Books to explore: Saneh Sangsuk, Birgit Weyhe, and Khue Pham

In the world of contemporary literature, two intriguing novels have recently captured the attention of readers: "The Understory" and "Rude Girl".

"The Understory", a book by Mui Poopoksakul, deals with major themes of the anthropocene, ecological disaster, and the human-animal binary. Set in the Thai village of Praeknamdang, once a jungle, the narrative explores the boundaries between humans and tigers, traditionally enemies, as these boundaries begin to blur. The English version of this thought-provoking novel is available from Deep Vellum Publishing.

Meanwhile, "Rude Girl" is a graphic biography that tells the story of German Studies professor Priscilla Layne. Written by Priscilla Layne herself, this novel revolves around her journey, navigating racism, classism, misogyny, and sexual violence in her pursuit of academia. "Rude Girl" is available from V&A Books.

Khue Pham, the author of the novel "Brothers and Ghosts", discusses themes such as diaspora, the immigrant experience, and family dynamics. This compelling narrative, available from Scribe Publications, covers a vast family saga spanning decades and locations, including Berlin, South Vietnam, and Little Saigon in Orange County, California.

In the realm of storytelling, the 93-year-old local Buddhist monk in Praeknamdang, Luang Paw Tien, stands out as a master. His stories often involve encounters with elephants, fish, monkeys, and tigers, adding a touch of the mystical to the village's history.

Each of these novels offers a unique perspective on the human condition, exploring themes that are both timely and timeless. Whether you're drawn to the ecological themes of "The Understory", the personal journey of Priscilla Layne in "Rude Girl", or the sweeping family saga of "Brothers and Ghosts", there's a story here for every reader.