Read Banned Books While Possible

Anya von Bremzen

Light Paperback (1 lb or less)

Oregon

A Memoir of Food and Longing

Evokes a mid-twentieth-century Soviet experience, as the author traces her upbringing by an anti-Soviet mother, her witness to the political events surrounding the empire's collapse, and her parallel food universes that included both simple and sumptuousfare.

Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking

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Richard Osman

Washington

A Thursday Murder Club Mystery

An instant New York Times bestseller!

The second gripping novel in the New York Times bestselling Thursday Murder Club series, soon to be a major motion picture from Steven Spielberg at Amblin Entertainment

"It's taken a mere two books for Richard Osman to vault into the upper leagues of crime writers. . . The Man Who Died Twice. . . dives right into joyous fun."
--The New York Times Book Review

Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim--the Thursday Murder Club--are still riding high off their recent real-life murder case and are looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet at Cooper's Chase, their posh retirement village.
 
But they are out of luck.
 
An unexpected visitor--an old pal of Elizabeth's (or perhaps more than just a pal?)--arrives, desperate for her help. He has been accused of stealing diamonds worth millions from the wrong men and he's seriously on the lam.
 
Then, as night follows day, the first body is found. But not the last. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are up against a ruthless murderer who wouldn't bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can our four friends catch the killer before the killer catches them?  And if they find the diamonds, too? Well, wouldn't that be a bonus?  You should never put anything beyond the Thursday Murder Club.
 
Richard Osman is back with everyone's favorite mystery-solving quartet, and the second installment of the Thursday Murder Club series is just as clever and warm as the first--an unputdownable, laugh-out-loud pleasure of a read.

The Man Who Died Twice

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Hardcover (1 to 2 lbs)

Michigan

The Bullet That Missed

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INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A new mystery is afoot in the third book in the Thursday Murder Club series from million-copy bestselling author Richard Osman. 

"The quartet of aging amateur sleuths...remain wonderful company," --the New York Times Book Review
 
"The Bullet That Missed hits on every front." --the Wall Street Journal

It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A decade-old cold case--their favorite kind--leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers.

Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill or be killed. Suddenly the cold case has become red hot.

While Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim chase down the clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?

From an upmarket spa to a prison cell complete with espresso machine to a luxury penthouse high in the sky, this third adventure of the Thursday Murder Club is full of the cleverness, intrigue, and irresistible charm that readers have come to expect from Richard Osman's bestselling series.

Aldous Huxley

PangoBooks readers have mixed feelings about this book. Some find it incredibly thought-provoking and prophetic, comparing it to works like "1984," and appreciate its commentary on modern societal issues such as reality TV, celebrity worship, and willful ignorance. Others, however, struggle with its complexity and dated language, finding parts of it difficult to understand or even boring. Overall, many agree it’s an important, if uncomfortable, read that remains relevant for its futuristic vision and social critique.

Huxley Aldous

Illinois

Huxley's classic prophetic novel describes the socialized horrors of a futuristic utopia devoid of individual freedom

Brave New World

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Originally published in 1932, Huxley's terrifying vision of a controlled and emotionless future Utopian society is truly startling in its prediction of modern scientific and cultural phenomena, including test-tube babies and rampant drug abuse.

Ray Bradbury

PangoBooks readers have mixed opinions about this book. Many consider it a classic and essential reading, praising its thought-provoking themes on censorship, knowledge vs. ignorance, and its foresight into a dystopian future where intellectual engagement is diminished. Some readers find the storyline comparable to "1984" and note its relevance to modern society's declining engagement with literature and the arts. However, there are criticisms as well, especially regarding the portrayal of characters and the apparent sexism, which detracts from the experience for some readers. Overall, while the book is celebrated for its imaginative and critical perspective, it also raises controversy over its dated social views.

A totalitarian regime has ordered all books to be destroyed, but one of the book burners, Guy Montag, suddenly realizes their merit.

Fahrenheit 451

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An Essay on Man in Revolt

A totalitarian regime has ordered all books to be destroyed, but one of the book burners suddenly realizes their merit, in a chilling novel of a frightening near-future world.

George Orwell

Erich Fromm

Arkansas

1984

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In 1984, London is a grim city in the totalitarian state of Oceania where Big Brother is always watching you and the Thought Police can practically read your mind. Winston Smith is a man in grave danger for the simple reason that his memory still functions. Drawn into a forbidden love affair, Winston finds the courage to join a secret revolutionary organization called The Brotherhood, dedicated to the destruction of the Party. Together with his beloved Julia, he hazards his life in a deadly match against the powers that be.

Margaret Atwood

PangoBooks readers have diverse opinions about this book, with many praising its powerful and thought-provoking themes. Some readers feel it presents a disturbing yet plausible dystopian future, urging its inclusion in educational curriculums alongside other classics like "Animal Farm" and "1984." Several reviewers acknowledged the book's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, describing it as eye-opening and deeply unsettling, especially regarding gender issues. While a few readers found it hard to engage with initially or felt it didn't live up to the hype, most appreciated the compelling storytelling and lasting impact. Overall, the majority consensus highlights its significance and relevance, urging everyone to read it.

Missouri

A Novel

A chilling look at the near future presents the story of Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, once the United States, an oppressive world where women are no longer allowed to read and are valued only as long as they are viable for reproduction. Reissue.

The Handmaid's Tale

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"Splendid." NEWSWEEK It is the world of the near future, and Offred is a Handmaid in the home of the Commander and his wife. She is allowed out once a day to the food market, she is not permitted to read, and she is hoping the Commander makes her pregnant, because she is only valued if her ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she was an independent woman, had a job of her own, a husband and child. But all of that is gone now...everything has changed. "Deserves the highest praise." SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE From the Paperback edition.

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Read Banned Books While Possible

The Littlest Book Shop

Anya von Bremzen

Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking

Richard Osman

The Man Who Died Twice

Richard Osman

The Bullet That Missed

Aldous Huxley

Brave New World

Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451

George Orwell

1984

Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale