The novel is a deeply moving portrayal of four friends in New York City, spanning over several decades. It primarily focuses on Jude, a man with a mysterious and traumatic past, who struggles with physical disability and emotional trauma. The story explores themes of friendship, love, trauma, suffering, and the human will to endure in spite of life's hardships. It is an epic tale of heartbreak and despair but also of resilience and enduring love.

The novel explores the journey of a 13-year-old boy, his drug-addicted mother, and his baby sister as they travel through Mississippi to pick up their white father from the state penitentiary. The story is steeped in the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and struggle, and is further complicated by the presence of a ghost from the family's past. It's a haunting tale about the legacy of trauma and the power of family ties.

The novel is a poignant exploration of love and racial injustice, set in 1970s Harlem. It follows the story of a young African-American couple, Tish and Fonny, whose dreams for a future together are shattered when Fonny is falsely accused of rape. As Fonny languishes in jail, Tish, pregnant with their child, and her family fight tirelessly to prove his innocence. Through a narrative that weaves past and present, the book delves into the couple's deep bond, the systemic oppression they face, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of a deeply flawed justice system.

"Normal People" is a novel that explores the complex relationship between two high school students from different social classes in a small town in Ireland. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they form a strong bond that continues into their university years at Trinity College. The narrative follows their journey, filled with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and emotional intimacy, as they navigate their way through love, friendship, mental health issues, and the struggles of growing up.

The novel focuses on four siblings who, after the tragic death of their father, are locked away in the attic of their cruel grandmother's mansion as their mother tries to inherit the family fortune. The children endure years of abuse and neglect, and as their mother's visits become less frequent, they must rely on each other for survival. Over time, they form a deeply complex and troubling relationship, leading to a shocking and devastating climax.

The book centers on Asher Lev, a young boy from a Hasidic Jewish family in Brooklyn, who possesses a prodigious artistic talent that conflicts with his deeply religious community and his relationship with his parents. As Asher grows, he must navigate the tension between his passion for painting and the expectations of his faith and family. His journey of self-discovery and struggle for artistic expression leads him to study under a renowned artist, which further alienates him from his community and leads to a profound personal and spiritual reckoning. The novel explores themes of identity, tradition, and the often-painful pursuit of individuality within the confines of a strict cultural milieu.

This novel explores the lives and struggles of three African American sisters from the South as they pursue their individual paths towards self-discovery and empowerment. Each sister embodies distinct artistic and cultural identities, with one becoming a weaver, another a dancer, and the third a musician and writer. Their stories, rich with elements of folklore and spirituality, weave together themes of family, heritage, and the quest for personal and artistic freedom. Through their journeys, the sisters confront issues of race, gender, and sexuality, navigating the complexities of love, responsibility, and the bonds that tie them to each other and their shared past.

Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the story revolves around three main characters: two black maids and a young white woman. The maids, who have spent their lives taking care of white families and raising their children, agree to share their experiences with the young woman, who is an aspiring writer. The book offers a poignant and humorous look at the complex relationships between these women, while also exploring the racial tensions and social changes of the era.

Set in the 1960s, the novel follows Wittman Ah Sing, a fifth-generation Chinese-American and recent Berkeley graduate who dreams of becoming a playwright. As he navigates the counterculture of San Francisco and the Beatniks, he grapples with his identity as an American of Chinese descent. The novel is a deep exploration of Asian American identity, the immigrant experience, and the cultural clashes between East and West.

A teenage boy navigates the complexities of life after his mother is brutally attacked on their reservation in North Dakota. As the legal system fails to bring justice due to jurisdictional issues, the boy takes matters into his own hands. The novel explores themes of tribal law, justice, and the transition into adulthood, all set against the backdrop of Native American culture and history.

This novel is a deeply moving narrative that follows the life of Jess Goldberg, a character navigating the complexities of gender identity and societal acceptance in the latter half of the 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American industrial landscape, the protagonist grapples with the harsh realities of being a butch lesbian in a world that is unaccepting and often violent towards those who defy traditional gender norms. Through a journey of self-discovery, love, loss, and resilience, the story poignantly explores themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle for rights and recognition within the LGBTQ+ community, offering a powerful reflection on the human condition and the search for authenticity in a conformist society.

"The Old Forest" is a collection of short stories set in the American South, primarily in Memphis, Tennessee during the early to mid-20th century. The stories explore themes of social change, class conflict, and personal identity. The title story revolves around a car accident that leads to a young woman's disappearance and the subsequent search for her, revealing the societal tensions and class divisions within the community.

A high school freshman becomes a social outcast after calling the police to break up a summer party and refuses to explain why. As she navigates the challenges of high school, she struggles with a traumatic event from the party that has left her feeling silenced. Throughout the year, she slowly regains her voice and confronts her attacker, ultimately revealing the truth about what happened that night.

"Black Tickets" is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of life through a diverse range of characters and situations. The stories delve into themes such as love, loss, identity, and the human condition. The narratives oscillate between the perspectives of troubled adolescents, middle-aged men and women grappling with life's disappointments, and the elderly reflecting on their past, providing a comprehensive exploration of human experiences.

"There There" by Tommy Orange is a powerful and poignant novel that follows the lives of twelve Native American characters living in Oakland, California. As their stories intertwine and converge, the novel explores themes of identity, community, and the effects of historical trauma on Native American people. Through vivid and lyrical prose, Orange gives voice to a group of individuals who have long been marginalized and overlooked in American society, creating a compelling and unforgettable portrait of contemporary Native American life.

"Living Up The Street" is a collection of autobiographical essays that explore the experiences of a Mexican-American boy growing up in the barrios of Fresno, California. The book delves into the realities of working-class life, highlighting themes of poverty, violence, and the struggle for identity. The protagonist's journey through adolescence is marked by a series of humorous, tragic, and poignant moments, offering a vivid depiction of life in a Hispanic community in America.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in Harlem, this poignant novel follows the life of a young African American girl and her family as they navigate the hardships of poverty, racism, and social injustice. With her father turning to illegal number running in an attempt to make ends meet, the protagonist witnesses the struggles of her community and the resilience of her family. The narrative offers a vivid portrayal of the era and the impact of systemic oppression on the lives of black families, while also capturing the innocence of childhood and the loss of that innocence in the face of harsh realities.

"The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai is a powerful novel that tells the story of two interconnected groups of people: a group of gay men in 1980s Chicago during the height of the AIDS epidemic, and a woman in 2015 who is searching for her estranged daughter in Paris. The novel explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis. Makkai's writing is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and she skillfully weaves together the two timelines to create a poignant and unforgettable story.

"Empire Falls" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the life of Miles Roby, a man who has spent his entire life in a decaying, blue-collar town in Maine. Miles, a kind-hearted man, runs the Empire Grill, a local diner, and dreams of escaping the town and his manipulative, wealthy boss. The novel delves into the complex relationships and social dynamics of the town, examining themes of love, loss, and the economic decline of small-town America.

Set in the Midwest shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the book follows a young woman named Tassie Keltjin as she navigates her way through college life and a new job as a nanny for a sophisticated and mysterious couple who have adopted a mixed-race child. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of racial identity, as Tassie becomes more entangled in the family's life and secrets, ultimately experiencing a tragic loss that changes her perspective on life.

"Rituals of Survival" is a poignant collection of interrelated stories that delve into the lives of several Puerto Rican women living in New York City. The narrative explores the complexities of their identities, the challenges they face in a multicultural society, and the strength they draw from their cultural heritage. Through the lens of these women's experiences, the book examines themes of family, tradition, and the human struggle to find a sense of belonging and purpose amidst the harsh realities of urban life. The stories are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, as these characters navigate the intricate rituals that help them survive and maintain their cultural ties in a rapidly changing world.

The book is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of a young Mexican-American woman as she navigates the complexities of identity, culture, and family in the American Southwest. Working as a menu girl in a hospital, she encounters a tapestry of human experiences that profoundly shape her understanding of the world and her place within it. Through a series of vignettes, the protagonist grapples with her aspirations, relationships, and the blending of her two worlds, ultimately seeking a sense of purpose and self-acceptance amidst the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape.

"The Big Mama Stories" is a collection of interconnected narratives that explore the lives of African American women in the southern United States. Through a series of vivid vignettes, the book delves into themes of family, community, identity, and resilience, as seen through the eyes of a young girl and the influential women around her. These maternal figures, known affectionately as "Big Mamas," are the pillars of their families and communities, imparting wisdom, love, and strength to the younger generations. The stories weave together the rich tapestry of Black womanhood, capturing the complexities, joys, and challenges that come with it.

The novel follows the journey of a strong-willed Indian woman who, after being widowed in a tragic explosion, reinvents herself numerous times in the face of adversity. She leaves her village in Punjab for the United States, where she navigates the complexities of immigration and identity. As she moves from Florida to Manhattan to Iowa, adopting different names and personas along the way, she confronts the challenges of assimilation and the pull of her cultural heritage, all while seeking the American Dream and striving to maintain her independence and self-worth in a rapidly changing world.

The book is a compilation of works that follow the life of a fictional novelist, Nathan Zuckerman, as he navigates the complexities of success, identity, and creativity in the literary world. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, the protagonist grapples with the consequences of his own controversial writing, which draws heavily from his personal experiences and Jewish heritage. As he deals with the fallout from family, critics, and admirers, the narrative delves into themes of artistic integrity, personal freedom, and the burdens of fame, offering a satirical and introspective look at the inner workings of the literary establishment and the challenges of being a public intellectual.