Let's consider the ties that bind us: how to balance your individuality with the expectations of the people closest to you or of greater society? To do so, we'll read the inspiration for "1984" and "A Brave New World", explore 1920s NYC, the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and the Korean diaspora in Japan, and follow the struggles of an artist in a Hasidic community. To be read in advance: Yevgeny Zamyatin: We Hernan Diaz: Trust Yu Hua: Chronicle of a Blood Merchant Chaim Potok: My Name is Asher Lev Min Jin Lee: Pachinko