Eleanor Oliphant lives a solitary life, meticulously adhering to her routine and unaware of the vibrant world around her. When a chance encounter with a musician and a series of unexpected friendships unfold, her carefully structured existence begins to unravel in surprising ways. As Eleanor confronts her haunted past, she discovers the power of companionship and love. This heartwarming tale highlights the importance of human connection and the beauty of embracing imperfections. Will Eleanor finally allow herself to be truly seen, and can she rewrite her story?
By Gail Honeyman
Published: 2018
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Haruki Murakami is an internationally acclaimed Japanese author known for his surreal, magical realist style, blending elements of reality with the fantastical in his novels. His works, such as "Norwegian Wood," "Kafka on the Shore," and "1Q84," have captivated readers with their dreamlike narratives, introspective characters, and deep exploration of existential themes. Murakami's unique voice often explores loneliness, isolation, and the complexities of human nature. His use of metaphors and symbolism has earned him a dedicated global following, and his books have been translated into dozens of languages. A reclusive figure, Murakami avoids public appearances and prefers to let his work speak for itself, although he occasionally writes essays and non-fiction on topics such as running, jazz, and literature. Murakami has been a strong contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature for years, and his influence on contemporary fiction is undeniable. Beyond his writing, Murakami is also an avid marathon runner and music enthusiast, elements that often appear in his narratives.
View CollectionAlicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.
View CollectionGaby Goldberg is an investor and Web3 advocate, focusing on the intersection of consumer technology, culture, and decentralized finance (DeFi). She works with TCG (The Chernin Group), where she invests in companies that are shaping the future of digital platforms and social communities. Goldberg is passionate about how blockchain technology can empower creators and foster new forms of ownership and collaboration. She is also a vocal advocate for women in tech and frequently shares insights on the future of the internet and decentralized systems. Her work positions her as a key figure in the growing Web3 and crypto ecosystems.
View CollectionJacinda Ardern is a prominent New Zealand politician who served as the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023. Known for her empathetic leadership, she garnered international acclaim for her handling of the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, promoting unity and compassion. Ardern also led New Zealand through the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong public health response. In addition to her political career, she has contributed to literature by authoring several speeches and articles that reflect her progressive values and leadership philosophy. Her legacy includes significant strides in social welfare, climate change policy, and child poverty reduction.
View CollectionAudrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.
View CollectionAnderson Cooper is an esteemed American journalist and television personality, best known for anchoring "Anderson Cooper 360°" on CNN. He has gained widespread recognition for his incisive reporting on major global events, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Cooper is also an accomplished author, having penned the best-selling memoir "Dispatches from the Edge," which chronicles his experiences covering some of the world's most perilous conflicts and disasters. His literary contributions extend to "The Rainbow Comes and Goes," a poignant dialogue with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, that explores themes of family and resilience. Through his work in both journalism and literature, Cooper has made a significant impact on contemporary media and storytelling.
View CollectionAnn Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.
View CollectionDaniel Burka is a prominent figure in the tech and design world, best known for his significant contributions to digital product design. As a design partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), he has played a crucial role in shaping the user experience of numerous successful startups. Burka co-founded the design agency MetaLab, which has worked with top-tier clients like Slack and Coinbase. Additionally, his work at Digg as the Director of Design helped pioneer social media design trends in the early 2000s. While not primarily an author, Burka's influence extends into literature through his insightful writings and talks on design and innovation.
View CollectionMichelle Obama is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. She is widely recognized for her advocacy on issues such as education, military families, healthy eating, and poverty awareness. Her memoir, "Becoming," published in 2018, has been a global bestseller and acclaimed for its insightful and inspiring narrative. Michelle Obama has also launched initiatives like "Let’s Move!" to combat childhood obesity and the "Reach Higher" campaign to encourage higher education. Her work continues to influence and empower millions around the world.
View CollectionBob Iger is an American business executive and the former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, where he led the company through a period of unprecedented growth and innovation. Under Iger’s leadership, Disney acquired major brands like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, expanding its portfolio and creating one of the largest entertainment empires in the world. Iger is also credited with launching the Disney+ streaming service, which has become a key player in the digital entertainment space. His leadership style is known for its focus on creativity, long-term vision, and strategic acquisitions. Iger’s tenure at Disney solidified his reputation as one of the most successful and influential media executives.
View CollectionCraig Blair is an Australian venture capitalist and co-founder of AirTree Ventures, one of the country’s leading venture capital firms. Blair has been instrumental in backing early-stage tech startups in sectors like fintech, SaaS, and health tech. Under his leadership, AirTree has become a major player in the Australian and New Zealand startup ecosystems, providing funding and mentorship to some of the region’s most successful companies. Blair is also a strong advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship in Australia, often speaking about the need to support founders with long-term vision. His work in venture capital has positioned him as a key figure in the Australian tech scene.
View CollectionNeil Gaiman is a bestselling British author known for his fantasy, horror, and science fiction works, including American Gods, Coraline, and The Sandman graphic novel series. His stories often blend mythology, folklore, and the supernatural, creating dark yet imaginative worlds. Gaiman’s work has been adapted into films, television shows, and radio plays, further cementing his influence in popular culture. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards. Gaiman continues to be a beloved figure in both literature and pop culture, known for his storytelling prowess and unique voice.
View CollectionBrendon Burchard is a high-performance coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, best known for his books High Performance Habits and The Motivation Manifesto. He helps individuals and organizations achieve peak performance through strategies focused on clarity, energy, and productivity. Brendon’s work emphasizes the importance of personal growth and developing habits that lead to sustained success. He has coached Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympians, and other high-achieving individuals. Brendon is also the founder of the High Performance Academy, where he trains people to lead more impactful and successful lives.
View CollectionClaire Diaz-Ortiz is a prominent author, speaker, and technology innovator known for her influential work at Twitter, where she played a key role in promoting the platform's use for social good. She has authored several notable books, including "Twitter for Good" and "Design Your Day," which offer insights into leveraging social media for activism and optimizing personal productivity, respectively. Diaz-Ortiz is also recognized for her contributions to leadership literature, particularly through her co-authored works with Ken Blanchard. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured in major media outlets for her expertise in technology and social impact. Beyond her writing, she is committed to philanthropic endeavors and mentoring women entrepreneurs globally.
View CollectionGuy Proops is a celebrated British author known for his engaging contemporary fiction and sharp wit. He gained widespread recognition with his debut novel, "The Timeworn Traveler," which explored themes of nostalgia and modernity, earning critical acclaim. Proops has since published several bestsellers that delve into human relationships and societal norms, solidifying his reputation as a keen observer of modern life. His works have been translated into multiple languages, reaching a global audience and receiving numerous literary awards. In addition to his novels, Proops is an active contributor to literary magazines and journals, where he continues to influence and inspire new writers.
View CollectionColin Firth is a British actor known for his roles in films such as The King’s Speech, Pride and Prejudice, and A Single Man. Firth’s portrayal of King George VI in The King’s Speech earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He is widely respected for his ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of characters, from romantic leads to complex historical figures. Firth is also a passionate advocate for human rights and environmental causes, using his platform to support charitable organizations. His combination of talent and activism has made him one of the most admired actors in the film industry.
View CollectionKendall Jenner is a renowned American model, media personality, and socialite, who gained fame through the reality television series "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." While her primary achievements are in the fashion and entertainment industries, she has also ventured into the literary world. Alongside her sister Kylie Jenner, Kendall co-authored the young adult dystopian science fiction novel "Rebels: City of Indra" in 2014. The book showcases her creative storytelling abilities and expands her influence beyond television and modeling. Kendall's multifaceted career highlights her versatility and appeal across various media platforms.
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