Late Show Book Club | 'People Like Us'

In 'Lord of the Flies', William Golding tells the story of a group of British schoolboys who are stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The novel follows their attempts to govern themselves and the gradual descent into chaos and savagery. The story is an allegory that explores themes of human nature, morality, leadership, and the fragility of civilization. Key characters include Ralph, who represents order and democracy; Jack, who symbolizes power and violence; and Piggy, the voice of reason. The novel highlights the tension between the desire for civilization and the primal savagery that lies beneath the surface of human society.

Jason Mott's 'Hell of a Book' intertwines the story of a successful Black author on a book tour with that of Soot, a young Black boy from a rural town, and The Kid, a possibly imaginary child. The novel delves into the complexities of being Black in America, weaving together elements of tragedy, comedy, and magical realism.

Grendel is a novel that retells the story of Beowulf from the perspective of the monster, Grendel. Through Grendel's eyes, John Gardner explores themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Grendel grapples with questions of good and evil, order and chaos, and the nature of human existence. Gardner uses Grendel's narrative to critique human society and its values, challenging readers to consider the monster's perspective and question their own understanding of reality. The novel offers a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.