John Steinbeck Classics Historical Psychological The Winter of Our Discontent – John Steinbeck (1961) Ethan Hawley struggles with morality and ambition in mid-century America, questioning whether success is worth compromising integrity.
Theodore Dreiser Classics Psychological Satire An American Tragedy – Theodore Dreiser (1925) An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser follows Clyde Griffiths, whose ambition and pursuit of status lead him to a fateful moral and legal downfall.
Lew Wallace Adventure Classics Historical Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ – Lew Wallace (1880) Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace follows Judah Ben-Hur’s journey from betrayal to redemption, set against the life of Jesus Christ in ancient Judea under Roman rule.
Charlotte Bronte Historical Romance Satire Shirley – Charlotte Brontë (1849) Shirley by Charlotte Brontë follows Shirley Keeldar and Caroline Helstone as they confront love, class struggles, and the industrial tensions of 19th-century England.
DH Lawrence Classics Psychological Women in Love – DH Lawrence (1920) Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence follows the Brangwen sisters’ intense relationships, exploring love, industrialization, and individual freedom in postwar England.
Charles Dickens Classics Satire Our Mutual Friend – Charles Dickens (1865) Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens begins with a body in the Thames, unraveling into a tale of love, greed, and social ambition in Victorian London.
Edith Wharton Romance Satire Summer – Edith Wharton (1917) Summer by Edith Wharton follows Charity Royall’s coming-of-age in rural New England, exploring love, independence, and societal expectations.
Thomas Bulfinch Classics Fantasy Bulfinch’s Mythology – Thomas Bulfinch (1855) Bulfinch's Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch retells Greek, Roman, Arthurian, and medieval myths, making classical legends accessible to modern readers.
Jane Austen Historical Romance Satire Love and Friendship – Jane Austen (1787) A satirical epistolary novella, Love and Friendship showcases Austen’s sharp wit as she humorously critiques romantic absurdities and social conventions.
John Milton Classics Fantasy Paradise Regained – John Milton (1671) Paradise Regained by John Milton follows Christ’s resistance to Satan’s temptations, portraying the triumph of virtue and divine will.
