Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 10 - Jul 15
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
Known and Strange Things: EssaysA blazingly intelligent first book of essays from the award winning author of Open City and Every Day Is for the Thief NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Time The Guardian Harper's Bazaar San Francisco Chronicle The Atlantic Financial Times Kirkus Finalist for the PEN Diamonstein Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay and PEN Jean Stein Book Award With this collection of more than fifty pieces on politics, photography, travel, history, and
A blazingly intelligent first book of essays from the award-winning author of Open City and Every Day Is for the Thief NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BYTime - The Guardian - Harper's Bazaar - San Francisco Chronicle - The Atlantic - Financial Times - Kirkus
Finalist for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay and PEN/Jean Stein Book Award With this collection of more than fifty pieces on politics, photography, travel, history, and literature, Teju Cole solidifies his place as one of today's most powerful and original voices. On page after page, deploying prose dense with beauty and ideas, he finds fresh and potent ways to interpret art, people, and historical moments, taking in subjects from Virginia Woolf, Shakespeare, and W. G. Sebald to Instagram, Barack Obama, and Boko Haram. Cole brings us new considerations of James Baldwin in the age of Black Lives Matter; the African American photographer Roy DeCarava, who, forced to shoot with film calibrated exclusively for white skin tones, found his way to a startling and true depiction of black subjects; and (in an essay that inspired both praise and pushback when it first appeared) the White Savior Industrial Complex, the system by which African nations are sentimentally aided by an America "developed on pillage." Persuasive and provocative, erudite yet accessible, Known and Strange Things is an opportunity to live within Teju Cole's wide-ranging enthusiasms, curiosities, and passions, and a chance to see the world in surprising and affecting new frames. Praise for Known and Strange Things "On every level of engagement and critique, Known and Strange Things is an essential and scintillating journey."--Claudia Rankine, The New York Times Book Review (Editors' Choice) "A heady mix of wit, nostalgia, pathos, and a genuine desire to untangle the world, or at the least, to bask in its unending riddles."--The Atlantic "Brilliant . . . Known and Strange Things] reveals Cole's extraordinary talent and his capacious mind."--Time " Known and Strange Things] showcases the magnificent breadth of subjects Cole] is able to plumb with . . . passion and eloquence."--Harper's Bazaar " Cole is] one of the most vibrant voices in contemporary writing."--LA Times "Cole has fulfilled the dazzling promise of his novels Every Day Is for the Thief and Open City. He ranges over his interests with voracious keenness, laser-sharp prose, an open heart and a clear eye."--The Guardian "Remarkably probing essays . . . Cole is one of only a very few lavishing his focused attention on that most approachable (and perhaps therefore most overlooked) art form, photography."--Chicago Tribune "There's almost no subject Cole can't come at from a startling angle. . . . His is a] prickly, eclectic, roaming mind."--The Boston Globe " Cole] brings a subtle, layered perspective to all he encounters."--Vanity Fair
"In page after page, Cole upholds the sterling virtue of good writing combined with emotional and intellectual engagement."--The New Statesman " Known and Strange Things possesses] a passion for justice, a deep sympathy for the poor and the powerless around the world, and a fiery moral outrage."--Poets and Writers
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Random House Trade
Published: 08/09/2016
ISBN: 9780812989786
Pages: 416
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.10w x 1.00d
Review Citations: Library Journal Prepub Alert 03/15/2016 pg. 90
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2016
Publishers Weekly 05/23/2016
Booklist 07/01/2016 pg. 14
BookPage 08/01/2016
Library Journal 03/15/2016
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 1346 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Fallen Angels, fae, vampires, oh my!
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4.5 | Spice: 2 (but a good slow-burn)
•
Main Characters: Huntyr and Wolf
•
I couldn’t wait to read this book; there was so much hype about it! And there was no doubt why. I fell in love with the characters and the plot itself. This book is mainly plot driven more than friction driven but it’s easy to follow along with. The characters are fun, easily understood. The main setting is at an academy where both the main characters are going through trials and building strength for the final test, The Transcendent. There are fantastic side characters as well. I loved the camaraderie between Huntyr and her friends. But we don’t like Lanson. 😆
We do have some plot twists that come into play throughout the book. Secrets and betrayal to be seen. I did adore Wolf and Huntyr’s relationship. It was a classic slow burn trope. They didn’t hit it off fast, but in time their feelings grew. I loved their banter, so sexy. Wolf is your next book boyfriend; Huntyr is your next vampire assassin independent bad-a*s female. Themes include loyalty, trust, self-discovery, a true slow burn romance. Side note: book ends on a angsty cliffhanger!
•
Emily, thank you for writing this awesome novel and I cannot wait to devour Book 2, Blood So Brutal! 😍
•
Happy reading, my lovelies! xo
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
★★★★★ 4
“My heart bows to you and you only, Huntress.”
Format: Kindle
3.5 🌟
This book popped up in my KU recommended reading suggestions and the synopsis sounded like what I was in the mood for. I'm so glad I took a chance on it. I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about it and ended up really liking it. I love when this happens.
The main characters are likeable and I easily found myself rooting for them. There is a mystery element to each of their backstories that I enjoyed watching unfold and can't wait to get more of. Wolf, in particular, has me fixated. Love him.
I found this to be an entertaining, addictive read with a plot that moves along at a good pace. It reads so easily I found myself very reluctant to put it down. Lots of twists and turns and the angst is there. A good set up for the next book to come, for sure.
My issues with this book....the dialogue feels a bit juvenile at times and there is a repetitive over use of a particular word phrasing that I found myself giving the ole eye-roll to. There are, without a doubt, some pretty cliche moments that gave me a bit of the cringe. I think this could've certainly 100% benefited from more depth regarding the world building. Perhaps the world building was sacrificed to keep the pacing quick? Just a guess. Also, the lack of consistency of character for the FMC was really evident and so she feels quite illogical at times.
Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read that hit the spot well enough for me. That ending certainly has me impatiently pining for book 2!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
★★★★★ 3
Interesting take on the genre
Format: Kindle
True rating: 3.25 ⭐️
I enjoyed the fresh take on the genre. The best way I could describe the setting and world is an apocalyptic dystopian version of Farie where vampires, fae, and angles struggle to survive in what is left of the world. It was definitely interesting throwing the academy/hunger games aspect into this world as well.
Even though I guessed the final reveal early on in the book, I kept hoping I was wrong, and it would take a surprising turn. While the "plot twists" were a bit predictable to me, I still enjoyed the ride this book took me on.
Another downfall for me was the plot holes in the world building... I.E. if society has fallen and the world is in the aftermath of war, how are there trains running around the world? Just to take young adults to the trials to get into the golden city? How is the train maintained, the tracks clear, etc?
However, I did enjoy the FMC & MMC and thought they were fleshed out nicely. I also enjoyed the side characters but wish some were developed more like Ashalin (sp?). I do find myself rooting for the MCs to succeed and find happiness together, which is obviously an important aspect for romantasy.
Overall, was this an earth-shattering, mind-bending, terrific piece of literature? No. But was it the worst thing I've read this year? Also, no. This book has, to me, the bones of a great read & just needs a bit more to push it from an alright book to a great book.
Overall ratings:
Plot- 3.5⭐️
World building 3⭐️
Spice 2.5 🌶🌶
Main characters 4 ⭐️
Supporting characters 3.5⭐️
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2024
★★★★★ 5
great book
Format: Kindle
I am really excited to meet the author at the book retreat this month. I really enjoyed this world that she built and most of the female main character Huntress is so awesome. She goes through a lot in this book and the ending; wow! I wouldn't have even guessed. I highly recommend everyone to read this book.
I have been so lucky this year that almost all the books I have read have been, so far, 5 out 5 stars.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Fallen for the Fallen Angel – A Guilty Pleasure Worth Every Page
Format: Kindle
There’s something deeply irresistible about a dark academia or trial-based setting, a brooding and arrogant fallen angel, and a fierce heroine with enough sass to go toe-to-toe with him. Wings So Wicked is exactly that kind of book—and I devoured it in just a couple of days.
To be fair, the plot isn’t groundbreaking. If you’re looking for something fresh and innovative in terms of storyline, this might not be it. But if your reader heart beats faster at the mere mention of enemies-to-lovers, jealousy-fueled banter, magical trials, betrayals, and forbidden tension—you’ll feel right at home. It’s like catnip for those of us with this particular weakness.
The chemistry between the leads could have used a slightly slower burn to make the tension sizzle longer, but I still found myself completely invested in their dynamic. There are moments and phrases that feel a bit cheesy or underdeveloped, but honestly? I didn’t care. The vibes were exactly what I wanted.
This book isn’t trying to reinvent the genre—it’s here to give readers like me what we crave: high-stakes magical drama, angsty romance, and the thrill of watching a badass girl and her brooding counterpart clash and spark. If that sounds like your kind of story, Wings So Wicked will hit the mark.
Here’s hoping Book 2 turns up the heat and keeps the magic alive.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2025