655 Guilty Pleasures (with Mike Palindrome and Laurie Frankel) | My Last Book with Mary Flannery

Middlemarch, written by George Eliot, is a novel that delves into the complexities of provincial life in 19th-century England. The story revolves around the intersecting lives of its characters, particularly Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, as they navigate marriage, vocation, and social class. Eliot critiques the conventional romance narratives of her time by portraying marriage as a complex and often problematic institution. The novel also explores themes of idealism, self-interest, hypocrisy, and the constraints on women's lives. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch between 1829 and 1832, the novel incorporates historical events such as the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early developments in medicine. Eliot's realistic portrayal of ordinary human life, with its quiet tragedies and small triumphs, has made 'Middlemarch' a masterpiece of English literature.

Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim. Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena. The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion. As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.

The Dragonlance Chronicles is a trilogy of fantasy novels that takes place in the Dragonlance setting. The series, written by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, includes 'Dragons of Autumn Twilight', 'Dragons of Winter Night', and 'Dragons of Spring Dawning'. The story centers around the conflict known as the War of the Lance, where the Heroes of the Lance march to fight against Verminaard, the lord of the draconians, and the dark goddess Takhisis. The novels were based on a series of Dungeons & Dragons game modules and introduced fantasy fiction archetypes in a rich, cohesive setting.

This Is How It Always Is is a novel that explores the life of a family of seven, including parents Rosie and Penn and their five children, with a focus on their youngest child, Claude, who later identifies as Poppy. The story delves into the family's realization and acceptance of Poppy's gender identity, the challenges they face, and the ways in which their lives are transformed. The novel spans multiple settings, including Madison, Wisconsin, and Seattle, and incorporates elements of fairy tales and real-life struggles. It highlights the complexities of parenting, the importance of unconditional love, and the ongoing process of growth and acceptance within the family and their community.

The novel follows Bertie Wooster as he navigates a complex web of relationships and misadventures at Totleigh Towers, the country house of Sir Watkyn Bassett. Bertie is tasked by his Aunt Dahlia to steal a silver cow-shaped creamer, while also helping his friend Gussie Fink-Nottle with his engagement to Madeline Bassett. The story is filled with Wodehouse's signature humor, including slapstick comedy, verbal dexterity, and escalating confusion. The novel also introduces Roderick Spode, a parody of the British fascist politician Sir Oswald Mosley, adding a layer of political satire to the narrative.