Published in 1926, 'Sand and Foam' is a work that showcases Gibran's ability to encapsulate profound concepts in concise and powerful statements. The book covers a wide range of themes, including justice, religion, science, free will, love, happiness, the soul, the body, and death. It is highly recommended for fans of Gibran's seminal work and is a worthy addition to any literary collection.
Ipsikaminos, or 'Blast-Furnace,' is the first purely surrealist Greek text and the debut poetic collection of Andreas Embirikos. Published in 1935, it stands out for its heretical and cryptic nature, lacking punctuation and featuring a unique, extravagant language. The collection was a commercial success, largely due to its scandalous and innovative style, which marked a significant shift in modern Greek poetry and introduced surrealism to Greek literature[2][4][5].
The Pupil is a short story by Henry James, first published in Longman's Magazine in 1891. It tells the emotional story of a precocious young boy, Morgan Moreen, growing up in a mendacious and dishonorable family. Morgan befriends his tutor, Pemberton, who is the only adult in his life that he can trust. The story explores their close relationship and the tragic circumstances that unfold as Pemberton struggles with his own financial difficulties and the neglectful nature of Morgan's family. The narrative reaches a tragic conclusion when Morgan, who has a weakened heart, dies after a period of emotional stress and Pemberton's hesitation to take responsibility for him[2][4][5].
Mort is the fourth novel in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. The story follows Mort, a gangly and unpromising teenager, who is hired as an apprentice by Death, the Grim Reaper of the Discworld. As Mort learns his duties, he becomes entangled in a complex situation when he falls in love with Death's adopted daughter, Ysabell, and intervenes in the fate of Princess Keli, who is scheduled to be assassinated. This interference creates an alternate reality and puts the entire fabric of causality at risk. The novel explores themes of mortality, fate, and the human condition with Pratchett's characteristic humor and wit.
Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence" is a novel set in New York City during the Gilded Age. It tells the story of Newland Archer, a lawyer entangled in a complex love triangle. The novel explores themes of social constraints, morality, and the clash between tradition and personal desires. Wharton masterfully portrays the rigid social structures of the time and the stifling expectations placed upon women. The novel's intricate plot and insightful character development make it a classic of American literature.
The book is composed of two sections, originally published as separate short stories. The first part, 'Franny', follows Franny Glass, a college student, as she grapples with existential questions and a spiritual crisis triggered by her interest in the 'Jesus Prayer'. Her breakdown leads her to return home, where her brother Zooey, a former child genius and aspiring actor, attempts to help her find peace. The second part, 'Zooey', delves into their family's intellectual and spiritual background, particularly the influence of their older brothers, Seymour and Buddy. Through intense dialogue, Zooey helps Franny reconcile her spiritual and personal beliefs, leading her towards a more balanced understanding of herself and the world around her.
Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature[2][3][5].
As I Lay Dying, written by William Faulkner and published in 1930, is a Modernist and Southern Gothic novel. The story revolves around the Bundren family's nine-day journey to bury their wife and mother, Addie, in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi, as per her dying wish. The novel is narrated by fifteen distinct characters, each providing their unique perspective on the events. The family faces numerous challenges, including flooded rivers, lost mules, and personal struggles such as Cash's broken leg and Dewey Dell's unwanted pregnancy. The novel explores themes of family, mortality, religion, and the nature of existence, showcasing Faulkner's pioneering use of stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented narrative structure[1][2][5].
Published on November 24, 1859, 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin is a seminal work in scientific literature. The book presents a comprehensive theory of evolution, arguing that species evolve over generations through the process of natural selection. Darwin supported his theory with evidence collected during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, as well as from subsequent research, correspondence, and experimentation. The book addresses the struggle for existence, the variability of species, and the principle of divergence, explaining how natural selection leads to the adaptation and diversification of life on Earth. It has been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology and has had significant impacts on both scientific and public discourse[2][4][5].
Why should a teenager bother to read a book, when there are so many other demands on their time? We hear from Atlantic staffers about the books they read in high school that have stuck with them. Books you read in high school are your oldest friends, made during a moment in life when so many versions of yourself seem possible, and overidentifying with an author or character is a safe way to try one out. Later in life, they are a place you return—to be embarrassed by your younger, more pretentious self or to be nostalgic for your naive, adventurous self or just to marvel at what you used to think was cool.
Books mentioned:
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