The Country of Others, with Leïla Slimani and Shahidha Bari

Set in the 1940s and 1950s, 'The Country of Others' follows Mathilde, a French woman who marries a Moroccan soldier and moves to Morocco. The novel delves into themes of identity, belonging, and cultural tensions amidst Morocco's fight for independence from France. It is the first part of a trilogy inspired by Slimani's family history.

In this book, Pema Chödrön offers life-changing tools for transforming suffering and negative patterns into habitual ease and boundless joy. Drawing from traditional Buddhist wisdom, she advises moving toward painful situations with friendliness and curiosity, rather than trying to escape them. The book emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty, impermanence, and groundlessness, and provides practical advice for dealing with difficult emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. Chödrön encourages readers to stay present with their feelings and to cultivate nonaggression and compassion, leading to deeper healing and understanding[1][3][5].

Chuck Palahniuk's "Lullaby" is a dark and disturbing novel exploring themes of death, sleep, and the power of suggestion. The story centers around a lullaby that, when sung, causes the listener to die in their sleep. The novel delves into the protagonist's obsession with the lullaby and its deadly consequences. Palahniuk's signature style is evident in the novel's unsettling atmosphere and its exploration of taboo subjects. "Lullaby" is a chilling and thought-provoking read that stays with the reader long after finishing.