Many remember The Scarlet Letter as required reading for reluctant sixteen year olds. The unnamed, elusive narrator of Hawthorne's «tale of human frailty and sorrow» is–some readers might say maddeningly–indirect, ambiguous, and inconsistent. Readers who hope to arrive at satisfying judgments about the book's four iconic characters–Hester, Arthur, Roger, and Pearl–are often left to arrive at their conclusions by guess and inference. Th ...
The absurdities of contemporary politics and culture are lampooned in this unique and biting novel, composed entirely of media «sound bites.» Here are the voices of our time: politicians, reporters, pundits, and voters, all clashing amid a senatorial campaign between a young conservative woman and a venerable liberal man. The result is a fast-paced satire filled with sharp dialogue and ironic surprises. ...
Four unlikely teenagers are summoned to quest for the salvation of a perpendicular world. Elli Adams and her friends Beatriz, Jamie, and Alex must overcome their own personal challenges of blindness, self-confidence, and Down syndrome as they struggle together to fulfill their mysterious calling as Bairnmoor's last prophetic hope. Join them on an adventure through singing forests and stardust valleys full of mystical, glorious, and ferociou ...
When Jesus offers his body as a promise to his disciples, he initiates a liturgical framework that is driven by irony and betrayal. Through these deconstructive elements, however, the promise invites the disciples into an intimate space where they anticipate the fulfillment of what is to come. This anticipatory energy provides the common thread between Donne and Dickinson, who draw specifically on the unstable story that unfolds during the Last ...
Traveling in New Mexico in 1971, Will George converts to Bhakti Dharma, a new religious movement influenced by Hinduism and Sikh tradition. Returning to his home in Minnesota, he renounces his previous life, provoking a crisis for everyone in his family. Peter, Will's older brother, is a graduate student at the University of Chicago who studies early Christian asceticism partly to understand his brother's devotion. He gains insight int ...
Mary Ellen's father didn't-exactly-trade her for a house. Marrying the wealthy and handsome Randall Coulson isn't something she wants to do, but, being an obedient daughter, she agrees to the marriage. Randall Coulson wants Mary Ellen for one reason: to give him sons. He has no desire to form a bond of love or friendship with his young bride. His own heart is already taken. This bittersweet story of love, lies, and family secrets ...
The past is fraught with lies that could topple everything, sending humanity into a tail-spin. Is it possible to uncover the truth Jia and Erik are searching for, without tearing apart the gossamer of ignorance and destroying the underpinnings of government? Both want the truth-but is revealing the truth good for those around them? ...
Winner of the 2019-20 First Nation Communities READ Indigenous Literature Award An unexpected journey can be powerful medicine. When Tilly receives an invitation to help drive eight elders on their ultimate bucket list road trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, she impulsively says yes. Before she knows it, Tilly has said goodbye to her family and is behind the wheel-ready to embark on an adventure that will tr ...
