This novel tells the story of Oscar de Leon, an overweight Dominican boy growing up in New Jersey who is obsessed with science fiction, fantasy novels, and falling in love, but is perpetually unlucky in his romantic endeavors. The narrative not only explores Oscar's life but also delves into the lives of his family members, each affected by the curse that has plagued their family for generations. The book is a blend of magical realism and historical fiction, providing a detailed account of the brutal Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic and its impact on the country's people and diaspora.

This novel follows the story of the four Garcia sisters, who are forced to flee from their home in the Dominican Republic to New York City in the 1960s due to their father's political dissent. The girls struggle to navigate the challenges of assimilation and cultural identity, as they attempt to reconcile their Dominican heritage with their new American lifestyle. The narrative explores themes of identity, family, immigrant experience, and the effects of political unrest, as the girls lose their Spanish accents and adapt to their new environment.

"Thank You For Not Reading" by Dubravka Ugrešić is a collection of essays that explores the decline of reading culture in contemporary society. Ugrešić delves into various aspects of this phenomenon, including the impact of technology, the rise of celebrity culture, and the commodification of literature. With her sharp and witty observations, she raises important questions about the future of reading and the value of literature in an increasingly digital and image-driven world.

This book is a poignant narrative that follows the life of Ivan Dolinar, born in Croatia on April 1, 1948, a date that marks both his birth and the myriad of misfortunes and absurdities that will follow him throughout his life under Tito's communist regime. The story weaves through Ivan's experiences, from his early years in a country marred by political upheaval, through his time in prison due to a series of misunderstandings and unfortunate events, to his eventual emigration. Through a blend of dark humor and tragedy, the novel explores themes of identity, the absurdity of bureaucratic systems, and the struggle for survival in a world that often seems as unpredictable and cruel as it is beautiful. The narrative serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition and the arbitrary nature of fate, all while providing a vivid window into the history and culture of the Balkans during a tumultuous period.