Animal Farm meets Half of a Yellow Sun in this clever reimagining of the harsh aftermath of the government coup of Zimbabwe. Filled with animated prosAnimal Farm meets Half of a Yellow Sun in this clever reimagining of the harsh aftermath of the government coup of Zimbabwe. Filled with animated prose and overflowing with personality, Glory is a powerhouse of both fact-based fiction and real political commentary. An ode to the resilience and cultural expression of the people who will not be stifled by government control, the women who silently carry the hopes and dreams of a nation on their backs, and the youth who will do anything to claim their freedoms, express patriotism on their own terms. Exciting, endearing, and a timely satire of so many nations on the brink of riveting change, and the people who give those nations life, goals, language, and love. ...more
An emotionally rich, imaginative series of vignettes that capture the struggles and reflections of five generations of Métis women and the animals thaAn emotionally rich, imaginative series of vignettes that capture the struggles and reflections of five generations of Métis women and the animals that inhabit their ancestral land. Weaving tradition and modernity, past and present, life and death, A Grandmother Begins the Story is a poignant look into generational trauma, forgiveness, and facing one’s own mortality, one’s place in the world. A tribute to stories, memories, and the never ending cycles of death and rebirth, this uniquely formatted narrative gives insight from the land, the people, the animals, the dreams, reeling from colonialism and erasure, aching to find secure footing, holding dear what has been taken. Ambitious, heartfelt, and with a resounding note of resilience, this novel is a triumph of the art of passing down secrets, visions, love. ...more
The Office meets Drag Me to Hell in this darkly funny take on eternal damnation. Equal parts horror-comedy, murder mystery, and family saga, Sign HereThe Office meets Drag Me to Hell in this darkly funny take on eternal damnation. Equal parts horror-comedy, murder mystery, and family saga, Sign Here is a unique spin on the idea of making otherworldly contracts. It is a look into what people would sell their souls for, what pushes them to trade an eternity away. It is a thought provoking glimpse into what eternity truly means, how time adds such weight to the human experience, how we try to make something special with the time we have. Surprisingly meaningful message in harmony with a genuinely entertaining interpretation of life in Hell. ...more
A quirky, impactful account of survival and loneliness from the perspective of a human eating alien stranded on Earth. Funny and endearing despite itsA quirky, impactful account of survival and loneliness from the perspective of a human eating alien stranded on Earth. Funny and endearing despite its use of horror and grit, Walking Practice is a brilliant nod to the harshness of society and its treatment of othered individuals. It is a testament to the ways in which we hide ourselves in order to feel more accepted, the desire we have to be loved for our whole selves, the conflict we face of being truly authentic versus staying quiet, safer from the prying eyes and actions of those who enforce conformity. Playful but ultimately heartbreaking, this novella is artistic and ambitious, and is so timely to read. ...more
A unique novella on loneliness and the means by which we decide what is human, what is wild. Through the eyes of our protagonist, a mountain Lion who A unique novella on loneliness and the means by which we decide what is human, what is wild. Through the eyes of our protagonist, a mountain Lion who is both fascinated by and weary of the humans they observe, we see the complexities of gender, identity, and the “human” condition. We see that emotion is something felt by all living things, but is only acknowledged by humans who deem is worthy. It is a heartbreaking look into the weight of sentience, and uncertainties of life, love, and death. Somewhere between funny and heartbreaking, this fresh take on otherness and belonging is wholly endearing and insightful, a reminder to cherish and protect our natural world and its many inhabitants while we still can. ...more
The harsh political intrigue of Watership Down meets the majestic beauty of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in this extraordinary, immersive coming of age Odyssey of transformation and discovery. Filled with lush prose and a gripping oceanic perspective of life and love, Pod is a chilling call to action against the real life horrors of pollution, animal cruelty, and overfishing. Filled with both the bleak and the hopeful, this is a novel that highlights the small moments of beauty and love in a world that is slowly filling with violence and decay; it is a wonderfully nuanced look into sacrifice, identity, and belonging; what makes a home when one is destroyed, and what makes a life worth living in a world on the edge. Unflinching, raw, and wonderfully engaging, Pod is both refreshing and terrifying in its glimpse into the lives we seldom think about under the waves....more
Precious, heartbreaking, and devilishly witty, this short story is a masterful warning to humans on their dismissal of nature’s wellbeing. Through thePrecious, heartbreaking, and devilishly witty, this short story is a masterful warning to humans on their dismissal of nature’s wellbeing. Through the hilariously charming Fox 8, we see the painful duality of man, their incredible innovations, but unfortunately at the cost of ecosystems and empathy. Though a grim story at its core, Fox 8 also manages to be incredibly hopeful, using found family and perseverance to await new beginnings. An incredibly effective story that is filled with heart, not easily forgotten....more
Adorable, charming, and relatable, She and Her Cat is a collection of stories that highlights the unparalleled joys of having a pet. From the perspectAdorable, charming, and relatable, She and Her Cat is a collection of stories that highlights the unparalleled joys of having a pet. From the perspective of three cats given a new lease on life, we see unconditional love and wonder, entertainment and contended boredom, hope and longing. We see that love is a language without limit, without borders, it forges bonds that are unbreakable, regardless of circumstances. As a rescue cat owner myself, these stories are so near and dear to my heart; there is so much comfort and motivation that comes from the nurturing of a pet, every day feels full of possibility with my beloved girls beside me. ...more
A whimsical, uncanny account of the human condition from the eyes of philosophically enlightened Polar Bears. Filled with wonder and curiosity, each gA whimsical, uncanny account of the human condition from the eyes of philosophically enlightened Polar Bears. Filled with wonder and curiosity, each generation of bear contemplates trauma, companionship, ambition, and self perception amongst a world of humans, who are guided so often by selfishness and miscommunication. Filled with longing for simpler times, for understanding, and for feeling complete, memoirs of a Polar Bear is an eccentric but surprisingly touching summary of humanity. ...more
Unflinching, resonating, and vibrant, this stunning retelling allows for the wronged women of Ovid’s Metamorphoses to tell their stories in their own Unflinching, resonating, and vibrant, this stunning retelling allows for the wronged women of Ovid’s Metamorphoses to tell their stories in their own voices. Disturbingly honest, with sarcastic, bitter charm and beautifully rendered sorrow and anger, we feel the injustice of the gods taking liberties where they please, the pain of having oppressors control so many narratives and histories. The range of these stories, from playful to pensive, horrific to victorious, modern to classical, shows the true power of story telling, of memory, of picking up the pieces scattered over centuries. A marvel of a collection. ...more
A whimsical novel that radiates with romance and self discovery. Ambitious and unconventional, the Mermaid of Black Conch is a look into what makes usA whimsical novel that radiates with romance and self discovery. Ambitious and unconventional, the Mermaid of Black Conch is a look into what makes us human, what makes us love, and how we define our own stories. It is a look into belonging, found family, and the ties that we forge to our homelands and our culture. This novel also breaks down the beloved myth of mermaid into a heartrending conversation of racism, colonialism, and misogyny; it allows for the legend to be real, human, and a stand against the male gaze in so many myths. This is a clever and endearing look at the image of a mermaid, and the people who take the time to understand her for what she is, who love her truly. ...more
A delightfully touching story of friendship and the connections we make that transcend convention. Following the charming, whimsical Marcellus the octA delightfully touching story of friendship and the connections we make that transcend convention. Following the charming, whimsical Marcellus the octopus as he forges an unlikely friendship with Tova, his aquarium’s cleaning staff, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a moving reminder of the boundless compassion and intelligence that animals possess. This novel is also a tenderly crafted portrayal of loss, and the new bonds we forge over time. Funny, sad, and with a touch of magic, this novel is an unforgettable journey for broken and mending hearts. ...more
A brilliant, daring, and incredibly emotional examination of grief, growth, and how we connect to things, feelings, and each other. Unconventional andA brilliant, daring, and incredibly emotional examination of grief, growth, and how we connect to things, feelings, and each other. Unconventional and fresh, this book is overflowing with language so sure and soothing that it reaches to the deepest level of your mind and heart. Absolutely incredible. ...more
A devastating exploration of illness and the meaning of life. Told from the perspective of both a terminal illness and the woman it overtakes, Maps ofA devastating exploration of illness and the meaning of life. Told from the perspective of both a terminal illness and the woman it overtakes, Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies is a supremely unique and hard hitting journey through years of love, loss, and reconciling with one’s own mortality. Stylistically diverse and packed with both sorrow and joy, this novel is an essential read for anyone who has been touched by the effects of terminal and chronic illness, those who have watched loved ones fight indescribable battles, and those who themselves must navigate an identity that is not defined by illness, but is influenced by it. Honest, lyrical, and with the gentle knowing that pierces the heart, this is an unforgettable read of honoring creative legacies cut short, but never defeated. ...more
A witty, sarcastic commentary on “the nature of human life.” Although a grave and serious story at its core, the tone is still kept quite light and fuA witty, sarcastic commentary on “the nature of human life.” Although a grave and serious story at its core, the tone is still kept quite light and funny at times, with its “how to damn a human soul” instructions being laced with office-style banter and complaint. Interesting arguments on religion, ethics, philosophy, and politics, especially for the time it was written....more
An original and unflinching exploration on the things that bind humans together, and the things that push humans to the point of no return. With a fieAn original and unflinching exploration on the things that bind humans together, and the things that push humans to the point of no return. With a fierce writing style and heart-wrenching characters, A Tiny Upward Shove is a look into to lengths that people go to be loved, to feel seen, and the consequences that follow. It is a story of violence, of secrecy, and of justice fighting to surface. It is also a story of mercy, the small and big ways that we come to pardon ourselves and others. This was an honest debut that is rooted in the author’s advocacy for children and MMIW, it is bursting with emotion and power. ...more
Vivid, enchanting, and tragic, this collection of stories highlight the immense love and suffering, hopes and memories, dreams and dreads of the animaVivid, enchanting, and tragic, this collection of stories highlight the immense love and suffering, hopes and memories, dreams and dreads of the animals around us. From forest to sea to desert, we see the devastating costs of plundering the environment, of losing respect for nature and the gorgeously expressive creatures with whom we share the planet. We see the sacred bonds between family, the unwavering pains of longing and loss, the beats of love and reflection. We see the world in it’s harsh unrelenting beauty, it’s never ending cycles, it’s changing faces, it’s certainties and wonders. What We Fed to the Manticore is a marvel of a collection, filled with so much life and emotion, shining with both a warning and encouragement. ...more
Tender and imaginative, this novel offers a fascinating and endearing homage to nature, love, humanity, and connections. Told in part by the whimsicalTender and imaginative, this novel offers a fascinating and endearing homage to nature, love, humanity, and connections. Told in part by the whimsical and wise voice of an uprooted fig tree, we see all of the conflicts and contradictions that make up the human experience. We also see a side of nature that we rarely consider- how do our actions, both good and bad, impact the living beings that cannot speak to us directly, and how often do we take our relationship with nature for granted? I loved how this novel made me look at the trees around me in a new light (both literally and figuratively), and i was moved to laugh out loud, as well as feel a great deal of sadness, on behalf of the experiences of the Fig tree and the other species she interacts with. This is the fourth novel by Elif Shafak that I have read,and every one leaves me incredibly moved and thankful for the experience. Recommended!...more
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