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Percival Everett’s Bold Reimagining of a Classic
Percival Everett’s James isn’t just a retelling of Huckleberry Finn—it’s a rebellion. Narrated by the enslaved man Jim (renamed James), the novel gives voice to a character long relegated to the sidelines. Everett infuses James with wit, wisdom, and weariness, turning a childhood adventure into a piercing critique of America’s past. The book’s blend of satire and tragedy earned it not just the Pulitzer but also the National Book Award. If you thought you knew Twain’s story, think again.
The Knockout Debut: Rita Bullwinkel’s *Headshot*
Eight teenage girls. One boxing ring. *Headshot* isn’t just about punches thrown—it’s about the fights that shape a lifetime. Bullwinkel’s debut follows these young athletes beyond the tournament, revealing how their paths diverge in unexpected ways. Critics praised its raw energy and emotional depth, calling it a fresh take on ambition and identity. For anyone who’s ever faced a high-stakes moment, this novel hits hard.
Cold War Shadows in *Mice, 1961*
Stacey Levine’s *Mice, 1961* is a haunting tale of two orphaned sisters navigating a world on edge. Told through the eyes of their housekeeper, the story weaves together family secrets and societal tensions. With its eerie atmosphere and unforgettable characters, it’s a masterclass in subtle storytelling. Fans of quiet, atmospheric fiction will find this impossible to put down.
Gayl Jones’ Mythical Masterpiece
A Black woman with a unicorn horn? Only Gayl Jones could make this surreal premise feel achingly real. *The Unicorn Woman* blends folklore, race, and desire into a story that defies categorization. Jones, a literary legend, continues to push boundaries, proving why she’s one of the most vital voices in American literature.
Kathleen DuVal’s Epic Indigenous History
*Native Nations* isn’t just a history book—it’s a revelation. DuVal’s exhaustive research uncovers a millennium of Indigenous resilience, challenging every oversimplified textbook narrative. Winner of both the Pulitzer and Bancroft Prize, this is essential reading for understanding America’s true roots.
Harriet Tubman’s Untold Military Heroism
Edda Fields-Black’s *Combee* shines a light on Harriet Tubman’s role as a Union spy and strategist. The Combahee River Raid, which freed 730 enslaved people, is recounted with thrilling detail. Fields-Black, a descendant of a raid participant, brings personal passion to this groundbreaking work.
Jason Roberts’ Duel of Naturalists
*Every Living Thing* reads like a high-stakes drama, pitting two rival scientists against each other in a quest to catalog life itself. Roberts’ vivid prose turns taxonomy into a page-turner, proving that even the smallest discoveries can change the world.
Tessa Hulls’ Graphic Memoir of Ghosts and Legacy
*Feeding Ghosts* is a visual journey through three generations of Chinese American women. Hulls’ illustrations breathe life into her family’s silences, blending history and heartbreak. It’s a testament to the power of art to heal what words cannot.
Marie Howe’s Poetry of Everyday Miracles
Howe’s *New and Selected Poems* finds the sacred in the mundane—a clogged sink, a dying mother’s whisper. Her work is a balm for anyone who’s ever felt loss or longing. Simple, profound, and utterly human.
The Books That Defined 2025
From history to poetry, this year’s Pulitzer winners remind us why stories matter. They challenge, comfort, and above all, connect us. Which one will you read first?
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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