Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This powerful memoir by Danielle Allen delves into the tragedy of mass incarceration through her own personal experience of trying to rescue her baby cousin, who was arrested for an attempted carjacking at just fifteen years old. Despite her heroic efforts, Michael served eleven years in prison and was later found murdered. Through her compassionate retelling of his story, Allen raises important questions about the American justice system and the devastating impact of mass incarceration on families and communities. A must-read for anyone interested in social justice and systemic change.

"Speak No Evil" is a powerful and heart-wrenching novel that explores what it means to be different in a conformist society, and how that difference can lead to devastating consequences. Set in Washington D.C., the story follows Niru, a gay teenager from a conservative Nigerian family, who must navigate the complexities of coming out to his parents and friends. As Niru struggles to reconcile his desires against society's expectations, he finds unexpected solidarity in his best friend Meredith. But when Niru's father discovers his secret, their world is turned upside down, and they are both forced to confront the brutal realities of love and violence. This deeply compassionate and timely novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of words and self-identification, and the struggle to find one's voice in a world that seeks to silence it.

In this modern classic, Alice Walker depicts the lives of African American women in early 20th-century rural Georgia. The story follows Celie and Nettie, two sisters separated as girls who sustain their loyalty and hope in each other through a series of letters spanning 20 years. The Color Purple broke the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, narrating the lives of women through their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery. With deep compassion and beautiful writing, this Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner is a must-read journey towards redemption and love.

Fathers and Sons is a stirring tale set in Russia during the 1860s, amidst the liberation of the serfs. The story follows the generational conflict between older aristocrats and the new democratic intelligentsia, and vividly depicts the friction between liberal and conservative thought. It introduces the radical new philosophy of nihilism and follows the journey of two young friends, Arkady and Bazarov, who venture off to the provincial capital in search of amusement. This affordable masterpiece offers readers the opportunity to savor a timeless work of world literature.

This haunting novel explores family loyalty and relationships between races in New Orleans, uncovering the heartbreaking legacy of an Irish Catholic family. Moving through different decades, the story illuminates the impact of race on destiny.

"Waiting for the Vote of the Wild Animals" by Ahmadou Kourouma is a satirical novel that exposes the political machinations of African dictators during the Cold War. Through vivid storytelling, Kourouma describes the palaces, shrines, and hunting preserves built for the personal gratification of the leaders, who paraded around with mistresses, marabouts, and advisers. The novel follows the thirty-year career of the master hunter and president Koyaga, a fictionalized Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo, who assumes power through treachery, assassination, and sorcery. The novel culminates in an apocalyptic stampede that underscores Kourouma's sharp critique of African politics.

African traditions clash with modernity in this poignant story of a father-son conflict set in Nigeria. Ezeulu, chief priest of the god Ulu, is losing his authority to rivals, his family, and the white government. Unwavering, he leads his people even as destruction looms. "Arrow of God" is a spare and powerful tale of faith lost and struggle against the forces of change. The second volume of Achebe's African trilogy, it follows the classic "Things Fall Apart" and precedes "No Longer at Ease."

Embark on thrilling adventures with the Famous Five Collection, featuring three classic Enid Blyton novels. Follow the Five as they explore a mysterious house filled with secret tunnels, uncover sinister plans at a circus, and investigate their uncle's strange behavior on a secluded island. With original illustrations, this collection is a value-for-money must-read for fans of suspenseful children's fiction.

Discover the world of postwar England through the eyes of a dedicated butler as he reflects on his life of service to a "great gentleman." Follow Stevens on a country drive as he grapples with doubts about his employer's true character and his own faith in their relationship. This profoundly compelling portrait of the perfect English butler is a must-read for anyone interested in the fading, insular world of aristocratic England.