12. The Poisonwood Bible By Barbara Kingsolver; 560 pages
《毒木圣經》，芭芭拉.金索佛著（560頁）

Because Barbara Kingsolver has a sneaky way of making us more empathic.
推薦理由：芭芭拉·金索佛不經意間便能讓我們更易表同情心。

This novel features five narrators, observing and commenting the clash of cultures, the struggle to overcome stifling conventions, and the preservation of heritage.
這部小說有五名敘述者，他們觀察并評論文化沖突，掙扎著打破清規戒律、堅決維護遺產。

13. The Help By Kathryn Stockett; 544 pages
《相助》，凱瑟琳·斯多科特著（544頁）

Because it served as a reminder of a painful history, while showing us what a few courageous individuals can accomplish.
推薦理由：這部小說告訴我們——銘記傷痛歷史的同時，勇敢的個人所能做到什么。

This novel opened a national conversation about race. And yet, the story also gives readers insight into the strength, courage and dignity of the maids themselves -- qualities that have been too often overlooked.
《相助》在全美掀起了一番關于種族的討論。然而這部小說還讓讀者深刻意識到奴仆身上蘊含著的力量、勇氣和尊嚴。它們都是些已被人習慣忽視的品質。

14. Water for Elephants By Sara Gruen; 350 pages
《大象的眼淚》，莎拉·格魯恩著（350頁）

Because who doesn't love a pachyderm and a happy ending?
推薦理由：誰不喜歡厚皮類動物和美好的結局呢？

This depression-era tale of life with a third-rate traveling circus centers on orphaned animal caretaker Jacob, the woman he loves and her cruel and abusive husband, who happens to be the boss.
這部小說以大蕭條時期為背景，主角是一個三流巡回馬戲團中的三名成員——孤兒出身的動物看守員雅各布，他愛上的女人（馬戲團明星）和她殘暴的丈夫（剛巧他又是雅各布的上司）。