Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The engaging historical fiction book Lessons in Chemistry, written by Bonnie Garmus, is set in the 1960s. Elizabeth, a young woman with a love of science and aspirations of becoming a research chemist, is the protagonist of the novel. Elizabeth perseveres in the face of prejudice and sexism as a woman in the field and finds employment as a high school chemistry teacher. Along the way, she gets involved in a scandalous relationship with the father of a pupil and has to deal with the repercussions of her choices. Lessons in Chemistry is a stimulating and enjoyable read thanks to its intriguing plot, strong female lead, and discussion of gender roles in science and society.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo's dark fantasy book Ninth House is set in the privileged Yale University community. Alexander "Alex" Stern, a disturbed young lady with the capacity to see ghosts, is the main character of the novel. When she receives a full scholarship to attend Yale as a member of the secret society Lethe, she is given a second start at life. Alex soon learns, though, that the society's rituals and magic are dangerous and malevolent. Alex must face her horrific history as she investigates a string of deaths linked to Lethe while also dismantling a web of lies and corruption. The atmospheric thriller Ninth House has strong characters and a vividly created universe.
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
The exciting and frightening book Five Survive by Holly Jackson follows five adolescents who become stranded in the wilderness after their plane crashes. The group must face their anxieties, their secrets, and their developing suspicions that the crash was not an accident as they try to survive in the hostile and unforgiving environment. The teens must cooperate if they want to survive as the stress and danger increase with each passing day. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats by Jackson's compelling storyline and stunning descriptions. Five Survive is a gripping and provocative examination of resilience, friendship, and the human spirit.
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong's historical fiction book Wicked Lady Fortune is set in Shanghai, China, in the 1920s. The main character of the narrative is Juliette Cai, a talented burglar and the daughter of a legendary mafia. When Juliette's father is brutally murdered, she decides to find out what really happened. In the process, she is entangled in a hazardous web of lies and betrayals. In addition to navigating Shanghai's dangerous underground and its corrupt political system, Juliette must also deal with her own tangled feelings for Roma Montagov, a childhood friend who is now the leader of a rival gang. In order to survive and defend those she loves, Juliette must use all of her skill and cunning as tensions rise and her foes close in.
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
The Railway Children By Edith Nesbit
A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol is a play about a mean-spirited and selfish old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who hates Christmas.
One cold Christmas Eve, Scrooge is unkind to the people who work for him, then refuses to give to charity, and then is rude to his nephew when he invites him to spend Christmas with him.
When Scrooge gets home, he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley – and then by three ghosts! They are the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.
The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a journey through Christmases from his past, taking Scrooge to see himself as an unhappy child and a young man more in love with money than his fiancé.
The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge his clerk, Bob Cratchit’s family. At Bob Cratchit’s house Scrooge sees Tiny Tim, who is very ill, but full of spirit. The ghost then takes him to see his nephew Fred’s Christmas celebrations - which he had been invited to, but rebuffed.
Finally, The Ghost of Christmas Future terrifies Scrooge by showing him visions of his own death…
The ghosts’ journey through time teaches Scrooge the error of his ways. When he wakes up on Christmas Day he is full of excitement, and buys the biggest turkey in the shop for the Cratchit family before spending the day with his nephew, full of the joys of Christmas.
