15 Comments
User's avatar
Shannon's avatar

I’m totally with you on the ones I’ve read from this list, especially Homegoing. That book has stayed with me for years in the very best way. I would add The Book Thief to this list. There are so many WWII novels but Zusak’s use of language transformed the story for me. I love the way it speaks to the importance of books and words — and their power. This is a reminder we all need in today’s world.

Expand full comment
Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Shannon, I agree with you on this one. The Book Thief would be an excellent choice. In addition to the message of the book, it is beautifully written.

Expand full comment
Andrea Bass's avatar

Yes, The Book Thief is great.

Expand full comment
Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

I also love Homegoing and many others in this list. I would add The Name of the Wind as I think fantasy is underrepresented in the canon and it is a beautiful book about the importance of stories and music. I would also add This Here Flesh and Braiding Sweetgrass.

Expand full comment
Andrea Bass's avatar

Good call on This Here Flesh. Her prose is stunning.

Expand full comment
Jessica Grosman's avatar

Your list is great - I haven’t read all of the titles but I’ve added some to my TBR. I think Demon Copperhead should be added to the list. And possibly The Berry Pickers. I love both of those books so much and learned so much from each.

Expand full comment
Andrea Bass's avatar

I haven’t read either of those, but they’re both on my list. I love the cover for The Berry Pickers.

Expand full comment
Jessica Grosman's avatar

You must read both of these books!!! Pretty cover aside, they’re wonderful. 📚

Expand full comment
Juliana Aldous 📚's avatar

Yes, to Demon Copperhead!

Expand full comment
Jo's avatar

Chanel Miller! What an amazing woman and writer

Expand full comment
Andrea Bass's avatar

Indeed! She’s great.

Expand full comment
Lynda Tschabold's avatar

💜 A list to keep!

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Juliana Aldous 📚's avatar

I wholeheartedly agree with the ones I have read on this list: James, Klara and the Sun, and There There. I would also add something (almost anything) from Colson Whitehead's works.

Expand full comment
Andrea Bass's avatar

Good call! I've only read The Nickel Boys so far, but I'm eager to explore more of his writing.

Expand full comment
Juliana Aldous 📚's avatar

I was in a group where we read all his books, and like Ushiguro, he takes on different genres. My personal favorite is Sag Harbor, a loosely autobiographical coming-of-age novel.

Expand full comment