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 follows the life of a young, beautiful, and wealthy woman living in New York City who decides to enter a year of drug-induced sleep to escape her disillusionment with life and the world around her. Encouraged by her eccentric, unethical psychiatrist, she spends most of her time sleeping, waking only to eat, watch movies, and occasionally socialize with her best friend. The book explores themes of depression, alienation, and the search for meaning in a modern, materialistic society.

This novel consists of two seemingly unrelated sections. The first part is a love story between a young American editor and a much older, famous writer. The second part is about an Iraqi-American economist detained by immigration officers in London. The two narratives converge in a surprising way, exploring themes of power imbalances, injustice, and the complexity of human relationships.

In "How To Change Your Mind," Michael Pollan explores the history, science, and potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin. He interviews researchers, therapists, and individuals who have undergone psychedelic experiences, and shares his own personal experiences with these substances. Pollan argues that psychedelics have the potential to unlock new understandings of consciousness, spirituality, and mental health, and could offer new treatments for addiction, depression, and end-of-life anxiety. He also explores the cultural and political factors that led to the demonization and criminalization of these substances, and advocates for a reevaluation of their legal status in order to facilitate further research and exploration.

The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

The book is a poignant letter from a son to a mother who cannot read, delving into their family's history that began before he was born with roots stretching back to Vietnam. It explores the enduring and complex bond between them, marked by the mother's sacrifice and the silence imposed by their past traumas. The narrative weaves through themes of identity, race, and sexuality, confronting the legacies of violence and resilience that shape their lives and the immigrant experience in America. Through lyrical prose, the novel captures the beauty and pain of relationships in the face of unspeakable loss, ultimately revealing the transformative power of storytelling.

The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young age—the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

"The Topeka School" by Ben Lerner is a novel that explores the lives of a family in the Midwest during the 1990s. The story centers around Adam, a high school senior who is a talented debater and his parents, both psychologists. The book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, masculinity, and the power of language. It also touches on the rise of toxic masculinity and the political climate of the time. Through multiple perspectives and timelines, "The Topeka School" offers a unique and thought-provoking commentary on American culture and society.

The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

"Homesick for Another World" is a collection of short stories that explore the lives of various flawed and eccentric characters, each struggling with their own personal demons and insecurities. The narratives delve into the dark, often uncomfortable aspects of humanity, with themes of loneliness, self-loathing, and the desperate search for connection and meaning. The stories are set in a variety of locations, from small towns to big cities, and each presents a unique perspective on the human condition.

"Intimacies" by Katie Kitamura is a novel that follows an interpreter named Ana as she navigates her personal and professional life in The Hague. Ana becomes involved with a married man, explores her own desires and boundaries, and grapples with the complexities of language and communication. Along the way, she becomes entangled in a high-profile case involving a war criminal, forcing her to confront the moral implications of her work and her own actions. The book explores themes of intimacy, power, and morality, and raises questions about the nature of relationships and the limits of human connection.

This novel delves into the intense and darkly entwined lives of two young men attending college in Pittsburgh in the 1970s. Their relationship quickly evolves from a passionate friendship to an obsessive and dangerous bond, driven by intellectual and emotional symbiosis. As they become increasingly isolated from the world around them, their fascination with control and power leads them down a perilous path. The narrative explores themes of identity, desire, and the destructive nature of love, culminating in a shocking act that forever alters their lives and the lives of those around them. This story is a gripping examination of the complexities of human emotions and the lengths to which people will go to fulfill their deepest desires.

"Dig" is a compelling young adult novel that delves into the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional family grappling with secrets, inheritance, and racism. The story unfolds through the perspectives of five teenagers related as grandchildren to a pair of wealthy, prejudiced grandparents. As each grandchild confronts personal challenges and family expectations, they gradually uncover the toxic roots of their family's wealth and the insidious nature of racism passed down through generations. The narrative weaves these individual struggles into a poignant critique of societal issues, urging a break from destructive familial cycles.

"The Candy House" is a short story by Jennifer Egan about a young girl named Sasha who becomes obsessed with a neighbor's house that is filled with candy. She begins to sneak into the house and steal candy, but soon discovers a dark secret about the owner. The story explores themes of temptation, morality, and the consequences of our actions.

This novel delves into the life of a teenager grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder as she embarks on a journey to solve a mystery involving a fugitive billionaire. The story is as much about the complexities of friendship, love, and coming-of-age as it is about the protagonist's internal struggles with her mental health. Through her eyes, readers are offered a deep, nuanced understanding of living with mental illness, all while navigating the challenges of adolescence. The narrative combines elements of mystery, romance, and a profound exploration of the human condition, making it a compelling read for young adults and adults alike.

The novel is a complex exploration of the intense relationships between teenagers at a competitive performing arts high school in the 1980s. The narrative initially follows the passionate and tumultuous romance between two students, Sarah and David, under the watchful eye of their charismatic drama teacher, Mr. Kingsley. As the story delves into themes of consent, power dynamics, and the manipulation of memory, the reader's understanding of the truth is challenged when the perspective shifts halfway through the book, revealing layers of metafiction and questioning the reliability of narrative and the nature of trust itself.

"The Destroyers" is a suspenseful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. The story revolves around two childhood friends, one a wealthy inheritor of a construction empire and the other a struggling playboy, who reunite under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of wealth, friendship, betrayal, and identity, all against a backdrop of escalating danger and suspense. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and murder, as the seemingly paradise island reveals its darker underbelly.

The novel explores the deeply intricate and emotional landscape of a family in rural Idaho, where a sudden act of violence shatters their lives. The story unfolds through a non-linear narrative, delving into the memories and perspectives of various characters, including a wife grappling with her husband's fading memory and the tragic past event that led to the loss of their children. As the characters seek understanding and redemption, the novel weaves a haunting tale of love, grief, and the elusive nature of truth amidst the backdrop of the rugged wilderness.

"My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Vol. 1" is a graphic novel that follows the story of Karen Reyes, a ten-year-old girl living in 1960s Chicago. Through her vivid imagination and artistic talent, Karen transforms herself into a monster to navigate the complexities of her life, including her brother's mysterious death and her mother's illness. As she uncovers secrets and delves into the dark underbelly of her neighborhood, Karen's journey becomes a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the power of art.

"The Cabin At The End Of The World" by Paul Tremblay is a gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows a family's vacation turned nightmare. The story revolves around a group of strangers who invade a peaceful cabin in the woods, claiming that the world is about to end and they need the family's help to prevent it. As tension rises and trust is tested, the family must make impossible decisions to protect themselves and their daughter. With its intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, this book explores the depths of human nature and the lengths one will go to survive.

"Heroine" by Mindy McGinnis follows the story of Mickey Catalan, a talented high school softball player whose life takes a dark turn when she gets injured and is prescribed OxyContin for pain relief. As Mickey becomes addicted to the drug, she spirals into a world of deceit, desperation, and self-destruction, jeopardizing her relationships and future. This raw and gripping novel explores the devastating consequences of addiction and the resilience required to find redemption.

"Call Me Zebra" is a novel about a young woman, who is the last in a line of self-proclaimed "anarchists, atheists, and autodidacts," embarking on a grand intellectual journey. After her father's death, she retraces the path they took as refugees from Iran to New York, immersing herself in literature and philosophy to cope with her grief. The protagonist's eccentric perspective and her passionate, often humorous, engagement with the works of literature make for a unique exploration of exile, art, and identity.

This novel follows the life of a young, gay teenager who believes that his eating disorder grants him supernatural abilities, enabling him to see the truth about people's intentions and to manipulate the world around him. As he navigates the complexities of high school, bullying, and family issues, he embarks on a dark and dangerous journey of self-discovery. The story is a raw and powerful exploration of desire, the need for control, and the struggle to find one's place in the world, all while dealing with the challenges of growing up and the painful realities of human vulnerability.

The novel explores the harsh life aboard the HSS Matilda, a spaceship organized much like the antebellum South, where the lower decks are populated by dark-skinned sharecroppers ruled by white overseers. The protagonist, a neurodivergent, queer black woman, serves as the ship's healer and navigates the oppressive social structure while uncovering the secrets of her mother's past and the ship's mysterious journey. Her search for truth leads to revelations that could alter the fate of the Matilda's segregated society, as she grapples with the complexities of identity, autonomy, and resistance against a backdrop of systemic injustice and intergenerational trauma.

The narrative unfolds through the lives of two siblings endowed with extraordinary powers, set against the backdrop of systemic racism and societal turmoil in America. The older brother's abilities emerge amidst the violence of the Los Angeles riots, while his younger sister's powers manifest as a form of telekinesis. As they navigate a world rife with injustice and the carceral state's oppressive reach, the siblings grapple with the potential and limitations of their gifts. The story is a searing exploration of anger, hope, and the indomitable spirit of resistance, examining whether supernatural abilities can be a catalyst for change in a world entrenched in institutionalized inequality.