Little Fires Everywhere delves into the lives of the Richardson family and the enigmatic Mia Warren, an artist and single mother, as they navigate the complexities of suburban life in the 1990s. The novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the secrets that can both unite and divide families and communities. A custody battle over a Chinese-American baby further complicates the relationships between the characters, highlighting issues of race, class, and belonging.
Set in 1970s Ohio, 'Everything I Never Told You' follows the Lee family as they grapple with the death of their daughter Lydia. The novel explores themes of family trauma, grief, racism, and the pressures of parental expectations. Through a complex web of secrets and misunderstandings, Ng delves into the intricate relationships within the family and how their past shapes their present.
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
This adaptation was first performed in the fall of 1838, before the full text of Dickens' original novel had been released. It is a serio-comic burletta that deviates from the original novel, and Dickens himself was reportedly horrified by the performance. The adaptation highlights the theatrical interpretation of Dickens' work during the Victorian era.
The novel tells the story of Saleem Sinai, who is born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the moment of India's independence from British rule. Saleem's life is intricately linked with the history of India, and he possesses telepathic powers that allow him to communicate with other 'midnight children' born between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. on that date. Each of these children has unique magical powers, and Saleem acts as a conduit to connect them. The story spans various historical events in India, including the partition, wars, and the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi. It explores themes of identity, history, and the fragmented nature of a newly independent nation[1][3][4].
The novel tells the story of Estha and Rahel, fraternal twins whose lives are shaped by the 'Love Laws' and the societal norms of 1960s Kerala, India. The story is intertwined with the past and present, exploring the complex family dynamics, the lingering effects of casteism, and the impact of British colonialism. The narrative is characterized by its non-sequential style, reflecting the process of memory and the resurfacing of painful memories. The book is a poignant exploration of the loss of innocence, societal injustices, and the universal human tragedy of unfulfilled dreams.
It took Celeste Ng a long time to believe she could write for a living. Now she’s the New York Times bestselling author of the novels “Everything I Never Told You” and “Little Fires Everywhere”-- which was developed into a hit TV show by Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine. Adam and Celeste have been friends since college–they met through her first writing job. They discuss Celeste’s versatile writing process, her insights on thinking and communicating more clearly, and how she feeds her curiosity–both as a reader and a writer. Celeste’s latest book, “Our Missing Hearts,” is out now. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG5
For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcripts
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ReThinking 
