The Story of Edgar Sawtelle 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 'Built to Sell', John Warrillow reveals the blueprint for creating a business that thrives independently from its owner. Through the journey of a fictional ad agency owner, he lays out the essential steps to transform a service-based company into a sellable asset. Readers will uncover the common pitfalls that keep entrepreneurs tethered to their businesses and learn how to avoid them. With practical advice and actionable strategies, this book is a must-read for anyone dreaming of a lucrative exit. Discover how to build a business that's not just sustainable, but also irresistible to potential buyers.

In 'Draft No. 4', renowned author John McPhee offers a masterclass in the art of writing, drawing from his vast experience to unveil the intricate processes behind his craft. With wit and insight, McPhee delves into the evolution of his own work, illustrating the journey from the first draft to polished prose. He explores the importance of structure, form, and the unyielding pursuit of clarity in storytelling. Readers are invited to rethink their own writing practices while gaining a glimpse into the meticulous editing that shapes a compelling narrative. This captivating exploration of creativity not only illuminates the writer's world but also inspires anyone with a passion for the written word.

'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 'Sharp', Michelle Dean offers a riveting exploration of feminist thought through the lives of six pivotal women writers. The book investigates how their sharp intellects and bold voices shaped literature and challenged societal norms. Dean carefully weaves personal anecdotes with cultural critique, revealing the complexities of their relationships and rivalries. As readers delve into the highs and lows of these literary figures, they are invited to reflect on the evolution of feminism itself. 'Sharp' is not just a biography; it's an examination of the power of words and the women who wielded them.

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 'Clumsy' by Jeffrey Brown, the author captures the hilariously awkward moments of young love and the trials of growing up. Through a series of charmingly illustrated vignettes, he reflects on the heartwarming and often cringe-worthy experiences of adolescence. Brown’s candid storytelling resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place in matters of the heart. With a perfect blend of humor and sincerity, each page is a nostalgic journey through first crushes and missteps. Dive into this captivating graphic memoir and relive the beautifully clumsy moments that define youth.

In 'The Cat in the Hat,' a mischievous feline arrives on a dreary rainy day to bring chaos and excitement to two bored siblings, Sally and her brother. With his iconic red and white striped hat, he introduces a whirlwind of fun, but things quickly spiral out of control. The children are torn between indulging in the Cat's antics and upholding their responsibilities at home. As the mess escalates, their fish warns of the impending trouble. Will the Cat’s playful disruption lead to disaster, or will he save the day before their mother returns?