Historical

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez is a novel that spans generations, blending magical realism with themes of love, family, and the cyclical nature of history. Set in the fictional town of Macondo, the novel follows the Buendía family through triumphs, tragedies, and the passage of time. García Márquez's prose and vivid imagery create a picture of Colombian culture and folklore, immersing readers in a world where the extraordinary is commonplace. As the Buendía family grapples with their destinies and the ghosts of the past, García Márquez creates a narrative that transcends time and place, offering insights into the human condition. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a masterpiece of literature that enchants, leaving a mark on all who read it.

"The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel that explores themes of duty, regret, and the passage of time. Set in post-World War II England, it follows the life of Stevens, a butler reflecting on his decades of service at Darlington Hall. Through Stevens' introspective narration, Ishiguro skillfully reveals the inner workings of a man dedicated to his profession to the detriment of his personal life. As Stevens embarks on a journey to confront his past, readers are drawn into an exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of missed opportunities. Ishiguro's elegant prose and subtle storytelling make "The Remains of the Day" a timeless piece, inviting readers to ponder the meaning of loyalty and the nature of true greatness.

"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte is a haunting tale of passion, revenge, and the destructive power of obsession. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, Bronte creates a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and the dark corners of the human psyche. Through the relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, Bronte explores themes of social class, love, and the relentless cycle of vengeance. The novel's richly drawn characters and evocative prose create an immersive reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page. "Wuthering Heights" stands as a timeless classic of English literature, captivating readers with its raw emotion and portrayal of the human heart's capacity for both love and cruelty.

"Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison is a profound exploration of identity, race, and society in mid-20th-century America. Ellison's masterful storytelling and vivid prose paint a gripping portrait of an unnamed African American protagonist navigating a world that refuses to see him as an individual. Through his journey, the protagonist grapples with the complexities of self-discovery and the nature of prejudice and invisibility. Ellison's exploration of themes such as the quest for recognition and the power dynamics inherent in society resonates with readers long after they turn the final page. "Invisible Man" is a timeless classic known for its insightful commentary on the human condition and the pursuit of identity in a world that often seeks to render individuals invisible.

Harper Lee wrote the award-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, in the 1960s. This was a time when her home state of Alabama was embroiled in many civil rights activities to counteract the inconceivable practice of segregation. It is so fascinating that Lee placed the setting of her book in the 1930s during The Great Depression. The story is narrated by a young girl named Scout Finch who lives with her father Atticus, her brother Jem, and their black housekeeper named Calpurnia. She uses these characters and many others to weave together a coming-of-age story and a story of racism. Scout witnesses the biased treatment of African- Americans when her father defends a black man, Tom Robinson, who is accused of beating and raping a white woman. Atticus teaches Scout and Jem so many lessons about prejudice, compassion, and tolerance. My favorite quote in the book is: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” I highly recommend this book as its lessons will never be outdated.

Where The Red Fern Grows is a book about a kid named Billy hunting raccoons with his two hounds. At the start of the book, Billy does a lot of work to save up for the money to buy two coonhounds. When he finally saves up enough money, he goes into the city to buy the two hounds which he names Little Ann and Old Dan. When Billy gets back to his home, he trains the dogs. During training, Billy realizes Dan is brave while Ann is smart. The book features several great adventures and a heartbreaking ending.

Liz Kessler takes an experience her father tells her about when she was a child and writes a powerful and heartbreaking book When the World Was Ours. The book is set in the late 1930s. The book captivates the reader as Kessler starts the story in Vienna with Elsa, Leo, and Max who are the best of friends. Elsa and Leo are Jews. Max is not a Jew. Leo believes that nothing could ever come between the joyful trio. Of course, something does! The Nazis come! The friends will be separated by the decisions their parents make. The reader will empathize with the humiliating and inhuman experiences the children endure. My favorite quote from the book is: “We’re just Jewish…you won't catch it!” I could not put this book down as I was so engaged in the characters and where their lives took them. Did the friends ever find each other again? Did they even want to?

Set in 1992, The Great Gatsby encapsulates themes of wealth and society as readers experience the life of Nick Carraway, a man who recently moved to Long Island. He eventually befriends Jay Gatsby, a man known for his money and extravagant parties. As they grow closer, Nick quickly discovers more depth to Gatsby than meets the eye when Jay becomes vulnerable with Nick and exposes the reason behind his lavishness and expenses. This novel is known for its ability to distinguish new money and old money, explore "The American Dream", and expose how shallow and vain humans can be. I enjoyed following Nick's life, as he is a relatable character who reacts to this nonsense like many readers would. He acts as the voice of reason while those around him have significant flaws and characteristics that represent different aspects of society. I believe this book appeals to everyone in one way or another.

Reviewer: Grade 12

Concrete Rose tells the story of 17-year-old Maverick Carter who is a member of a gang, the King Lords, in Garden Heights. Maverick's life was going smoothly until one day when he found out he was going to become a teen father. This book takes readers through the journey of Maverick trying to balance his fatherhood, social life, and gang activity all at once. Angie Thomas does a beautiful job of describing the difficulties of parenthood and the devastation of gang violence while still entertaining her readers and making us feel a connection to the characters. Concrete Rose has become one of my favorite stories because it sparks emotional responses throughout the entire book and feels extremely authentic to the issues discussed. This story is also a prequel to Angie Thomas's best-selling book, The Hate U Give, as Maverick is the father of Starr, the main character of T.H.U.G. It's riveting to see Maverick's story and how he becomes the man he needed to be in order to raise his daughter.

The Great Gatsby is a really good book that I did not expect to like because I was assigned to read it in school. Set prior to the Great Depression, the book sets the stage for how the wealthy lived on the East Coast, while also portraying some of the nation's struggles at that time through various pieces of text and dialogue. The book was a constant surprise to me, and even when I felt confident something would for sure happen the book took an unexpected turn. It is very hard to find a "good" character in the book, seeing as most of them are more "morally gray", and this creates a very interesting dynamic for the reader. Overall it was a very good book, and that's coming from someone who's hated just about every book they've had to read in school.

11th grade