Memory

In many ways, who we are is shaped by what we remember, yet our recollections aren't always a reliable account of the past. This collection gathers texts that explore the ideas, theories, and challenges conjured by memory.

The Cliffs

by J. Courtney Sullivan

Publication year 2024

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Forgiveness, Guilt, Joy, Memory, Femininity, Indigenous Identity, Mental Health, Midlife, The Past, Place, Friendship, Mothers, Self Discovery, Colonialism, Community, Education, Nation, Politics & Government, Equality, Fate, Good & Evil, Justice, Loyalty & Betrayal, Power & Greed, Religion & Spirituality, Safety & Danger, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies

Tags Historical Fiction, Mystery & Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction, Gothic Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, World History

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The Comfort of Crows

by Margaret Renkl

Publication year 2023

Genre Essay Collection, Nonfiction

Themes Grief, Memory, Aging, Death, Future, The Past, Animals, Climate, Environment, Plants, Food, Nature Versus Nurture, Objects & Materials, Place, Family, Self Discovery, Community, Education, Globalization, Beauty, Equality, Fate, Good & Evil, Justice, Order & Chaos, Safety & Danger, Truth & Lies

Tags Animals, Science & Nature

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The Correspondent

by Virginia Evans

Publication year 2025

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Fear, Forgiveness, Grief, Guilt, Hope, Loneliness, Memory, Regret, Disability, Gender Identity, Indigenous Identity, Mental Health, Death, Marriage, Mothers, Siblings, Community, Beauty, Literature

Tags Epistolary Fiction, Domestic Fiction

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The Cost of Knowing

by Brittney Morris

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Mental Health, Siblings, Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Fear, Gratitude, Grief, Guilt, Hate & Anger, Joy, Love, Memory, Regret, Shame & Pride, Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Death, Future, The Past, Fathers, Equality, Fate, Justice, Safety & Danger, Music, Appearance & Reality

Tags Magical Realism, Coming of Age, Race & Racism, Science Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness, Fantasy

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The Darkest Minds

by Alexandra Bracken

Publication year 2012

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Childhood & Youth, Community, Conflict, Memory, Power & Greed

Tags Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Action & Adventure, Religion & Spirituality

American author Alexandra Bracken’s young adult dystopian novel The Darkest Minds (2012) tells the story of teen protagonist Ruby, who escapes a grim government camp for kids with special abilities. She meets a group of other young people on the run led by the charismatic Liam. The first book in The Darkest Minds series is followed by Never Fade, In the Afterlight, and Through the Dark. Exploring themes of generational conflict and the power of... Read The Darkest Minds Summary

The Dead

by James Joyce

Publication year 1914

Genre Novella, Fiction

Themes Love, Loyalty & Betrayal, Music, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies, Memory, Guilt, Perseverance, Nostalgia, Conflict, Hope, Marriage

Tags Grief & Death, Relationships, Education, Education, World History, Irish Literature, Classic Fiction

“The Dead” is a short story by Irish writer James Joyce. The story is a part of Joyce’s renowned Dubliners collection, first published in 1914, which portrays daily life in the Irish city of Dublin in the early 20th century. In “The Dead,” a literary young man attends a party with his wife. The events at the party prompt him to reflect on his life and his place in the universe. The short story has... Read The Dead Summary

The Dead

by Susan Mitchell

Publication year 1983

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Death, Memory, Grief, Place, Objects & Materials, Nostalgia

Tags Lyric Poem, Free Verse, American Literature, Grief & Death

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