An incredible attempt to translate the untranslatable. Funny, diverse, and wielding an awe inspiring grasp of language, the English counterpart of the 50 Impostures is a must read for linguists, poets, or anyone with an appreciate for words. Stylish and carefully crafted, these classic Arabic literature adventures highlight cunning, deception, and the pursuit of a better life with unforgettable characters and passages that delight as much as they engage the reader. It is worth the work of diving into the research and personal interpretation behind each chapter, and a stellar performance of blending original texts with a translator’s unique touch....more
A haunting saga of real world horrors in the Jim-Crow era South. Dark, winding, and filled with emotionally fluid prose, The Reformatory shows us, thrA haunting saga of real world horrors in the Jim-Crow era South. Dark, winding, and filled with emotionally fluid prose, The Reformatory shows us, through the eyes of a child, the shattering of innocence that comes as a result of racism, trauma, and injustice, as well as the long-hidden truths of the mass incarceration, torture, and murder of Black men and boys, which continues today. A physical manifestation of grief, rage, and longing, the ghosts of this novel are a compelling note of all that is left unsaid, undone, by young lives senselessly extinguished. Historically rich, informative, and deeply moving, this disturbing coming of age is a necessary look at the ways in which lives are buried and forgotten for the simple crime of being born in a prejudiced society. However, this story is not without hope, and a look towards a future in which justice not only crawls from the shadows, but thrives. ...more
A genre-bending modern classic that vividly explores a reimagined history in which vampires and humans war for supremacy. Moody, atmospheric, and withA genre-bending modern classic that vividly explores a reimagined history in which vampires and humans war for supremacy. Moody, atmospheric, and with the stylistic writing of a vintage thriller, Anno Dracula is a sweeping character study in corruption, desire, and navigating the line between morality and justification. It begs the question: what does it mean to be alive? Is life worth living when it goes on forever? Who decides what is evil, and who has the right to be the enforcer of good? Clever and filled with nods to historical horror and crime figures, this novel is a puzzle of so many fascinating pieces. An essential reads for any fan of vampire lore. ...more
A compelling saga of mothers, daughters, and life changing choices. Against the backdrop of early 20th century Jerusalem, Three Daughters chronicles tA compelling saga of mothers, daughters, and life changing choices. Against the backdrop of early 20th century Jerusalem, Three Daughters chronicles the repercussions of secrets kept by three generations of Christian Palestinian women. From romance to betrayal to the nuances of mother-daughter relationships, this sweeping novel takes an in depth look at the question of how far you would go to protect your heart; would you live a beautiful life at the expense of a foundation of lies? What truly makes a mother, and what makes a “good” daughter? Filled with longing and passion, each woman is a testament to the strength of love, and the power of forgiveness. Tender and carefully crafted to reflect the ways in which we mirror our mothers, the ways that we both repeat her mistakes and learn from them, and the ways in which we learn to understand them when we ourselves grow into a place of love and heartbreak. ...more
A wonderfully immersive fantasy epic that brings together magic, chaos, and feminine power. Through incredible worhttps://instagram.com/p/CrlLeTgraT5/
A wonderfully immersive fantasy epic that brings together magic, chaos, and feminine power. Through incredible world building, layered, authentic characters, and a chilling prophecy come to pass, the Priory of the Orange Tree delivers a cinematic and enthralling story that is filled with action, emotion, and leaves the reader eager for more. Each storyline is carefully crafted, coming together to form a picture that is as vibrant as it is gratifying. This novel attests to the hold that legacy has over societies, how the past is so often misremembered for the benefit of those in power, how stories are both a blessing and a curse, and how the courage to do the right thing in a world that is set in its ways is incredibly difficult to summon, but worthwhile. My only complaint is that I wished for more; this is a world with so many more stories to tell, especially regarding its rich dragon lore and it’s extensive past, uncertain future. A completely pleasing adventure perfect for beginners and lovers of fantasy....more
An incredible modern classic. Middlesex is a sweeping family saga told from the perspective of Cal Stephanides as he muses on his family history, his gender identity and mental health as an intersex individual, and the many cultural and political events that shaped his experiences. This novel is alive with personality- animated, sassy, and philosophical, Cal is an unforgettable narrator. Middlesex is ambitious in its contents, covering wartime politics, family secrets, lgbtq+ history, the immigrant experience, and how cultural and demographics shape our perception of identity and love; yet, it is told with such wit and vibrancy that it comes together into a wonderfully chaotic tale that feels real. Funny, epic, and heartfelt, this is a novel that is worthy of its praise, and a treat to read....more
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