Top 10 Sonali Deraniyagala Books

Stephen Nelson
10 min readJul 19, 2024

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Welcome to our book roundup article, where we delve into the captivating works of the talented author, Sonali Deraniyagala. Prepare to embark on a literary journey as we explore her thought-provoking books and share insights that will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page.

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1. Neoliberalism

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A Critical Reader

“Neoliberalism: A Critical Reader, “ an insightful work co-authored by Alfredo Saad-Filho and Deborah Johnston, presents a comprehensive analysis of the neoliberal economic model and its profound implications on society. Providing a comprehensive overview of neoliberal history, this book sheds light on its origins, evolution, and the consequences of its implementation in various spheres. Dive into the complex and far-reaching influence of neoliberalism and its impact on global politics and economics with this scholarly and engaging read.

  • Authors: Alfredo Saad-Filho, Deborah Johnston
  • Publisher: Pluto Press (UK)
  • Published Date: February 03, 2005
  • Page Count: 296
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Business & Economics
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Wave

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On a fateful Boxing Day in 2004, Sonali Deraniyagala and her family were at the seaside resort of Yala in Sri Lanka when a sudden tsunami struck, claiming the lives of her spouse, parents, two young sons, and a close friend. “Wave” offers an intimate, powerful account of this devastating loss, as well as a poignant portrait of the young family’s life before the tragic event. Told from Sonali’s perspective, readers will be captivated by her honest exploration of the surreal aftermath and her journey to find meaning and redemption.

At just 146 pages, this beautifully crafted memoir is a poignant and unforgettable read.

  • Authors: Sonali Deraniyagala
  • Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
  • Published Date: March 05, 2013
  • Page Count: 146
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Average Rating: 2.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. In the Light of What We Know

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A Novel

In the Light of What We Know is a gripping, ambitious debut novel set amidst the tumultuous waters of war and financial crisis. On a September morning in 2008, an investment banker’s world begins to unravel as he is visited by an enigmatic friend, a mathematician who vanished years ago under mysterious circumstances. This unexpected encounter sets in motion an extraordinary tale of friendship, betrayal, and a quest for redemption.

With a sprawling scope that spans continents, the novel’s breathtaking journey takes readers from Kabul to London, New York, Islamabad, Oxford, and Princeton. Along the way, it delves into profound questions of love, belonging, science, and war, ultimately revealing the intimate, unshakable ties that bind us all.

At the heart of the story lies the compelling friendship between two men, one desperate to escape his troubled past and the other seeking solace and retribution for his friend’s choices. As the narrative unfolds, the banker embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery surrounding his friend, a journey that reveals the limits of human understanding and the complexities of our own natures.

Despite its vast scope and profound themes, In the Light of What We Know remains a deeply personal, moving work of fiction that challenges and illuminates the human experience. Set against the backdrop of a world in turmoil, this novel offers both a poignant exploration of individual resilience and a powerful reflection on the interconnected nature of our global community. Rare in its intimacy and scope, this novel is sure to leave readers pondering the nature of life and the choices we make long after they’ve turned its final page.

  • Authors: Zia Haider Rahman
  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
  • Published Date: April 22, 2014
  • Page Count: 511
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 2.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Ghosts of the Tsunami

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Death and Life in Japan’s Disaster Zone

Ghosts of the Tsunami: A Journey Through Japan’s Disaster Zone by Richard Lloyd Parry is a mesmerizing and much awaited publication, highly praised by The Guardian, NPR, GQ, The Economist, Bookforum, Amazon, and Lit Hub as one of the top books of 2017. This captivating narrative ventures deep into the core of Japan’s most catastrophic event — an earthquake that triggered a destructive tsunami, caused the deaths of over eighteen thousand individuals, and precipitated a national crisis. Parry, a recipient of prestigious journalism awards, experienced the quake in Tokyo and spent six years reporting from the disaster area.

Parry reveals a plethora of gripping events, including interactions with ghosts and spectral occurrences, an priest who purged the spirits of the deceased, and the heartrending story of a community tormented by the inexplicable demise of their children. This harrowing yet enlightening account provides precious insight into the fortitude of the human spirit and Japan’s pursuit of solace in the face of indescribable loss.

Encompassing 320 pages and published by MCD, Ghosts of the Tsunami is a must-read for those yearning for an intricate understanding of the human experience, resilience, and survival in the throes of catastrophic disasters.

  • Authors: Richard Lloyd Parry
  • Publisher: MCD
  • Published Date: October 24, 2017
  • Page Count: 320
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: History
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. Authentic Academic Leadership

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A Values-Based Approach to College Administration

“Send for Me” is a beautifully crafted novel that takes readers on a heart-wrenching journey through time, exploring the themes of love, longing, and the powerful bonds of family. Set amidst the backdrop of Germany on the eve of World War II and present-day Wisconsin, this captivating tale of Annelise follows her life as a young woman working at her parents’ popular bakery and falling in love, ultimately leading her to make an agonizing decision between her family and fleeing to America. As the story moves forward to the next generation, Clare discovers a trove of Annelise’s letters written from Germany, leading her to question the sacrifices made in the past and her own future.

Based on the author’s family letters, “Send for Me” is a New York Times Notable book and a bestseller. Not only a gripping work of historical fiction but also a TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna book club pick, this compelling novel will captivate readers and leave them contemplating the weight of history and the choices we make in our lives. With its delicate exploration of the power of family and the heartache of separation, “Send for Me” is a must-read for fans of intricate and emotionally charged storytelling.

  • Authors: Jeffrey L. Buller
  • Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
  • Published Date: February 23, 2018
  • Page Count: 207
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Education
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. The Christmas Scorpion: A Jack Reacher Story

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Step into the gripping world of action and adventure with Lee Child’s latest installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling Jack Reacher series, The Christmas Scorpion. This thrilling addition to the series, which has inspired two major motion pictures and an upcoming streaming series, takes you on a holiday adventure with the legendary hero Jack Reacher.

As the snow falls on Christmas Eve, Jack Reacher seeks refuge from the blizzard in a roadside California bar. However, what was meant to be a peaceful getaway quickly escalates into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a notorious assassin known as the Christmas Scorpion. Joined by two members of Britain’s Royal Military Police, Reacher must use his unmatched skills and cunning wit to outsmart this dangerous foe, prevent a disaster, and save the day.

With just 36 pages of heart-stopping action, The Christmas Scorpion is the perfect quick read for fans of the Jack Reacher series. Experience the thrill, the suspense, and the unforgettable character of Jack Reacher once again in this edge-of-your-seat holiday story.

  • Authors: Lee Child
  • Publisher: Delacorte Press
  • Published Date: October 02, 2018
  • Page Count: 36
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Solace Island

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Meg Tilly’s contemporary novel, Solace Island, promises a deliciously suspenseful story with a picturesque Pacific Northwest island village as its backdrop. When a heartbroken Maggie Harris finds herself on Solace Island, seeking refuge from a devastating betrayal, she encounters the alluring and mysterious, Luke Benson.

As they navigate the stormy seas of their blossoming romance, the quiet village becomes anything but peaceful as Maggie is targeted in a series of dangerous incidents. As Luke, a former high-risk security expert, fights to protect Maggie from the unseen forces tracking her, the sisters’ growing bond is tested.

Filled with intrigue, romance, and danger, Solace Island takes readers on an exhilarating journey where trust can be the most elusive of commodities.

  • Authors: Meg Tilly
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published Date: November 06, 2018
  • Page Count: 306
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. How to Cure a Ghost

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“How to Cure a Ghost” by Fariha Róisín is a powerful and poignant poetry compilation that chronicles the journey of a young, queer, Muslim feminist as she navigates the complexities of self-acceptance, intersectionality, and healing. This captivating collection of poems unveils the raw emotions and struggles faced by Róisín as she delves into the heart of her relationships — both personally and with her mother — while grappling with the cognitive dissonance that accompanies being divided among various identities.

A testament to the author’s incredible storytelling ability, “How to Cure a Ghost” offers a unique perspective on the challenging and transformative journey of self-discovery. With a page count of 202, this remarkable book serves as an inspiration for readers to embrace their true selves, confront their internal demons, and ultimately find solace and acceptance.

Join Fariha Róisín on her unforgettable journey through love, loss, and the search for inner peace, as she unravels the complexities of life in her breathtaking poetry compilation.

  • Authors: Fariha Róisín
  • Publisher: Abrams
  • Published Date: September 24, 2019
  • Page Count: 202
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Poetry
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. Disturbance

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Surviving Charlie Hebdo

“Disturbance” is a heart-wrenching and moving memoir by Philippe Lancón, a journalist and author who survived the devastating 2015 Charlie Hebdo terror attack. After being gravely wounded in the attack, Lancón embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, turning to the works of literary giants like Proust, Thomas Mann, and Kafka for guidance. “Disturbance” is not simply an account of the attack or an essay on terrorism, but an honest, intimate portrayal of a man seeking to rebuild his life after it was torn apart.

This Prix Femina-winning memoir explores themes of press freedom, satire, and the aftermath of trauma, offering readers a poignant and thought-provoking journey through the survivor’s perspective.

  • Authors: Philippe Lançon
  • Publisher: Europa Editions
  • Published Date: November 12, 2019
  • Page Count: 404
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. Why Religion?

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A Personal Story

In the midst of life’s most challenging moments, bestselling author Elaine Pagels grapples with the enduring role of religious faith in our modern world. “Why Religion? “ offers a deeply personal exploration of how the traditions we inherit continue to impact our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our ability to navigate loss and grief.

As Pagels deals with two major tragedies — the sudden death of her son and the subsequent loss of her husband — she weaves the narrative of her own experiences with the work she has dedicated her life to studying. Drawing upon the perspectives of neurologists, anthropologists, and historians, among others, Pagels reveals the surprising ways in which religious beliefs continue to shape our culture, from the intimate realm of sexuality to matters of politics and beyond.

By examining how religious traditions have both empowered and hindered people throughout history, “Why Religion? “ presents fresh insights into the spiritual dimension of human existence that are both provocative and deeply moving. This book promises to challenge and enlighten readers as one of the most compelling religious thinkers at work today invites us into her own process of self-discovery and exploration.

  • Authors: Elaine Pagels
  • Publisher: Ecco
  • Published Date: November 19, 2019
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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