Set in 14th century Norway, "Kristin Lavransdatter" follows the life of its titular character from her childhood, through her tumultuous and passionate marriage to Erlend Nikulausson, to her life as a mother and eventual widow. The narrative explores Kristin's struggles with faith, societal expectations, and personal desires, offering a vivid portrayal of medieval Scandinavian life along the way. Despite the many hardships she faces, Kristin remains a strong and resilient woman, embodying the spirit of her time.

This novel is a romantic, magical realism tale set in turn-of-the-century Mexico. It chronicles the life of Tita, the youngest daughter in a traditional Mexican family, who is forbidden to marry due to a family custom that mandates the youngest daughter must care for her mother until death. Tita falls in love with Pedro, who in turn marries her elder sister to stay close to her. The story is uniquely structured around the twelve months of the year, each beginning with a traditional Mexican recipe. The protagonist's emotions become infused with her cooking, leading to strange effects on those who consume her culinary creations.

The novel is a poignant exploration of a man's relationship with his father and his own identity. Set in Norway, it follows the protagonist's decision to live in solitude after the death of his wife and sister. Through a series of flashbacks, he recalls his childhood, particularly the summer of 1948 when he lived with his father in the country. As he delves into his past, he uncovers his father's involvement in the resistance during World War II and the lasting impact it had on their relationship and his own life. The narrative intertwines the past and the present, reflecting on themes of loss, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.

"Lost Children Archive" by Valeria Luiselli is a novel that follows a family on a road trip from New York to Arizona. The parents are documentarians and are working on separate projects, while the children are preoccupied with their own interests. As they travel, the family becomes increasingly aware of the migrant crisis and the children's obsession with finding lost things takes on a new meaning. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the power of storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of a small Norwegian coastal town around the early 20th century, the novel explores the life of Alberta Selmer, a young woman stifled by the constraints of her conservative family and society. Yearning for freedom and an identity of her own, Alberta struggles with the expectations placed upon her as a woman, her complex relationship with her brother Jacob, and her desire to break free from the oppressive environment that surrounds her. Through Alberta's journey, the narrative delves into themes of personal growth, the search for independence, and the challenging path toward self-discovery amidst societal pressures.

"The Half Brother" is a compelling narrative that follows the life of a young man named Barnum Nilsen. Born into a Norwegian family with a mysterious past, Barnum navigates through life with a half-brother, Fred, who is both his best friend and his rival. As Barnum grows older, he becomes a successful writer, but his personal life is marked by loss, loneliness, and the weight of his family's secrets. The book is a profound exploration of identity, love, and the bonds of family.

Set in Mexico during the early 20th century, this novel follows the tumultuous life of a young woman named Catalina Guzmán. From her arranged marriage to the abusive and philandering General Andrés Ascencio to her passionate affair with the revolutionary Carlos Vives, Catalina's journey is one of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. As she navigates through political turmoil and personal hardships, Catalina's strength and resilience are tested, ultimately leading her to make difficult choices that will shape her destiny. With vivid storytelling and vivid characters, this book explores themes of love, passion, and the pursuit of freedom in a time of social and political unrest.

"Dreamers" by Yuyi Morales is a heartfelt and visually stunning picture book that tells the story of a young mother and her son who immigrate to the United States. Through captivating illustrations and poetic language, the book explores their journey of adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and finding solace and hope in the power of books and imagination. It celebrates the resilience and courage of immigrants while emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and the universal language of dreams.