Books That Hook You from the First Line
Dive into these captivating reads that grab your attention right from the start. Each opening line is crafted to pull you into a world of imagination and intrigue. Discover the magic of a great first sentence and let these books take you on unforgettable journeys.
Red Sister
498 pages
This book starts with a gripping line that sets the tone for an intense story, showcasing the importance of strategy and strength in a unique setting.
The Martian
385 pages
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Brilliant . . . a celebration of human ingenuity [and] the purest example of real-science sci-fi for many years . . . utterly compelling.”—The Wall Street Journal The inspiration for the major motion picture Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him? NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST NOVELS OF THE DECADE “A hugely entertaining novel [that] reads like a rocket ship afire . . . Weir has fashioned in Mark Watney one of the most appealing, funny, and resourceful characters in recent fiction.”—Chicago Tribune “As gripping as they come . . . You’ll be rooting for Watney the whole way, groaning at every setback and laughing at his pitchblack humor. Utterly nail-biting and memorable.”—Financial Times
The Dark Tower I
288 pages
This book opens with a captivating line that sets the stage for an epic journey, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
Pride and Prejudice
292 pages
This classic novel explores themes of love, social class, and the importance of marrying for love rather than money, making it a timeless read.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (adult)
323 pages
There are a thousand stories in the land of Narnia, and the first is about to be told in an extraordinary motion picture, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media. In the never-ending war between good and evil, The Chronicles of Narnia set the stage for battles of epic proportions. Some take place in vast fields, where the forces of light and darkness clash. But other battles occur within the small chambers of the heart and are equally decisive. Journeys to the ends of the world, fantastic creatures, betrayals, heroic deeds and friendships won and lost -- all come together in an unforgettable world of magic. So take a voyage into the unknown. The fifth volume in The Chronicles of Narnia® The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Narnia ... where a dragon awakens ... where stars walk the earth ... where anything can happen. A king and some unexpected companions embark on a voyage that will take them beyond all known lands. As they sail farther and farther from charted waters, they discover that their quest is more than they imagined and that the world's end is only the beginning.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
431 pages
This book opens with a memorable line that sets the stage for a rich narrative filled with magical realism and deep family history.
1984
341 pages
London, 1984: Winston Smith, Geschichtsfälscher im Staatsdienst, verliebt sich in die schöne und geheimnisvolle Julia. Gemeinsam beginnen sie, die totalitäre Welt infrage zu stellen, als Teil derer sie bisher funktioniert haben. Doch bereits ihre Gedanken sind Verbrechen, und der Große Bruder richtet seinen stets wachsamen Blick auf jeden potenziellen Dissidenten. George Orwells Vision eines totalitären Staats, in dem Cyberüberwachung, Geschichtsrevisionismus und Gedankenpolizei den Alltag gläserner Bürger bestimmen, hat wie keine andere Dystopie bis heute nur an Brisanz gewonnen.
David Copperfield
776 pages
Following the life of David Copperfield through sufferings and adversity, this book helps reader find many light-hearted moments in the company of a host of English fiction's stars including Mr Micawber, Traddles, Uriah Heep, Creakle, Betsy Trotwood, and the Peggoty family.
Angela's Ashes
378 pages
A Pulitzer Prize–winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, Angela’s Ashes is Frank McCourt’s masterful memoir of his childhood in Ireland. “When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I managed to survive at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood.” So begins the luminous memoir of Frank McCourt, born in Depression-era Brooklyn to recent Irish immigrants and raised in the slums of Limerick, Ireland. Frank’s mother, Angela, has no money to feed the children since Frank’s father, Malachy, rarely works, and when he does he drinks his wages. Yet Malachy—exasperating, irresponsible, and beguiling—does nurture in Frank an appetite for the one thing he can provide: a story. Frank lives for his father’s tales of Cuchulain, who saved Ireland, and of the Angel on the Seventh Step, who brings his mother babies. Perhaps it is story that accounts for Frank’s survival. Wearing rags for diapers, begging a pig’s head for Christmas dinner and gathering coal from the roadside to light a fire, Frank endures poverty, near-starvation and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors—yet lives to tell his tale with eloquence, exuberance, and remarkable forgiveness. Angela’s Ashes, imbued on every page with Frank McCourt’s astounding humor and compassion, is a glorious book that bears all the marks of a classic.
A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning
182 pages
If you're looking for stories with happy endings, you might want to skip this one, as it sets a different tone right from the start.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
258 pages
The first page of this book is so brilliantly written that I've memorized every word after reading it multiple times.
Anna Karenina
1433 pages
'One of the greatest love stories in world literature' Vladimir Nabokov The heroine of Tolstoy's epic of love and self-destruction, Anna Karenina has beauty, wealth, popularity and an adored son, but feels that her life is empty until she encounters the impetuous officer Count Vronsky. Their subsequent affair scandalizes society and family alike, and brings jealousy and bitterness in its wake. Contrasting with this is the vividly observed story of Levin, a man striving to find contentment and a meaning to his life - and also a self-portrait of Tolstoy himself. This award-winning translation has been acclaimed as the definitive English version of Tolstoy's masterpiece. Translated by RICHARD PEVEAR and LARISSA VOLOKHONSKY with a Preface by JOHN BAYLEY
Monstrous Regiment
415 pages
This book offers a unique perspective on identity and societal expectations, as seen through Polly's bold decision to cut her hair.
The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition)
260 pages
A haunting exploration of youth and tragedy, this novel delves into the lives of the Lisbon sisters with a poignant and chilling narrative.
To Kill a Kingdom
352 pages
This dark retelling of a classic tale is filled with heart and depth, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy fantasy.
The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, Book 1)
379 pages
This book captivates with its intriguing premise about fate and love, as Blue Sargent learns the consequences of her destiny.
Flowers for Algernon
324 pages
This book offers a profound exploration of intelligence and human experience through the eyes of Charlie Gordon, who undergoes an experimental procedure to increase his IQ.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
162 pages
The opening paragraph introduces us to Mary Katherine Blackwood, a unique character with a dark sense of humor and a fascinating perspective on life. This book is intriguing for its exploration of isolation and the complexities of family dynamics.
The Stranger
134 pages
This book opens with a striking line that sets the tone for a profound exploration of existentialism and the absurdity of life.
The Stranger
134 pages
This book opens with a powerful line that sets the tone for a profound exploration of existentialism and the absurdity of life.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
306 pages
This book critiques modern city planning and rebuilding, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in urban development.
The Metamorphosis
224 pages
“When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.” With this startling, bizarre, yet surprisingly funny first sentence, Kafka begins his masterpiece, The Metamorphosis. It is the story of a young man who, transformed overnight into a giant beetlelike insect, becomes an object of disgrace to his family, an outsider in his own home, a quintessentially alienated man. A harrowing—though absurdly comic—meditation on human feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and isolation, The Metamorphosis has taken its place as one of the most widely read and influential works of twentieth-century fiction. As W.H. Auden wrote, “Kafka is important to us because his predicament is the predicament of modern man.”
Neuromancer
306 pages
The opening line is a captivating hook that sets the tone for a thrilling dive into a cyberpunk world.
The Outsiders
164 pages
This book captures the essence of youth and the struggles of growing up, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates a heartfelt coming-of-age story.
Pyramids
The opening of *Pyramids* is captivating, hinting at the mysteries of ancient civilizations and their humorous take on modern society. It cleverly sets the stage for a story that intertwines philosophy, religion, and the absurdity of life.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
1162 pages
The story begins with a unique society of magicians, promising an intriguing exploration of English magic.
It
1488 pages
This book starts with a gripping terror that lasts for years, making it a haunting read that stays with you.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
269 pages
It delves into deep themes of existentialism and the struggles of a young man, making it a profound and reflective read.
The Passage
897 pages
This book takes you on an incredible journey from a little girl in Iowa to a character who embodies the essence of timelessness and resilience.
The Guns of August
658 pages
This book offers a stunning portrayal of the events leading up to World War I, capturing the awe and spectacle of history in a way that leaves readers breathless.
Blood Rites
366 pages
Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the 'everyday' world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Harry's had worse assignments than going undercover on the set of an adult film. Dodging flaming monkey poo, for instance. Or going toe-to-leaf with a plant monster. Still, there's something troubling about this case. The Producer believes he's afflicted by an entropy curse - but it's the women around him who are dying. And Harry only got involved as a favour to Thomas, his flirtatious self-absorbed vampire acquaintance. Thomas has a personal stake in the case Harry can't work out, until his investigation leads him straight to Thomas's oversexed relatives. Harry's about to discover the skeleton in Thomas's family closet: a revelation that will change Harry's life for ever. Magic - it can get a guy killed.
Mother Night
290 pages
This book offers a fascinating exploration of identity and morality through the eyes of a man caught between conflicting ideologies.
Pale Blue Dot
386 pages
“Fascinating . . . memorable . . . revealing . . . perhaps the best of Carl Sagan’s books.”—The Washington Post Book World (front page review) In Cosmos, the late astronomer Carl Sagan cast his gaze over the magnificent mystery of the Universe and made it accessible to millions of people around the world. Now in this stunning sequel, Carl Sagan completes his revolutionary journey through space and time. Future generations will look back on our epoch as the time when the human race finally broke into a radically new frontier—space. In Pale Blue Dot, Sagan traces the spellbinding history of our launch into the cosmos and assesses the future that looms before us as we move out into our own solar system and on to distant galaxies beyond. The exploration and eventual settlement of other worlds is neither a fantasy nor luxury, insists Sagan, but rather a necessary condition for the survival of the human race. “Takes readers far beyond Cosmos . . . Sagan sees humanity’s future in the stars.”—Chicago Tribune
Breakfast at Tiffany's
157 pages
Simplified Chinese edition of Breakfast at Tiffany, the Truman Capote classic. In Simplified Chinese. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.
The Forever War
287 pages
"Private William Mandella hadn't wanted to go to war against the Taurans ...."--p. [4] of cover.
Monster Hunter International, Second Edition
669 pages
This book offers a thrilling escape into a world where the protagonist takes on monstrous challenges, making it a perfect read for anyone looking for an action-packed adventure.
The Night Circus
401 pages
The Night Circus captivates with its enchanting prologue, drawing readers into a world where magic appears unexpectedly, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue.
The Way of Kings
1008 pages
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings, Book One of the Stormlight Archive, begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion. Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable. Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity. Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan's motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war. The result of over ten years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of the Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making. Speak again the ancient oaths: Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before Destination. and return to men the Shards they once bore. The Knights Radiant must stand again. Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive ● The Way of Kings ● Words of Radiance ● Edgedancer (novella) ● Oathbringer ● Dawnshard (novella) ● Rhythm of War The Mistborn Saga The Original Trilogy ● Mistborn ● The Well of Ascension ● The Hero of Ages Wax and Wayne ● The Alloy of Law ● Shadows of Self ● The Bands of Mourning ● The Lost Metal Other Cosmere novels ● Elantris ● Warbreaker ● Tress of the Emerald Sea ● Yumi and the Nightmare Painter ● The Sunlit Man Collection ● Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series ● Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians ● The Scrivener's Bones ● The Knights of Crystallia ● The Shattered Lens ● The Dark Talent ● Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians (with Janci Patterson) Other novels ● The Rithmatist ● Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds ● The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England Other books by Brandon Sanderson The Reckoners ● Steelheart ● Firefight ● Calamity Skyward ● Skyward ● Starsight ● Cytonic ● Skyward Flight (with Janci Patterson) ● Defiant At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
House Of Leaves
This book is a unique and challenging read that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, making it a fascinating experience for those who dare to dive in.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
516 pages
This novel beautifully portrays the struggles of Maryam, a strong and inspiring woman who faces immense hardships due to societal labels. It's a poignant reminder of the impact of culture and identity.
Catch-22
424 pages
The first few paragraphs are captivating, showcasing a unique blend of humor and absurdity that makes it one of my favorite books.
The Repossession Mambo
340 pages
The book presents bizarre and striking imagery in a straightforward manner, making it a unique and intriguing read.
The Godwulf Manuscript
210 pages
This book kicks off the Spenser series with a sharp and intriguing opening line that sets the tone for a captivating mystery.
The Lovely Bones
186 pages
This book offers a haunting perspective on life after death, as it follows Susie Salmon's journey from her murder to her family's struggle to cope with the loss.
The Scorpio Races (2022 Edition)
With its gripping opening line, this novel promises a thrilling tale of danger and competition, set against the backdrop of a unique and captivating world.
The Historian
660 pages
This book delves into the author's personal journey, exploring the most troubling episodes of her life and the lives of those she loved, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in deep, reflective storytelling.
Old Man's War
321 pages
This book starts with a powerful and emotional moment, as the protagonist reflects on life and loss before embarking on an unexpected journey in the army, making it a compelling read.
Ender's Game
260 pages
This book offers a unique perspective as you experience the world through the protagonist's eyes, making it a compelling read.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
268 pages
This book explores the themes of vanity and moral corruption, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in the darker sides of human nature.
Black Buck
405 pages
The intriguing opening line hooked me instantly, making me feel compelled to continue reading, even though the story didn't fully meet my expectations.
Beneath the Sugar Sky
158 pages
If you're a fan of fairy tales and enjoy a unique twist on classic stories, 'Indexing' by Seanan McGuire is a must-read. The excitement of diving into a tale you know nothing about, combined with McGuire's storytelling, makes for an exhilarating experience.
The Way of Kings
1284 pages
This book starts with a gripping line that sets the tone for an epic tale of honor and conflict, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy.
Mistborn
771 pages
The opening line, 'Ash fell from the sky,' sets a captivating tone for a world filled with magic and intrigue.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
225 pages
This book takes you on a wild ride through the chaotic and surreal experiences of the narrator, making it a fascinating exploration of the American Dream and the counterculture of the 1970s.
Good Omens
434 pages
Good Omens captivates with its whimsical take on the apocalypse, starting with a beautifully serene day that hints at the chaos to come.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
276 pages
Reading this book right after Dubliners offers a completely different experience, showcasing Joyce's unique style and depth.
Notes from Underground
150 pages
This novel offers a deep psychological insight into the mind of a disillusioned man, making it a compelling exploration of existential angst and societal critique.
Frolic of His Own
709 pages
This book offers a unique take on legal drama, which might surprise readers expecting a western. It's a compelling read that challenges your expectations!
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
288 pages
This novella offers profound advice on understanding characters by considering their unique advantages, not just their financial status, making it a thought-provoking read.
Invisible Man
610 pages
This book explores the profound theme of invisibility in society, highlighting how people can overlook the humanity of others. It's a powerful read that delves into identity and social issues.
Anxious People
352 pages
The third paragraph of Anxious People resonated deeply with me during a tough time, making me feel understood in my personal struggles. It's truly my favorite opening of any book I've read.
Death with Interruptions
260 pages
This book explores the intriguing concept of a day without death, challenging the very rules of life and provoking deep anxiety in people's minds. It's a thought-provoking read that delves into the implications of such an extraordinary phenomenon.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
225 pages
This book takes you on a wild ride through the desert, capturing the chaotic and surreal experiences of the narrator as they navigate a drug-fueled journey to Las Vegas.
Shantaram
952 pages
Shantaram features an unforgettable opening that captures profound themes of love, fate, and the choices we make, all conveyed through a powerful and gripping narrative.
The Awesome Adventures of Dallas and Denver
27 pages
The unique premise of being fired from a job not yet started adds a humorous twist, making it an intriguing and relatable story.
Resistance (Scholastic Gold)
328 pages
This book captivates with its intense moments, like the gripping two-minute countdown to escape a Nazi, making it a thrilling read.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
223 pages
This book introduces us to the magical world of Harry Potter, starting with the intriguing Dursleys who are anything but ordinary.
City of Thieves
408 pages
This book offers a gripping tale of survival and bravery during wartime, as it recounts the incredible story of a young man's grandfather who faced unimaginable challenges.
I Capture the Castle
596 pages
A lovely book that offers a charming experience similar to a less-aristocratic Jane Austen.
Ishmael
274 pages
This book provokes strong reactions, as the narrator's initial anger shows. It's intriguing to discover what could elicit such a passionate response.
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
178 pages
Despite its melancholic opening, this book is a charming and whimsical fairy tale that offers a delightful escape into a world of imagination.
The Bell Jar
262 pages
This book captures the essence of a young woman's struggle with identity and mental health during a tumultuous time, making it a compelling read.
Scaramouche
416 pages
This book features a captivating opening line that sets the tone for a story filled with humor and a unique perspective on the madness of the world.
I, Claudius
606 pages
This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Claudius, who transforms from a perceived fool to a powerful figure, making it a compelling read for those interested in history and character development.
American Gods
671 pages
The way Neil Gaiman writes about Shadow's time in prison is captivating, exploring themes of acceptance and resilience. It's intriguing how Shadow learns to cope with his circumstances, suggesting that hitting rock bottom can lead to personal growth.
Annotated Christmas Carol
406 pages
The celebrated annotator of "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" has now prepared a sumptuous new edition of the Dickens classic.
Slaughterhouse-Five
289 pages
This book offers a unique perspective on time and war, as it follows Billy Pilgrim's journey through different moments in his life.
Love Anyway
289 pages
This book challenges readers to reconsider their views on the world, as it explores the complexities of good and evil through the lens of personal growth and societal change.
Testament of Youth
676 pages
Vera Brittain's account of her experiences during the Great War is not just a personal narrative but a profound reflection on the impact of war on individual lives and aspirations.
Howl's Moving Castle
336 pages
Set in a magical land where fantastical items like seven-league boots exist, this story follows the misadventures of the eldest of three siblings, making it a captivating read for those who love whimsical tales.
The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas
285 pages
This book offers a unique perspective on life and death, as it is narrated by a deceased man reflecting on his experiences, making it a thought-provoking read.
The Time Traveler's Wife
518 pages
This book beautifully captures the emotional struggle of waiting for a loved one, making it a poignant read for anyone who has experienced longing.
The Blind Assassin
578 pages
“Ten days after the war ended, my sister Laura drove a car off a bridge.” These words are spoken by Iris Chase Griffen, married at eighteen to a wealthy industrialist but now poor and eighty-two. Iris recalls her far from exemplary life, and the events leading up to her sister’s death, gradually revealing the carefully guarded Chase family secrets. Among these is “The Blind Assassin,” a novel that earned the dead Laura Chase not only notoriety but also a devoted cult following. Sexually explicit for its time, it was a pulp fantasy improvised by two unnamed lovers who meet secretly in rented rooms and seedy cafés. As this novel-within-a-novel twists and turns through love and jealousy, self-sacrifice and betrayal, so does the real narrative, as both move closer to war and catastrophe. Margaret Atwood’s Booker Prize-winning sensation combines elements of gothic drama, romantic suspense, and science fiction fantasy in a spellbinding tale.
The Martian Chronicles
256 pages
This book beautifully captures the contrast between the harshness of winter and the imaginative landscapes of Mars, making it a compelling read.
The Eye of the World
754 pages
This book is the beginning of an epic journey where time and legends intertwine, making it a must-read for fantasy lovers.
Shantaram
788 pages
This book offers profound insights into love, fate, and the choices we make, all wrapped in a gripping narrative of survival and self-discovery.
Gideon the Ninth
381 pages
Gideon the Ninth is a captivating blend of necromancy and mystery, featuring a strong protagonist who escapes her confines with a mix of humor and grit.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
380 pages
A riveting and powerful story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship and an indestructible love
Peter Pan
178 pages
Fly away with Peter Pan to the enchanted island of Neverland! This first chapter book adaptation of the classic novel, originally published in 1911, tells the story of the boy who never grows up. And when they join Peter on his magical island, Wendy and her brothers are in for exciting encounters with mermaids, an Indian princess, and pirates! Let the amazing adventures begin!
Heart Berries
145 pages
This book is filled with beautiful prose and incredible honesty, offering great insights into the human condition. It's an emotionally tough read, but definitely worth it when you're ready for it.
The Stench of Honolulu
156 pages
The legendary Deep Thoughts and New Yorker humorist Jack Handey is back with his very first novel-a hilarious, absurd, far-flung adventure tale. The Stench of Honolulu Are you a fan of books in which famous tourist destinations are repurposed as unlivable hellholes for no particular reason? Read on! Jack Handey's exotic tale is full of laugh-out-loud twists and unforgettable characters whose names escape me right now. A reliably unreliable narrator and his friend, who is some other guy, need to get out of town. They have a taste for adventure, so they pay a visit to a relic of bygone days-a travel agent-and discover an old treasure map. She might have been a witch, by the way. Our heroes soon embark on a quest for the Golden Monkey, which takes them into the mysterious and stinky foreign land of Honolulu. There, they meet untold dangers, confront strange natives, kill and eat Turtle People, kill some other things and people, eat another thing, and discover the ruins of ancient civilizations. As our narrator says, "The ruins were impressive. But like so many civilizations, they forgot the rule that might have saved them: Don't let vines grow all over you."
Kushiel's Dart
930 pages
This book offers a captivating exploration of destiny and the complexities of love and cruelty, making it a must-read for those who enjoy deep character development and intricate world-building.
The Sellout
305 pages
"Raised by a single father--a controversial sociologist at Riverside Community College--[the narrator] spent his [Los Angeles] childhood as the subject in psychological studies, classic experiments revised to include a racially-charged twist. He also grew up believing this pioneering work might result in a memoir that would solve their financial woes. But when his father is killed in a shoot-out with the police, he realizes there never was a memoir. All that's left is the bill for a drive-thru funeral and some maudlin what-ifs"--
