Contemporary Fiction

Here in our Contemporary Fiction section at Thryft, discover compelling narratives from groundbreaking authors that challenge, entertain, and inspire us. From thought-provoking tales to emotional sagas, find your next page-turner here!

499 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!

499 Results

No results

The Gum Thief
Douglas Coupland | Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Gum Thief

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.51

$8.90

Unit price
per

Imagine finding a small galaxy of personality hidden within the drab confines of a Staples store. "The Gum Thief" weaves the slow dance of Roger and Bethany's relationship, a kinship born from the pages of a stolen notebook. It's a candid exploration of the surprises and connections that can emerge in the unlikeliest places, even amid the predictability of retail monotony. If you've ever felt a moment of profound connection with a stranger, this book will speak to you.
England, England
Julian Barnes | Picador

England, England

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.31

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

If you take delight in sharp satire and are pondering about what makes England, well, England, then Julian Barnes' "England, England" is a must for your shelf. As you immerse yourself in the comedic and somewhat dystopian mini-England created on the Isle of Wight, expect to reflect deeply on authenticity and identity amidst laugh-out-loud moments. It's a novel that looks beyond nostalgia and heritage to poke at something tender and true—how we package culture and history for consumption.
Love and Garbage
Ivan Klíma | Penguin Group

Love and Garbage

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.67

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

"Love and Garbage" offers a profound rumination on personal and political conflicts. It's a novel that delves into the complexities of love, art, and freedom under a repressive regime. If you're intrigued by the intersection of the intimate and the political, and if you enjoy narratives that reflect on the human condition and the challenges it faces, this book could resonate deeply with you. It's for readers who appreciate introspective storytelling with a backdrop of historical significance.
The Finkler Question
Howard Jacobson | Bloomsbury

The Finkler Question

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 2.84

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

85% off est. retail
Recommendation: - "The Finkler Question" is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of themes like exclusion, belonging, and the search for identity. Howard Jacobson's brilliant writing takes you on a journey through the lives of three old friends, each grappling with their own personal struggles and losses. With humor and honesty, this novel delves into the complexities of love, wisdom, and the universal need for connection. A must-read for anyone who enjoys profound storytelling that challenges societal norms.
Eleven Minutes
Paulo Coelho | Harpercollinspublishers

Eleven Minutes

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.72

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

If you're the kind of reader who appreciates the bold exploration of human emotions and sexuality through a narrative that's both provocative and enlightening, "Eleven Minutes" might be the book for you. Paulo Coelho takes you on an intense journey with Maria, challenging conventional perceptions of love and pleasure. It's an invitation to reflect on your own inner light and darkness, wrapped in the candid storytelling Coelho is celebrated for.
The Hours
Michael Cunningham | Fourth Estate

The Hours

$9.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$9.90

Unit price
per

Empty string.
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
Paulo Coelho | Harper Collins Publishers

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.57

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

If you're in search of a story that delves into the depths of self-discovery, intertwining love with spiritual enlightenment, then Paulo Coelho's book could resonate deeply with you. It's a journey that promises not just an escape but an exploration of life's greater meaning through the lens of an old romance rekindled under mystic circumstances. Coelho's narrative weaves the mystical with the everyday, inviting you to question the boundaries of your own spiritual path.
Love's Rough Journeys
David W.F. Wong | By Author

Love's Rough Journeys

$3.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 2.5

$3.90

Unit price
per

If you've ever felt like love is a journey that takes you through storms and serene seas alike, then David W.F. Wong's "Love's Rough Journeys" could resonate deeply with you. Wong has a knack for capturing the complexities of relationships, making his portrayal of love incredibly relatable and emotionally engaging. Dive into this book if you're ready for a story that mirrors the highs and lows of giving your heart to another.
A Crackle of Flames, A Circle of Rainbow - Thryft

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

If raw and unflinching poetry speaks to you, "A Crackle of Flames, A Circle of Rainbow" by Mohamed Latiff Mohamed may strike a chord. Each poem throbs with the visceral experiences of those cast aside in society. It’s poetry that doesn’t shy away from the bleak and somber realities, gripping readers with its intensity and truth. For anyone looking to explore a potent, socio-political commentary through verse, this could offer a compelling, immersive experience.
The Sentence
Louise Erdrich | Harper Large Print

The Sentence

$18.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$18.90

Unit price
per

58% off est. retail
"The Sentence" is for you if you appreciate narratives that bind the echoes of the past with the struggles of the present. Louise Erdrich weaves Tookie's journey from incarceration to a heartfelt commitment to literature and community in the microcosm of a local bookstore. It grapples with love, identity, and memory, set against a backdrop of societal upheavals, making it a thought-provoking read for those who enjoy profound reflections on resilience and healing.
The Night in Question
Tobias Wolff | Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

The Night in Question

$11.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$11.90

Unit price
per

If you enjoy stories that challenge expectations and probe at the complexities of truth, "The Night in Question" will likely captivate you. Tobias Wolff's masterful storytelling roots itself in the darkly comical and the painfully real, creating not just a read, but an experience. His prose might leave you questioning your own perceptions, with twists that satisfy a yearning for both the intellectually profound and emotionally resonant.
Then We Came to the End
Joshua Ferris | Back Bay Books

Then We Came to the End

$13.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.46

$13.90

Unit price
per

50% off est. retail
You might enjoy "Then We Came to the End" if the peculiar ecosystem of office life fascinates you. Joshua Ferris has a keen eye for the humor in the mundane and weaves a story that anyone who's ever worked in a cubicle will find both absurd and achingly familiar. The shared struggles and triumphs of this ad agency's staff will resonate with anyone who has ever been part of a "work family."
On Beauty - Thryft
Zadie Smith | Penguin Books

On Beauty

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.78

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

"On Beauty" will resonate with you if you enjoy dissecting the complexities of family dynamics and the idea of beauty in imperfection. Zadie Smith offers a vibrant and satirical look at academic pretensions, cultural clashes, and the stumbling humanity within us all. She writes with wit that cuts deep, yet somehow manages to cradle the reader’s heart with an understanding of life's true beauties — imperfections and all.
About a Boy
Nick Hornby | Penguin Books Ltd

About a Boy

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.8

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

77% off est. retail
"About a Boy" weaves a heartfelt story of unlikely friendship that challenges the conventional definitions of family and maturity. If you're drawn to tales that delve into personal growth and the beauty of forming connections in unexpected places, this Nick Hornby novel has a warmth and wit that might just resonate with you. The dynamic between Will and Marcus offers both laugh-out-loud moments and poignant insights, making it a rich reading experience.
Vernon God Little: A 21st Century Comedy in the Presence of Death

$9.90

Unit price
per

36% off est. retail
If you appreciate satire that balances darkness with wittiness, "Vernon God Little" is a must-read. You'll be thrust into the chaos of Vernon's world, where the everyday absurdity of American life is magnified through a tragic and comically twisted lens. DBC Pierre masterfully crafts a narrative that's as entertaining as it is sharp—a commentary on the media, justice, and identity in the face of adversity.
Ever After - Thryft
Graham Swift | Picador

Ever After

$11.43

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.56

$11.43

Unit price
per

Bill Unwin, in his 50s, looks back over his life and past. From his university rooms, he studies old family diaries from the mid-Victorian era. Excerpts from the diaries throw light on his own life - his feelings of hurt, revenge and family betrayal.
Girl, Woman, Other
Just Arrived
Bernardine Evaristo | Penguin

Girl, Woman, Other

$10.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$10.90

Unit price
per

56% off est. retail
If you’re intrigued by vivid storytelling that weaves together the lives of diverse women across Britain, "Girl, Woman, Other" is a read you shouldn't miss. Bernardine Evaristo masterfully explores identity, connection, and humanity with a fresh narrative style that breathes life into each character’s experience. It’s a tapestry of stories that might just redefine how you see contemporary Britain and its history.
UFO in Her Eyes - Thryft
Xiaolu Guo | Vintage

UFO in Her Eyes

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.43

Regular price $8.90 $6.90 22% off

Unit price
per

If your curiosity leans toward how a rural setting grapples with the extraordinary, "UFO in Her Eyes" might just be the book for you. Xiaolu Guo intertwines the everyday with the bizarre, crafting a story that satirizes bureaucracy and transforms a simple farmer’s life into a spectacle. This mix of political commentary with a dose of the fantastic is sure to keep you pondering long after the last page.
Eleanor Rigby
Douglas Coupland | Harperperennial

Eleanor Rigby

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.67

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

If you've ever felt like an outsider looking in, "Eleanor Rigby" could resonate deeply with you. It's about the transformative power of unexpected relationships, and how even the loneliest people can find connection in the most unforeseen places. The protagonist's raw, relatable human experience is likely to tug at your heartstrings.
Numero Zero
Umberto Eco | Penguin Random House

Numero Zero

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.17

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

77% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the murky intersections of history, media, and conspiracy theory, Umberto Eco's "Numero Zero" will captivate you. It brings together historical intrigue and literary craft, pitting a down-and-out writer against the deep-seated political machinations of Italy. Anyone with an interest in how narratives are shaped and reshaped—and the power plays behind them—will appreciate this masterful tale.
Swimming Home
Tom McCarthy, Deborah Levy  | Faber And Faber

Swimming Home

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.43

$8.90

Unit price
per

39% off est. retail
"Swimming Home" by Deborah Levy is a compelling dive into the complexity of human emotions and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of our lives. If you're someone who appreciates lyrical prose and psychological depth in characters, this novel is likely to resonate deeply with you. It's a relatively short read, but don't be fooled—the impact of Levy's storytelling is profound and lasting.
Capital
John Lanchester | Faber & Faber Fiction

Capital

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.71

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

If you're keen on understanding the intricacies of our economic system and its impacts on social structures, "Capital" might just change the way you see the world. It's a deep dive into the heart of capitalist dynamics that's both enlightening and thought-provoking, perfect for someone who appreciates thorough analysis and critical perspectives.
A Good Day to Die
Jim Harrison | Delta

A Good Day to Die

Regular price $10.90 $7.90 28% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.88

Regular price $10.90 $7.90 28% off

Unit price
per

"A Good Day To Die" pulls you into a world of reckless abandon and the intensity of youth. Jim Harrison crafts a narrative that's simultaneously a wild adventure and a sobering examination of the human spirit. It's a compelling read for anyone who relishes tales of idealism gone awry, capturing the turmoil of the '60s and '70s with a visceral power that echoes through the decades. If you enjoy stories that combine the thrill of the journey with the depth of introspection, this one will resonate with you.
Terms & Conditions
Robert Glancy | Bloomsbury

Terms & Conditions

$10.53

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.79

$10.53

Unit price
per

50% off est. retail
"Terms & Conditions" delves into the life of Frank, a man grappling with memory loss and the unsettling feeling that everything he knows is shifting beneath his feet. It's a thought-provoking read that cleverly intertwines the mundanity of contractual jargon with the protagonist's search for truth amid chaos. If you're looking for a novel that offers a mix of legal intrigue, dark humor, and the exploration of what makes us who we are, this book's unique narrative style and poignant questioning of life's real agreements will undoubtedly leave an impression.
Great House
Nicole Krauss | Viking

Great House

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.49

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

63% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the power of objects to hold memories and shape lives, "Great House" is something you should consider. Nicole Krauss weaves a story that transcends time and geography, entrusting a single writing desk with the deep emotional legacies of its owners. It's a literary journey through pain, longing, and remembrance that could give you a profound sense of connection with the characters and human history.
The Long Song
Andrea Levy | Headline Review

The Long Song

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.79

$8.90

Unit price
per

58% off est. retail
If you're drawn to stories with vivid historical settings and deep emotional undercurrents, "The Long Song" is a book that could resonate with you. Andrea Levy offers a window into the turbulent end of slavery in Jamaica, weaving a narrative that's as informative as it is moving. It's for anyone captivated by powerful storytelling that illuminates important, yet heartbreaking chapters of our past.
A Long Way Down
Nick Hornby | Penguin Books

A Long Way Down

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.44

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

63% off est. retail
Nick Hornby’s "A Long Way Down" could be a match for you if you appreciate stories that blend wit with weightier themes. It's not just a novel—it's a raw, sometimes uncomfortably humorous look at life, choices, and the not-so-simple act of living. The balance of Hornby's humor with moments of sincere reflection could make you ponder your perspectives just as much as it entertains you.
Mr Goodchild - Thryft
J.H. Low | Marshall Cavendish Editions

Mr Goodchild

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 2.88

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

87% off est. retail
This book would be a good read for someone who enjoys psychological thrillers with an intriguing twist. Through its captivating narrative, Mr Goodchild explores the dichotomy between appearances and reality, gradually unraveling the deep-seated secrets that lie beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary life. By delving into the protagonist's inner struggle and the mysterious voice haunting him, the book keeps readers on edge, questioning what is real and what is imagined. Prepare to be caught in the grip of suspense as Mr Goodchild's journey unveils the hidden truths that can change everything.
Mere Anarchy
Woody Allen | Ebury Press

Mere Anarchy

Regular price $8.90 $4.90 45% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.48

Regular price $8.90 $4.90 45% off

Unit price
per

If you enjoy the quirky charm of Woody Allen's films, "Mere Anarchy" offers similar delight in written form. These eighteen tales blend the surreal with the satirical, all penned with Allen's distinctive wit. Perfect for fans of intelligent humor and verbal gymnastics, this collection serves as a creative respite from reality, peppered with absurdity and insightful comedic twists.
Vernon God Little - Thryft
D.B.C. Pierre | Faber

Vernon God Little

Regular price $6.90 $3.90 43% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.6

Regular price $6.90 $3.90 43% off

Unit price
per

Vernon God Little
Room : Film tie-in - Thryft
Emma Donoghue | Picador

Room Film Tie-In

Regular price $5.90 $3.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.08

Regular price $5.90 $3.90 34% off

Unit price
per

81% off est. retail
Imagine life confined to a single room, with the only world you know being the one your mother has created for you. "Room" will make you reconsider what it means to be free and the power of a mother's love that can turn the darkest of places into a home. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that redefines the bonds of love and the spirit of survival in unimaginable circumstances.
The Kite Runner
Just Arrived
Khaled Hosseini | Bloomsbury

The Kite Runner

$9.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.35

$9.90

Unit price
per

55% off est. retail
You might find "The Kite Runner" incredibly moving if you're interested in stories that weave personal redemption with the vivid backdrop of a nation's turbulent history. Khaled Hosseini's rich narrative reveals not just the bond and betrayal between two boys, but it also opens a window into Afghanistan's soul. It's one of those rare novels that captures heartbreak and hope, with characters that linger with you well after the last page.
The Tortilla Curtain - Thryft
T. Coraghessan Boyle | Penguin Books

The Tortilla Curtain

$3.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$3.90

Unit price
per

86% off est. retail
The Tortilla Curtain could resonate with you if you're intrigued by stories that delve into the complexities of societal issues with a mix of drama and humor. T.C. Boyle presents a thought-provoking narrative that lays bare the contradictions of the American Dream through the lens of two very different couples in California. It's a vivid exploration of the collision between privilege and desperation, begging reflection on the human cost of the pursuit of prosperity.
The Fortress of Solitude - Thryft
Jonathan Lethem | Vintage Contemporaries

The Fortress of Solitude

Regular price $4.26 $2.56 40% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.84

Regular price $4.26 $2.56 40% off

Unit price
per

89% off est. retail
The Fortress of Solitude is the story of Dylan Ebdus growing up white and motherless in downtown Brooklyn in the 1970s. It's a neighborhood where the entertainments include muggings along with games of stoopball. In that world, Dylan has one friend, a black teenager, also motherless, named Mingus Rude. As Lethem follows the knitting and unraveling of their friendship, he creates an overwhelmingly rich and emotionally gripping canvas of race and class, superheros, gentrification, funk, hip-hop, graffiti tagging, loyalty, and memory. The Fortress of Solitude is the first great urban coming of age novel to appear in years.(back cover)
Foregone
Russell Banks | Ecco

Foregone

Regular price $10.90 $6.90 37% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.25

Regular price $10.90 $6.90 37% off

Unit price
per

If life's complexities intrigue you, "Foregone" will resonate deeply. The protagonist grapples with his past, offering a poignant examination of mortality that may prompt you to reflect on your own choices and what it means to lead a meaningful life. It's a thought-provoking read that's perfect for anyone keen on stories that explore the human condition with a sense of urgency and introspection.
Everything Inside
Edwidge Danticat | Knopf

Everything Inside

Regular price $11.90 $8.90 25% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.68

Regular price $11.90 $8.90 25% off

Unit price
per

Edwidge Danticat's "Everything Inside" is a beautifully woven tapestry of stories that delves into the depths of human connection. If you enjoy rich narratives that are both touching and thought-provoking, these stories will resonate with you. They masterfully capture the complexities of relationships and the ties that bind us, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the human experience.
Unnamed the Air Exp
Ferris Joshua Joshua Ferris | Penguin Books

Unnamed the Air Exp

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.33

Regular price $7.90 $3.90 51% off

Unit price
per

72% off est. retail
Imagine feeling trapped in your own body, compelled to walk without end. Ferris crafts a deeply human narrative surrounding Tim Farnsworth's life and strain on his marriage, as he's gripped by an inexplicable disorder. It's a raw exploration of the human condition, melding the absurd with the tragic. If you're drawn to character-driven stories that walk the fine line between reality and allegory, this might just resonate with you.
Gabriel's Gift
Hanif Kureishi | Faber And Faber

Gabriel's Gift

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.28

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

If you're drawn to stories that blend the vibrancy of city life with the intricacies of family dynamics and the wonder of youthful creativity, "Gabriel's Gift" might just be your next favorite read. It offers a unique perspective on how a young mind navigates through challenges using imagination as both an escape and a tool for self-discovery.
Bad Dreams and Other Stories
Tessa Hadley | Harperpb

Bad Dreams and Other Stories

Regular price $15.90 $9.90 38% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.68

Regular price $15.90 $9.90 38% off

Unit price
per

If you relish stories that uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, Tessa Hadley's collection will speak to you. Hadley skillfully transforms everyday moments into pivotal experiences, capturing the universal in the specific. It's a read that promises to leave you with a renewed appreciation for life's quiet yet defining moments.
UFO in Her Eyes
Xiaolu Guo | Chatto

UFO in Her Eyes

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.42

$8.90

Unit price
per

If you enjoy stories that blend the mundane with the extraordinary, "UFO In Her Eyes" could be your next great read. Xiaolu Guo creates a rich narrative that's as much about the invasion of modernity into a traditional village as it is about an alien encounter. It's a unique tale that speaks to the social and economic evolution within China, providing both satirical insight and a poignant look at the human experience when faced with the unknown.
The Bridegroom
Ha Jin | Pantheon

The Bridegroom

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$8.90

Unit price
per

Ha Jin's "The Bridegroom" offers a window into the intricate fabric of Chinese society and its nuances, especially for those who left. If you're intrigued by the intersection of personal lives and larger cultural shifts, these stories promise a moving and insightful journey. Each tale delicately unpacks themes of identity and the human condition, making it a resonant read for anyone who appreciates deep, cross-cultural narratives.
The Lowland
Jhumpa Lahiri | Bloomsbury

The Lowland

$10.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$10.90

Unit price
per

59% off est. retail
"The Lowland" by Jhumpa Lahiri is a beautifully crafted story that transcends geographical borders, delving into topics we all grapple with—family dynamics, personal convictions, and the sacrifices we make for those we love. The poetic realism of Lahiri's writing will resonate with you long after you've turned the final page, making it a memorable read for anyone who appreciates deeply human and emotionally charged narratives.
A Song for Issy Bradley
Carys Bray | Windmill

A Song for Issy Bradley

Regular price $10.90 $7.90 28% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.7

Regular price $10.90 $7.90 28% off

Unit price
per

"A Song for Issy Bradley" gently unspools the threads of belief and sorrow that intertwine in a family's life. If you're looking to connect with deeply human characters grappling with profound loss while clinging onto to their faith, this book will resonate with you. Carys Bray offers a nuanced exploration of how different people cope with tragedy, making it a touching read that's sure to leave an imprint on your heart.
The Corporate Wife - Thryft
Elizabeth Harrington | Fontana

The Corporate Wife

Regular price $8.68 $3.90 55% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 0.0

Regular price $8.68 $3.90 55% off

Unit price
per

If you find yourself intrigued by the intricacies of personal sacrifices for career advancement, 'The Corporate Wife' could resonate with you. Experiencing the life through the lens of a marriage tethered to corporate success in the early 90s offers not just a compelling narrative but also a thought-provoking commentary on societal expectations and personal identity. Elizabeth Harrington's exploration of this dynamic might just be the engrossing read you're looking for.
Winter - Seasonal Quartet
Ali Smith | Penguin

Winter - Seasonal Quartet

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$8.90

Unit price
per

51% off est. retail
Winter, by Ali Smith, is a beautifully written story about survival, history, memory, and warmth. The author's writing style is graceful and mischievous, infused with a much-needed humor, happiness, and hope. The book teaches us the importance of surviving harsh winter seasons with our loved ones, and how to stay strong during difficult times. It's a luminously beautiful story that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
In the Year of the Virus - A Poignant Look Back at the Time When the World Was Affected by the Coronavirus

Regular price $14.90 $4.90 67% off

Unit price
per

76% off est. retail
This book would be a good read for anyone looking for a unique and artistic perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the combination of poetry and comics, "In The Year Of The Virus" offers a poignant and thought-provoking look back at a time that affected the entire world. The author's innovative approach gives readers a new way to connect with and reflect on the challenges faced during this unprecedented period.
A Spot of Bother
Mark Haddon | Doubleday

A Spot of Bother

Regular price $15.90 $10.90 31% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.5

Regular price $15.90 $10.90 31% off

Unit price
per

If you found "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" endearing, "A Spot of Bother" offers a similar charm but within the sphere of adult family life. Mark Haddon returns with his keen insight into human nature, this time exploring the mental turmoil of a retiree against the backdrop of family dysfunction. It's poignant, darkly humorous, and profoundly relatable, making you chuckle and wince in equal measure.
How to be Good - Thryft
Nick Hornby | Penguin

How to be Good

$5.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.22

$5.90

Unit price
per

"How to be Good" might tickle your fancy if you're into stories that satirize the complexities of contemporary life. Nick Hornby has a knack for capturing the absurdities of trying to be a moral person in a not-so-simple world. It's wittily observant, and you might find yourself both cringing and nodding along with the protagonist's dilemmas.
The Explosion Chronicles
Yan Lianke | Vintage

The Explosion Chronicles

$9.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$9.90

Unit price
per

Yan Lianke's "The Explosion Chronicles" is a vivid tale of transformation that mirrors the chaotic expansion of modern urban centers. If you're intrigued by the intersection of tradition and rampant modernization, this book offers a satirical look at how a modest village metamorphoses into a colossal city, underscored by human desires and the complexities of progress. As you follow the entangled lives of the rival clans, expect a rich narrative that deftly combines myth and sharp social commentary.
The Topeka School
Ben Lerner | Picador

The Topeka School

$11.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.51

$11.90

Unit price
per

"The Topeka School" could be your next thought-provoking journey. It's a book that artfully weaves the personal with the political, taking you through the complexities of family dynamics against the backdrop of a changing America. Ben Lerner's sharp examination of toxic masculinity, language, and psychology makes it resonate with anyone curious about the forces shaping contemporary society.

Explore Modern Narratives

Whether you’re drawn to gritty urban plots or stories focused on tender relationships, novels in our Contemporary Fiction section echo the complexities of today’s world. Immerse yourself in stories that capture significant human experiences, by insightful authors from around the globe. This is our gateway to modern narratives shaping the future of literature.