"Tree of Smoke" is a war novel that explores the chaos, violence, and moral ambiguity of the Vietnam War. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, including a CIA operative, a young soldier, and a pair of missionaries, all of whom are trying to navigate the uncertainties and horrors of the war. The novel delves into themes of faith, fate, and the human capacity for both good and evil, offering a gritty and complex portrait of a turbulent period in history.

This novel explores the complex relationship between a Chinese-American woman and her immigrant mother, who is suffering from dementia. As the mother's condition worsens, her daughter discovers a manuscript written in Chinese that reveals her mother's traumatic past and the true identity of her grandmother - a renowned bonesetter in China. The narrative oscillates between contemporary San Francisco and early 20th century China, illustrating the enduring power of family bonds, the weight of cultural heritage, and the profound impact of past events on present lives.

The novel follows the story of Theron Ware, a young Methodist minister who, after moving to a new town, finds himself intellectually and spiritually adrift amidst a cast of characters that challenge his faith and beliefs. Ware's encounters with a Catholic priest, a rationalist doctor, and a seductive aesthete lead him down a path of personal transformation and moral ambiguity. As he grapples with the clash between his religious convictions and the modern, more liberal ideas he is exposed to, Ware's journey becomes a profound exploration of religious hypocrisy, self-deception, and the complexities of the human psyche in the face of societal change at the turn of the 20th century.

The novel explores the intricate tapestry of women's experiences in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the coming-of-age story of a young woman as she navigates the challenges of friendship, love, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of the feminist and civil rights movements, the protagonist grapples with her desires for independence and artistic expression while confronting the constraints placed on her gender. Through her relationships with friends and lovers, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately seeking to forge her own identity and a life that intertwines personal fulfillment with social activism.

In this introspective novel, a diary washes ashore on a remote Canadian island, bridging two disparate worlds. The journal, written by Nao, a troubled Japanese teenager, chronicles her life, her contemplation of suicide, and her relationship with her great-grandmother, a Zen Buddhist nun. The diary is discovered by a novelist, who becomes engrossed by Nao's story and is compelled to unravel the mysteries of Nao's fate and her own connection to the young girl. As the novelist reads, the boundaries between writer and reader, past and present, fiction and reality blur, creating a meditation on time, loss, and the intricate threads that connect human lives across the globe.

The novel intertwines two compelling narratives: one of a contemporary woman who, while on a work assignment to photograph a historic crime scene, grapples with her disintegrating marriage and an overpowering attraction to another man; and the other, a century-old tragedy of a Norwegian immigrant, whose jealousy and secrets lead to a shocking act of violence on the isolated island of Smuttynose. As the photographer delves deeper into the past, the stories converge, revealing the enduring consequences of love and jealousy.

"The Yellow Birds" by Kevin Powers is a novel that tells the story of two young soldiers, Bartle and Murphy, who are sent to fight in the Iraq War. The novel explores the physical and emotional toll of war on the soldiers, their families, and their communities. It also delves into the themes of guilt, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in the aftermath of traumatic experiences. The novel is a powerful portrayal of the human cost of war and the lasting impact it can have on those who serve.

This novel tells the story of the Timberlake family, focusing on two sisters, Stanley and Roy. Stanley is a selfish, manipulative woman who abandons her husband for her sister Roy's husband, causing a series of tragic events. Meanwhile, Roy, the more responsible and virtuous sister, must navigate the fallout of Stanley's actions. The book explores themes of family, morality, and the destructive power of selfishness, all set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century.

"Journey in the Dark" is a novel that follows the life of Sam Braden, a man born into poverty in Iowa who rises to wealth and power in the business world of New York. Despite his success, Sam struggles with his past, personal demons, and the corruption and greed he encounters in his journey. The story provides a critical examination of the American Dream, questioning whether success and wealth truly bring happiness and fulfillment.

"Years of Grace" is a novel that follows the life of a woman named Jane Ward Carver from her adolescence in the late 19th century to her adulthood in the early 20th century. The book explores her struggles and triumphs in navigating societal expectations, love, marriage, and motherhood in a rapidly changing world. The story is set against the backdrop of significant historical events, including World War I and the Roaring Twenties, providing a rich and detailed portrait of a woman's life during this transformative era.

"So Big" is a novel that follows the life of Selina Peake De Jong, a woman who moves from Chicago to a rural Dutch community in Illinois after the death of her father. She becomes a school teacher and marries a farmer, living a life of hardship and poverty. Despite the challenges, she instills a love of beauty and art in her son Dirk, who grows up to become a successful architect. The book explores themes of resilience, the American Dream, and the often overlooked value of hard work and artistic integrity.

"Guard of Honor" is a detailed and realistic portrayal of life in a World War II army air forces base. It revolves around the experiences of a disillusioned newspaperman, who is called back into service during World War II. The narrative delves into the complexities of military life, the intricate bureaucracy, racial tensions, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of power during the war. The novel explores the themes of duty, honor, and the harsh realities of war.

"The Town" is the final installment in a trilogy depicting the pioneering American spirit. It follows Sayward Wheeler, the daughter of a pioneer, as she witnesses the transformation of the Ohio wilderness into a bustling town. She experiences the joy and pain of motherhood, the comfort and loneliness of marriage, and the satisfaction and despair of building a home, all while observing the encroachment of civilization on the wilderness she loves. The novel explores themes of progress, change, and the cost of civilization.

This novel follows the life of Paco Sullivan, the lone survivor of a Vietnam war massacre, as he struggles to reintegrate into civilian life. Haunted by the ghosts of his fallen comrades and burdened by survivor's guilt, Paco grapples with the physical and psychological scars of war while working as a dishwasher in a small Texas town. The narrative explores the harsh realities of post-war trauma and the societal neglect of veterans.