The novel focuses on a man searching for his wife in Istanbul, who disappeared without a trace. In his search, he discovers a secret, surreal world in the city and starts to understand his wife's involvement in political activism. The narrative is interwoven with stories from a column written by his wife's half-brother, which the protagonist believes may hold clues to her disappearance. The book is a complex exploration of identity, storytelling, and the role of literature in society.

The book follows the harrowing journey of two boys abandoned at birth in a Tokyo train station locker, who grow up in an orphanage together and form a deep bond. As they navigate a dystopian underworld filled with violence and decay, the boys, now teenagers, embark on a quest for revenge against the mothers who left them and the society that neglected them. Their search for identity and belonging takes them through a surreal landscape of urban chaos, where their shared trauma and desperation for meaning lead them down a destructive path, challenging the reader with themes of abandonment, survival, and the human capacity for both love and brutality.

"Lady Joker" is a gripping crime thriller set in Japan, where a mysterious woman named Yuriko becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deceit and revenge. As she navigates the seedy underbelly of Tokyo, Yuriko takes on various identities, using her cunning and intelligence to manipulate those around her. With a complex web of characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the book explores themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

"The Possessed" is a compelling narrative that combines memoir, criticism, and travel writing to explore the author's deep fascination with Russian literature. Through her experiences as a graduate student at Stanford, her travels to Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan, and her encounters with other scholars, the author delves into the works of great Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, while also reflecting on the nature of literature, identity, and the human condition.

In this gripping crime thriller, a former detective turned press officer is haunted by a cold case from 14 years ago, the unsolved abduction of a young girl. As he navigates the complex world of police bureaucracy and media pressure, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and corruption that threatens to unravel his career and personal life. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep exploration of the human psyche, this novel delves into the complexities of crime, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect their reputation.

The novel explores the aftermath of a failed doomsday cult in Japan, led by two men who had prophesied an apocalypse that never occurred. After their prophecy fails, they attempt to disband the cult but struggle as their followers resist and violence ensues. The leaders try to rebuild their lives amidst the chaos, grappling with their guilt and the consequences of their actions. The book is a deep exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of belief.

The novel is a haunting tale set in a remote medieval Japanese village where the impoverished inhabitants rely on the grim practice of salvaging goods from shipwrecks to survive. The story follows a young boy who eagerly awaits the next shipwreck in the hope that it will bring enough wealth to prevent his family from starving or having to sell his sister into prostitution. As he grapples with the moral dilemma of desiring a disaster for his own gain, the narrative explores themes of fate, survival, and the blurred lines between misfortune and fortune. The stark and somber atmosphere of the novel underscores the harsh realities of life in a community caught in a cycle of desperation and the complex emotions that come with their reliance on the misfortunes of others.

This novel intertwines two parallel narratives, one set in the 13th century and one in the modern day. The contemporary story follows a discontented American housewife who, while working as a reader for a literary agency, comes across a novel about the 13th-century poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz. As she delves into their story, she uncovers Shams' forty rules of love and begins to question her own life and relationships. The historical narrative, on the other hand, explores the transformative friendship between Rumi and Shams, and how their bond revolutionized Rumi's poetry and outlook on life.

This graphic novel follows the journey of a young, unruly Japanese swordsman in the 17th century, who embarks on a quest to become "invincible under the sun" after surviving a brutal battle that left most of his companions dead. Inspired by the life of a legendary historical figure, the protagonist's path is one of intense duels, personal growth, and philosophical exploration. As he travels, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to his understanding of what it means to live and fight with purpose. The story blends visceral action with deep introspection, set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered feudal Japan.

"The Devotion of Suspect X" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a brilliant mathematician and a determined detective. When a woman commits murder to protect her daughter, her neighbor, a brilliant mathematician, comes to her aid, meticulously planning the perfect alibi. As the detective investigates the crime, he becomes entangled in a battle of wits with the mathematician, leading to a suspenseful and unexpected climax.

"Snakeskin Shamisen" is a captivating mystery novel set in Los Angeles, following the life of Mas Arai, a Japanese-American gardener and Hiroshima survivor. When a fellow musician is found dead, Mas becomes entangled in a web of secrets and cultural tensions as he navigates the worlds of traditional Japanese music and the dark underbelly of the city. With vivid descriptions, complex characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of identity and heritage, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the hidden corners of LA.

This novel delves into the obsessive love of Kemal, a wealthy Istanbulite, for Füsun, a distant relative and a shopgirl, which begins in 1975 and spans over 30 years. After a brief affair, Füsun marries another man, but Kemal's love remains unyielding. He starts collecting objects that remind him of his love for her, eventually creating a museum dedicated to their relationship. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul's changing society, the story explores themes of love, longing, class, and the power of memory, as Kemal's life becomes a testament to his unattainable desire, encapsulated within the walls of his museum.

"The Emissary" is set in a dystopian future Japan, where the nation has isolated itself from the rest of the world following a series of environmental disasters. The story focuses on the relationship between Mumei, a frail but wise child, and his great-grandfather Yoshiro, who cares for him in a society where the roles of the young and old have reversed. The elderly are burdened with health and vitality, while the young suffer from weakness and disease. Through their daily struggles and interactions, the novel explores themes of resilience, the bonds of family, and the enduring human spirit in the face of societal and ecological breakdown.

"Harsh Cry of the Heron" is set in a mythical, feudal Japan-like setting and continues the tale of the Otori clan, focusing on Lord Takeo and his efforts to maintain peace across the Three Countries. Despite his commitment to a peaceful reign and the abolishment of violent practices like warfare and capital punishment, Takeo faces inevitable betrayal and threats from within his own ranks and from external enemies. As prophecies of doom surface, Takeo struggles with maintaining his ideals and the harsh realities of leadership, leading to a dramatic and poignant conclusion that tests the limits of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.

"Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" is a collection of 24 short stories that explore themes of love, loneliness, and loss, set against the backdrop of everyday life in Japan. The stories often blur the lines between reality and the surreal, featuring characters who find themselves in strange, dreamlike situations. The tales range from a man whose reflection takes on a life of its own, to a woman who falls asleep for weeks at a time, reflecting the author's signature blend of the mundane and the mystical.

In this dystopian novel, an unnamed island is under the control of a mysterious authoritarian force known as the Memory Police, who systematically eliminate objects from the world, erasing memories associated with them from the minds of the populace. The story follows a young novelist who struggles to retain her memories and maintain her identity in a society where both are under constant threat. As more and more disappears, she becomes involved in a dangerous endeavor to hide her editor, who is unable to forget, risking everything to preserve the remnants of their shared past and the essence of their humanity.

The book is a thrilling adventure that follows a young, ambitious pirate whose dream is to find the world's ultimate treasure, known as "One Piece," and thereby become the Pirate King. Along his journey, he gathers a diverse crew of loyal companions, each with their own unique abilities and dreams. They sail the Grand Line, facing off against other pirates, the World Government, and various powerful enemies, all while exploring mysterious islands, uncovering hidden secrets, and forging strong bonds of friendship. The story is renowned for its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and a world rich with fantastical elements and lore.

"The Bastard of Istanbul" is a novel that tells the story of two families, one Turkish and one Armenian American. It explores the deep, intricate history between the two nations through the eyes of the characters, while also tackling themes of identity, memory, and the past. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the women in both families, who carry the burden of their ancestors' secrets, and a young man haunted by the ghost of a long-dead Armenian. The novel delves into the complexities of love, family, and the lasting effects of the Armenian genocide on its descendants.

In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.

The novel tells the story of a man named Hajime, who grew up as an only child in post-war Japan. He forms a deep bond with a girl named Shimamoto during his childhood, but they lose touch as they grow older. Hajime builds a successful life with a wife and two daughters, but he is haunted by his past. When Shimamoto unexpectedly re-enters his life, he is torn between his commitment to his family and his lingering feelings for his childhood love. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and the complexities of human relationships.

This science fiction narrative delves into a future where cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence have blurred the lines between humanity and machines. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and cyber warfare, the story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg operative of a government agency, as she hunts a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. Through her pursuit, the narrative explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the nature of the soul, questioning what it truly means to be human in a world where the physical and digital realms are indistinguishably intertwined.

"A Bride's Story" by Kaoru Mori is a captivating historical manga that follows the life of Amir Halgal, a young woman from a nomadic tribe in Central Asia during the 19th century. Set in a time of arranged marriages and cultural traditions, the story beautifully explores Amir's journey as she navigates the challenges and joys of becoming a bride. With stunning artwork and intricate details, the book offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of life in a bygone era, highlighting themes of love, family, and the resilience of women.

In a dark and twisted version of Tokyo, creatures known as ghouls lurk in the shadows, surviving by consuming human flesh. The story follows a young college student who, after a fateful encounter with a ghoul, becomes a half-ghoul himself. Thrust into a hidden world filled with danger and hunger, he must navigate the blurred lines between human and monster, grappling with his new reality and the moral complexities of his insatiable appetite. As he struggles to maintain his humanity, he finds himself caught in the crossfire between ghoul factions and the relentless ghoul investigators determined to eradicate their kind.

"My Brother's Husband" is a poignant and heartwarming graphic novel that explores themes of family, acceptance, and cultural differences. The story follows Yaichi, a single father in Japan, as he grapples with his own prejudices and preconceptions when his deceased brother's Canadian husband, Mike, comes to visit. Through their interactions, Yaichi begins to confront his own homophobia and learns the importance of embracing love and understanding in a changing world.

The book is a dark fantasy manga that follows the journey of a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, and his younger sister is turned into one. Driven by a mix of grief and determination, he joins an organization dedicated to exterminating demons and seeks a way to revert his sister back to her human form. Throughout his perilous quest, he encounters various allies and adversaries, mastering swordsmanship and harnessing unique breathing techniques to battle the demon threat and unravel the mysteries surrounding their origin and his family's tragedy.