Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley is a powerful debut novel that follows Kiara, a Black teenager navigating poverty and systemic injustice in Oakland, California. After a tragic family crisis and with no reliable support, Kiara turns to sex work to survive, eventually becoming entangled in a police scandal involving abuse and corruption. Mottley, who wrote the novel at just 17, brings poetic intensity and raw vulnerability to Kiara’s voice. The novel explores themes of exploitation, resilience, and the desperate search for dignity in a world that routinely devalues Black lives. Nightcrawling is unflinching, heartbreaking, and deeply human.
About Leila Mottley
Leila Mottley is a young, emerging American author who garnered significant attention for her powerful debut novel, "Nightcrawling." Her writing is marked by its visceral voice and unflinching exploration of social issues and the experiences of marginalized communities.
Similar Books
The Flatshare
by Beth O'Leary
In Beth O'Leary's heartwarming novel, 'The Flatshare,' Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey find themselves sharing a flat without ever meeting due to opposite work schedules. As they leave each other notes, a unique and endearing relationship develops. The book beautifully explores themes of friendship, healing, and the power of human connection. O'Leary's witty and engaging writing style keeps readers hooked as Tiffy and Leon navigate their unconventional living situation and personal struggles. 'The Flatshare' is a delightful blend of romance and personal growth that will leave you smiling and rooting for its charming characters.
Queenie
Candice Carty-Williams' 'Queenie' delves into the life of a young Jamaican British woman navigating identity, relationships, and mental health in contemporary London. Queenie's struggles with self-worth, cultural expectations, and heartbreak make for a poignant and relatable narrative. The book skillfully explores themes of race, feminism, and mental health with a perfect blend of humor and raw emotion. Through Queenie's journey of self-discovery and resilience, readers are confronted with the complexities of modern life and societal pressures. Carty-Williams' writing is powerful, honest, and unapologetically authentic, leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into Queenie's world.
One Day
David Nicholls' novel 'One Day' explores the complex relationship between Emma and Dexter, two university friends whose lives intersect and diverge over two decades. Set on the backdrop of July 15th, each chapter revisits their lives on the same day each year, offering a poignant reflection on love, friendship, and life's unpredictability. Nicholls skillfully weaves humor, heartbreak, and nostalgia throughout the narrative, creating relatable and flawed characters that resonate with readers. 'One Day' is a captivating and emotional rollercoaster that delves into the themes of missed opportunities, personal growth, and the enduring power of connections that transcend time. A compelling and thought-provoking read that lingers in the heart long after the final page.
The Sun Also Rises
Ernest Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises' is a poignant exploration of the Lost Generation, following American and British expatriates navigating post-World War I Europe. Through the eyes of the disillusioned narrator, Jake Barnes, the novel delves into themes of love, masculinity, existentialism, and the quest for meaning in a broken world. The characters' aimless pursuit of pleasure, particularly through the backdrop of the Pamplona bull-running festival, reflects their deeper sense of aimlessness and alienation. Hemingway's sparse yet evocative prose captures the emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity of the era, making this novel a timeless classic.