
F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'This Side of Paradise' is a seminal novel that captures the spirit of the post-World War I generation. It chronicles the life of Amory Blaine, an ambitious and self-absorbed Princeton graduate, as he navigates the uncertainties of love, wealth, and identity in the changing social landscape of early 20th-century America. Through vivid prose and keen insight, Fitzgerald explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the disillusionment of youth. The novel's rich exploration of its protagonist's romantic escapades and artistic aspirations provides a compelling reflection on the ambitions and vulnerabilities of an entire generation, marking an impactful entrance into modern American literature.
Capturing the spirit of the Jazz Age, F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing explored themes of wealth, ambition, love, and the American Dream. His iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, stands as a poignant portrayal of disillusionment and the elusive nature of happiness. Fitzgerald's lyrical prose and evocative descriptions of the Roaring Twenties cemented his status as one of America's greatest writers, chronicling both the glamour and the underlying anxieties of a transformative era.

Set in the decadent summer of 1922, this masterpiece follows mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby's obsessive pursuit of his former love, Daisy Buchanan. Through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, the story unfolds in a world of lavish parties and empty morality, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the corruption of the American Dream. As Gatsby's facade crumbles, the novel reveals the hollow heart of the Jazz Age.

A landmark anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin tells the story of enslaved man Tom and the brutal realities of slavery in 19th-century America. With vivid characters and emotional power, it galvanized abolitionist movements and shaped public opinion like no other book of its time. Though controversial for its portrayals today, it remains a pivotal work in American literature and history, sparking empathy and national debate.

Set in the rich farmland of the Salinas Valley, California, this powerful, often brutal novel, follows the interwined destinies of two families - the Trasks and the Hamiltons - whose generations hopelessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes- the mystery of indentity; the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love's absence.

This is the story of Sam and Sadie. It's not a romance, but it is about love. When Sam catches sight of Sadie at a crowded train station one morning he is catapulted straight back to childhood, and the hours they spent immersed in playing games. Their spark is instantly reignited and sets off a creative collaboration that will make them superstars. It is the 90s, and anything is possible. What comes next is a decades-long tale of friendship and rivalry, fame and art, betrayal and tragedy, perfect worlds and imperfect ones. And, above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love.

by Delia Owens
Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family and left to raise herself in the marshes of North Carolina. As she grows up isolated from the community, Kya becomes a naturalist and author, finding solace in the wilderness. When a local man is found dead, Kya becomes the prime suspect, and the ensuing investigation reveals long-held secrets. The novel intertwines a coming-of-age story with a murder mystery, exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the human connection to nature.