One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey is by far one of my favorite books I’ve read. It explores life within a psychiatric hospital utilizing comedic undertones. The book highlights a power struggle between McMurphy (the cowboy-esque patient) and Nurse Ratched (the tyrant ward nurse). The book is incredibly unique because it presents unreliable narration and forces the reader to continuously guess what’s upcoming.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is the tale of Hester Prynne, a woman in the 1600s who is accused of cheating on her husband, who has been missing for years. After the birth of her child Pearl, Hester is branded with the Scarlet Letter to remind her and her fellow townspeople of her misdeed. Hester refuses to reveal her lover’s identity, and throughout the novel has to face the shame of committing adultery, a major sin.
The Great Gatsby is a book about life in the 1920s. It explores the life of protagonist Gatsby who is known to be wealthy and mysterious along with protagonist Nick Carraway who seems to idolize Gatsby’s lavish life. The book explores the characteristics of the 1920s and is a classic book for all ages!
The Odyssey is a story of a man named Odysseus who is struggling to find his way back home after being away for ten long years. Throughout his journey, he faces numerous challenges and dangers, including battles with monsters, angry gods, and treacherous humans. Odysseus is not a perfect hero; he makes mistakes and is sometimes reckless, but he is also clever, resourceful, and brave. He is a loving husband and father, deeply committed to his family and desperate to return to them.
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.
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.
The book follows Winston Smith, a low ranking member of the ruling Party in London in the nation of Oceania. The Party watches the citizens through telescreens. Everywhere he would look there was the party’s leader, Big Brother. The Party would control citizens’ minds and they would erase history to make the past what they wanted it to. Winston did not want to follow the Party’s strict rules and wanted to take down the Party. Winston met a woman who he soon began a secretive relationship with and they joined the Brotherhood, a group that would do anything to take down the Party.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a classic fiction novel written by Ken Kesey that explores the themes of individuality, conformity, and mental illness. The book is set in a mental institution in the 1950s, the story is narrated by Chief Bromden, a patient who has been in the institution for many years and who is believed to be deaf and dumb.
Heart of Darkness is a realistic fiction novel by Joseph Conrad that takes place in the late nineteenth century and explores Western colonialism and imperialism. It is a complex and haunting work of literature that explores the themes of imperialism, power, and the darkness that lies at the heart of humanity.
Esperanza Cordero is a young girl in a poor area in Chicago. Working towards the goal of self-empowerment and self-discovery, she finds problems with race, gender, class, and economic statuses that stand in the way of her. Short vignettes, stories, and poems provide insight into her life as she progresses towards her aspirations.
