"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.

"The Vanishing Generation: Faith And Uprising In Modern Uzbekistan" explores the complex relationship between faith, politics, and social change in contemporary Uzbekistan. Through in-depth interviews and extensive research, the author delves into the lives of young Uzbeks who are navigating the challenges of religious identity, political repression, and the desire for societal transformation. This thought-provoking book sheds light on the struggles and aspirations of a generation caught between tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing society.

"We Don't Know Ourselves" by Fintan O'Toole is a collection of essays that explores the current state of Ireland and its people. O'Toole argues that Ireland's sense of identity has been shaped by its history of colonization and the struggle for independence, but that this identity is now being challenged by globalization and the changing social and economic landscape. He examines issues such as immigration, the Catholic Church's declining influence, and the rise of nationalism, and ultimately argues that Ireland needs to embrace a new sense of identity that is inclusive and forward-thinking.