Lord of the Flies is an exploration of human nature and the mask of civilization that keeps our instincts in check. The novel is set on a deserted island after a plane crash and highlights the boys' decline from order into chaos as they try to govern themselves. However, it slowly turns into savagery. Golding uses characters like Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and Simon to represent different parts of society, morality, and human behavior. The conch shell becomes a powerful symbol of order and democracy.
Growing up in New England during the Civil War, the women of the March family learn to navigate their individuality. Each sister is adorned with a distinct attitude that provides a balanced yet complex sibling dynamic. Jo is an independent writer while Meg is amicable and responsible. Amy adores painting and extravagance, but Beth is a quiet musician.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton will forever remain as one of my favorite novels. Hinton’s exploration of tough themes, including social hierarchies and the emotions involved with growing up and friendship, made the book an emotional, yet important read. The book takes the reader back to the 1960s, and Hinton did a wonderful job displaying that era in contrast to today’s world. Also, it was such an experience learning about each of the Greasers and how unique their personalities were.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a classic novel set in North Carolina during the mid to late 1900s. It follows Kya, a young girl who lives in a marsh with her poor family. Abandoned by her mom and eventually her siblings at the tender age of six, leaving her alone with her abusive and alcoholic father. He too eventually abandoned her at the age of seven.
Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses by Maya Prasad is a book about four girls Nidhi, Avani, Rani, and Sirisha who are sisters and best friends. After spending the last couple of months in India, Nidhi is finally coming back to the USA to visit her family on Orcas Island, but she gets caught in a windstorm and is struggling to make it on time to sister Rani’s short film contest along with her ex-boyfriend Grayson.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is a beloved classic of children's literature that blends science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin O'Keefe as they start an interdimensional journey to rescue Meg's father. Meg Murry is a 13-year-old girl struggling with self-esteem issues and missing her father, a scientist who disappeared while working on a secret government project. One stormy night, Meg, Charles, and Calvin meet Mrs.
When Holden gets expelled from school, he doesn’t want to tell his parents, because it wasn’t his first time. So, instead, he goes to his hometown and explores on his own. As a 16-year-old Holden jumps around bars and hotels as he thinks he can be independent.
“It seemed clear that wars were not made by generations and their special stupidities, but that wars were made instead by something ignorant in the human heart.”
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens follows the captivating story of Kya Clark, known as the "Marsh Girl," who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. Abandoned by her family at a young age, Kya learns to survive on her own, forming a deep connection with the natural world around her. As she grows older, Kya becomes entangled in a murder investigation when the town's golden boy, Chase Andrews, is found dead.
The Last Olympian is the final book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The story follows Percy Jackson as he faces the ultimate showdown with the Titan lord Kronos, who is leading an assault on Mount Olympus. Percy, along with his demigod friends and allies, engages in a fierce battle to defend the gods, and prevent the destruction of Olympus. As the conflict unfolds, Percy discovers the significance of his destiny and the power of friendship.
