Devotions by Mary Oliver
A carefully curated collection of over 200 poems spanning more than five decades, showcasing her love for the natural world and the profound connections between all living things. This definitive volume, arranged by Oliver herself, includes selections from her earliest works to her most recent, offering readers timeless insights and luminous writing that inspire mindfulness and transformation. Identified as “this country’s best-selling poet,” Oliver’s work continues to provide solace and inspiration in an often chaotic world.
This Motherless Land by Nikki May
A decolonial retelling of Mansfield Park exploring identity, culture, and family ties. When Funke moves from Nigeria to England after tragedy, she finds solace in her warm and free-spirited cousin Liv. But as the shadows of family history and ambition grow, their bond is tested, spanning two decades and two continents in a poignant story of love and belonging.
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
A poignant exploration of love, community, and the impact of uncontrollable forces on ordinary lives in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. Through a cast of vivid characters navigating a fraught wedding, economic struggles, and environmental challenges, Erdrich weaves a story of humor, tragedy, and resilience. This stunning novel is a meditation on humanity’s bond with the earth and the enduring power of love and hope.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Three estranged sisters—Avery, a lawyer in London; Bonnie, a bouncer in Los Angeles; and Lucky, a model in Paris—return to their New York family home a year after their sister Nicky’s death. As they confront grief, their childhood disappointments, and the looming sale of their apartment, they uncover hidden truths about themselves and their bond. This moving story explores the complexities of family, identity, and healing.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Phoebe Stone, reeling from personal loss, arrives alone at the Cornwall Inn, where she’s mistaken for a wedding guest. Despite her plans for solitude, Phoebe forms an unexpected bond with the bride, leading to surprising revelations and a fresh start. Both funny and tender, this novel explores life’s unexpected detours and the connections that can change everything.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
In 1975 Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are vanishing, and Patch, a one-eyed local boy, becomes an unlikely hero when he saves the daughter of a wealthy family. His actions bring both heartache and hope, blurring the line between triumph and tragedy for those who love him. Chris Whitaker weaves a gripping tale of mystery, obsession, and the enduring power of hope.
Swift River by Essie Chambers
In the summer of 1987, Diamond Newberry, the only Black person in Swift River, navigates learning to drive while grappling with her father’s mysterious disappearance years ago. As her mother seeks to declare him legally dead, a letter from an unknown relative uncovers a family history of resilience, love, and abandonment. Through this journey, Diamond discovers her place in the world and confronts how the past will shape her future.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Follows Lily Chen, a broke intern in 1999 New York who falls for Matthew, a wealthy heir, despite their vastly different worlds. Years later, her son Nick, feeling out of place on a remote island, searches for his biological father, uncovering buried truths. Rachel Khong crafts a moving exploration of family, race, class, and the forces that shape who we are.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
When Lauren comes home one night, she’s shocked to find a husband she doesn’t remember marrying—and her life seems to confirm they’ve been together for years. But when he disappears in the attic, only to be replaced by another man and a slightly different reality, Lauren discovers her attic is creating endless versions of her life. As she navigates these shifting worlds, she must decide when to stop searching for perfection and start living fully.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, through poignant vignettes that capture both heartbreak and joy. As Esperanza navigates her world, she begins to shape her own identity and future. Beloved by readers and widely taught, this timeless work resonates across generations and cultures.
The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez
Chronicles the construction of the Panama Canal through the lives of those often overlooked by history. Francisco, a fisherman, struggles with his son Omar’s decision to labor on the canal, while Ada, a resourceful stowaway from Barbados, fights for her family’s survival and aids Omar after an arduous shift. When scientist John Oswald hires Ada to care for his ailing wife, their lives intertwine in a sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice, and resilience.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Andy is heartbroken and stuck—without a home, waiting for his comedy career to take off, and wondering why Jen left him. Determined to solve the mystery of their breakup, he hopes understanding will bring her back. In this witty and relatable tale, Dolly Alderton explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, offering a story with two endings and plenty of laughs along the way.
The Waters. by Bonnie Jo Campbell
Set in the Great Massasauga Swamp, herbalist Hermine “Herself” Zook heals the women of Whiteheart, Michigan, while inspiring both awe and fear. Her granddaughter, eleven-year-old Donkey, grows up untamed, longing for her absent mother and a father she’s never known. As family secrets and violent forces threaten her world, Donkey’s story becomes a poignant exploration of resilience, nature’s beauty, and the harshness of rural life.
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