Samuel's life and death, Mamush confronts his own past and the memories he's long avoided, hoping to mend his family and find his way back home.