The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald

Jump into the luxuriously life of the elite during the roaring twenties as Nick, a Midwesterner who is looking to begin his career in the East. You're introduced to Daisy and Tom Buchanan, who are wealthy in both their riches and good looks. Life at the East Egg, life of those with old money, may appear to be perfect but secrets lie in wait. Deception, lies, manipulation, all to remain in power. And then of course their is Gatsby. Relentlessly pining for Daisy, he too hides a secret of his get-rich-quick success. You'll be shocked by the twists and turns of the characters, left wondering if life really is greener on the other side.

This novel is a classic, you'll probably end up reading it in an English. But this isn't some white bread story about star crossed lovers or the memoir of a young black boy, this story will have you gripping the handlebars of life and leaving you craving for more. The time period of the 1920s, oozes wealth while at the same time includes the dangers and excitement of a rising elitist youth. Think Gossip Girl from one hundred years ago. Still not convinced? Do you see yourself as an observer of life around you? Do you love to criticize those who have power and fame, see their lives for anything but glamorous?  Well then you'll love the perspective of Nick because he is able to remove the mask of superficial glitz and stare the corruption of wealth in the eyes.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves classic literature, or those who loved the book Of Mice and Men. Do you cringe at the idea of reading a school book for fun? Well if you love romance, scandal, tragedy and corruption you'll love this novel. Did you know that there is a new movie adaptation of the book starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan? Well you better snatch this book of the shelf, because it is sure to make a major splash on the big screen.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Historical fiction mixes with scandalous romance in the novel Lolita. Awe and exhilaration--along with heartbreak and mordant wit--abound in Lolita, Nabokov's most famous and controversial novel, which tells the story of the aging Humbert Humbert's obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion for the nymphet Dolores Haze. Lolita is also the story of a hyper civilized European colliding with the cheerful barbarism of postwar America. Most of all, it is a meditation on love--love as outrage and hallucination, madness and transformation. It follows Humbert, the unreliable protagonist who falls in love with twelve year old Dolores after becoming her stepfather. And of course, his private name for the innocent Dolores is Lolita. 


What sets this book apart is the incredible sentence variation and poetry of the language. The book is also notable for its writing style. The narrative is highly subjective as Humbert draws on his fragmented memories, employing a sophisticated prose style, while attempting to gain the reader's sympathy through his sincerity and melancholy, although near the end of the story Humbert refers to himself as a "maniac" who "deprived" Dolores "of her childhood", and he shortly thereafter states "the most miserable of family lives was better than the parody of incest" in which they were involved. All and all this book uses the power of language to entice its reader and to intoxicate you with this tongue-and-check, rule bending approach to romance.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a technically and conceptually complex novel, whether you enjoy reading historical fiction or not. This book is like french chocolate, deliciously rich and will leave you feeling utterly satisfied. Read the book Naked Lunch? Then you'll love Lolita.

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Addicted to Gossip Girl? Love to emerge yourself in the drama and luxury of the young elite? Do you love that Historical Fiction takes you back to another time and culture? The Luxe follows the lives of five teenagers living in 1899 Manhattan. Elisabeth Holland is the golden girl and when her family's financial future is on the line, she is forced to choose between her duty and the love she feels for a member of her staff. But when New York's darling's carriage turns over and there is no Elisabeth to be found, the entire city falls into a state of grieving. Some wonder if the lifestyle was too much for Elisabeth or if someone wanted her to disappear...

This book combines the drama, mystery and scandal found in today's young media, with the glitz and allure of the Nineteenth century to create a masterpiece of literary genius. While the characters may have lives more than one hundred years ago, they fit seamlessly into the mindset and ideals of modern elite youth. This book is like fancy French chocolate, luxurious, rich and completely delicious. This series makes you wish that you were going to balls with the Holland sisters, living the life that we'd all love to have.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for an escape from the modern era. While this book is historical fiction it is anything but dry and boring. Think Titanic mixed with Gossip Girl, and you'll get The Luxe. Sorry guys, while we all know you love a little drama, this book is geared more towards young ladies ages 14 and up. So grab this book off the shelf, I bet you're dying to know what really happened to Elisabeth Holland.