The story revolves around Nora Helmer, a seemingly content wife and mother, whose life takes a dramatic turn when her hidden secrets come to light. As the play unfolds, it delves into issues of gender roles, personal identity, and the constraints of societal expectations.

I admire its bold exploration of feminist themes, for they are well ahead of its time. The character of Nora is multi-dimensional, and her journey from a submissive wife to a woman seeking self-realization is quite compelling.

I’ll recommend it to readers interested in thought-provoking dramas that explore complex social issues. It’s also a good piece of classical literature if you’re a fan of that genre.

Anna, 16

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Little Women takes place in Civil War Massachusetts. It focuses on the four March Sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they grow into young women as they navigate everyday life in their era. Their neighbor Laurie and their mother known as Marmee are pivotal characters in their life while their father is off fighting in the Civil War. Though the novel focuses on all of the sisters it mainly centers on the differences between Jo and her younger sister Amy.

I loved Louisa May Alcott's realistic depiction of sisterhood and growing pains. The normalcy in the novel makes the reader feel as if they are one of the March Sisters. Despite being a work of fiction the book does not shy away from showing the ugly side of relationships instead it brings it to the front and gives the reader something to relate to. Even though there are four main characters in the novel, each sister still has their own distinct personalities and quirks that make them feel like real people. As a young woman it made me feel seen to read about Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy experiencing the same things as me.

Overall, I would recommend Little Women for girls of all ages. In spite of the novel being written in the 1800s it is still easy and fun to read. Little Women accurately depicts what it feels like to be a girl growing up while still being entertaining and enjoyable.

Rylie, 15

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A woman cheats on her husband and has a daughter out of wedlock. And the story is how she lives after being a pariah by her people.

This book was okay, and it wasn't very good. The writing style is older and a little complicated. It was also boring because nothing interesting really happened. I didn't like how she was displayed in the story.

I would recommend this to older generations or to people who feel like they're displaced. Or people who would rather be on their own than listen to the demands and rules of society.

Jordan, 18

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The Victorian artist, Basil Hallward, is captivated by the young and attractive "Adonis" - Dorian Gray, whom he befriends and spends much time with. Dorian poses for Basil's portrait, which later becomes famous as "The Picture of Dorian Gray". Although Basil is hesitant, Dorian meets his friend Lord Henry, who he fears will corrupt Dorian's purity and charm. After seeing his portrait, Dorian becomes obsessed with his looks and becomes increasingly self-centered, leading him to make a series of questionable choices.

Few books have moved me as much as this one has. Perhaps it's because I've been exposed to subpar literature my whole life, but I've gained a newfound appreciation for classic and fiction books (before this, I had a strong preference for non-fiction). A good story is one thing, but an author's writing style is entirely another. Oscar Wilde's writing voice is incredibly powerful; even though The Picture of Dorian Gray is heavy on dialogue, it doesn't require elaborate scene descriptions since the dialogue effectively conveys the story. I can see why Wilde was known for his wit and eloquence in his time; reading just one of his books has already had an impact on me. The preface, often overlooked, was also deeply moving, and I encourage any potential readers to read it several times to fully grasp Wilde's message. I'm not sure what motivated me to purchase The Picture of Dorian Gray, but I'm certainly grateful that I did.

In my opinion, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a truly unique story, particularly given the intolerant climate of the Victorian era in which it was written. The book conveys the author's personal beliefs in a way that is both impactful and seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it a truly remarkable read. It's a book that anyone seeking a compelling story would want to read, particularly those with an interest in Victorian London.

Zari, 15

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The book takes place in 1813 and follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. In the story Elizabeth must learn to overcome her prejudice of the rich. Mr. Darcy struggles between his pride and love for Elizabeth.

The book is excellent! It gives you a feel for how certain things worked before, such as marriage. It is a very entertaining read, and the more you read it over the more you discover.

I would definitely recommend everyone read this great book. It can be difficult to understand at times, but it really challenges your vocabulary. Watching the movie can also help you better understand. I would consider this one of my favorite books this year.

Grettel, 17

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