Books & Literature

The Dutch philosopher Erasmus said, “When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes.” Why do we value books and literature so highly? This thematic collection gathers books that offer unique insights into the power, energy, and appeal of, well, books!

The Book of Disquiet

by Fernando Pessoa

Publication year 1982

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Literature, Apathy, Hope, Loneliness, Nostalgia, Regret, Mental Health, Death, Self Discovery, Art, Beauty

Tags Philosophy, Life-Inspired Fiction, Modernism

The Book of Disquiet is a fragmented modernist novel by Portuguese author Fernando Pessoa. Originally published in Portuguese in 1982 and in English in 1998, the title is a posthumous assemblage of Pessoa’s philosophical musings on life, urbanity, identity, and dreams. The novel is narrated by Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa’s numerous heteronyms, or literary personas. Soares lives in Lisbon, where he works as an assistant bookkeeper. When he isn’t working, he occupies his time... Read The Book of Disquiet Summary

The Book of Magic

by Alice Hoffman

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Love, Femininity, Death, Future, The Past, Animals, Appearance & Reality, Objects & Materials, Place, Mothers, Siblings, Self Discovery, Community, Education, Art, Beauty, Fate, Good & Evil, Literature, Loyalty & Betrayal, Order & Chaos, Religion & Spirituality

Tags Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction

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The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Publication year 2005

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Literature

Tags Historical Fiction, World War II, Military & War, World History, Classic Fiction

The Book Thief (December 2007) is a young adult novel by Australian author Markus Zusak. Other titles by Zusak include Underdogs (1999), I am the Messenger (2002), and Bridge of Clay (2018). All his works have received multiple literary prizes and reader’s choice awards from countries around the world.When first published, The Book Thief became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was a nominee of PBS’s The Great American Read as one of America’s... Read The Book Thief Summary

The Castle in the Attic

by Elizabeth Winthrop

Publication year 1985

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Fear, Forgiveness, Grief, Guilt, Hope, Joy, Love, Loneliness, Regret, Shame & Pride, Family, Friendship, Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Good & Evil, Fate, Justice, Literature, Loyalty & Betrayal, Safety & Danger, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies

Tags Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Children`s Literature, Classic Fiction

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The Cat Who Saved Books

by Sōsuke Natsukawa, Transl. Louise Heal Kawai

Publication year 2017

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Animals, Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Fear, Hope, Joy, Loneliness, Love, Memory, Coming of Age, Death, Future, The Past, Appearance & Reality, Friendship, Grandparents, Teamwork, Self Discovery, Community, Economics, Education, Art, Beauty, Fate, Good & Evil, Justice, Literature, Loyalty & Betrayal, Order & Chaos, Power & Greed, Science & Technology, Truth & Lies

Tags Fantasy, Magical Realism, Japanese Literature, Contemporary Literature

... Read The Cat Who Saved Books Summary