Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a captivating story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. Ralph, the main character, tries to act as their leader , organizing the boys to maintain some kind of civilized life amongst them. Yet, he is challenged by Jack, who leans towards the animalistic and savage. The victimization of one of the boys illustrates the dangers of anarchy. The book examines human psychology and behavior as these two opposing characters clash.

Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger presents us with Holden Caulfield, a teenager who is struggling to find truth and reason in his life. What makes this book fascinating is the sheer depth of character that Salinger creates in Holden- we feel not only that we know him, but we can find something of ourselves in him as well. The Catcher in the Rye is an excellent read for anyone who has reached adolescence.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is as complex as it is compelling. We are told the story of the alleged rape of a white woman by a black man through the eyes of Scout Finch, an eight year old girl. Her father defends the accused black man, and her life is catapulted into the adult world of racism and classism. The themes in this novel are broad, yet still strongly relevant in our world today. We are presented with the injustices of the time, but we are also left inspired to find the courage to do what we know is right.

Little Women By Louisa May Alcott is a lovely story meant to be enjoyed by all generations. In this timeless classic we have not one but four compelling characters-Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, the March sisters. They are living with their mother while their father is off fighting in the civil war. What draws us into this novel is the warmth of the characters.
Throughout their hard times, they manage to keep in good spirits and always express the love they feel for one another. A book to be savored and enjoyed by all.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne presents us with a different tale, that of a woman scorned by the public for conceiving a child out of wedlock. Hester Prynne bears the red “A” on her chest for being an adulterer, and she walks through her life with the world knowing her sin. Her lover, Reverend Dimsdale, does not expose himself as the father of Pearl, Hester’s child, and instead goes through his life hiding his sin from the world. As a reader, we must decide which fate is worse, that of Hester Prynne or Reverend Dimsdale.
The novel forces us to look at both sides of this issue in the context of
the colonial time period.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery may be considered a children’s classic, but don’t let that deter you. This is an incredibly enjoyable story of a young orphan girl mistakenly adopted by two older siblings, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. They had set out to adopt a boy who could help with the farm chores, and instead they were met with Anne Shirley, a most talkative and animated young girl with fiery red hair. You will not be able to keep from falling in love with Anne, who so desperately needs her ‘kindred spirit’. You will also enjoy the many mishaps that Anne finds herself in. Anne of Green Gables is a classic for all ages.

Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is the classic story of a young boy facing the same challenges and struggles that any young person meets up against during his youth. Tom is just slightly more crafty and conniving than the rest of us, and his antics often get him into some very unusual situations. Twain brilliantly creates the character of Tom as both a rascal and a vulnerable young boy. Tom’s constant episodes will keep your rapt attention.

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is an exciting read, however dark and dismal the subject matter may be. The novel deals with themes of crime, and is meant to highlight the social problems in England during that time period. Dickens is himself outraged at the unfairness and inequity, and he channels his angst into his characters of Fagin, Monks, Bill Sykes, and Bumble. Oliver himself is the victim, his life ruined by forces beyond his control. We can’t help but read this book and feel compelled to make our society better for all.