Open Water Book Summary

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEY'S WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'A delicious, important novel' The Times 'Alert, alive and gripping' Independent 'Some novels tell a great story and others make you change the way you look at the world. Americanah does both.' Guardian As teenagers in a Lagos secondary school, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love. Their Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are fleeing the country if they can. Ifemelu--beautiful, self-assured--departs for America to study. She suffers defeats and triumphs, finds and loses relationships and friendships, all the while feeling the weight of something she never thought of back home: race. Obinze--the quiet, thoughtful son of a professor--had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Thirteen years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a writer of an eye-opening blog about race in America. But when Ifemelu returns to Nigeria, and she and Obinze reignite their shared passion--for their homeland and for each other--they will face the toughest decisions of their lives. Fearless, gripping, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story of love and expectation set in today's globalized world.

In 'Predictable Revenue,' Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler unveil a revolutionary approach to sales that transforms unpredictability into a streamlined, repeatable process. The authors share the secrets behind the success of Salesforce.com, where Ross generated an astounding $100 million in recurring revenue. With practical strategies and frameworks, they demonstrate how any company can build a robust pipeline of qualified leads. This book is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs and sales leaders looking to achieve consistent growth. Discover how to make your revenue as predictable as your monthly bills!

In 'The Trouble with Poetry,' Billy Collins explores the vibrant, often humorous nuances of poetry and its role in everyday life. With wit and wisdom, he delves into the complexities of language, memory, and emotion, inviting readers to reconsider what poetry means to them. Collins challenges the elitism often associated with poetry, making it accessible and relatable for all. Through his masterful storytelling, he ignites curiosity about the power of verse to capture the fleeting moments of existence. This collection prompts us to reflect on the beauty and trouble inherent in transforming experiences into words.

'Buzzed' is an enlightening exploration of the world of psychoactive substances, revealing how they impact our minds and bodies. The authors blend science and storytelling to unlock the mysteries of addiction and behavior, offering a captivating look at human experiences with various drugs. Through compelling anecdotes and research findings, the book addresses the cultural perceptions surrounding substance use. Rich with insights, 'Buzzed' encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships with these substances. Prepare to be intrigued as you dive into a narrative that challenges your understanding of pleasure, pain, and everything in between.

In the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Ignatius J. Reilly, a brilliant yet eccentric man, embarks on chaotic adventures that hilariously expose the absurdities of society. Relying on his oversized green hunting cap and an inflated sense of self-importance, Ignatius navigates a cast of quirky characters, including a desperate hot dog vendor and a passionate activist. As his misadventures unfold, the reader is drawn into a whimsical exploration of desperation, dreams, and the search for meaning. Toole’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel dazzles with sharp wit and a satirical lens, creating a tapestry of human folly. Will Ignatius ever find a place in a world that seems determined to misunderstand him?

In 'Dept. of Speculation,' Jenny Offill weaves a poignant narrative centered on a marriage unraveling amidst the chaos of life and the passage of time. The protagonist reflects on love, infidelity, and the weight of her domestic responsibilities, exploring the tension between desire and reality. Fragmented yet profound, the prose mirrors her scattered thoughts, capturing the complexities of modern relationships. Offill's sharp observations invite readers to ponder the nature of commitment and the layers of intimacy. With its blend of wit and melancholy, this novel will leave you questioning what truly binds us to one another.

'Flâneuse' by Lauren Elkin explores the nuanced experience of women wandering through urban landscapes, challenging the traditionally male-dominated concept of the flâneur. Elkin weaves together her own journey through cities like Paris and New York with the stories of iconic female figures who embraced the art of roaming. As she reflects on the intersection of space, gender, and creativity, she unveils how these wanderers crafted their identities in the bustling modern world. The narrative invites readers to consider the power of observation and the freedom found in exploration. 'Flâneuse' is a thought-provoking celebration of the feminine experience in the city, leaving you eager to embark on your own urban adventure.

In 'Love, an Index', Rebecca Lindenberg embarks on a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Blending poetry with memoir, she navigates the intimacy of romantic entanglements and the heartache of abandonment. Each section acts as a lyrical index, categorizing the myriad emotions sparked by love's fleeting nature. Through beautifully woven narratives, Lindenberg grapples with grief, memory, and the enduring impact of deep connections. This evocative work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and the bittersweet nature of longing.