Memoirs of a Geisha 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.

'Ernest Hemingway on Writing' is a captivating exploration of the legendary author's insights and principles on the craft of writing. Larry W. Phillips delves into Hemingway's timeless advice, revealing the secrets behind his impactful prose and unforgettable characters. The book not only sheds light on Hemingway's techniques but also offers reflections on the broader art of storytelling. As readers journey through Hemingway's wisdom, they uncover the discipline and passion that shaped a literary giant. This essential guide invites both aspiring writers and literature lovers to embrace the essence of writing with clarity and purpose.

In 'Writing Movies for Fun and Profit,' Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant share their insider secrets from their successful careers as Hollywood screenwriters. This engaging guide demystifies the screenwriting process, revealing tips and tricks to craft compelling stories that can grab the attention of producers. With a blend of humor and practical advice, the authors illustrate how to balance creativity with commercial viability. Readers will learn not just how to write, but how to get paid for it, making this both an informative and entertaining read. Whether you're a budding writer or a seasoned pro, this book promises to inspire and equip you to navigate the unpredictable world of movie writing.

In 'The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive,' Patrick M. Lencioni reveals the key to achieving extraordinary success in business through a compelling narrative. The story centers around a fictional CEO who grapples with common pitfalls that hinder organizational health. Lencioni uncovers four essential disciplines that leaders must master to create a cohesive and engaged team. Through relatable characters and insightful lessons, readers discover how to foster trust, accountability, and clarity in their organizations. This transformative guide challenges executives to rethink their priorities and cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive.

In 'A Wrinkle in Time', a young girl named Meg Murry embarks on an extraordinary interstellar journey to rescue her father, who is trapped by a dark force. Joined by her brother Charles and a mysterious guide named Mrs. Whatsit, they traverse the cosmos using the concept of tesseracts—also known as wrinkles in time. Along the way, they confront the embodiment of evil and discover the power of love and individuality. L'Engle masterfully weaves science fiction with themes of family, bravery, and the struggle against conformity. This imaginative tale challenges readers to ponder the nature of good and evil, making it an unforgettable adventure.

In 'Brave Men', journalist Ernie Pyle takes readers on a powerful journey through the harrowing experiences of soldiers during World War II. His vivid storytelling paints an intimate portrait of bravery, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of war, revealing the human side of combat that often goes unnoticed. Pyle's poignant reflections capture the courage of ordinary men facing extraordinary challenges, making their stories both relatable and inspiring. This gripping narrative not only honors the sacrifices made by soldiers but also raises profound questions about the nature of heroism. Join Pyle as he brings to life the voices of those who fought, leaving readers with unforgettable impressions of valor and vulnerability.

In 'If on a Winter's Night a Traveller,' Italo Calvino invites you on a mesmerizing journey through the labyrinth of storytelling itself. As you, the reader, navigate a series of disconnected narratives, the boundaries between reality and fiction blur tantalizingly. Each chapter uncovers a new plot, each more intriguing than the last, challenging your perception of what a novel can be. With its playful prose and enigmatic structure, Calvino crafts a celebration of literature's power to captivate and confound. Prepare to be entranced by a book that is as much about the experience of reading as it is about the stories it tells.

In 'Literally Show Me a Healthy Person,' Darcie Wilder confronts the complexities of mental health and self-identity in a world obsessed with perfection. Through her sharp, poignant, and often humorous prose, she invites readers into her disjointed reflections on what it truly means to be healthy. Wilder's candid exploration blurs the lines between the ideal self and the messy reality of everyday life. She challenges the prevailing narratives around wellness, compelling us to question who defines what it means to be healthy. This book is a raw, thoughtful journey that leaves readers pondering their own perceptions and the societal standards we navigate.