1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel set in a dictatorial future where the government, led by the Party and its enigmatic figurehead Big Brother, exercises complete control over its citizens. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works for the Party rewriting historical records to fit its propaganda. As he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the oppressive regime, Winston starts a forbidden love affair with Julia, a fellow Party member.
Kya Clark has lost more than most people will ever lose in a lifetime. Her abusive father’s violence left her mother, brothers, and sisters with no other choice than to leave young Kya with a madman. After they all left, her father calmed down and even cared about her, but only to return to his habits of drinkin again, and he left, leaving Kya all alone in the marsh. Kya becomes one with the marsh, learning about it and studying it.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a novella set during the Great Depression, following the lives of two itinerant ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they navigate the challenges of a harsh and unforgiving world. George, a small and intelligent man, takes on the responsibility of caring for Lennie, his physically strong but mentally disabled friend. Together, they dream of owning a piece of land and achieving a better life.
Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver, is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel that is inspired by Dickens' David Copperfield, centering around the life of a child as he matures.
Both Laurel, Belly, and Steven, and Jeremiah and Conrad are distraught after the death of Susannah. The relationships between everyone have become strained and unfamiliar. But, when Belly gets a call from Jeremiah that Conrad has disappeared from school, she springs at the chance to help her boys. In this book, we travel through grieving and mourning in so many different ways. The book also talks about relationships changing, and falling in love. The book is incredibly well written. It has you on the edge of your seat. You feel like you are mourning with our main characters.
This prequel follows President Snow as a teenager. At the time of the book, the 10th annual Hunger Games is still not widely accepted. The Gamemakers struggle to keep interest in the Hunger Games. To gain a fresh perspective, capital students become mentors in the games. Coriolanus Snow’s tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, an underdog from District 12. The story follows these two protagonists, as their relationship develops, and Lucy Gray tries to stay alive in the games. This book is incredibly well written. It is a great continuation of the series The Hunger Games.
Mothers Laurel and Sussanah have been best friends since they were young. So, it became a tradition for them to bring their families together every summer to the summer house at Cousins. Laurel’s kids Belly and Steven come together with Sussanah’s kids, Conrad and Jeremiah. As the kids settle into the home, it becomes apparent that something has changed this summer. Belly has grown up into a young woman. Not only are there physical differences but Conrad is acting differently. The book goes through the summer as the kids change, and romantic feelings develop. I loved this book so much.
Summary: In the gripping novel, The Catcher in the Rye, we meet Holden Caulfield, a rebellious teenager expelled from his boarding school. Holden wants to find realness and authenticity in a phony world, but his own self-destructive tendencies and inability to connect with others hinder his progress. Throughout the book, Holden embarks on a journey through New York City, encountering various people and situations that further challenge his beliefs and push him to confront his own demons.
Taking place in the 1930s, protagonist Janie Crawford’s upbringing, adolescence, and adulthood is narrated from a third person perspective. The story touches on especially sensitive topics at the time of its publication: sexism, racism, socioeconomic inequality. A beautifully flawed story, Jaine struggles to find true love - filing 3 marriages throughout the process. As Janie moves from town to town, her psyche and mentality develops, embracing her environments. This book was a great read and thoroughly highlighted many disparities that still exist today.
Summary: The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel that centers around Holden Caulfield, a young protagonist who seeks to protect innocence. Holden's desire to shield children from the hypocrisy and artificiality of the adult world drives him on a journey of self-discovery. However, he faces numerous obstacles, both external and internal, as he grapples with isolation, disillusionment, and encounters with insincerity.
