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Contemporary Fiction

Here in our Contemporary Fiction section at Thryft, discover compelling narratives from groundbreaking authors that challenge, entertain, and inspire us. From thought-provoking tales to emotional sagas, find your next page-turner here!

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Serious Men - Thryft
Manu Joseph | Harper Collins

Serious Men

$11.59 from $6.90 Save up to 45%

Goodreads rating: 3.77

$11.59 from $6.90 Save up to 45%

In stock: Very Good

"Serious Men" will resonate with anyone who's ever felt stuck in life, dreaming of something greater. Manu Joseph manages to weave humor and poignancy to tell the story of Ayyan Mani, a man whose schemes of breaking free from societal chains are as audacious as they are entertaining. This book might just make you laugh, think, and root for an underdog who's playing a high-stakes game.
Until I Find You - Thryft
John Irving | Ballantine Books

Until I Find You

$6.90 from $3.90 Save up to 56%

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$6.90 from $3.90 Save up to 56%

In stock: Well Read

I would not recommend this book to any user as it lacks any redeeming qualities. The plot is dull, the repetitive story arc is unoriginal, and the characters are uninteresting. The author tries to create amusing aspects but fails miserably resulting in a tedious read. Steer clear!
We Need New Names
NoViolet Bulawayo | Back Bay Books

We Need New Names

from $10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.74

from $10.90

In stock: Well Read

We Need New Names is a striking read that's hard to put down. It's particularly resonant for anyone seeking to understand the immigrant experience through fresh, vibrant storytelling. NoViolet Bulawayo crafts Darling's world with such authenticity and raw emotion that you'll be drawn into each page, living alongside Darling as she navigates her ever-changing landscapes.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
New
Mohsin Hamid | Mariner Books

The Reluctant Fundamentalist

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.73

from $8.90

In stock: Very Good

"The Reluctant Fundamentalist" is a compelling narrative that takes you on a journey through the complexities of identity and the immigrant experience. Mohsin Hamid's storytelling, framed as a conversation in a Lahore cafe, offers a perspective not often found in Western literature. The novel's introspective dive into the protagonist's life before and after a world-changing event will resonate if you're intrigued by themes of belonging, love, and cultural divide.
Youth
New
J.M. Coetzee | Vintage

Youth

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.78

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"Youth" by J. M. Coetzee is a deeply intimate portrayal of a young man grappling with his aspirations and the stark reality of life. As you dive into the protagonist's introspective journey from South Africa to London, you might find echoes of your own search for meaning amidst the chaos of adulthood. The novel's clear, poignant prose and the relentless quest for artistic and personal authenticity could resonate with anyone who's ever felt adrift in their formative years.
Pao
Kerry Young | Bloomsbury Usa

Pao

from $14.90

Goodreads rating: 3.69

from $14.90

In stock: Well Read

"Pao" is a novel with heart and heritage, plunging you into a vibrant, gritty Jamaica far from the postcards. Kerry Young delivers a poignant narrative told through the eyes of Pao, a character caught between the roles of a criminal godfather and a tender-hearted man. This read promises more than just thrills; it's an exploration of identity and a front row seat to a historical juncture in Jamaica's story. The allure of Pao's duality, matched with the rich backdrop of cultural fusion, gives this book a distinctive flavor that's both enlightening and entertaining.
TransAtlantic - Thryft
Colum McCann | Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

TransAtlantic

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Goodreads rating: 3.82

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In stock: Well Read

If you’re someone who loves diving into the complex tapestry of history through personal lives and epic journeys, "TransAtlantic" is a book that could enchant you. McCann masterfully intertwines tales across time, from daring flights to political quests and the pursuit of freedom. His poetic prose and the deeply human stories at the heart of this novel make it a captivating read that not only entertains but also offers profound insights into the interconnectedness of our stories.
MIR 10 - Thryft
Evie Wyld, Jackie Kay, Colin Grant  | Birkbeck

MIR 10

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Goodreads rating: 3.6

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In stock: Very Good

"MIR 10" is like taking a world trip from your armchair, tapping into a vibrant tapestry of cultures, experiences, and emotions. The anthology breaks the mold, showcasing how diverse voices can weave unforgettable narratives that resonate with anyone looking for fresh, authentic storytelling. Each piece promises to challenge your views or tug at your heartstrings, making it a precious find for literary explorers.
What Came Before He Shot Her : Part of Inspector Lynley: 14 - Thryft
Elizabeth George | Hodder

What Came Before He Shot Her : Part of Inspector Lynley: 14

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Goodreads rating: 3.59

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In stock: Well Read

This novel is a profound exploration of the pressures and heartaches that can drive a child to the brink. Elizabeth George constructs a gritty reality that's hauntingly relatable for anyone curious about the darker corridors of human circumstance. You'll be escorted through the life of young Joel with raw emotion and complexities that go beyond the typical crime novel. It's an eye-opening read you won't forget.
Entering Normal - Thryft
Anne D. LeClaire | Orion Paperbacks

Entering Normal

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Goodreads rating: 3.55

$8.68 from $5.90 Save up to 36%

In stock: Like New

"Entering Normal" is an evocative pick for anyone who's seeking a story of resilience and the transformative power of unexpected relationships. Anne D. LeClaire has a way of delicately exploring the depths of human emotion, ideal for those who appreciate narratives about starting anew and forming bonds that transcend life's challenges. This tale of two contrasting women finding common ground in a small town will reel you in with its heartfelt exploration of loss, motherhood, and the quest for belonging.
Welcome To The World Baby Girl - Thryft
Fannie Flagg | Vintage

Welcome To The World Baby Girl

from $3.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

from $3.90

In stock: Well Read

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! is a heartfelt story of Dena Nordstrom, a young TV interviewer, who battles emotional struggles while navigating the ups and downs of the media industry. Fannie Flagg's witty writing style shines through the unforgettable cast of characters, making this a page-turner till the end. Highly recommended for those interested in the media industry or anyone looking for a heartwarming read.
I Smile Back
Amy Koppelman | Two Dollar Radio

I Smile Back

$9.90 from $7.90 Save up to 20%

Goodreads rating: 3.11

$9.90 from $7.90 Save up to 20%

In stock: Very Good

"I Smile Back" dives deep into the complex psyche of Laney Brooks, taking you on a raw and unsettling journey that’s both intimate and harrowing. If you're drawn to stories that explore the darker sides of suburbia and motherhood, and characters who are flawed yet profoundly human, this book promises a gripping experience that's hard to shake off. It's a stark, yet empathetic portrayal of a woman wrestling with her demons, making it a stirring read for anyone interested in psychologically nuanced fiction.
Pay It Forward
Catherine Ryan Hyde | Pocket Books

Pay It Forward

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.19

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"Pay It Forward" could really resonate with you if you're looking to be uplifted by the power of simple acts of kindness. The novel's ripple effect of goodwill is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking, offering a beautiful perspective on how one person's actions can truly make a difference in the world. It speaks to the optimist in all of us, encouraging us to believe in the potential for positive change, one small step at a time.
In Another Country: Selected Stories - Thryft
David Constantine | Comma Press

In Another Country: Selected Stories

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Goodreads rating: 3.78

$8.90 from $5.90 Save up to 34%

In stock: Very Good

If you're drawn to the kind of storytelling that weaves through the complexities of human emotions against the backdrop of time's inexorable march, "In Another Country" by David Constantine will speak to you. The vivid prose and poignant narratives in stories like "The Cave" delve into the depths of relationships and personal transformation. It’s a good read for introspective evenings where you want literature that both challenges and satisfies.
Welcome To The World Baby Girl - Thryft
Fannie Flagg | Vintage

Welcome To The World Baby Girl

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Goodreads rating: 3.91

$7.90 from $3.90 Save up to 56%

In stock: Well Read

Recommendation: Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! is perfect for readers looking for a heartwarming story that will keep them guessing until the end. Fannie Flagg's unforgettable characters and surprising plot twists make this book a joy to read. With themes of love, survival, and overcoming adversity, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a touching and inspiring story.
Up in the Air
Walter Kirn | Hodder & Stoughton

Up in the Air

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 2.88

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"Up in the Air" resonates with the modern professional who's always on the go, where airports and hotels feel like second homes. If you've ever felt both liberated and trapped by your career, Ryan Bingham's journey – physically and emotionally aloft – could echo your own search for meaning amidst the miles. It's a smart, humorous look at the oddities of corporate culture and the pursuit of a life less ordinary.
The Rest of Her Life - Thryft
Laura Moriarty | Hyperion

The Rest of Her Life

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Goodreads rating: 3.42

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In stock: Very Good

This book would be a good read for those who appreciate thought-provoking stories that explore the complexities of motherhood and its impact on family dynamics. Laura Moriarty's The Rest of Her Life delves into the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by Leigh, a mother struggling to navigate the aftermath of her daughter's tragic mistake. The author gives readers a raw and compassionate look at the fragility of relationships and the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her child, making it impossible to put down.
Aspen Gold - Thryft
dailey-janet | Sphere Books

Aspen Gold

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Goodreads rating: 3.55

$8.68 from $5.90 Save up to 36%

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to stories that blend romance with a thrilling twist amidst picturesque landscapes, "Aspen Gold" by Janet Dailey might just be the escape you need. Janet Dailey has a knack for weaving together the warmth of love and the chill of suspense, making it a compelling read for those who crave a multi-dimensional story. Set against the backdrop of Colorado's majestic mountains, it promises an atmospheric journey that complements its emotional and suspenseful narrative.
Can You See Me?
Ruth Gilligan | Hachette

Can You See Me?

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.13

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

If you've ever faced hardships that seemed too heavy to carry alone, "Can You See Me?" could resonate deeply with you. It's a story that tackles the weight of carrying an unseen burden and the quest for self-forgiveness amidst the picturesque backdrop of Cambridge University. Alice's journey of confronting her past and the solace she finds in unexpected friendship paints a poignant narrative of human strength and vulnerability. This book isn't just about the struggles, but about the hopeful endeavor of piecing oneself back together.
The Colour of Memory
Geoff Dyer | Canongate Books

The Colour of Memory

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.84

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

If you've ever longed to immerse in 1980s London with a raw, unfiltered gaze, "The Colour of Memory" might be a ticket back to a time of youth struggling against societal margins. Geoff Dyer captures the essence of an almost extinct generation, providing not just a narrative but a tribute to the counterculture heroes of a gritty, bygone era. His wit and descriptive power give life to a world that's both starkly real and tinged with poignant nostalgia.
The Secret Life of Bees - Thryft
Sue Monk Kidd | Headline Book Publishing

The Secret Life of Bees

$8.68 from $5.90 Save up to 36%

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$8.68 from $5.90 Save up to 36%

In stock: Well Read

"The Secret Life of Bees" envelops you in a young girl’s poignant quest for truth and love amidst the turbulent backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Lily's journey to discover more about her mother will lead you through a vivid narrative filled with deep emotional landscapes and the thrumming life of bees—a metaphor for community and care that can resonate with anyone looking for belonging or healing. Sue Monk Kidd’s blend of rich characters and the spiritual connection they foster with nature makes this novel both an enlightening and touching read.
And We Sold The Rain - Contemporary Fiction From Central America - Thryft
Rosario Santos | Four Walls

And We Sold The Rain - Contemporary Fiction From Central America

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Goodreads rating: 3.56

$5.90 from $3.90 Save up to 51%

In stock: Well Read

This book could be a good read for you if you are intrigued by the untold stories of Central America's tumultuous past. Through powerful narratives, the author brings to light the harsh realities of massacres, guerrilla warfare, and the effects of a fragile economy on the oppressed. Prepare to be moved by the enduring spirit of the characters as they navigate through family life, depression, and the fight for justice.
White Lightning
Justin Cartwright | Sceptre

White Lightning

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.48

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"White Lightning" isn't just a story, it's an introspective odyssey. As a motorcycle messenger embarks on a journey of self-discovery through painting his bike, you'll be drawn into his poignant recollections of love, loss, and the persistent quest for meaning. Cartwright's narrative offers a novel glimpse at Englishness with humor, sharp insight, and a touch of the exotic. If you appreciate tales that grapple with the essence of life, this book could be a compelling companion for your own contemplations.
Londonstani - Thryft
Gautam Malkani | Fourth Estate

Londonstani

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Goodreads rating: 3.35

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In stock: Very Good

"Londonstani" is a vibrant, bold exploration of adolescence in a multicultural suburb. It offers a raw, humorous take on the struggles of identity, blending street slang with South Asian dialect to create a narrative that's as challenging as it is engaging. Perfect for those interested in the cultural fusion and the diaspora experience with an appetite for linguistic innovation.
Oh My Stars - Thryft
Lorna Landvik | Bantam Books

Oh My Stars

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Goodreads rating: 3.9

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In stock: Well Read

Oh My Stars can be a great read for anyone who enjoys novels that are filled with emotional depth and heartwarming stories. The book's most unique feature is its ability to evoke powerful emotions in readers, making them laugh, cry, and cheer for its characters. Landvik's masterful storytelling is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads this book.
Shoplifting from American Apparel
Tao Lin | Melville House

Shoplifting from American Apparel

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Goodreads rating: 3.14

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In stock: Very Good

"Shoplifting from American Apparel" offers a raw slice of contemporary urban life through the eyes of an introspective young writer. It's a book that delves into the existential musings of the millennial generation, crafting a narrative that's both strikingly mundane and deeply reflective. If you're interested in a glimpse into the subcultures of modern America and the internal dialogues that shape our perceptions of success and morality, then this novella by Tao Lin might just resonate with you.
A Good Man in Africa - Thryft
William Boyd | Avon Books

A Good Man in Africa

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Goodreads rating: 3.85

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In stock: Well Read

"A Good Man in Africa" is an excellent escape for anyone who finds humor in the tribulations of a not-so-successful diplomat entangled in misadventures. William Boyd effortlessly combines political satire with a deeply flawed, yet oddly endearing main character. It's a witty portrayal of a man's professional and personal mishaps in an African backdrop that promises laughs, cringes, and a candid look at human shortcomings.
Fortune's Rocks - Thryft
Anita Shreve | Abacus

Fortune's Rocks

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Goodreads rating: 3.9

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In stock: Very Good

"Fortune's Rocks" feels like a journey into both the complexities of the human heart and a bygone era. If you're drawn to stories with rich character development and narratives that capture the emotional turbulence of youth and first love, this book will resonate with you. Anita Shreve's masterful description will transport you back in time, weaving a story that's as much about personal growth as it is about romance and societal norms.
Mountain Time: A Novel
Ivan Doig | Scribner

Mountain Time: A Novel

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.5

from $8.90

In stock: Very Good

"Mountain Time" invites you into the soulful world of unresolved family dynamics and the quest for personal peace. It's the kind of book that paints vast, natural landscapes not just as a setting, but as an integral character influencing the lives within. Ivan Doig's talent for intertwining the grandeur of the American West with the intimate struggles of love and family creates a narrative that's both grounding and sweeping. If you're drawn to stories where the environment echoes the emotional turmoils of its characters, this novel will resonate with you deeply.
A Bit of Earth - Thryft
Suchen Christine Lim | Times Books International

A Bit of Earth

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Goodreads rating: 3.79

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In stock: Well Read

"A Bit of Earth" could resonate with you if you're intrigued by rich cultural narratives. Set against the backdrop of Singapore's complex past, Christine Lim weaves personal stories with national history, offering a textured portrayal that feels intimate yet grand. It’s like a literary tapestry, inviting you to touch the fabric of a nation's soul.
My Absolute Darling - Thryft
Gabriel Tallent | Riverhead Books

My Absolute Darling

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Goodreads rating: 3.61

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In stock: Well Read

"My Absolute Darling" is a deeply immersive story about resilience and the raw intensity of a young girl's struggle for autonomy. As you follow Turtle's harrowing journey, you'll be gripped by her gritty survival instincts, and her intimate connection with nature's beauty and brutality. This book offers a profound exploration of personal strength, and if you appreciate narratives that challenge the spirit while celebrating the triumph of the human will, this one will stay with you long after the last page.
Big Lonesome Stories
Joseph Scapellato | Harper Perennial

Big Lonesome Stories

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

from $8.90

In stock: Very Good

If you're itching for tales that twist the familiar into the extraordinary, "Big Lonesome" could satiate that craving. Joseph Scapellato masterfully stitches together the American West, folding myth into reality, and examining masculinity with a sharp, yet oddball touch. It's a fresh take that while rooted in tradition, marches to the beat of its own wildly inventive drum. You might just find yourself lost in its unique storytelling, where cowboys and creatures grapple with existence in evocative ways.
Restoration - Thryft
Rose Tremain | Vintage Books

Restoration

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Goodreads rating: 3.98

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In stock: Very Good

"Restoration" captivates with its rich historical tapestry. You'll find yourself lost in the opulence of King Charles II's reign as seen through the eyes of Robert Merivel. It's about the perilous balance between ambition and morality, and the glaring cost of transgression. Merivel's character is so vivid, it's as if his follies and journey of redemption are our own. It's a book that doesn't only portray an era—it makes you feel the profound human struggles within it.
The Emperor's Children - Thryft

The Emperor's Children

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$12.90 from $5.90 Save up to 58%

In stock: Well Read

This book is a captivating exploration of the intertwining lives of three friends in New York City. The author skillfully captures the complexities of ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of success. With its richly drawn characters and engrossing storyline, The Emperor's Children immerses readers in a world of glamour, self-discovery, and the consequences of unexpected decisions. A must-read for anyone seeking a beautifully observed novel that delves into the hopes, dreams, and challenges of a generation navigating adulthood in a fast-paced city.
The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe
Andrew O'Hagan | Faber & Faber

The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 2.73

from $8.90

In stock: Very Good

If the glitz and glam of 20th-century Hollywood, combined with a unique narrative twist sounds intriguing to you, then diving into "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe" will be a treat. Witnessing events and changes from the perspective of Marilyn Monroe's canine companion offers you a fresh lens on history and celebrity culture, making this book a distinctive read that cleverly blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
The Emperor
Ahmed Essop | Ravan Press

The Emperor

from $15.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

from $15.90

In stock: Well Read

Essop's "The Emperor" offers a profound look into the dynamics of power and the inevitability of change, set against a South African background. If you're interested in the interplay of political and personal narratives, this book will resonate with you. It's a unique lens on authority and revolution, infused with local color and context.
Skylight Confessions
Alice Hoffman | Chatto & Windus

Skylight Confessions

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.7

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

Alice Hoffman's "Skylight Confessions" is a mesmerizing tapestry interlacing the supernatural with the intricate emotions of familial bonds. If you're drawn to tales that inject the mystical into the everyday struggles and triumphs of family life, this novel delicately explores the spaces between love and loss with a touch of magic realism. Delving into this story might feel like uncovering a family's secret history, while witnessing how the past shapes the living and the yet-to-come.
Exterminator! A Novel - Thryft
William S. Burroughs | Penguin

Exterminator! A Novel

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Goodreads rating: 3.73

$11.59 from $6.90 Save up to 46%

In stock: Well Read

"Exterminator!" is vintage Burroughs—an unflinching satire that slices through societal underbellies with razor-sharp wit. If you're a fan of the Beats or if societal critiques wrapped in eccentric, disjointed storytelling excite you, then this mosaic of madness and experimentation is for you. Burroughs' distinct blend of dark humor and hallucinatory prose will make you rethink norms while navigating its bizarre literary ride.
Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll - Thryft
Eric Bogosian | Theatre Communications Group

Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll

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Goodreads rating: 3.79

$8.90 from $3.90 Save up to 56%

In stock: Very Good

If you enjoy biting satire and raw portrayals of American life, "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" by Eric Bogosian might be your next page-turner. Bogosian’s reputation for gripping monologues shines through as he dives into the underbelly of the 90s, depicting a slew of characters that are as funny as they are unsettling. This book is a rollercoaster through the highs and lows of the American dream, making you laugh until you think.
Brothers - Thryft
Yu Hua | Picador Asia

Brothers

$8.90 from $4.90 Save up to 46%

Goodreads rating: 4.08

$8.90 from $4.90 Save up to 46%

In stock: Well Read

"Brothers" will resonate with you, especially if you enjoy stories woven through with family dynamics and personal ambition. As you turn the pages, you'll navigate the complex relationship between Baldy Li and Song Gang, brothers by fate who carve divergent paths amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Cultural Revolution. Yu Hua meticulously draws characters that stay with you, tangled in a web of love, rivalry, and the inexorable pull of destiny. This novel isn't just a family saga; it's a mirror reflecting the transformative journey of not just two men but of a nation itself.
The Lost Diaries of Adrian Mole, 1999-2001 - Thryft
Sue Townsend | Penguin Books Ltd

The Lost Diaries of Adrian Mole, 1999-2001

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Goodreads rating: 3.79

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In stock: Well Read

Recommendation: - This book is a laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming diary of Adrian Mole, a single parent facing the challenges of raising two young boys. With a witty and relatable narrative, you'll find yourself sympathizing with Adrian's daily struggles while also enjoying his humorous observations. If you're in need of a light-hearted and entertaining read that captures the realities of parenthood, this book is for you.
Dear Mr. President : Stories and a Novella - Thryft
Gabe Hudson | Vintage

Dear Mr. President : Stories and a Novella

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Goodreads rating: 3.65

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In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to the surreal juxtaposition of gritty war realism and fantastical elements, "Dear Mr. President" would intrigue you. Gabe Hudson stitches together the absurdity of war-induced transformations—physical and psychological—through humor that's as unsettling as it is sharp. It's a read that promises to challenge your perceptions of war's impact with an imaginative twist.
Transparency - Stories
Frances Hwang | Back Bay Books

Transparency - Stories

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.41

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"Transparency - Stories" by Frances Hwang taps into the delicate dance of maintaining cultural identity amidst the modern world's complexities. The stories are intimate, revealing the inner workings of immigrant families as they navigate the tensions between old customs and new opportunities. The poignant storytelling resonates with anyone who understands the delicate balance of family expectations and self-discovery, making it a compelling read for those intrigued by the immigrant experience and the universal quest for belonging.
Oh, Play That Thing - The Last Roundup
Roddy Doyle | Vintage Books Usa

Oh, Play That Thing - The Last Roundup

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.28

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

If you relish historical fiction teeming with wit, Roddy Doyle's "Oh, Play That Thing" will transport you to 1920s America alongside the clever, cheeky Henry Smart. Doyle weaves a captivating narrative blending adventure, crime, and music—jazz becomes Henry's baptism into a new world. A pilgrimage through a vividly drawn era, with a soundtrack by none other than Louis Armstrong, awaits you in these pages.
Facing the Light
Adèle Geras | Orion

Facing the Light

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.56

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to stories where a single event unfolds layers of hidden truths, "Facing the Light" might resonate with you. Celebrations at Willow Court reveal more than just familial affection. With an artist's legacy casting shadows on the present, Adele Geras's novel invites you to a family gathering that becomes a revelation, and potentially a redemption, for an entire lineage. Witnessing the unraveling of tightly held secrets against the backdrop of a grand English home could be as captivating as it is thought-provoking.
You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town
Zoë Wicomb | Virago

You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.57

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town" is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging in a society that enforces racial divisions. Zoë Wicomb's writing is not only literary artistry but also a historical witness that resonates with emotional depth. By delving into the challenges faced by mixed heritage individuals during apartheid, this book offers a perspective that is as educational as it is affecting. If you're drawn to stories that combine the richness of personal experience with the complexities of social justice, this read will likely stay with you long after the last page.
The Man Who Was Late - Thryft
Louis Begley | Ballantine Books

The Man Who Was Late

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Goodreads rating: 3.33

$8.90 from $3.90 Save up to 56%

In stock: Well Read

This book would be a good read for those who appreciate introspective narratives that explore the complexities of love, identity, and the weight of the past. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, "The Man Who Was Late" delves into the enigmatic relationship between Ben, a Holocaust survivor, and Veronique, a married woman. The author's contemplative writing style captivates readers, immersing them in the characters' deep commitment and the emotional urgency of their stolen moments together. It is a poignant exploration of the human capacity for connection and the choices we make in pursuit of happiness.
Last Night In Twisted River - A Novel - Thryft

Last Night In Twisted River - A Novel

$7.90 from $3.90 Save up to 56%

$7.90 from $3.90 Save up to 56%

In stock: Well Read

This book would be a great read for anyone who enjoys thrilling and heartwarming stories. Last Night in Twisted River takes you on a journey through 1950s New Hampshire to Toronto, following the lives of a father and son who become fugitives. The author's voice shines through, captivating readers with his storytelling skills. With its unique storyline and unforgettable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Another Night, Another Day - Thryft
Sarah Rayner | Macmillan

Another Night, Another Day

$8.90 from $5.90 Save up to 37%

Goodreads rating: 3.7

$8.90 from $5.90 Save up to 37%

In stock: Well Read

If the complex tapestry of human emotions intrigues you, 'Another Night, Another Day' is a journey you'd want to embark on. Sarah Rayner crafts a poignant narrative about overcoming personal struggles, through the supportive bond formed among individuals who were once just strangers. It showcases the power of connection and the beauty of finding solace in shared experiences, wrapped in a story that's both moving and relatable.
The Daily Assortment of Astonishing Things and Other Stories
The Caine Prize for African Writing | New Internationalist Books

The Daily Assortment of Astonishing Things and Other Stories

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.56

from $8.90

In stock: Like New

If you're looking to delve into the rich tapestry of African storytelling, "The Daily Assortment of Astonishing Things and Other Stories" is a solid choice. As a compilation of the year's most compelling short stories, it reflects the diversity and depth of African writing. Each piece serves as a cultural journey, offering a glimpse into varied landscapes and lives bound by a common thread of masterful storytelling.

Explore Modern Narratives

Whether you’re drawn to gritty urban plots or stories focused on tender relationships, novels in our Contemporary Fiction section echo the complexities of today’s world. Immerse yourself in stories that capture significant human experiences, by insightful authors from around the globe. This is our gateway to modern narratives shaping the future of literature.