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Babel: Long and didactic
Robin, a Chinese man raised in linguistics by a cold English professor, attends a prestigious language school that also specializes in a specific type of magic. While there, Robin must eventually confront cruel injustices and decide the role he wants to play in this world.
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The Lion Women of Tehran: Thought-provoking and compelling
This story follows the wealthy, high-born Ellie and her best friend from the slums, Homa, as they grow up in midcentury Tehran, facing both life and political oppression – sometimes from opposite sides.
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Lessons in Chemistry: Thoughtful and entertaining
Set in the 1960s, this story follows scientist Elizabeth Zott through the trials and tribulations that eventually push her – reluctantly – into a role as the host of a cooking show.
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The Poisonwood Bible: A confronting read
In the 1950s, the Price family moves to the Congo as Baptist missionaries, but they’re unprepared for the reality of life in the remote village of Kilanga. Told from the perspectives of the mother and four daughters, we follow the Prices through the year of their mission and the aftermath in the decades to come.
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The Familiar: Instant 5-stars
In Inquisition-era Spain, servant Luzia Cotado fights for a position at the King’s side for her ability to perform “small miracles” – but first she has to prove it’s not devil’s magic, all while hiding her Jewish lineage.
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Water for Elephants: Captivating and well-written
This story follows a man named Jacob at two different points in this life: when he’s 90 (or 93, he can’t remember) in a nursing home, and back when he joined a circus after a tragic loss in his 20s.
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Mary Jane: A delightful, cozy read
In 1975 Baltimore, 14-year-old sheltered Mary Jane takes a summer nannying job in a home where the psychologist father is treating a drug-addicted rock star and his movie star wife.
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The Duke & I (Bridgerton 1): Romanticizing toxic relationships
Simon, a duke avoiding marriage, and Daphne, a socialite looking to get engaged, pretend to court – and must avoid falling in love while they’re at it.
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The Librarianist: Hopeful and funny
Bob Comet is a retired librarian. After a chance encounter with a confused elderly woman, Bob begins volunteering at a retirement community, where he reckons with his past.
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The Great Alone: An all-time favorite
When the Allbright family moves to the Alaskan bush, a young girl must learn to survive not just the dangers of the wild but also the dangers inside her home.
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