Coming Through Slaughter Book Summary

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEY'S WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'A delicious, important novel' The Times 'Alert, alive and gripping' Independent 'Some novels tell a great story and others make you change the way you look at the world. Americanah does both.' Guardian As teenagers in a Lagos secondary school, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love. Their Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are fleeing the country if they can. Ifemelu--beautiful, self-assured--departs for America to study. She suffers defeats and triumphs, finds and loses relationships and friendships, all the while feeling the weight of something she never thought of back home: race. Obinze--the quiet, thoughtful son of a professor--had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Thirteen years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a writer of an eye-opening blog about race in America. But when Ifemelu returns to Nigeria, and she and Obinze reignite their shared passion--for their homeland and for each other--they will face the toughest decisions of their lives. Fearless, gripping, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story of love and expectation set in today's globalized world.

In 'Lean Analytics', Alistair Croll and Benjamin Yoskovitz unveil a powerful framework for data-driven decision-making in startups and businesses. They emphasize the importance of measuring progress through actionable metrics rather than vanity numbers. With real-world case studies, the authors illustrate how to identify the right metrics at different stages of growth. This book not only challenges traditional practices but also encourages innovators to adopt a lean approach to optimize results. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful analytics and transform your business strategy?

In 'Armadillo,' William Boyd weaves a riveting tale of a young London architect who finds himself entangled in the chaotic world of art, war, and redemption. As he grapples with ambition and personal betrayal, the protagonist embarks on a journey that challenges his ideals and redefines his understanding of truth and loyalty. Amidst the backdrop of the late 20th century's shifting cultural landscape, mysteries unravel, and friendships are tested. This thought-provoking novel delves into the complexities of human connection and the haunting choices that shape our lives. Will he find the courage to confront his past and reclaim his future?

In 'The Vision of the Anointed,' Thomas Sowell critiques the elite vision shaping modern societal policies and beliefs. He argues that the self-anointed thinkers often impose their ideologies without considering the real-world consequences. Sowell explores the disparity between their lofty intentions and the actual outcomes of their policies, challenging readers to reassess the effectiveness of these so-called progressives. His sharp analyses reveal the underlying motives and errors of these elites, pushing us to question authority and conventional wisdom. This book is a thought-provoking exploration that compels readers to engage with the ideas that shape our world.

In 'Metropolitan Life,' Fran Lebowitz offers a witty and acerbic take on life in New York City during the 1970s. Through sharp observations and humorous anecdotes, she explores the quirks of urban living and the eccentricities of its inhabitants. Each essay serves as a reflection on modern society, capturing the essence of a city bustling with creativity and contradictions. Lebowitz's unique voice and sardonic style command attention, making readers yearn for more of her insights. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself laughing, pondering, and absorbing her unapologetic perspective on life in the metropolis.

In 'Meditation Within Eternity', Eric Pepin invites readers on a transformative journey through the realms of meditation and consciousness. He challenges conventional beliefs about spirituality, revealing hidden truths about the universe and our place within it. Pepin's profound insights combine ancient wisdom with modern understanding, offering practical techniques for deep meditation and self-discovery. As readers delve into this mystical exploration, they uncover the power of thought and intention in shaping their reality. This compelling guide not only ignites curiosity about the nature of existence but also empowers individuals to transcend their limits and embrace the eternal.

'Slaughterhouse-Five' follows the unconventional journey of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes 'unstuck in time' and experiences moments from his life out of sequence. As he navigates through the horrors of World War II, including the firebombing of Dresden, the narrative intertwines elements of science fiction and anti-war sentiment. Vonnegut's unique blend of dark humor and poignant commentary challenges the nature of free will and the chaos of war. Will Billy ever come to terms with his fragmented existence and the absurdity of human conflict? Join him on a mind-bending odyssey that questions reality and morality.

In 'The Bluest Eye', Toni Morrison unveils the heartbreaking story of Pecola Breedlove, an African American girl growing up in the 1940s who yearns for blue eyes and the beauty she believes they represent. As her desperate quest for acceptance and love unfolds, the novel explores themes of race, identity, and societal beauty standards through the lens of a painful childhood. Morrison's poetic prose immerses readers in the stark realities of a world that devalues those who do not conform to its ideals. Throughout the narrative, the complexities of familial relationships and community dynamics are poignantly revealed. This powerful tale of longing and despair challenges readers to confront their own perceptions of beauty and worth.