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Set during World War II in Italy, 'Miracle at St. Anna' follows four African American soldiers from the segregated 92nd Infantry Division, known as Buffalo Soldiers, who become separated from their unit behind enemy lines. The story intertwines their struggle for survival with the plight of Italian villagers, focusing on themes of heroism, spiritual resilience, and camaraderie. Central to the narrative is Sam Train, a gentle giant soldier who rescues a mute Italian boy named Angelo during the tragic massacre at St. Anna di Stazzema. The novel blends historical events with fictional elements and magical realism to explore the harsh realities of war and the miracles of human connection and faith.

Published in 1969, 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a crime novel that follows the story of the Corleone family, one of the Five Families of the New York Mafia. The novel spans from the early life of Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son, Michael, as the new Don. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and violence as the family navigates internal conflicts, external threats, and the transition of leadership. Michael, initially reluctant to join the family business, becomes deeply involved after an assassination attempt on his father and eventually succeeds Vito as the head of the family. The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the characters' personal lives.

The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy. There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma. It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.