Bonus Sample: An Ode to Curiosity

Zoli begins in 1930s Czechoslovakia, where young Zoli survives the drowning of her family by fascist guards and joins a Romani harpist clan with her grandfather. She secretly learns to read, write, and compose songs, rising as a singer amid rising Nazi persecution and later communist assimilation efforts. Her affair with Stephen Swann leads to the publication of her poetry, causing her Roma community to exile her as 'Polluted for Life'; she journeys westward to Italy, finding a new life. Loosely based on the Polish Romani poet Papusza, the story spans 20th-century Europe, exploring betrayal, storytelling, and Romani marginalization through multiple narrative perspectives.

Apeirogon, by Colm Tóibín, is a novel that tells the interwoven stories of Bassam Araman and Rami Elhanan, two fathers who lost their daughters in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The narrative explores themes of grief, reconciliation, and the enduring human capacity for empathy. Through their shared experiences, the novel highlights the devastating impact of violence and the potential for healing and understanding. The book's structure mirrors the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict itself, reflecting the intricate connections between individuals and the larger political landscape. Ultimately, Apeirogon offers a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience and the possibility of finding common ground even amidst profound loss and division.

This wide-ranging book explores the complexities of scientific evidence and how sciences refine everyday empirical inquiry methods. Susan Haack critiques scientism and 'New Cynics,' introduces 'foundherentism'—likening scientific knowledge to a crossword puzzle intersecting evidence and theories—and addresses science's relation to law, religion, values, and technology. Writing with verve and humor, she provides a realistic understanding of science's strengths and limits.

In *The Cooking Gene*, Michael W. Twitty delves into the history of Southern cuisine, tracing its roots back to Africa and the impact of slavery on American food culture. The book combines genealogical research, personal stories, and historical analysis to highlight the African influence on Southern cuisine. It also explores themes of identity, culture, and the intersection of Jewish and African American food traditions.

This book is a compilation of true historical stories from Nate DiMeo's acclaimed podcast 'The Memory Palace'. It includes new and favorite stories, along with dynamic illustrations and archival photographs, to create a kaleidoscopic exploration of American history. The stories range from a socialite scientist pursuing the elusive prairie chicken to an enslaved man's journey to freedom and Congress, highlighting the beauty and meaning in history's lesser-known corners.

Set against the backdrop of Philippe Petit's 1974 tightrope walk between the Twin Towers, 'Let the Great World Spin' weaves together the lives of diverse characters in New York City. The novel explores themes of hope, beauty, and redemption amidst the turmoil of the 1970s, including the Vietnam War and social upheaval. Through its intricate narrative, McCann portrays a city in transition, reflecting both the pain and promise of its people.