Harry Turtledove's Last Orders is an action-packed alternate history novel that plunges readers into World War II where the United States is losing. The narrative centers on the evacuation of Southern California as Japanese forces advance, focusing on a diverse group of characters and their desperate struggles for survival.
The Davenports is a historical romance novel set in 1910s Chicago, following the lives of four young Black women navigating love, ambition, and societal expectations. The story is about the wealthy Davenport family who built their wealth through a carriage business and was one of the few Black elites of the era. Olivia Davenport, the eldest daughter, is expected to marry well but finds herself in love with a civil rights activist. Helen, her younger sister, is more interested in mechanics than debutante balls.
Salama was once a pre-medical student living a normal life with a bright future ahead of her. Suddenly, when war breaks out in Syria, her life is uprooted, and she watches her brother and father taken away to fight at war. Later, her mom is lost in another fight near her neighborhood. Now, the only person Salama has left is Layla, her sister-in-law, who is carrying her brother’s child. Salama feels heartbroken that her brother won’t be there during the birth of his baby, or to support Layla, but she promises that she will keep Layla safe at any cost.
The Death of Stalin is a darkly comedic masterpiece that hilariously chronicles the chaotic power vacuum following Joseph Stalin's demise. This action-packed film, though rooted in historical events, unfolds with a frenetic energy as high-ranking Soviet officials scramble for control, engaging in backstabbing, betrayals and farcical power plays.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a realistic fiction novel loosely based on Alcott’s real life. It follows four young sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy on their journey from childhood to womanhood. They all have different aspirations and goals, and this book is a beautiful representation of the many facets of being a woman and just how complicated it can be. For one, Meg’s dream is to get married and have children. Whereas Jo longs to be a well-known writer and share her ideas with the world.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus hit me hard because I am a woman majoring in a science degree. I have been told by teachers to be sure about wanting to pursue science in the future, as I will have a hard time getting ahead as a woman. Elizabeth, the main character, faces similar challenges of being undermined or underappreciated because of being a woman. She starts off at a science firm, but after the death of her boyfriend, she is fired for being pregnant and unwed.
Emma by Jane Austen is a beautiful period piece that follows a young matchmaker in a world of proper manners. Emma is young and single, living with only her dependent father, and takes it upon herself to match the people around her. However, she really never matches herself up with anyone. Her closest friend is Mr. Knightley and he discourages her Cupid-like tendencies. Emma’s matchmaking tendencies don’t always turn out so well, and her friend Harriet suffers the consequences which frustrates Emma.
A book narrated by death, who follows a young lonely girl through Nazi Germany. This is perhaps my favorite book of all time. The story telling is superb, the writing divine and the characters and plot weave a tale that will leave you in tears. Such a fascinating idea, to write a book narrated by death, its surprising it took so long for someone to think of it. It could so easily be overdone, made cheesy and lifeless but Zusak perfectly captures the essence of death in a meaningful and brilliant way.
A young woman, during a moment of desperation, makes a deal with the devil. Eternal life, but at a cost she didn’t yet know. When it’s done and she realizes she’s been cursed to be completely forgotten by everyone she meets the moment she leaves their eye sight, she is forced to live a solitary life over centuries.
Salt to the Sea is a haunting and beautifully written historical fiction novel that talks about one of the greatest marine disasters in history—the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff in 1945.
