James

Don't be fooled by the crisp, accessible prose—this novel provocatively stirs the soul. Everett brilliantly reimagines Huck Finn from Jim's perspective, transforming the character into a complex, literate man who names himself James. After reading Twain's classic fifteen times back-to-back (without referencing it while writing!), Everett created something familiar, yet wholly new and beautifully resonant. No wonder it just won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction! This isn't just a must-read because of a prestigious award—it's essential because it explores humanity within inhumanity, showcases language's power to elevate the soul, and testifies to the extraordinary lengths we go for those we love. Absolutely transformative.