College Guide World: 55 books

“The Trial” by Franz Kafka was originally written in German language. Its original German title is “Der Process” which later changed into “Der Prozess”, “Der Proce”, and then “Der Proze.” The novel was written between 1914 and 1915. It was published after about ten years...

Although the story is focused on Silas, an individual, the role of the society is also significant. The theme of the individual versus the community is quite significant in the novel. Silas is the title character, but the story is very much about the community of Raveloe in which Silas lives. A...

The protagonist and the narrator of the book, John Howard Griffin, is a middle aged white man. He lives in Mansfield, Texas in 1959. Griffin wants to understand what difficulties the blacks face in the United States. He is totally committed to the cause of racial justice. He is quite frustrated...

The play revolves around the title character Major Barbara, who happens to be an officer of the Salvation Army. Her full name is Major Barbara Undershaft.She is shocked and disillusioned when she finds out that her Christian denomination has accepted money from an armament manufacturer, her...

“Cover Her Face” was the first novel written by P. D. James. It is a crime novel. The book was first published in 1962. The story revolves around the investigations done by detective Adam Dalgliesh. He loves writing poetry. The detective happens to be investigating the death of a...

“Sons and Lovers” is considered as one of the best novels written by D. H. Lawrence. The book was first published in 1913. It was highly successful, and even today it is included in some of the best English novels ever written. The book was included in the list of The Modern Library...

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams is a Four Act play. It was first enacted in 1955. The play was produced by the Playwrights’ Company.It is known as one of the best known plays written by Tennessee Williams, and it is also said to be the author’s favourite.The play...

It is said to be the author’s most successful novel. The significant point is that the book was written just after she had begun her literary career. During that period, her children were at preschool.There are several themes such as adolescence, puberty, menstruation, crushes and love, religion...

“Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry one of the most highly acclaimed historical novels.The story is set during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. The German forces have occupied Denmark for three years. Like in other neighboring countries, they have started hunting the Jews in Denmark, their...

“Krik? Krak!” by Edwidge Danticat was first published in 1995. It is a collection of nine short stories and an epilogue written by Edwidge Danticat.The stories present the Haitian community in which the people go through struggle for their survival. The stories in this book are tied together...

“The Maids” by Jean Genet is a French play titled “Les Bonnes.” The play was first performed on 17th of April, 1947, in Paris.The play was adapted into a movie in the year 1974. It was also adapted for a chamber opera in the year 1994.The play is loosely based on the real life infamous...

Anne Bronte wrote two novels in her literary career. “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” is the second novel written by her. It was published in the year 1848. Anne Bronte used the pseudonym Acton Bell. It is said to be the most shocking of the Brontes’ novels. The novel was extremely successful...

“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut was first published in October 1961. It is a dystopian science fiction story. The story also presents a social satire. The story was first published in a magazine called “Fantasy and Science Fiction.” Later on, “Harrison Bergeron” was republished...

“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor was first published in 1976. This novel is the sequel to her earlier novella “Song of the Trees” that was published in 1975.The book basically deals with the subject of racism in the United States. The book was highly acclaimed and...