Killer Instinct

*Americanah* by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, migration, race, and the complexities of belonging. The story follows Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for her education. In America, she grapples with the challenges of adapting to a new culture, confronting issues of race, and navigating the nuances of her identity as a black African woman in a predominantly white society. As Ifemelu builds a successful career as a blogger, she also reflects on her life in Nigeria, her relationships, and her struggles with what it means to be "American" or "African." The novel is a rich exploration of the immigrant experience, the intersections of race and class, and the contradictions of the American dream. With its keen social commentary, *Americanah* is an exploration of identity in a globalized world, offering a deep and multifaceted narrative that challenges readers to rethink issues of race, home, and belonging.

*Five Survive* by Holly Jackson is a gripping YA thriller that follows six friends on a road trip, which turns into a deadly fight for survival. The story centers on Red, the main protagonist, who is traveling with her five friends when their RV is ambushed, and one of them is targeted by a sniper. Trapped in the vehicle with no way out, each of the friends begins to reveal secrets and hidden tensions, all while the sniper watches them, forcing them into a tense game of trust and survival. As the night unfolds, Red must piece together clues, unravel her own relationships with the others, and determine who the sniper is targeting—and why. With its twists, high-stakes suspense, and character-driven storytelling, *Five Survive* keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the pressure of life-or-death decisions. It’s a tightly-wound thriller that builds tension with every chapter.

*Philosophical Essays* by Bertrand Russell is a collection of thought-provoking essays that showcase the renowned British philosopher's insights on a wide range of topics, including ethics, religion, science, and the nature of knowledge. In these essays, Russell explores fundamental questions about human existence, society, and the limits of human understanding, drawing on both Western philosophical traditions and his own analytical reasoning. The book reflects his commitment to reason, skepticism, and the pursuit of clarity in philosophical inquiry. Among the themes explored are the problems of free will, the concept of truth, and the relationship between philosophy and scientific progress. Written in Russell's signature lucid and accessible style, *Philosophical Essays* presents his reflections on the major philosophical debates of his time, while also offering timeless considerations on the role of philosophy in shaping human thought and society.

*The Palace of Illusions* by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a captivating reimagining of the *Mahabharata* from the perspective of Panchaali (Draupadi), the fiery and complex heroine at the heart of this ancient epic. The novel chronicles her life journey, from her childhood in the kingdom of Panchala to her marriage to the five Pandava brothers and her role in the great Kurukshetra war. Divakaruni paints Draupadi not only as a queen and a warrior but as a woman with her own desires, fears, and ambitions, struggling to find her place in a world dominated by power, politics, and fate. Through her voice, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, destiny, and the search for self-empowerment, offering a fresh and intimate perspective on a well-known mythological tale. With its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, *The Palace of Illusions* is a beautifully told story of strength, resilience, and the complexities of being a woman in a patriarchal world.