The Outsiders is set in 1965 Oklahoma, centering on two different gangs. This book was loosely based on how life could be during this time and the author wrote this for her friends that were considered the version of greasers in her town. A greaser is a teenager that is considered a delinquent, does not have much money, and is known for their trademark long greasy hair. The gang opposing the greasers is the soc gang. A soc is a rich, socialite privileged person with nice cars, clothes and hair.
The Great Gatsby is a phenomenal novel that is well worth its notoriety. It takes place in the Roaring twenties in east coast America, specifically New York’s Long Island. It follows Nick Carraway, a prospective stockbroker who isn’t rich, but has acquaintances in the ultra wealthy social circle. These “old-money” people look down upon the “new-money” individuals who are trying to join their social class. Nick meets his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and he seems to want to take Nick under his wing.
Little Women follows the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Set during the American Civil War, the four sisters struggle to fit in with society as girls were expected to all while living in poverty. Each sister has to overcome some sort of challenge as they grow up; Meg and Jo must work to help support their family, Beth stays at home to help with housework and Amy goes to school. Each girl also struggles with their own character.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is, without a doubt, one of the greatest novels ever written and certainly one of the cornerstones of the American literary repertoire. The book is written in the first person limited from the point of view of a Nick Carraway who is a friend of a friend to Mr. Gatsby at the novel's opening. The story follows Nick through his exploits in the East coast near and in New York as Gatsby’s desires begin to take center stage in Nick’s, and many of Nick’s friends’, lives.
Jane Eyrewritten by Charlotte Brontë is a classic masterpiece that pushes the bounds of realistic fiction. In it, the reader is invited inside of Miss Eyre’s mind as they are shown the struggles of a neglected child who, despite being undervalued her entire life, rises from her station to the doorstep of a Mr. Rochester where she is put face to face with the possibility of a real home for the first time. The trials that come with Jane Eyre’s youth and her journey to Mr.
Grendel, by John Gardner, is a mythological retelling of the classic epic Beowulf through the perspective of Beowulf’s antagonist, Grendel. As the novel progresses, the reader, for the most part, follows the chronological events of Grendel’s life, and how he came to be the unforgivable and widely feared monster in Beowulf’s tale.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a tragic story about wealth, love and the American Dream. It follows Nick Carraway, who gets drawn into the lavish world of his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby — a man obsessed with winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores themes of greed, illusion and the emptiness behind glamorous lifestyles. Gatsby’s dream of recreating the past ultimately leads to heartbreak and tragedy, showing that money can’t buy true happiness.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a realistic fiction novel loosely based on Alcott’s real life. It follows four young sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy on their journey from childhood to womanhood. They all have different aspirations and goals, and this book is a beautiful representation of the many facets of being a woman and just how complicated it can be. For one, Meg’s dream is to get married and have children. Whereas Jo longs to be a well-known writer and share her ideas with the world.
Emma by Jane Austen is a beautiful period piece that follows a young matchmaker in a world of proper manners. Emma is young and single, living with only her dependent father, and takes it upon herself to match the people around her. However, she really never matches herself up with anyone. Her closest friend is Mr. Knightley and he discourages her Cupid-like tendencies. Emma’s matchmaking tendencies don’t always turn out so well, and her friend Harriet suffers the consequences which frustrates Emma.
Treasure Island is an adventure novel that has captivated readers for many years. The story follows Jim Hawkins, an ordinary boy who ends up at the center of a thrilling and dangerous journey. After finding a pirate’s treasure map, Jim sets sail with a group of men, including the wise Dr. Livesey and the rich Squire Trelawney, in search of a treasure.
