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General Recommendations

World Literature Book Club

By:

SFPL_JohnS

San Francisco Public Library

Staff-created list

Our group meets on the first Thursday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. We are meeting online, using the Zoom platform, unless otherwise noted. Newcomers are always welcome!

By:

SFPL_JohnS

San Francisco Public Library

1-25 of 93 items

1-25 of 93 items

My Brilliant Friend

My Brilliant Friend

Book One, Childhood, Adolescence

by Ferrante, Elena

Book - 2012

On Thursday December 5, 2024 we discuss Italian author Elena Ferrante's popular novel about a friendship between two young women that develops against the backdrop of a neighborhood, a city and a country that is itself evolving. On Thursday December 5, 2024 we discuss Italian author Elena Ferrante's popular novel about a friendship between two young women that develops against the backdrop of a neighborhood, a city and a country that is itself evolving. Show less

On Thursday December 5, 2024 we discuss Italian author Elena Ferrante's popular novel about a friendship between two young women that develops against the backdrop of a neighborhood, a city and a country that is itself evolving. On Thursday December 5, 2024 we discuss Italian author Elena Ferrante's popular novel about a friendship between two young women that develops against the backdrop of a neighborhood, a city and a country that is itself evolving. Show less

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Every Man Dies Alone

Every Man Dies Alone

by Fallada, Hans

Book - 2009

On Thursday January 2, 2025 we discuss Everyman Dies Alone, the classic 1947 novel by German author Hans Fallada about a working-class husband and wife who wage a clandestine resistance campaign against the Nazis. On Thursday January 2, 2025 we discuss Everyman Dies Alone, the classic 1947 novel by German author Hans Fallada about a working-class husband and wife who wage a clandestine resistance campaign against the Nazis. Show less

On Thursday January 2, 2025 we discuss Everyman Dies Alone, the classic 1947 novel by German author Hans Fallada about a working-class husband and wife who wage a clandestine resistance campaign against the Nazis. On Thursday January 2, 2025 we discuss Everyman Dies Alone, the classic 1947 novel by German author Hans Fallada about a working-class husband and wife who wage a clandestine resistance campaign against the Nazis. Show less

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Americanah

Americanah

by Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi

Book - 2013

On Thursday February 6, 2025 we discuss Americanah, the award-winning novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in which the young lovers Ifemelu and Obinze depart military-ruled Nigeria for an uncertain future in the West. On Thursday February 6, 2025 we discuss Americanah, the award-winning novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in which the young lovers Ifemelu and Obinze depart military-ruled Nigeria for an uncertain future in the West. Show less

On Thursday February 6, 2025 we discuss Americanah, the award-winning novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in which the young lovers Ifemelu and Obinze depart military-ruled Nigeria for an uncertain future in the West. On Thursday February 6, 2025 we discuss Americanah, the award-winning novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in which the young lovers Ifemelu and Obinze depart military-ruled Nigeria for an uncertain future in the West. Show less

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The Bloody Chamber

The Bloody Chamber

by Carter, Angela

Book - 1979

On Thursday March 6, 2025 we discuss The Bloody Chamber, a famous subversive updating of fairy tales by English author Angela Carter. On Thursday March 6, 2025 we discuss The Bloody Chamber, a famous subversive updating of fairy tales by English author Angela Carter. Show less

On Thursday March 6, 2025 we discuss The Bloody Chamber, a famous subversive updating of fairy tales by English author Angela Carter. On Thursday March 6, 2025 we discuss The Bloody Chamber, a famous subversive updating of fairy tales by English author Angela Carter. Show less

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Nadja

Nadja

by Breton, André

Book - 1960

On Thursday April 3 we discuss Nadja, the classic surrealist novel by the French poet and leader of surrealism André Breton. On Thursday April 3 we discuss Nadja, the classic surrealist novel by the French poet and leader of surrealism André Breton. Show less

On Thursday April 3 we discuss Nadja, the classic surrealist novel by the French poet and leader of surrealism André Breton. On Thursday April 3 we discuss Nadja, the classic surrealist novel by the French poet and leader of surrealism André Breton. Show less

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Dogeaters

Dogeaters

by Hagedorn, Jessica

Book - 1991

On Thursday May 1, 2025 we discuss The Dogeaters, the award-winning novel by Jessica Hagedorn in which a colorful cast of characters struggle to get by in 1950s. On Thursday May 1, 2025 we discuss The Dogeaters, the award-winning novel by Jessica Hagedorn in which a colorful cast of characters struggle to get by in 1950s. Show less

On Thursday May 1, 2025 we discuss The Dogeaters, the award-winning novel by Jessica Hagedorn in which a colorful cast of characters struggle to get by in 1950s. On Thursday May 1, 2025 we discuss The Dogeaters, the award-winning novel by Jessica Hagedorn in which a colorful cast of characters struggle to get by in 1950s. Show less

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Zami, A New Spelling of My Name

Zami, A New Spelling of My Name

A Biomythography

by Lorde, Audre

Book - 1983?

On Thursday June 5, 2025 we discuss Zami, the acclaimed "biomythography" by American Black lesbian poet Audre Lorde. On Thursday June 5, 2025 we discuss Zami, the acclaimed "biomythography" by American Black lesbian poet Audre Lorde. Show less

On Thursday June 5, 2025 we discuss Zami, the acclaimed "biomythography" by American Black lesbian poet Audre Lorde. On Thursday June 5, 2025 we discuss Zami, the acclaimed "biomythography" by American Black lesbian poet Audre Lorde. Show less

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Fire

Fire

A Novel

by Stewart, George R.

Book - 1948

On Thursday July 3, 2025 we discuss Fire, a classic eco-novel about an out-of-control wildfire in the Sierra Nevada, by California author George R. Stewart. On Thursday July 3, 2025 we discuss Fire, a classic eco-novel about an out-of-control wildfire in the Sierra Nevada, by California author George R. Stewart. Show less

On Thursday July 3, 2025 we discuss Fire, a classic eco-novel about an out-of-control wildfire in the Sierra Nevada, by California author George R. Stewart. On Thursday July 3, 2025 we discuss Fire, a classic eco-novel about an out-of-control wildfire in the Sierra Nevada, by California author George R. Stewart. Show less

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Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

by Austen, Jane

Book - 1991

On Thursday August 7, 2025 we discuss Pride and Prejudice, the famous comic novel by Jane Austen in which the young, opinionated Elizabeth Bennet encounters the proud, rich bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy. On Thursday August 7, 2025 we discuss Pride and Prejudice, the famous comic novel by Jane Austen in which the young, opinionated Elizabeth Bennet encounters the proud, rich bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy. Show less

On Thursday August 7, 2025 we discuss Pride and Prejudice, the famous comic novel by Jane Austen in which the young, opinionated Elizabeth Bennet encounters the proud, rich bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy. On Thursday August 7, 2025 we discuss Pride and Prejudice, the famous comic novel by Jane Austen in which the young, opinionated Elizabeth Bennet encounters the proud, rich bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy. Show less

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The Musical Brain and Other Stories

The Musical Brain and Other Stories

by Aira, César

Book - 2015

On Thursday October 2, 2025 we discuss The Musical Brain, a delirious collection of short stories by the Argentine author César Aira. On Thursday October 2, 2025 we discuss The Musical Brain, a delirious collection of short stories by the Argentine author César Aira. Show less

On Thursday October 2, 2025 we discuss The Musical Brain, a delirious collection of short stories by the Argentine author César Aira. On Thursday October 2, 2025 we discuss The Musical Brain, a delirious collection of short stories by the Argentine author César Aira. Show less

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The Thanksgiving Play

The Thanksgiving Play

What Would Crazy Horse Do?

by FastHorse, Larissa

Book - 2021

On Thursday November 6, 2025 we discuss The Thanksgiving Play, a satirical comedy by Larissa FastHorse, in which four white individuals attempt to create a politically correct First Thanksgiving play for Native American Heritage Month in schools. On Thursday November 6, 2025 we discuss The Thanksgiving Play, a satirical comedy by Larissa FastHorse, in which four white individuals attempt to create a politically correct First Thanksgiving play for Native American Heritage Month in schools. Show less

On Thursday November 6, 2025 we discuss The Thanksgiving Play, a satirical comedy by Larissa FastHorse, in which four white individuals attempt to create a politically correct First Thanksgiving play for Native American Heritage Month in schools. On Thursday November 6, 2025 we discuss The Thanksgiving Play, a satirical comedy by Larissa FastHorse, in which four white individuals attempt to create a politically correct First Thanksgiving play for Native American Heritage Month in schools. Show less

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Leo Africanus

Leo Africanus

by Maalouf, Amin

Book - 1989

On December 4, 2025 we discuss Leo Africanus, a fictional memoir depicting the life of the Renaissance-era traveler, Leo Africanus. On December 4, 2025 we discuss Leo Africanus, a fictional memoir depicting the life of the Renaissance-era traveler, Leo Africanus. Show less

On December 4, 2025 we discuss Leo Africanus, a fictional memoir depicting the life of the Renaissance-era traveler, Leo Africanus. On December 4, 2025 we discuss Leo Africanus, a fictional memoir depicting the life of the Renaissance-era traveler, Leo Africanus. Show less

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Solenoid

Solenoid

by Cărtărescu, Mircea

Book - 2022

On Thursday January 8, 2026 we discuss Romanian author Mircea Cărtărescu's acclaimed novel Solenoid, in which a fictional diarist interrogates his life, history, philosophy, and mathematics at the end of the 1970s. On Thursday January 8, 2026 we discuss Romanian author Mircea Cărtărescu's acclaimed novel Solenoid, in which a fictional diarist interrogates his life, history, philosophy, and mathematics at the end of the 1970s. Show less

On Thursday January 8, 2026 we discuss Romanian author Mircea Cărtărescu's acclaimed novel Solenoid, in which a fictional diarist interrogates his life, history, philosophy, and mathematics at the end of the 1970s. On Thursday January 8, 2026 we discuss Romanian author Mircea Cărtărescu's acclaimed novel Solenoid, in which a fictional diarist interrogates his life, history, philosophy, and mathematics at the end of the 1970s. Show less

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Small Country

Small Country

A Novel

by Faye, Gaël

Book - 2018

On Thursday February 5, 2026 we discuss Small Country, the prize-winning novel by Franco-Rwandan author and musician, Gaël Faye, in which the young boy Gabriel grows up during the time of the Rwandan genocide. On Thursday February 5, 2026 we discuss Small Country, the prize-winning novel by Franco-Rwandan author and musician, Gaël Faye, in which the young boy Gabriel grows up during the time of the Rwandan genocide. Show less

On Thursday February 5, 2026 we discuss Small Country, the prize-winning novel by Franco-Rwandan author and musician, Gaël Faye, in which the young boy Gabriel grows up during the time of the Rwandan genocide. On Thursday February 5, 2026 we discuss Small Country, the prize-winning novel by Franco-Rwandan author and musician, Gaël Faye, in which the young boy Gabriel grows up during the time of the Rwandan genocide. Show less

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Tell Me A Riddle

Tell Me A Riddle

by Olsen, Tillie

Book - 1994

On Thursday March 5, 2026 we discuss Tell Me a Riddle, a collection of short fiction about women and the working-class by Bay Area author Tillie Olsen. On Thursday March 5, 2026 we discuss Tell Me a Riddle, a collection of short fiction about women and the working-class by Bay Area author Tillie Olsen. Show less

On Thursday March 5, 2026 we discuss Tell Me a Riddle, a collection of short fiction about women and the working-class by Bay Area author Tillie Olsen. On Thursday March 5, 2026 we discuss Tell Me a Riddle, a collection of short fiction about women and the working-class by Bay Area author Tillie Olsen. Show less

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Beowulf

Beowulf

A New Verse Translation

Book - 2000

On Thursday April 2, 2026 we discuss the Old English epic poem Beowulf, in the award-winning translation by Irish poet Seamus Heaney. On Thursday April 2, 2026 we discuss the Old English epic poem Beowulf, in the award-winning translation by Irish poet Seamus Heaney. Show less

On Thursday April 2, 2026 we discuss the Old English epic poem Beowulf, in the award-winning translation by Irish poet Seamus Heaney. On Thursday April 2, 2026 we discuss the Old English epic poem Beowulf, in the award-winning translation by Irish poet Seamus Heaney. Show less

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Wittgenstein's Mistress

Wittgenstein's Mistress

by Markson, David

Book - 2023

On Thursday June 4, 2026 we discuss Wittgenstein's Mistress, the acclaimed experimental novel by American author David Markson, in which a woman named Kate believes herself to be the last human on earth. On Thursday June 4, 2026 we discuss Wittgenstein's Mistress, the acclaimed experimental novel by American author David Markson, in which a woman named Kate believes herself to be the last human on earth. Show less

On Thursday June 4, 2026 we discuss Wittgenstein's Mistress, the acclaimed experimental novel by American author David Markson, in which a woman named Kate believes herself to be the last human on earth. On Thursday June 4, 2026 we discuss Wittgenstein's Mistress, the acclaimed experimental novel by American author David Markson, in which a woman named Kate believes herself to be the last human on earth. Show less

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The Color Purple

The Color Purple

by Walker, Alice

eBook - 2011

Our February 2018 selection was Alice Walker’s award-winning novel, The Color Purple. Walker’s epistolary novel is comprised entirely of letters exchanged...Show more Our February 2018 selection was Alice Walker’s award-winning novel, The Color Purple. Walker’s epistolary novel is comprised entirely of letters exchanged between the poor, much abused black girl, Celie, and her missionary sister Nettie. With pain and perseverance, the indomitable Celie fights her oppressive circumstances and ends up finding both her real self and a genuine community. Show less

Our February 2018 selection was Alice Walker’s award-winning novel, The Color Purple. Walker’s epistolary novel is comprised entirely of letters exchanged...Show more Our February 2018 selection was Alice Walker’s award-winning novel, The Color Purple. Walker’s epistolary novel is comprised entirely of letters exchanged between the poor, much abused black girl, Celie, and her missionary sister Nettie. With pain and perseverance, the indomitable Celie fights her oppressive circumstances and ends up finding both her real self and a genuine community. Show less

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The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas

by Stein, Gertrude

Book - 1990

Our June 2018 selection was Gertrude Stein’s creative biography of her companion, Alice B. Toklas. Both women lived at the center of the Parisian modernis...Show more Our June 2018 selection was Gertrude Stein’s creative biography of her companion, Alice B. Toklas. Both women lived at the center of the Parisian modernist art world, and Stein’s whimsical book recounts stories and anecdotes about many of their famous friends, including Picasso, Hemmingway, Matisse, T.S. Eliot, Apollinaire, and others. (NOTE: Meeting in LGBTQIA Center, 3rd Floor) Show less

Our June 2018 selection was Gertrude Stein’s creative biography of her companion, Alice B. Toklas. Both women lived at the center of the Parisian modernis...Show more Our June 2018 selection was Gertrude Stein’s creative biography of her companion, Alice B. Toklas. Both women lived at the center of the Parisian modernist art world, and Stein’s whimsical book recounts stories and anecdotes about many of their famous friends, including Picasso, Hemmingway, Matisse, T.S. Eliot, Apollinaire, and others. (NOTE: Meeting in LGBTQIA Center, 3rd Floor) Show less

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Germinal

Germinal

by Zola, Émile

Book - 2004

Our July 2018 selection was Emile Zola's Germinal. Written in 1885, Emile Zola’s popular novel follows the heroic efforts of Etienne, a poor miner in Nort...Show more Our July 2018 selection was Emile Zola's Germinal. Written in 1885, Emile Zola’s popular novel follows the heroic efforts of Etienne, a poor miner in Northern France, who fights against his poverty and appalling working conditions while attempting to organize his fellow miners. Show less

Our July 2018 selection was Emile Zola's Germinal. Written in 1885, Emile Zola’s popular novel follows the heroic efforts of Etienne, a poor miner in Nort...Show more Our July 2018 selection was Emile Zola's Germinal. Written in 1885, Emile Zola’s popular novel follows the heroic efforts of Etienne, a poor miner in Northern France, who fights against his poverty and appalling working conditions while attempting to organize his fellow miners. Show less

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The Gentleman From San Francisco and Other Stories

The Gentleman From San Francisco and Other Stories

by Bunin, Ivan Alekseevich

Book - 1987

Our August 2018 selection was Nobel Prize-winning author Ivan Bunin’s The Gentleman from San Francisco and Other Stories. Bunin’s evocative and perceptive...Show more Our August 2018 selection was Nobel Prize-winning author Ivan Bunin’s The Gentleman from San Francisco and Other Stories. Bunin’s evocative and perceptive short stories, written at the beginning of the 20th century, recall the best works of Tolstoy and Chekhov. Show less

Our August 2018 selection was Nobel Prize-winning author Ivan Bunin’s The Gentleman from San Francisco and Other Stories. Bunin’s evocative and perceptive...Show more Our August 2018 selection was Nobel Prize-winning author Ivan Bunin’s The Gentleman from San Francisco and Other Stories. Bunin’s evocative and perceptive short stories, written at the beginning of the 20th century, recall the best works of Tolstoy and Chekhov. Show less

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Sugar Street

Sugar Street

by Maḥfūẓ, Najīb

Book - 1992

Our September 2018 selection was Sugar Street by Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz. In this novel, set in Cairo on the eve of World War II, the yo...Show more Our September 2018 selection was Sugar Street by Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz. In this novel, set in Cairo on the eve of World War II, the young Shawkat brothers and their cousin Ridwan rebel against the political attitudes of their elders. One brother joins the Muslim Brotherhood, while the other joins the Communist Party. Their cousin’s behavior is even more shocking to their extended family. Show less

Our September 2018 selection was Sugar Street by Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz. In this novel, set in Cairo on the eve of World War II, the yo...Show more Our September 2018 selection was Sugar Street by Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz. In this novel, set in Cairo on the eve of World War II, the young Shawkat brothers and their cousin Ridwan rebel against the political attitudes of their elders. One brother joins the Muslim Brotherhood, while the other joins the Communist Party. Their cousin’s behavior is even more shocking to their extended family. Show less

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The Invention of Morel

The Invention of Morel

by Bioy Casares, Adolfo

Book - 2003

Our October 2018 selection was The Invention of Morel. Written in 1940 by the Argentine writer Adolfo Bioy Casares, this classic, short fantasy novel depi...Show more Our October 2018 selection was The Invention of Morel. Written in 1940 by the Argentine writer Adolfo Bioy Casares, this classic, short fantasy novel depicts a fugitive’s growing passion for a ghostly woman who appears to share a remote island with him and with an eccentric inventor named Morel. Show less

Our October 2018 selection was The Invention of Morel. Written in 1940 by the Argentine writer Adolfo Bioy Casares, this classic, short fantasy novel depi...Show more Our October 2018 selection was The Invention of Morel. Written in 1940 by the Argentine writer Adolfo Bioy Casares, this classic, short fantasy novel depicts a fugitive’s growing passion for a ghostly woman who appears to share a remote island with him and with an eccentric inventor named Morel. Show less

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All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front

by Remarque, Erich Maria

Book - 1975

Our November 2018 selection was Erich Maria Remarque's celebrated anti-war novel, All Quiet on the Western Front. Remarque's novel depicts young German so...Show more Our November 2018 selection was Erich Maria Remarque's celebrated anti-war novel, All Quiet on the Western Front. Remarque's novel depicts young German soldiers facing the horrors of modern trench warfare as well as their own uncertain post-war futures. Show less

Our November 2018 selection was Erich Maria Remarque's celebrated anti-war novel, All Quiet on the Western Front. Remarque's novel depicts young German so...Show more Our November 2018 selection was Erich Maria Remarque's celebrated anti-war novel, All Quiet on the Western Front. Remarque's novel depicts young German soldiers facing the horrors of modern trench warfare as well as their own uncertain post-war futures. Show less

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Angle of Repose

Angle of Repose

by Stegner, Wallace

Book - 1992

Our December 2018 selection was Wallace Stegner's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Angle of Repose. The novel’s plot concerns a retired historian, Lyman Ward...Show more Our December 2018 selection was Wallace Stegner's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Angle of Repose. The novel’s plot concerns a retired historian, Lyman Ward, who struggles to research the biography of his pioneer grandmother, while also straining to understand his own wife and children and the effects of a crippling bone disease. Show less

Our December 2018 selection was Wallace Stegner's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Angle of Repose. The novel’s plot concerns a retired historian, Lyman Ward...Show more Our December 2018 selection was Wallace Stegner's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Angle of Repose. The novel’s plot concerns a retired historian, Lyman Ward, who struggles to research the biography of his pioneer grandmother, while also straining to understand his own wife and children and the effects of a crippling bone disease. Show less

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