This novel exposes the harsh conditions and exploited lives of immigrants in the United States in Chicago and similar industrialized cities. The protagonist, a young Lithuanian immigrant, works in the meatpacking industry and experiences the extreme poverty, poor working conditions, and lack of social services. The narrative explores the corruption of the American meatpacking industry in the early 20th century and the hardships faced by the working class, leading to significant public outcry that contributed to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act.

This novel tells the story of a young Jewish boy, David Schearl, who immigrates to New York City with his mother in the early 20th century. The narrative explores David's struggles to understand his harsh father, his experiences with anti-Semitism and poverty in the Lower East Side, and his journey of self-discovery through his vivid imagination. The boy's fears and dreams are depicted through a stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, providing a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience and the harsh realities of the American dream.

This novel presents a panoramic view of New York City between the 1890s and the 1920s, capturing the sense of the city through the lives of its inhabitants. The narrative weaves together the stories of numerous characters from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants, businessmen, and bohemians. These characters' lives intersect and diverge, reflecting the dynamism and complexity of the city itself. The city is portrayed as a place of both opportunity and disillusionment, where dreams are both realized and shattered.

The novel tells the story of Gogol Ganguli, a second-generation Indian-American, who struggles with his unique name and his dual cultural identity. Born to immigrant parents from Kolkata, India, Gogol is named after the famous Russian author, Nikolai Gogol, a decision that shapes his life in unexpected ways. As he grows up, he finds himself torn between his parents' traditional Indian values and his desire to fit into mainstream American society. This internal conflict is further complicated by his relationships with women of different cultural backgrounds. The book explores themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the immigrant experience.

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.

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.

This novel tells the story of a U.S. Army veteran suffering from PTSD and a Chinese Muslim immigrant, both struggling to survive in the harsh realities of New York City. Their lives intersect and they form a relationship, trying to make sense of their past traumas, navigate the complexities of their present, and find hope for a better future. The book provides an intense, gritty portrayal of life on the fringes of society, highlighting issues of immigration, class, and the human cost of war.

"Homeland Elegies" is a novel by Ayad Akhtar that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. The book follows the story of a Pakistani-American playwright named Ayad Akhtar who is struggling to reconcile his identity as a Muslim-American in a post-9/11 world. Through a series of interconnected stories, Akhtar explores themes of family, politics, and identity, while also examining the American Dream and the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. The novel is a powerful and poignant exploration of what it means to be an American today.

This collection of short stories provides a poignant look at the Vietnamese immigrant experience in America, specifically Louisiana. Each tale is told from the perspective of a different character, ranging from a former translator for the Australian army, to a woman who believes she is possessed by the spirit of Ho Chi Minh. The stories delve into themes of cultural identity, assimilation, memory, and the lingering effects of the Vietnam War, offering a deeply humanizing perspective on a community often marginalized or misunderstood.

"In America" is a historical novel that explores the journey of a Polish actress, Maryna Zalewska, who, along with her husband and a group of friends, immigrates to the United States in 1876 to establish a utopian commune in California. The book delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the American dream as Maryna's initial plans fail and she reinvents herself as a successful American actress. The narrative is a blend of historical fact and fiction, offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience in 19th century America.

"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.