"The Buddha in the Attic" is a historical novel that tells the story of Japanese picture brides migrating to America in the early 20th century. It follows their journey from their traditional homes in Japan to their new lives in California, their struggles with language barriers, cultural differences, and harsh working conditions. The book also explores their experiences during World War II when they and their American-born children were taken to internment camps. The narrative is presented in a collective first-person voice, providing a chorus of the women's viewpoints.

This novel explores the life of a young Barbadian-American girl growing up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression and World War II. The protagonist struggles with her identity as she navigates the cultural divide between her parents' traditional Barbadian values and her own American aspirations. The story delves into the themes of immigration, cultural identity, race, and gender, as the protagonist comes of age and seeks to establish her independence.

"The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love" is a captivating tale of two Cuban brothers who emigrate to New York City in the 1950s to pursue their dreams of becoming famous mambo musicians. The story is told through the memories of the older brother, now a middle-aged man living in the U.S., as he reflects on their past glories, struggles, romantic entanglements, and the cultural and personal identity conflicts they faced in their journey. The book also explores themes of love, passion, music, and the immigrant experience.

The novel explores the unlikely friendship between two Jewish boys in 1940s Brooklyn, New York. One is from a Hasidic background, steeped in religious tradition and destined to follow in his father's footsteps as a spiritual leader, while the other is the son of a secular Jewish intellectual, encouraged to think and question. Their bond is tested by their differing religious views, family expectations, and the external pressures of the surrounding world, including the aftermath of the Holocaust and the creation of the state of Israel. Through their relationship, the book delves into themes of faith, identity, father-son relationships, and the challenges of bridging different worlds and belief systems.

This novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in the Dominican Republic during a time of political turmoil. The protagonist and her family experience the fear and uncertainty of living under a dictatorship, as they are constantly surveilled by the government's secret police. Throughout the book, the protagonist navigates her own coming-of-age while also grappling with the larger issues of freedom, oppression, and resistance.

"Now in November" is a compelling narrative about a family's struggle to survive during the Great Depression. The story, told from the perspective of the middle daughter, details the family's move from the city to the country in hopes of a better life, only to face hardship, poverty, and tragedy. As they grapple with the harsh realities of their new life, the family's bonds are tested, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion. The novel is a poignant exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity.

The novel tells the story of a wealthy, prominent Southern family, the Howlands, who have lived on the same plot of land in Alabama for over a century. The narrative is marked by the scandalous interracial relationship between the patriarch, William Howland, and his African-American housekeeper, Margaret Carmichael. Their secret relationship and the children it produces are kept hidden until William's death, when his granddaughter, Abigail, uncovers the truth, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the racially prejudiced townspeople. The book explores themes of race, family legacy, and the destructive power of bigotry.

The novel follows the life of twin brothers born from a secret union between an Indian nun and a British surgeon in Ethiopia. Their mother dies during childbirth and their father disappears, leaving them to be raised by two doctors at the mission hospital where they were born. The story spans several decades and continents, and explores themes of love, betrayal, medicine, and the complexity of family ties. One of the brothers, a gifted surgeon, flees to America after a political revolution in Ethiopia, while the other remains and struggles with the challenges of practicing medicine in a developing country.

"Islanders" is a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the intricate dynamics within a small, insular community. Set on an island, the narrative explores the lives of its inhabitants, who are bound together by geography and shared history, yet often find themselves at odds with one another due to personal conflicts, social expectations, and the challenges of isolation. The story examines themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle to maintain individuality in a place where everyone knows each other's business, ultimately revealing the profound impact of environment on personal growth and community ties.

The novel is a portrayal of the life of a Southern woman named Virginia, who embodies the traditional values and social expectations of the American South at the turn of the 20th century. Throughout the story, Virginia's personal journey is marked by her marriage, motherhood, and the gradual disillusionment with her prescribed role in society. As she confronts the changing world around her, including the challenges of modernity and the evolving status of women, she experiences both internal conflict and growth. The narrative delves into themes of identity, societal norms, and the struggle for self-realization within the confines of a conservative and patriarchal culture.

The novel explores the life of Cleo Judson, a Southern-born African American woman living in early 20th century Boston, who navigates the complexities of race, class, and society as she strives to create a facade of affluence and respectability. Married to a successful businessman, Cleo manipulates those around her to reunite with her estranged sisters and recreate the familial bonds and social standing she longs for. However, her scheming and pursuit of superficial success reveal the deep-seated insecurities and the cost of her ambitions, as she grapples with the true meaning of family and identity amidst the backdrop of the African American upper class.

The novel explores the history of a fictional painting by Vermeer, as it passes through the hands of various owners. The narrative traces back from the present day to the time of the painting's creation, revealing the profound impact it has had on those who possessed it. The painting's subjects, a young girl in a blue dress, also becomes a symbol of beauty, loss, and the enduring power of art. The novel is a series of interconnected stories that together form a rich tapestry of human experience and the power of art to transform lives.

The novel follows the journey of Sam Dodsworth, a recently retired American automobile magnate, as he embarks on a European tour with his restless wife Fran. Throughout their travels, the couple encounters cultural differences and personal revelations that test their marriage and individual values. As Fran seeks excitement and social status among the European elite, Sam finds himself drawn to the continent's history and slower pace of life. The narrative explores themes of American versus European sensibilities, the search for identity and purpose in later life, and the strains of marriage against the backdrop of changing social norms in the early 20th century.

"The Time of Our Singing" is a complex narrative that follows the lives of a mixed-race family in America from the 1930s to the 1990s. The family, born from the union of a black woman and a Jewish man, grapples with racial identity, familial bonds, and the power of music. The story is told through the perspective of one of the sons, a talented singer, and delves into themes of race, identity, and the struggle for civil rights in America.

Set in early 20th century Baltimore, the novel follows the life of Miss Susie Slagle, a boarding house owner who rents out rooms to medical students. The narrative is full of colorful characters, including the students themselves, who bring their own unique stories and perspectives. The book provides a vivid depiction of the time period, exploring topics such as gender roles, class distinctions, and the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a medical career.

This novel explores the complex relationship between a Chinese-American woman and her immigrant mother, who is suffering from dementia. As the mother's condition worsens, her daughter discovers a manuscript written in Chinese that reveals her mother's traumatic past and the true identity of her grandmother - a renowned bonesetter in China. The narrative oscillates between contemporary San Francisco and early 20th century China, illustrating the enduring power of family bonds, the weight of cultural heritage, and the profound impact of past events on present lives.

"Chesapeake" is a historical saga that spans four centuries, telling the story of the settlement and development of the Chesapeake Bay area in the United States. The narrative follows the lives and adventures of multiple generations of families, both Native American and immigrant, as they navigate the challenges of colonization, revolution, slavery, and the Civil War. The book offers a rich and detailed perspective on American history, society, and culture through the lens of these families and their experiences.

The novel delves into the complex relationship between a Chinese-American woman and her mother, who carries with her the weight of a tumultuous past from her life in China. As the mother finally reveals her harrowing experiences of survival during wartime, secrets of love, loss, and betrayal, the daughter begins to understand the resilience and sacrifices that have shaped her mother's life. Through this unveiling of family history, the novel explores themes of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters.

This novel follows the life of Marietta Cook, a tall, resilient African American woman from the Gullah community in South Carolina, as she endures the hardships and complexities of the American South. Through her journey, we witness her strength and determination as she raises her twin sons, contends with racial and social challenges, and strives to maintain her cultural heritage. The narrative, rich with Gullah dialect and traditions, paints a vivid portrait of a woman's struggle for survival and dignity against a backdrop of historical events that shape her community and the nation.

This novel presents a poignant and humorous tapestry of a dysfunctional Southern family through a series of vignettes told from multiple perspectives. The narrative unfolds the complex dynamics of the family, exploring themes of alcoholism, abuse, and the search for love and acceptance. As each character reveals their innermost thoughts and secrets, the story delves into the impact of their shared history on their individual lives, painting a rich and emotional portrait of a family struggling to find healing and redemption amidst their personal and collective challenges.

Set on a Navajo reservation during World War II, "The Bronc People" explores the complex relationships and cultural tensions between the Native American inhabitants and the white government officials. The story is centered on a young Navajo man who is torn between his traditional lifestyle and the modern world. The book provides a deep insight into the Navajo culture, their spiritual beliefs, and their struggle to preserve their identity amid external influences.

"The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" is a multi-generational family saga that explores the complexities of race, identity, and history through the experiences of Ailey Pearl Garfield. As a young woman, Ailey is haunted by the legacy of her family's slave-owning past and struggles to reconcile her own sense of self with the expectations of her community. Along the way, she uncovers the stories of her ancestors, including the famed civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, and grapples with the enduring impact of racism in America. With lyrical prose and a rich cast of characters, Honoree Fanonne Jeffers' novel is a powerful meditation on the enduring power of love and the search for belonging in a divided world.

Billy Phelan's Greatest Game is a novel set in the 1930s, focusing on the life of a small-time hustler and poker player named Billy Phelan. When a local politician's son is kidnapped, Billy becomes embroiled in the case, despite his attempts to stay out of it. The story explores the themes of morality, corruption, and redemption as Billy navigates the seedy underbelly of Albany, New York, and is forced to confront his own past and make some tough decisions.

The book is a poignant tale of two French sisters during World War II who face the brutal German occupation of France in their own unique ways. While one sister joins the Resistance, risking her life to save others, the other struggles to maintain her family's home and protect her daughter, showcasing the resilience and strength of women under the shadow of war. Their paths are fraught with danger, moral complexity, and heartbreaking sacrifices, as they each fight for love, freedom, and survival against the backdrop of a world torn apart by conflict.

This novel explores the aftermath of a mine explosion in a small Midwestern town at the turn of the 20th century, which leads to the wrongful conviction of a man for murder. Saved from the gallows by a mysterious stranger, the man flees to South America while his wife and children are left to navigate the social and financial fallout in their community. The narrative delves into themes of justice, faith, and the randomness of destiny, all set against the backdrop of America's industrial revolution.