5 books with thought-provoking structures.

The Engagements: A Novel

by J. Courtney Sullivan

This novel traces the path of a diamond engagement ring from 1901 to 2012, and the four couples it links. The ring is lost, found, and stolen; it becomes a symbol of lasting love, and of betrayal. Woven throughout is the story of Mary Frances Gerety, the copywriter responsible for De Beer’s iconic slogan "a diamond is forever." An easy read with emotional depth.

Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill: A Brief Account of a Long Life

by Gretchen Rubin

In this biography-of-sorts, Rubin argues that the larger-than-life Churchill's portrait could be drawn in many ways, all "true." She presents 40 different angles on Churchill, as child, man, politician, leader, husband, etc. All are interesting; many contradict each other. This fascinating, multi-faceted approach appeals will appeal to some, and make others crazy. A little slow in places, but worth the time. If you like this, go on to read Forty Ways to Look at JFK, but only after you've read this one: Rubin explains the reasoning behind her "forty ways" approach in this volume and doesn't revisit them in JFK.

Life After Life: A Novel

by Kate Atkinson

I began this book knowing nothing about it, and it took me a while to get my bearings. Atkinson's creative (and sometimes, mind-bending) structure shows clearly how tiny choices in her protagonist's life (and the lives of those around her) lead to vastly different outcomes. Vastly. Ursula Todd dies before taking her first breath, while another Ursula Todd is born with a piercing wail. The rest of the book follows Ursula's unique life cycle from death to life and back again, as WWII approaches. Bonus: Atkinson's novel is packed with literary references that serious literary types will appreciate.

When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice

by Terry Tempest Williams

What do you do when your mom dies and leaves you her old journals? And then you discover that her journals are blank? In 54 separate meditations, Williams unfolds the mystery of her mother's life, and of her empty journals, and explores the power of words—and withholding them.

Einstein’s Dreams

by Alan Lightman

Science writer Lightman’s premise is as follows: in 1905, young Albert Einstein dreamed repeatedly about time as he worked on his paper “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies” and made creeping progress on his special theory of relativity. Each dream reveals "one of the many possible natures of time.'' Lightman presents these (entirely fictional) dreams as a collection of poetic vignettes. Small enough to read in an afternoon, but easy to wander in and out of. Unusual and utterly delightful.

5 books with thought-provoking structures.

The Engagements: A Novel

Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill: A Brief Account of a Long Life

Life After Life: A Novel

When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice

Einstein’s Dreams

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100 Book recommendations
for every mood

5 books with thought-provoking structures.

The Engagements: A Novel

Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill: A Brief Account of a Long Life

Life After Life: A Novel

When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice

Einstein’s Dreams

Find your next read with:

100 Book recommendations for every mood

100 Book recommendations
for every mood