Joyfully Devastating Books with Beautiful Prose

“Polished, poignant... an inspiring story of true love.” —Entertainment Weekly. A BEST BOOK OF 2019, NPR's Book Concierge, and SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA BOOK AWARD, _The Salt Path_ is a remarkable true story that follows a couple, Raynor and Moth Winn, who find themselves stripped of their home, livelihood, and security after Moth is diagnosed with a terminal illness. With nothing left, they embark on a 630-mile walk along the South West Coast Path in England. Carrying only the essentials, they navigate a wild and ancient landscape filled with cliffs, sea, and sky. Each step becomes a journey of profound discovery about love, loss, and the meaning of home. This powerfully written narrative challenges the notion of home, emphasizing how it can be lost, rebuilt, and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.

_The Poisonwood Bible_ unfolds through the voices of the Price family, led by the fervent evangelical father, Nathan Price, who takes his wife and four daughters to the Belgian Congo in 1959. Believing in their mission, the family carries their hopes and supplies, but reality soon transforms everything they know about life and faith. Over three decades, this epic narrative reveals the family's tragic undoing and their remarkable reconstructions shaped by cultural dissonance. The profound insights in this book are augmented with an extra 16 pages of content, including author interviews and recommended readings in the P.S. edition.

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE, WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION, and a stirring tale of resilience, _Demon Copperhead_ follows a boy born into a life of hardship in the mountains of southern Appalachia. With a voice reminiscent of literary icons like Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield, the spirited Demon, raised by a teenaged single mother, navigates a world filled with foster care, addiction, and love. This enthralling narrative, which draws parallels to Charles Dickens' _David Copperfield_, offers fierce insights into childhood poverty while celebrating the transformative power of storytelling.

From the author renowned for _The Kite Runner_, Khaled Hosseini's _A Thousand Splendid Suns_ is an unforgettable narrative that brings to life thirty years of Afghan history through the eyes of two women, Mariam and Laila. Their bond, forged by war and loss, evolves into a deep sisterhood that alters not only their lives but the future of the next generation. Hosseini beautifully illustrates how love fuels acts of self-sacrifice and courage in a tumultuous world. This deeply moving novel resonates as a powerful testament to friendship, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of women in the face of adversity.

This visionary work of speculative fiction, _The Sparrow_, tells the captivating story of Jesuit priest Emilio Sandoz, who leads a scientific mission to make first contact with extraterrestrial life. Initially filled with hope, the mission faces a tragic end due to misunderstandings that unravel its core intent. Mary Doria Russell’s narrative intertwines deep philosophical inquiries about faith and humanity, garnering praise for its engrossing storytelling and moral challenges. Readers are left to contemplate the complexities of connection and communication with the unknown.

Kazuo Ishiguro's _The Remains of the Day_ is a Booker Prize-winning novel that elegantly portrays the life of Stevens, a quintessential butler in post-World War II England. During a day of introspection on a country drive, Stevens reflects on his three decades of service at Darlington Hall and grapples with the implications of duty and loyalty. This intricate narrative discusses memory and regret while challenging the notions of 'greatness' and personal sacrifice through Stevens' journey.

Another evocative tale by Kazuo Ishiguro, _Never Let Me Go_ captures the essence of what it means to be human within a haunting mystery. Set in a seemingly idyllic boarding school, Hailsham nurtures its students—Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy—yet conceals a dark reality. As they emerge from this protective environment, they discover the profound truths about their existence. This novel intricately weaves themes of memory, love, and social morality, creating a powerful narrative that forces readers to confront the ethical dilemmas surrounding humanity.

John Steinbeck's _The Grapes of Wrath_ is a cornerstone of American literature, depicting the harrowing experiences of the Joad family during the Great Depression. Their odyssey from Oklahoma to California exposes the stark contrasts between the powerful and the powerless, igniting an emotional journey fueled by themes of justice and equality. This landmark narrative encapsulates human resilience and social injustice, resonating as a powerful commentary on American society and its struggles.

Inspired by real-life events, _Shantaram_ follows Lin, an escaped convict who finds refuge in the vibrant and chaotic streets of Bombay. With a guide named Prabaker by his side, Lin dives into a world imbued with love, crime, and spiritual awakening. This sprawling narrative blends Lin’s search for meaning amidst the backdrop of Bombay's complexities, creating a richly woven exploration of life, identity, and the choices that shape our existence.

Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, _All the Light We Cannot See_, interweaves the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German boy, during the harrowing times of World War II. Marie-Laure's struggle for survival in occupied France leads her on a journey filled with loss and hope as she harbors a dangerous secret. Werner, meanwhile, grapples with his role in a system that devalues humanity. This beautifully crafted narrative highlights the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of war, demonstrating the power of kindness in dire circumstances.