Voice

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

This Stepping Stone edition of 'The Wizard of Oz' is an adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic story, tailored for first chapter book readers. The book includes art from the original 'Wizard of Oz' and follows the journey of Dorothy as she is carried by a cyclone from a Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz, where she meets the Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion.

Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights' is a silent film from 1931, showcasing his iconic Tramp character. The film follows the Tramp's selfless devotion to a blind flower girl, highlighting themes of compassion and quiet nobility. The Tramp's unwavering love and dedication to helping the flower girl, despite his own poverty, resonate deeply. The film's simple yet powerful storytelling transcends language barriers, making it a timeless classic. Chaplin's masterful performance and the film's poignant message continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

This novel is the first volume in a tetralogy dedicated to Benito Mussolini and Italian fascism. It begins on 23 March 1919, the day the Italian Fasces of Combat was founded, and concludes with Mussolini's speech to the Chamber of Deputies on 3 January 1925, marking the official establishment of Italy as a dictatorship. The narrative is characterized by its blend of historical documentation and fictional elements, with an omniscient third-person narrator and periodic shifts into Mussolini's first-person perspective. The book delves into the details of Mussolini's rise to power, his political strategies, and the historical context of early 20th-century Italy.

The Trial, written by Franz Kafka, follows the story of Joseph K., a bank official who is unexpectedly arrested on his 30th birthday for a crime that is never revealed to him or the reader. The novel delves into the absurd and labyrinthine legal system, where K. is drawn into a world devoid of logic and transparency. As K. navigates this enigmatic system, he encounters various characters, including lawyers, court officials, and other defendants, which further complicate his situation. The novel explores themes of guilt, bureaucracy, and the individual's struggle against an incomprehensible and oppressive society, ultimately leading to K.'s psychological and emotional transformation. The book is a profound reflection on the human condition, illustrating how societal structures can alienate and render individuals powerless.

Published in 1959, 'Psycho' by Robert Bloch is a chilling tale that follows Marion Crane, a woman on the run after stealing money, who checks into the Bates Motel run by Norman Bates. The novel delves into Norman's split personality and his obsession with his mother, who he believes is still alive and controlling him. The story is renowned for its shocking twists and exploration of madness, and it was significantly influenced by the real-life case of Ed Gein. The book was quickly adapted into a classic film by Alfred Hitchcock, setting new standards in violence, sexuality, and deviant behavior in cinema.