Month 1: American Literature
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Enter the glamorous world of the Roaring Twenties and follow the enigmatic Jay Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream in this classic novel.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – Witness the story of Scout Finch as she learns about racial injustice and moral courage in the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Alabama.
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain – Join Huck Finn and Jim, an escaped slave, as they embark on a journey down the Mississippi River, exploring themes of freedom, racism, and the complexities of morality.
Month 2: British Literature
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley – Explore the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific creation and the consequences of unchecked ambition in this Gothic novel.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë – Follow the life of Jane Eyre as she overcomes adversity and finds her own voice in a society that tries to silence her.
“1984” by George Orwell – Immerse yourself in a totalitarian society where Big Brother watches everyone, and individual freedom is suppressed.
Month 3: World Literature
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez – Dive into the magical realism of the Buendía family as they navigate a century of love, war, and destiny in the fictional town of Macondo.
“Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe – Witness the tragic story of Okonkwo, a respected warrior in a Nigerian village, as he confronts the collision of traditional Igbo culture with colonialism.
“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka – Encounter the unsettling transformation of Gregor Samsa into a giant insect and explore the existential themes of isolation, alienation, and identity.
Month 4: Shakespearean Plays
“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare – Experience Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of two young lovers from feuding families, exploring themes of love, fate, and the consequences of impulsive actions.
“Macbeth” by William Shakespeare – Witness the tragic downfall of Macbeth as he succumbs to ambition and the manipulation of supernatural forces in this dark and psychological play.
“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare – Delve into the complex psyche of Hamlet as he seeks to avenge his father’s murder, grappling with themes of revenge, madness, and mortality.
Month 5: Poetry and Verse
“Selected Poems” by Emily Dickinson – Explore the introspective and thought-provoking poetry of Emily Dickinson, delving into themes of nature, love, and mortality.
“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot – Delve into this modernist masterpiece, exploring themes of disillusionment and the fragmented nature of modern society.
“Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman – Immerse yourself in Whitman’s expansive and celebratory collection of poems, capturing the spirit of America and embracing themes of democracy, individuality, and nature.
Month 6: Historical Fiction
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – Follow Liesel Meminger’s journey as she discovers the power of words and finds solace in books during World War II.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr – Experience the lives of a blind French girl and a young German soldier during World War II as their paths eventually intersect.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker – Enter the world of Celie as she navigates racism, sexism, and abuse, finding strength and sisterhood in the face of adversity.
Month 7: Science Fiction and Fantasy
“Dune” by Frank Herbert – Explore the complex and immersive world of Arrakis, a desert planet, as political intrigue, religion, and ecological themes intertwine in this epic science fiction novel.
“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card – Follow the brilliant young strategist Ender Wiggin as he trains in a futuristic battle school to prepare for an alien invasion.
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien – Embark on a thrilling adventure with Bilbo Baggins as he accompanies a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
Month 8: Contemporary Fiction
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – Follow the complex friendship between Amir and Hassan in Afghanistan against the backdrop of political turmoil and the rise of the Taliban.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon – Follow Christopher Boone, a teenager with autism, as he investigates the mystery of his neighbor’s murdered dog and learns about himself in the process.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood – Enter the dystopian Republic of Gilead, where Offred fights for survival and freedom in a society that has subjugated women.
Month 9: Non-Fiction and Memoirs
“Night” by Elie Wiesel – Discover the powerful memoir of Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, as he recounts his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and reflects on the nature of humanity.
“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank – Gain insight into the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl in hiding during the Holocaust, through her poignant and intimate diary entries.
“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer – Follow the true story of Christopher McCandless as he abandons his conventional life to embark on a solitary journey into the wilderness, questioning societal norms and the pursuit of material wealth.