From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us? Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas. Dr. Harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where is this leading us, and what do we want to become? Featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of Jared Diamond, James Gleick, Matt Ridley, Robert Wright, and Sharon Moalem.

Four siblings discover a world trapped in eternal winter under the White Witch’s icy rule. Guided by the noble lion Aslan, they embark on a journey of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, learning that even the smallest act of bravery can change the fate of a kingdom. You may have had the impression that this book is for children. If you did, then you’re definitely missing out. Lewis’ classic tale is a story of wonder, adventure, and the triumph of good over evil that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

Oh, you’ve already seen the movie? Well, think again, because you’re in for quite the surprise. This book, which was written almost 70 years ago, combines two fictional themes that are rarely put together: a post-apocalyptic setting and vampires. (Told you it’s nothing like the movie.) I Am Legend takes place in 1976 after a devastating nuclear war ravaged the earth, and the remaining people are overtaken by a plague that turns them to bloodthirsty vampires. Our protagonist, Robert Neville, is a cynical tough guy who, despite his disdain for life, holds on to it as tightly as possible. As he battles loneliness, alcoholism, and of course, vampires, he sets out to determine a cure for this plague. Dark, introspective, and ahead of its time, I Am Legend isn’t just a horror story; it’s a haunting meditation on what it means to be human when humanity is lost.

Blood Meridian follows a nameless teenager known only as “the Kid” as he joins a violent gang of Indian hunters led by the enigmatic and terrifying Judge Holden. Set in the 1840s American Southwest and Mexico, the novel is a brutal, poetic meditation on violence, manifest destiny, and the dark depths of human nature. Cormac McCarthy was an American novelist known for his sparse, powerful prose and haunting explorations of morality, survival, and violence. His works include The Road, No Country for Old Men, and Blood Meridian, often praised as one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century.