Modern classic books
Brave New World
What is Brave New World about?
Aldous Huxley’s "Brave New World" is a masterpiece that will definitely make you think and tremble. Are you just a common person who must remain obedient in a society controlled through technology, genetic engineering, and drugs? The characters in "Brave New World" have no other choice but do we?
The Handmaid's Tale
What is The Handmaid's Tale about?
Are you interested in dystopian novels and totalitarian regimes? Margaret Atwood’s "The Handmaid’s Tale" is set in a future where environmental disasters and declining birth rates have led to the rise of the Republic of Gilead. Gilead enforces strict social roles: fertile women become Handmaids to bear children for the country's commanders. You will learn the customs and laws of Gilead following the female protagonist, Offred.
Man’s Search for Meaning
What is Man’s Search for Meaning about?
“Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl illustrates the human ability to find meaning in all circumstances through real-life examples. Written by a psychiatrist and a survivor of Auschwitz, this book shares a powerful message. You will learn about logotherapy and how it helps in the search for meaning.
All the Light We Cannot See
What is All the Light We Cannot See about?
"All the Light We Cannot See" presents a blind girl, Marie-Laure, from France and an orphan, Werner, from Germany. Two different stories happen during the Nazis regime: one flees from it, and another works for it. What will be if their ways intertwine?
The Great Gatsby
What is The Great Gatsby about?
In the glittering world of 1920s Long Island, Jay Gatsby throws lavish parties hoping to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. It is the epitome of the American Dream, with vibrant New York turning into the city of success. Nick Carraway, a newcomer to Gatsby’s world of wealth and excess, tells us the story behind all of the grand parties and, more importantly, Gatsby himself.
Never Let Me Go
What is Never Let Me Go about?
Kathy and her friends Ruth and Tommy are students of a seemingly nice boarding school called Hailsham that hides a dark mystery. You’ll explore their world through Kathy’s perspective, diving deep into her experiences and choices. Partly a coming-of-age story and science fiction, it poignantly explores the themes of conformity and free will.
The Secret History
What is The Secret History about?
"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt is a dark and captivating novel about a group of elite college students studying classics at a prestigious university in Vermont. They become tight-knit after realizing all of them are fascinated by ancient Greek culture. On top of that, they receove support from their charismatic professor. As their obsession with the past intensifies, they try our forbidden rituals, indulge in dangerous desires, and ultimately commit a terrible act that will haunt them forever.
Slaughterhouse-Five
What is Slaughterhouse-Five about?
"Slaughterhouse-Five" isn’t just a war novel, but a masterpiece that takes you from the bombing of Dresden to distant alien planets. Billy Pilgrim, the protagonist, “unsticks” in time, offering a fragmented but brilliant look at trauma, fate, and human survival. Vonnegut’s dark humor makes even the heaviest moments strangely entertaining.
The Color Purple
What is The Color Purple about?
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker will take you into the heart of rural America, where a young Black woman named Celie finds her voice amidst a world of oppression. Walker discusses major problems of racial and gender oppression,as well as sisterhood and personal empowerment. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will take you on an emotional journey, leaving you profoundly transformed.
The Catcher in the Rye
What is The Catcher in the Rye about?
All lonely and rebellious young people can identify with the spirit of "The Catcher in the Rye." Holden Caulfield tells the story of his seventeen years as a high school dropout who travels through New York City while he destroys everything that seems dishonest or meaningless. Everyone views him as either an annoying, privileged kid or a lonely, honest character.
Educated
What is Educated about?
“Educated” is a captivating memoir of Tara Westover’s journey from living with a strict Idaho family to receiving an education that transforms her life. This powerful and inspiring narrative delves into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds.
The Kite Runner
What is The Kite Runner about?
In "The Kite Runner", Amir, a privileged boy in Kabul, betrays his loyal kite runner, Hassan, in a moment of cowardice. Haunted by this act of betrayal, Amir flees Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion. Years later, given a chance to redeem himself, he returns to a war-torn country to confront his past and seek redemption.
1984
What is 1984 about?
Power. Control. Are you the one having it or being controlled by it? George Orwell’s "1984" depicts a totalitarian regime that controls every aspect of life. Winston Smith despises this system and goes against it. Will he get freedom or be devoured by the regime?
Into the Wild
What is Into the Wild about?
Jon Krakauer tells a story of Christopher Johnson McCandless, a young man of privileged upbringing, who decides to abandon his life and head to the wilderness. On his path to find meaning, Christopher tragically dies in the Alaskan wild, and his death prompts many philosophical questions. "Into the Wild" paints a nuanced, yet objective portrait of McCandless and the ideas he was trying to live by.
The Trial
What is The Trial about?
Kafka’s legendary work tells a story of Josef K, arrested for a crime he did not commit and cannot get any information about. Prosecuted by a faceless and unfair system, the protagonist is left alone to make sense of his situation. "The Trial" is considered one of the classic depictions of bureaucracy, provoking thought and engrossing the readers.
When Breath Becomes Air
What is When Breath Becomes Air about?
“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi describes an autobiographical story about the fight against stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. You will learn how the author has been on both sides of hospital life: as a doctor and a patient.
The Alchemist
What is The Alchemist about?
Have you ever wanted to go on a journey of self-exploration? "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho tells an almost fairy tale story about Santiago, a young shepherd who goes on a journey to find his personal legend and the treasure of his dreams. Santiago learns profound life lessons about pursuing your dreams, listening to your heart, and trusting the journey. Here, you learn that often, the journey is the journey itself, and you don't need a mountain of gold at the end when you've gained something much bigger along the way.
Life of Pi
What is Life of Pi about?
"Life of Pi" has an intriguing premise: a boy and a tiger get stuck on a boat in the Pacific Ocean. Pi, his family, and the animals from their zoo were sailing to Canada in a search of a new life, but the shipwreck leaves Pi to survive alone. It is a story of not giving up, of finding meaning and hope, and of the incredible strength of human soul.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
What is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy about?
Imagine your house and planet being destroyed, your best friend turning out an alien, and you find yourself in a bizarre universe. This is what happens to Arthur Dent, the protagonist of "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. Dive into a world of funny and not-so-funny jokes, irony, sarcasm, and, most importantly, interplanetary adventures!
The Hunger Games
What is The Hunger Games about?
One of the favorite works of YA fiction fans, this book paints the dystopian world of Panem, where the children from 12 districts have to participate in The Hunger Games. When her younger sister Prim gets selected as a tribute, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate instead. She will have to survive in the system designed to kill people like her for the entertainment of the elite.
Between the world and me
What is Between the world and me about?
“Between the World and Me” delves deeply into the challenges that Black Americans face in the United States. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates shares his experiences and observations to shed light on the systemic oppression that plagues Black communities. He wants to draw public attention to racism, police brutality, and violence. Coates prompts readers to reflect on the complex issues underlying racial injustice and encourages detailed discussions on addressing and dismantling these injustices.
To Kill a Mockingbird
What is To Kill a Mockingbird about?
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for” is just one of many insightful ideas in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Besides, it also touches on themes like racial injustice and the loss of innocence through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl. If you want to read a beloved classic of American literature, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a great choice.
The Lord of the Rings
What is The Lord of the Rings about?
"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien isn't for everybody as it's a pretty long one, but once you read it, you will definitely be engrossed in it. It depicts the struggle between good and evil, amazing adventures, true friendship, and eternal love. So, follow Frodo's epic quest to destroy the One Ring and learn if it can be destroyed for good.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
What is Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? about?
Written in 1968, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" depicts the year 2021. It shows the aftermath of a devastating world war that has killed millions and caused mass extinctions. As we can see, it hasn't happened yet. Still, we can't deny some things that used to be fantastic in 1968 but are a reality today, like robotic animals and humanlike androids.
Shantaram
What is Shantaram about?
This famous semi-autobiographical novel follows Lin, a man who escapes prison in Australia and hides in Mumbai. Gregory David Roberts immerses the readers in the vibrant culture, the life of the underworld, and numerous colorful characters. It is an exploration of human spirit, freedom, and starting anew.
My Brilliant Friend
What is My Brilliant Friend about?
Elena Ferrante, an Italian novelist, tells the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, and their great journey through life. The girls grow up in the 1950s and 1960s in a poor neighborhood in Naples. This coming-of-age novel is deeply sentimental, heartwarming, and real.
The Warmth of Other Suns
What is The Warmth of Other Suns about?
Isabel Wilkerson recounts the details of African Americans leaving the oppressive South in search for a more just and safe environment. She connects personal stories of the individuals in those circumstances with a broader historical analysis. This is a story of unbelievable strength and resilience, reported in a poignant manner.
Fight Club
What is Fight Club about?
"What is the first rule of fight club?" Chuck Palahniuk's "Fight Club" is a modern classic known for its fierce and unapologetic style. The book examines the inner turmoil of a man who, in defiance of contemporary society, establishes an underground combat club. Palahniuk challenges masculinity, consumerism, and the quest for happiness through his dark humor and incisive analysis.
The Glass Castle
What is The Glass Castle about?
Jeannette Walls's memoir "The Glass Castle" is a story of love, struggle, and bonds with family. The author's family can be called extraordinary. This very family taught Jeannette to survive and, finally, build a successful life in "The Big Apple." Get inspiration from this powerful memoir.
Eat, Pray, Love
What is Eat, Pray, Love about?
After a turbulent divorce and a period of deep personal crisis, Elizabeth Gilbert decided to change her life. She began to explore the essence of happiness through her new transformative experiences. She went for a year-long voyage across Italy, India, and Indonesia to find answers. Gilbert details every adventure in her bestseller “Eat, Pray, Love”.
The Fault in Our Stars
What is The Fault in Our Stars about?
Hazel Grace Lancaster’s life is defined by her cancer diagnosis, but everything changes when she meets Augustus Waters at a support group. Gus is charismatic, funny, and just as obsessed with big ideas as Hazel. Their story isn’t just a story about illness — it’s a story about borderless love, loss, and what it means to leave a mark on the world.
Normal People
What is Normal People about?
Connell and Marianne come from the same small Irish town, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. Connell is popular and quiet. Meanwhile, Marianne is an outsider. What do they have in common, though? Who knows, but they walk together through high school, university, and beyond. Their love story is messy but so achingly real.
Fahrenheit 451
What is Fahrenheit 451 about?
Could you think of a fireman burning something instead of putting out the fire? Guy Montag from "Fahrenheit 451" is a fireman who burns books, which are illegal. His monotonous life changes upon meeting Clarisse, a curious young neighbor. Will Clarisse change Montag or disappear from his life soon after entering it?
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
What is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks about?
In 1951, doctors took cells from Henrietta Lacks' tumor without her knowledge. These cells, named HeLa after her, became the first immortal human cell line. Later, Rebecca Skloot spends years learning Henrietta's story to write a prize-winning nonfiction book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." Her work reveals how HeLa helped to develop the polio vaccine, revealed secrets about cancer and viruses, and led to major advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping.
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