Five Stunning Literary Classics for Modern Day Readers
The following books are among the finest pieces of contemporary literature. Remember this book list the next time you visit your local bookstore to look for high quality novels that will feed your mind and suit your intellectual fancies.
Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby, first published in 1925, stands as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece and one of the most widely acclaimed American novels of all time. What’s ironic was that during the author’s lifetime, the novel didn’t receive the acclaim and recognition it deserved. The story presents a vivid and accurate picture of the post World War 1 era known as the Jazz Age. The plot starts by focusing on Nick Carraway, a young man from Minnesota who decided to move to New York to learn the bond business. Nick settled in the West Egg district of Long Island, and lived next door to a wealthy but mysterious man named Jay Gatsby, who gave extravagant parties every Saturday night for no apparent reason, and whose dark and dreary past was surprisingly linked to Nick’s immediate circle of influence. There are many strong underlying themes in the novel, such as greed, moral decay, the pursuit of happiness, individualism, and the realization of the American dream. Fitzgerald’s vibrant prose is also a fine demonstration of depth, brevity, and technicality.
Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand is the renown author of the novels Anthem and The Fountainhead. Her works are not just beautifully interwoven stories, they also demonstrate and explain Rand’s philosophy called Objectivism. Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957, was Ayn Rand’s fourth and last novel. It has a range of over one thousand pages and touches on primary Objectivist principles such as the advocacy of reason, capitalism, individualism, and the market economy. The main question that this entire novel answers is, “Who is John Galt”? John Galt, the hero in the novel, is not just a character who stands by himself. He portrays or depicts a significant facet and fundamental principle of Ayn Rand’s philosophy.
The American Pastoral, by Philip Roth
This novel is the 1998 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. It was also included in the top 100 greatest novels of all time. The author, Philip Roth, first nailed a solid reputation in the literary world in 1969, upon releasing the work Portnoy’s Complaint. Since then, Roth and his works have been highly acclaimed and also a subject of literary study. The original publication of The American Pastoral stretches well over 423 pages and tackles vital themes in American family life and history. The story gives us a clear picture of the social turbulence and chaos during the 1960’s and 70’s, such as the Deep Throat, Watergate Scandal, the sexual revolution, and the war in Vietnam. This novel is a treat for those who are particularly inclined towards history, social studies, and American politics.
Beloved, by Toni Morrisson
Beloved won the Pulitzer Prize in 1987 and is Toni Morrisson’s fifth novel. The story focuses on the issue of slavery, and its effect and impact on individual black people during the slave trade. The characters in the novel are people who managed to escape from slavery and are attempting to build their identity in the real world, only to realize that they are still haunted by the social stigma of slavery even after they got out of it. The novel shows that even after someone escapes from bondage, that person needs to face a bold new world in which he or she may not be welcome. Winning your freedom is just half the battle, while asserting and defending it is a much deeper struggle. In Morrisson’s own words: ““Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”
There was a film adaptation of this novel in 1998, also entitled Beloved, starring Oprah Winfrey.
The Catcher In The Rye, by J.D. Salinger
Many literary critics will think twice about calling this novel a “classic”. However, the achievements of this novel should speak for themselves. The Catcher In The Rye, published in 1951, has been translated in almost every major language in the world, and has been included in college and high school curricula in many English-speaking countries. Over sixty five (65) million copies of this book has been sold, with an average of 250,000 copies sold each year. Perhaps one of the reasons for the popularity of Salinger’s work was its natural appeal to young people. The main character, Holden Caufield, was a symbol of teenage rebellion and defiance. The book depicts a realistic view of the social struggles and angst of young people in modern culture. Consequently, controversies about the novel arises due to its vulgar language. It has been censored and challenged time and again. In the past couple of decades, however, it has gradually gained acceptance within literary and academic circles.
Liked it
Accurate book! thanks for sharing.
oppps… I should say ‘accurate book review’
A good choice of books.
Very informative article with great book selections.
Great list!
what research thanks have you read TIME IS GOD BY COLLS
a wonderful book
superb. Even Atlas Shrugged is my favorite.
I AM IN LOVE WITH F. SCOTT FITZGERALD – - and LOVE “The Great Gatsby” – - fine article!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Well chossed books,must read them.
Good informations. I’m looking forward to read those books.
The Catcher In The Rye, by J.D. Salinger,I have read this more then once and i found it to be amazing.Very awesome write.
Catcher in the Rye is my favorite from your list. Thanks for the post.
Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
http://www.tonypeters.webs.com
Great reading list, 3 are new to me.
I see you’ve got a wonderful eye for good reads. These are worthy choices.
I have read none of these so thanks for the heads up.
RJ
i haven’t read any of those books. i’ll find some in the bookstore… thanks for sharing!
I’ve read the Catcher in the Rye over and over since high school. Now, I’ve passed on the habit to my children. Thanks for this information.
Great list of must read book! The Great Gatsby is one of my all time favorite!
excellent post, very interesting…
Well written, and well reasoned.
Great classics……..Awesome read. Well done my friend.
I have read most of them. I think “Beloved” is my favorite.
Great selection, the Great Gatsby and Altas Shrugged are two of my all time favourite novels.
Excellent book reviews. These are truly must-read great classics.
Good list. Scott Fitzgerald is a wonderful author. Have you read his short stories? They are some of the best ever written. He was one of the highest paid short story authors in history. It’s a shame his career didn’t last longer.
Ayn Rand is horse shiat.
thanks a lot for given information,
i m looking forward to reading these books