This was one of the most inspiring memoirs that I have ever read. We read about Tara Westover’s personal experiences living in a very strict, radical Mormon family. It’s a very empowering book about her journey out of her prison-like life under her radical, abusive father. She talks about all of the challenges she faced as her brainwashed religious side fought against the other side of her that wanted an education and wanted to leave her home. You get to read about her journey to getting an education after not being taught much as a young girl.
Suzanne Collins provides the third and final installment of the dystopian series, The Hunger Games, in Mockingjay. Katniss Everdeen has survived both the 24th and 25th Hunger Games, but she has also established herself as an enemy to the State, against the Capitol and tyrannical President Snow. Her wins have inspired rebellions across Panem Districts as she has become the symbol of freedom against the oppressive government.
Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. In this novel, Katniss Everdeen continues in her battle for survival in the post-apocalyptic world and tyrannical rule of Panem’s Capitol. Katniss and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark have just won the 74th Hunger Games, defiantly and in their own way, angering the Capital and sparking acts of rebellion in several Districts.
The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins that tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in poverty-stricken District 12 of Panem. Set in what is assumed as futuristic North America, the ruling Capital chooses teen tributes, one girl and one boy, from each district each year to participate in the Hunger Games as punishment for their part in an uprising against the city decades before.
Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, originally published in 1890, details the life of exceedingly handsome Dorian Gray, who comes to live a decadent lifestyle in Victorian London. While initially innocent, symbolized by his alluring countenance, he becomes obsessed with a desire for eternal youth and beauty. Through his acquaintance with mysterious aristocrat Lord Henry Wotton, he enters a bargain in which he will remain handsome and youthful, while a painting of him, created by artist Basil Hallward, ages.
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a powerful story following the life of Kambili, a fifteen-year-old girl living in Nigeria. The novel explores many themes, including identity, faith, family, resilience and politics. Kambili lives with her religious and oppressive family, and is required to make painful decisions for survival of both her home-life circumstances as well as her country’s changing political climate.
Franz Kafka's novella The Metamorphosis follows Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, who awakens one morning to discover he has transformed into a giant insect. The story details the secondary conflicts Gregor experiences as a result of this new physical form, including his familial relationships, identity, and isolation.
Rielle Dardenne wants nothing more than to have Audric as her husband. However, he is already betrothed to Luvine, her best friend. When Audric is almost assassinated, Rielle has to reveal her powers to the world. The king of Celdaria forces her to complete 7 trials, one of each element to prove that she is the sun queen, the savior of the world. If she fails, and is deemed the blood queen, the destroyer of the world, she will be executed. Eliana Ferracora is an assassin that works for the undying empire.
Daughter of the Siren Queen is the riveting second book in the Daughter of the Pirate King series by Tricia Levenseller. After Heroine Alosa discovers a secret that her father, the despot Pirate King, has withheld her entire life, everything changes. Assisted by love interest Riden and her predominantly female pirate crew, she embarks on a race against time and her father in a quest for the siren treasure and position of Pirate Queen.
In Daughter of the Pirate King, Tricia Levenseller creates a thrilling world in which Alosa, the daughter of the feared tyrant Pirate King, allows herself to be captured as part of her mission to retrieve an ancient map piece leading to a remarkable treasure. She encounters Riden, the brother and first mate to the captain of the rival pirate crew, and they share strong, romantic tension.
