Fiction

The Collected Works of E. F. Benson: 23 Novels & 30+ Short Stories presents a rich assortment of Benson's literary works, showcasing his unique blend of wit, humor, and social commentary. Known for his clever characterizations and keen observations of society, Benson's writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, making his stories a joy to read for fans of classic British literature. Set in the early 20th century, Benson's works capture the essence of the Edwardian era, offering a glimpse into the lives and manners of the time. E. F. Benson, a prolific writer and popular novelist, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of upper-class society, which is evident in the vivid and detailed portrayals of his characters and their interactions. With a keen eye for satire and a sharp wit, Benson's writing reflects his deep understanding of human nature and his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. I highly recommend The Collected Works of E. F. Benson to readers who enjoy immersive storytelling, vibrant characters, and a glimpse into the societal conventions of the early 20th century. This comprehensive collection offers a treasure trove of literary gems that showcase Benson's talent as a storyteller and his enduring legacy in the world of classic literature.

Born in 1904, Clifford D. Simak sold his first science fiction story in 1930, and was soon publishing widely in the pulp magazines. He also pursued a separate career as a journalist and writer on science and other popular topics. He gained widespread fame in the SF world with the first of his series of "City" stories, published in Astounding Science Fiction in 1944; these were collected together in the book of the same title, which has remained almost continuously in print ever since. Simak was best known for his pastoral and humanitarian themes, as exemplied in his Hugo Award-winning novel, Way Station (1963). In later years he wrote both fantasy and SF stories and novels, winning many additional accolades for his work. He died in 1988. Robert J. Ewald provides the first extended look at Simak's writing, from his earliest pulp stories to the sophistical fiction of his later years. Complete with Chronology, Notes, Primary and Secondary Bibliographies, and detailed Index.

The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays. "The elegance of Patchett’s prose is seductive and inviting: with Patchett as a guide, readers will really get to grips with the power of struggles, failures, and triumphs alike." —Publisher's Weekly “Any story that starts will also end.” As a writer, Ann Patchett knows what the outcome of her fiction will be. Life, however, often takes turns we do not see coming. Patchett ponders this truth in these wise essays that afford a fresh and intimate look into her mind and heart. At the center of These Precious Days is the title essay, a surprising and moving meditation on an unexpected friendship that explores “what it means to be seen, to find someone with whom you can be your best and most complete self.” When Patchett chose an early galley of actor and producer Tom Hanks’ short story collection to read one night before bed, she had no idea that this single choice would be life changing. It would introduce her to a remarkable woman—Tom’s brilliant assistant Sooki—with whom she would form a profound bond that held monumental consequences for them both. A literary alchemist, Patchett plumbs the depths of her experiences to create gold: engaging and moving pieces that are both self-portrait and landscape, each vibrant with emotion and rich in insight. Turning her writer’s eye on her own experiences, she transforms the private into the universal, providing us all a way to look at our own worlds anew, and reminds how fleeting and enigmatic life can be. From the enchantments of Kate DiCamillo’s children’s books (author of The Beatryce Prophecy) to youthful memories of Paris; the cherished life gifts given by her three fathers to the unexpected influence of Charles Schultz’s Snoopy; the expansive vision of Eudora Welty to the importance of knitting, Patchett connects life and art as she illuminates what matters most. Infused with the author’s grace, wit, and warmth, the pieces in These Precious Days resonate deep in the soul, leaving an indelible mark—and demonstrate why Ann Patchett is one of the most celebrated writers of our time.

“The Joy Luck Club is one of my favorite books. From the moment I first started reading it, I knew it was going to be incredible. For me, it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime reading experiences that you cherish forever. It inspired me as a writer and still remains hugely inspirational.” —Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians Amy Tan’s beloved, New York Times bestselling tale of mothers and daughters, now the focus of a new documentary Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir on Netflix Four mothers, four daughters, four families whose histories shift with the four winds depending on who's "saying" the stories. In 1949 four Chinese women, recent immigrants to San Francisco, begin meeting to eat dim sum, play mahjong, and talk. United in shared unspeakable loss and hope, they call themselves the Joy Luck Club. Rather than sink into tragedy, they choose to gather to raise their spirits and money. "To despair was to wish back for something already lost. Or to prolong what was already unbearable." Forty years later the stories and history continue. With wit and sensitivity, Amy Tan examines the sometimes painful, often tender, and always deep connection between mothers and daughters. As each woman reveals her secrets, trying to unravel the truth about her life, the strings become more tangled, more entwined. Mothers boast or despair over daughters, and daughters roll their eyes even as they feel the inextricable tightening of their matriarchal ties. Tan is an astute storyteller, enticing readers to immerse themselves into these lives of complexity and mystery.

Original publication and copyright date: 2009.

Winner of the ALA Stonewall Book Award—Barbara Gittings Literature Award Named Best Book of the Year by Bustle Named Most Anticipated Book of the Year by The Millions, Electric Literature, and HuffPost ​The author of the “vivid and urgent…important and timely” (The New York Times Book Review) debut The Map of Salt and Stars returns with this remarkably moving and lyrical novel following three generations of Syrian Americans who are linked by a mysterious species of bird and the truths they carry close to their hearts. Five years after a suspicious fire killed his ornithologist mother, a closeted Syrian American trans boy sheds his birth name and searches for a new one. He has been unable to paint since his mother’s ghost has begun to visit him each evening. As his grandmother’s sole caretaker, he spends his days cooped up in their apartment, avoiding his neighborhood masjid, his estranged sister, and even his best friend (who also happens to be his longtime crush). The only time he feels truly free is when he slips out at night to paint murals on buildings in the once-thriving Manhattan neighborhood known as Little Syria. One night, he enters the abandoned community house and finds the tattered journal of a Syrian American artist named Laila Z, who dedicated her career to painting the birds of North America. She famously and mysteriously disappeared more than sixty years before, but her journal contains proof that both his mother and Laila Z encountered the same rare bird before their deaths. In fact, Laila Z’s past is intimately tied to his mother’s—and his grandmother’s—in ways he never could have expected. Even more surprising, Laila Z’s story reveals the histories of queer and transgender people within his own community that he never knew. Realizing that he isn’t and has never been alone, he has the courage to officially claim a new name: Nadir, an Arabic name meaning rare. As unprecedented numbers of birds are mysteriously drawn to the New York City skies, Nadir enlists the help of his family and friends to unravel what happened to Laila Z and the rare bird his mother died trying to save. Following his mother’s ghost, he uncovers the silences kept in the name of survival by his own community, his own family, and within himself, and discovers the family that was there all along. Featuring Zeyn Joukhadar’s signature “magical and heart-wrenching” (The Christian Science Monitor) storytelling, The Thirty Names of Night is a timely exploration of how we all search for and ultimately embrace who we are.

William Dean Howells' 'Amazing Stories from the History of Ohio (Illustrated)' offers a captivating journey through Ohio's past, blending historical accounts with Howells' signature literary flair. The book presents a collection of fascinating tales, each meticulously researched and brought to life with vivid descriptions. Howells' exceptional storytelling ability shines through in his engaging narrative style, making this book a delightful read for history enthusiasts and literature lovers alike. Set against the backdrop of Ohio's rich history, the stories in this book offer a unique perspective on the state's past, showcasing Howells' deep appreciation for his home state. William Dean Howells, a renowned American writer and literary critic, channels his passion for history and storytelling in this masterfully crafted collection. As a prominent figure in literature during the late 19th century, Howells' dedication to portraying the intricacies of everyday life and the human experience is evident in this work. His thorough research and keen attention to detail reflect his commitment to preserving the legacy of Ohio through captivating narratives. 'Amazing Stories from the History of Ohio (Illustrated)' is a must-read for those interested in American history, literature, and the intersection of both. Howells' skillful storytelling and insightful commentary make this book a valuable addition to any library, offering a fresh perspective on the historical events that shaped Ohio's identity.