101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion
What are you reading?
The Oxford Book of English Short Stories by A. S. Byatt
An Introduction to the Old Testament: Canon and Christian Imagination by Walter Brueggemann and Tod Linafelt
Covered With Night by Nicole EustaceIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Covered with Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America | Goodreads
The oldest treaty between Colonists and the Five Nations grew out of the murder of a native man by two prominent fur traders. The author uses this historical moment to explore the very different approaches to justice, responsibility and diplomacy held by these two groups. I found the concepts of restorative justice and communal responsibility inspiring. But I also got lost in all the detail about every person remotely involved in this event and all the bits of info about the cultural, historical, political and geographical context.
Angels and Saints by Scott Hahn
Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Angels and Saints: A Biblical Guide to Friendship with God's Holy Ones | Goodreads
A Catholic reader who is new to the concept of the Communion of Saints may find this helpful. It was too basic for me. The second half of the book is a collection of very short biographical sketches of widely known saints.
The End of Gender by Debra Soh
Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths about Sex and Identity in Our Society | Goodreads
The author argues that progressive attitudes toward issues such as gender equality and gender affirming care has silenced scientific research on the biology around human sexual expression resulting in poor public policies and misguided understanding of important issues. I do not know enough about the research on these topics to evaluate the thesis of this book. But, this read more like a polemic than a detached presentation of scientific research. I was left wondering if the author had cherry-picked findings to further her opinion or presented findings in a way that would reinforce her premise. Despite my skepticism, I think it is worth hearing from a range of voices on those topics I am least familiar with.
The Wisdom of the Beguines by Laura SwanIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Wisdom of the Beguines: The Forgotten Story of a Medieval Women’s Movement | Goodreads
I am intrigued by the ways that members of legally or socially disempowered groups find ways to gain some autonomy or power. The beguines seemed to do this in the patriarchal world of medieval Europe and the Catholic Church. These women lived in community which operated apart from monastic rules and cloisters, on the fringe of Church structures. They were unmarried and economically self-sustaining, took on various apostolic ministries and promoted an emotional, ecstatic, non-liturgical spirituality. They were found throughout western Europe, from Belgium to Spain, flourishing from the 12th to the 16th centuries, but surviving into the 20th century. They were known by different titles in different countries and played different social roles. At times, they were held in high esteem and at other times, they were regarded as heretics or promiscuous sinners. This was a nice introduction to this wide ranging ecclesial movement. I want to learn much more but the literature is sparce.
The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G.K. ChestertonIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare | Goodreads
I have seen this listed as suspense, a thriller, and a philosophical novel. I read it as a spoof on the spy story. The philosophical element kicked in for me in the final section. I loved the writing, even more than the story. But I suspect that I would appreciate this more with every successive reading.
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth StroutIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Tell Me Everything | Goodreads
In her newest novel, Strout brings together all the characters from her earlier books. These are not perfect people, but they are good at the deepest level. At the heart of this story is the question about what gives a life meaning. For these characters, it is the ability to know the love of another person.
A Fable by William FaulknerIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of A Fable | Goodreads
What would happen if the young men in the trenches serving as canon fodder and the women whose bodies are violated and whose families are broken by the violence of war simply stopped participating? Set in WWI, one unremarkable day soldiers on both sides of the line simply refuse to attack the other side. But there are those who have always gained power through war. These men will make every effort to ensure that war continues. I appreciated the philosophical question raised by Faulkner, but I found the book a slog. This says more about my limitations as a reader than it does about this winner of multiple major awards.
Bottoms Up In Belgium by Alec Le Sueur Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Bottoms Up in Belgium: Seeking the High Points of the Low Land | Goodreads
The author is a Brit who married a woman from Belgium. This is a lighthearted look at different cultural elements of Belgium, from auto racing to comic strips to atrocities perpetrated in the Congo.
In the Woods by Tana FrenchThis was a re-read in preparation for my in-person book group. I had forgotten enough that I was able to enjoy the story a second time.
The Last Kingdom by Bernard CornwellIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Last Kingdom | Goodreads
This is set in the mid-ninth century and recounts a period of fierce fighting between Viking invaders and the people of England. The narrator, the son of a Saxon nobleman, was captured by the Danes and raised as an adopted son of one of their most respected warriors. As a result, his loyalties are divided between his ancestral land and the Danes whose ways he loves and respects. I did not expect such a bloody novel when I read the summary on Libby. But knowing so little about this period of history, I was glad to get this window into this time.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy LefteriIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Beekeeper of Aleppo | Goodreads
This is the story of a young, middle-class couple who lose everything, including their young son, when the civil war breaks out in Syria. When they become the target of the rebels, their lives threatened and their home ransacked, they make the difficult decision to leave everything to find refuge in Europe. But the journey is fraught with danger. In creating sympathetic characters, the author begs the reader to reject the anti-immigrant policies and popular attitudes rampant in much of the western world. If we could hear the stories, open ourselves to the pain, come to know each migrant as a person rather than as a problem, we would fight for the women, men, children coming to us for help.
Lovely One by Ketanji Brown JacksonIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Lovely One: A Memoir | Goodreads
This autobiography of the first Black woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court focuses on moments of success and blessings. But the questions of race and class are regularly brought to the forefront of the narrative.
This Other Eden by Paul HardingIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of This Other Eden | Goodreads
An island off the coast of Maine has been the home of a community of society’s unwanted for more than a century: former slaves, Irish immigrants, orphans from Native American communities. In the early 20th century, a teacher arrives to open a schoolhouse for the children and shatters the protective wall of isolation they had found safety behind. It is not long before their community is destroyed by the power of cruel prejudice. This is a tragic story told with lyrical beauty. 3.5 stars
How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen PerrinIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of How to Solve Your Own Murder | Goodreads
This is a fun cozy mystery.
The New Wilderness by Diane CookIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The New Wilderness | Goodreads
This is set in the near future U.S. when most people live in a concrete desert with no contact with nature except for rats. This is a world where healthy foods are in short supply, housing is overcrowded, smog is causing severe health problems and crime makes all feel unsafe. Part of the land is set aside for wilderness reclamation and off limits to most people. Twenty people have been recruited for an experiment to have them live as primitive hunter gatherers in this wilderness space. Strict rules ensure that they leave no footprint on the environment. The reader enters the story 4 years into the experiment, after the group has become acclimated, has learned to hunt with arrow heads and slingshots, can forage for edible plants, is accustomed to living in the elements, is adjusted to the brutal reality that people die of injuries. This is not a story of human survival in harsh conditions but an exploration of human dynamics. At the center of the novel is a young couple who joined the group because their daughter had life-threatening asthma which they hoped could be cured by living in nature. This book kept me engaged even though I don’t like dystopian stories. My only complaint is that the reason for this widespread urban nightmare was not adequately explained. Why is everyone forced to live in concrete jungles? Where are the farms? 3.5 stars
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus IIIEdit Review - House of Sand and Fog | Goodreads
A dispute over the rightful ownership of a house drives the action in this novel. This tension has the potential to shatter lives already broken and riddled with cracks. I found the characters to be fully realized and brilliantly complex. Although not approving of the character’s behaviors, there is a level of understanding that develops for these flawed people. The biblical Sermon on the Mount speaks of the fool who builds a house on metaphoric sand. This is a novel about the way life’s storms can topple lives built on sand.
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin StevensonIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret | Goodreads
This felt like a gimmick, an excuse for Christmas book sales. It had the playful tone that characterizes this series. Maybe the charm of this voice has worn off or maybe the shorter format was less engaging, but this latest in the series put me to sleep. 2.5 stars
Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom | Goodreads
This is the story of a young couple who escaped enslavement in Georgia in 1848 by disguising themselves as a young white gentleman who was an invallid accompanied by his slave. They joined the abolitionist lecture circuit, challenging the notion of race since Ellen had the physical features of a white woman. Information about the background of minor characters, about the various communities they spent time in, the brutality endured by the enslaved, etc filled out this book. It served to give the reader a better sense of the historical context, but it felt like padding to me.
I am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by Lorrie MooreIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home | Goodreads
This novel explores grief and the way the living hold on to the dead. This is not a page turner; there is little plot. Most of this book unfolds in the dialogue between the living, the dying and the dead. Nor did I find that I wanted to put down the book to ponder some insight. Its truth came through its entirety. I can’t say that I enjoyed this novel, but I did appreciate it.
Andorra by Peter CameronIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Andorra | Goodreads
An American moves to Andorra to escape his past and is quickly embroiled in 2 romantic relationships and a murder investigation. I did not connect with this story. I found the characters to be shallow and the plot to be a bit of a soap opera. This will be easily forgettable. 2.5 stars
The Grey Wolf by Louise PennyIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Grey Wolf | Goodreads
Not sure if I am just growing weary of this series, but this latest in the Three Pines world did not grab me. The revisiting of so many characters from prior investigations felt claustrophobic The depiction of monastic life was farfetched. And the just-in-the-nick-of-time ending stretched credulity. But I still enjoy spending time with the Chief Inspector. So I will probably watch for the next volume which the ending set up..
1491 by Charles MannIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus | Goodreads
The author argues that pre-Columbian America rivaled Europe for population density, technical advancement, cultural sophistication, social complexity and more. He focuses on those who would have lived from Mexico to the Andes to the Amazon. From the invention of the number zero to the genetic modification of maze to sanitation, he makes it clear that the explorers did not find a pristine wilderness inhabited by people who lived lightly on the environment, but powerful advanced societies. When small groups of subsistence farmers or hunter-gatherers were encountered, it was because the introduction of European diseases decimated nations, killing up to 90% of the people, causing a cultural crisis. He believes that the scope of pre-Columbian culture is deliberately suppressed by those who want to justify European land grabs and by environmentalists who want to prevent further land development. 3.5 stars
A Place Called Freedom by Ken FollettIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of A Place Called Freedom | Goodreads
The historical novels of Follett follow a similar narrative arc. The property owning wealthy repress and exploit the poor to maintain their political position and social status. Someone with personal charisma and courage rises up to organize and inspire the underclass for social change. The powerful fight to keep the status quo justifying or ignoring the suffering of the poor. But history won’t give them the final word. In this novel, this tension is played out against the coal mines of Scotland and the tobacco plantations of Virginia in the 18th century. I don’t read Follett for his turn of phrase, but for his ability to show historical moments through the lives of ordinary people. And this novel fulfilled that expectation. I could have done with fewer sex scenes, but I suppose those sell books.
The Art Thief by Michael FinkelIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession | Goodreads
Stephane Breitwieser is the most prolific art thief of the 20th century. Two features of his career make his story stand out. His theft was conducted in the middle of the day, with guards and other tourists wandering the rooms of the museum. He did not steal for financial profit, but hoarded his acquisitions. This is a short book and I am grateful that the author resisted any temptation to pad the word count with tangents. 3.5 stars
Who Censored Roger Rabbit? By Gary WolfIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Who Censored Roger Rabbit? | Goodreads
This is a spoof of the classic gumshoe detective stories of the 1940s. It is set in a world where cartoon characters live alongside humans. Clever and humorous, just pure fun.
It Was All A Lie by Stuart StevensIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump | Goodreads
The author has worked for 4 decades creating highly successful campaign ads for Republican races from the local to the national level. Committed to its ideals of patriotism, family values, personal responsibility, respect for the law, he was horrified to see his party embrace Trump, a candidate who blatantly violated every one of these. Trying to figure out how the Republican party became Donald Trump, he realized that Trump was not an aberration, nor did he have some great power over Republicans. Instead, Trump is the natural outgrowth of the past 6 decades of Republican politics: cultivating white grievance, tolerating the hypocrisy of candidates who flaunted family values, demanding litmus tests on no tax pledges and on expanding gun ownership, etc. A white supremacist who brags of assaulting women and of wanting to have sex with his daughter, who flatters the leaders of our nation’s enemies and encourages citizens to attack the capitol and law enforcement officers is the product of decades of intentional political decisions that put winning over every other goal. 4.5 stars
Conclave by Robert HarrisIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Conclave | Goodreads
The author imagines a fictional papal election after the death of a pope apparently modeled on the current one. This is a tale of scheming and secrets. The ending was a bit over the top.
The Republic of Wine by Mo YanIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Republic of Wine | Goodreads
This internationally acclaimed author is considered China’s best contemporary writer. That is why I picked up this novel. Magical realism continues to baffle me. There are two stories. In one, a high ranking investigator is sent to a region of China famous for the copious amounts of liquor it produces and consumes. He is to look into rumors that people are eating babies as a delicacy. In the other story, an expert in the science of liquor dreams of becoming a published author. He writes to Mo Yan about his work and sends samples of his stories. As the novel progresses, these threads overlap. I have read that Mo Yan is regarded for his political criticism. I had a few inklings of that element, but for the most part I did not understand it.
The Waters of Kronos by Conrad RichterIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Waters of Kronos | Goodreads
In mid-20th century America, an elderly man travels back to where he grew up, a place transformed by the building of a dam. This geographical trip also becomes a journey through time, an opportunity to understand and reconcile with his past.
The Spectacular by Fiona DavisIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Spectacular | Goodreads
The focus of this novel is the struggle of a 19 year old girl in the 1950s who defies family expectations to pursue a career in dance. The emotional tension of pulling away from family fuels the story. A bomber terrorizing NYC provides plot momentum. For anyone interested in the world of professional dancing, this book contains a great deal of information about life as a Rockette.
Red-Handed by Peter SchweizerIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Red-Handed: How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win | Goodreads
From Hunter Biden to Madeline Albright, from Yale to Microsoft, the author says that leading figures in politics, technology, finance and higher education have sacrificed the United States to the interests of China for personal gain. Pro-China legislation has been sponsored, sensitive technology has been sold, financial markets have been open and pro-China propaganda has been promoted in exchange for money or power. Trump is one of the few leaders who the author names as innocent of this. In light of Biden’s ban on TikTok and Trump’s reversal of that, I wonder if his opinion has changed. This book is filled with accusations based on suppositions. There is no section of footnotes to allow the reader to verify what is stated. None of the condemned individuals are interviewed or offered a chance to respond. When the words of a person is used to condemn them, the reader does not see that statement in its original context. Throughout history, those with access to political or financial power have often cozied up to dictators and those with poor human rights records. Maybe because China is emerging as a global superpower this behavior is particularly alarming. This book left me feeling skeptical.
Messalina by Honor Cargill-MartinIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Messalina: Empress, Adulteress, Libertine: The Story of the Most Notorious Woman of the Roman World | Goodreads
Messalina, the third wife of Emperor Claudius, was sentenced to death, accused of entering into a bigamist marriage with a potential rival to Claudius. No more than 31 years old at the time of her death, it is remarkable how much political power and popular admiration she consolidated in her short life. Roman historians quickly crafted an image of a sex crazed woman of no moral standing. Western culture continued to paint this picture of her into the 20th century. The author examines what is known of Messalina from both cultural implication and documents from her time and comes up with a different image, a politically savvy woman who was trapped by those who felt threatened by her growing influence over Claudius. I enjoyed learning more about this time in history.
The Universal Monk by John Michael TalbotIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Universal Monk: The Way of the New Monastics | Goodreads
The author may be better known as a composer and performer of Christian music. He also founded an intentional Christian community made up of families and single adults. This book describes the monastic principles that guide their communal life, spiritual principles that he believes could benefit all who desire a deeper walk with Christ.
We Solve Murders by Richard OsmanIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of We Solve Murders | Goodreads
This is a completely preposterous hunt for a killer. This would make a great comedy movie along the lines of It’s A Mad Mad World. I wonder if this type of humor works better on the screen for me. As a novel, it did not keep my interest. 2.5 stars
The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Bridge on the Drina | Goodreads
Andric has received the Nobel Prize in Literature and this is his most acclaimed novel. The book spans three and a half centuries, from the building of this remarkable stone bridge in the mid 1500s to the start of the First World War. On this bridge rebels are impaled and lovers meet, the plague is carried and modernity arrives, resentment is nurtured and pride is shown. The episodes narrated were separated by decades giving this the feel of a collection of individual stories. 3.5 stars
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko JeanIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of The Return of Ellie Black | Goodreads
The novel opens with a filthy, emaciated, traumatized teen running out of the woods. It is a girl who had disappeared 2 years prior. Soon the lead detective is making connections between this girl and other missing teens. Could there be other endangered victims? The use of multiple narrators allowed the reader to follow the present investigation while learning about those years when Ellie was gone. But there were numerous voices which did not feel necessary to me. The story kept my attention although elements of the ending stretched my credulity. 3.5 stars
How Fascism Works by Jason StanleyIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them | Goodreads
The author’s premise is that fascist regimes are built by dividing societies: rich over poor, men over women, ethnic or racial groups over other ethnic or racial groups, rural over urban. This is accomplished by insisting on a mythical past, by promoting conspiracies that cast doubt on the underclass, by crafting social structures that reinforce negative stereotypes, by suppressing structures that might promote egalitarian views or cooperative relationships. He uses examples from right wing populist movements of the 20th century to illustrate his point. At the heart of this book is a warning that Donald Trump’s rhetoric and policies are moving the US to fascism
Shadows on Our Skin by Jennifer JohnstonIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Shadows on our Skin: An evocative novel of Ireland and the Irish Troubles of the 1970s | Goodreads
This is the story of a young boy grappling with a confusing and divided world, in his Northern Irish town, in his fractured family, in his muddled feelings. I usually do not like novels with young protagonists. But this book captured the sense of disorientation and transition of youth without being saccharin or condescending.
A Simple Honorable Man by Conrad RichterIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of A Simple Honorable Man | Goodreads
I loved this quiet story of an early 20th century Lutheran minister who finds fulfillment in an unassuming ministry to poor, often illiterate rural Pennsylvanians. Never condescending or self-righteous, he is able to see the good in everyone while always working to root out the sinful in himself. This is also the story of his wife who is the steady, uncomplaining strength of her family despite never feeling at home in the communities he moves her to. Richter gently grapples with the big questions of our deepest humanity as he depicts this extraordinarily ordinary couple.
Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlancIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx | Goodreads
The author imbedded herself in the lives of this extended family from a housing project in the Bronx. This is their story and the story of so many who are raised in poverty, surrounded by illegal drugs and violence, in homes characterized by overwhelmed mothers, absent fathers, instability and limited possibilities. Girls learn from an early age to exploit their sexuality and boys learn that might makes right. Beginning in 1985, the author traces the stories of several connected teens as they become young adults and the next generation that they bring into this world. The figures in this book are presented in all the complexity of every human, neither becoming pure victims of extraordinary social forces nor as degenerate failures. I can see why this made the list of the N.Y. Times best books of this century.
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori GottliebIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed | Goodreads
The author is a licensed therapist. She uses her own experience in therapy and as a therapist with clients to help the reader understand how the process works and what the benefits might be. This was informative without being technical.
Cold Dead Night by Lisa PhillipsIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Cold Dead Night | Goodreads
A former FBI agent and current private investigator is hunting a serial killer. Despite debilitating injuries that still limit her, she is stronger, braver, smarter and more perceptive than the entire FBI bureau in Salt Lake City and a band of ruthless killers. Unfortunately, the reader does not have a smidge of that intelligence since we needed to be told the same information from her back story 5,000 times. The characters were flat, the situations were beyond improbable and the writing was tedious. 1.5 stars
Paradise For Sale by Carl McDaniel & John GowdyIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Paradise for Sale: A Parable of Nature | Goodreads
Nauru, a tiny, remote Pacific Island nation, is so isolated that it escaped European colonization for centuries after the rest of Micronesia. When phosphate was discovered in the late 1800s, life changed on the island. In less than a century, the ecology was decimated, the rapid population growth strained the natural resources to the breaking point and the adoption of Western culture had left the majority of adults with chronic health problems. The author sees Nauru as a cautionary tale for the entire planet if we continue to act as if resources and progress is limitless. I enjoyed learning about the history of this small nation. I was less impressed by the sections predicting planetary doom.
James by Percival EverettIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of James | Goodreads
This re-imagining of Huck Finn is a critique of the prejudices, stereotypes and arrogance that is behind our history of slavery and continued reality of racial inequality.
King by Jonathan EigIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of King: A Life | Goodreads
Thorough and well-written biography of Martin Luther King Jr.
Troubles by G. J. FarrellIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Troubles | Goodreads
In the years 1919-1921, a ludicrously decaying luxury hotel in Ireland house a ludicrously decaying group of Brits who are determined to hold onto a world that is irrevocably fading into history. I think I am too removed from the time of this novel to appreciate the humor. Despite the great writing, I found it painful to read.
Circle of Hope by Eliza GriswoldIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church | Goodreads
Circle of Hope was founded as a socially progressive evangelical Christian community in Philadelphia. For a generation it grew into 4 campuses, founded thrift shops and other social service outreaches, and became a significant presence in local political issues. The killing of George Floyd some members began to accuse the community of structural racism and complained of microaggressions. The author brings a journalist’s eye and ear to the way this issue unfolded as the leadership attempted to respond. By focusing on each pastor in separate chapters, she tries to provide a balanced and unbiased account. In the end, this community breaks apart, people are deeply hurt and this reader was left with more questions than answers. This is a granular account. I wanted less detail. But it did move the reader into the community dynamics with a picture larger than a handful of personalities or a few limited conflictual issues.
Valerie or the Faculty of Dreams by Sara StridsbergIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Valerie; or, The Faculty of Dreams | Goodreads
This fictional account of the life of Valerie Solanas is presented in snippets of conversations, snapshots of scenes, angry monologues offered in a non-chronological order. The writing is outstanding, but I did not enjoy the experience of reading this novel. I suspect that I would have reacted differently if I had known about Solanas.
Minor Detail by Adania ShibliIrene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of Minor Detail | Goodreads
In the first half of this short novel, Israeli soldiers catch a young Arab woman who they humiliate, gang rape and kill. In the second half of the book, half a century later a Palestinian woman learns of this footnote to her history and sets out to uncover the brutalized woman’s story. This novella explores the experience of dispossession, of chronic threat, of having one’s story suppressed.
101 Books to Read Before You Die
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Immortalists (other topics)
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Timekeeper (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jane Austen (other topics)Madeline Miller (other topics)
Sarah Henning (other topics)
Sarah McCoy (other topics)
Sarah Pekkanen (other topics)
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Irene (Harborcreek, PA)’s review of A History of the World in 6 Glasses | Goodreads
The author selects 6 beverages with great cultural significance to explore their connection to a particular period in history: beer, wine, distilled spirits, coffee, tea and Coca Cola.