In August I wrote a review of the mysteries of Edgar Allen Poe, which included such favorites as "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Purloined Letter", and "The Tell-Tale Heart". This week I stumbled upon my big book of Poe mysteries and found three more that are definitely worth a revisit. Poe’s works are dark, terrifying, and somewhat tedious to read, but are classic works that should not be overlooked. Even though Halloween is several months away, Poe’s dark mysteries are sure to entertain.
"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is the first short story that includes a detective in
“Top Five” Classic Novels that You’ll Love to Read
by Rachel Dushkewich March 6th, 2013 | Best Books
Unlike the latest mystery thrillers or romance novels, many look at the English canon and so-called “classics” as books that they ought to read instead of want to read. Let’s admit it: classic literature can, at times, seem daunting. The older language and longer lengths can feel inaccessible to some. This week’s “Top Five,” though, provides great choices that blend the highest caliber literature with plots that make these novels absolute page-turners. Regardless of when they were written, their universal themes and well-crafted prose make the novels relevant and thought-provoking to today’s readers. Whether you’re looking to wrap your
Animal Farm Remains A Classic
by Mackenzie M. February 7th, 2013 | Book Review, Classics
Animal Farm by George Orwell has been popular and critically acclaimed since its first publication in 1945. It has been called one of the best English-language novels by Time magazine and is frequently read in high schools and colleges. Although many have already read Animal Farm, the relatively short novel is worth another look as an adult. The story seems fanciful, but it is widely known that Animal Farm is a reflection of the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917, which directly led into the Stalinist era in the Soviet Union. Orwell used Animal Farm as
Twelfth Night
by Mackenzie M. January 10th, 2013 | Book Review, Classics
In light of this week’s holiday of King’s Day, also known as Twelfth Night, it is a perfect opportunity to revisit Shakespeare’s classic comedy, What You Will, also popularly known as Twelfth Night. As the holiday of Twelfth Night commemorates both the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the Carnival season, Shakespeare is believed to have written the play in 1601-02 as the entertainment for the night’s celebrations. The play expanded on the riotous and musical components of the night’s festivities. This classically comedic play prepares its audience for the jovial festivities of drinking,
Little Women for Christmas
by Mackenzie M. December 13th, 2012 | Book Review, Classics
Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women, is one of the most treasured and widely read pieces of American literature. While it is a must-read at any time of year, Little Women contains elaborate and beautiful imagery of a classic American Christmas celebration that makes it a perfect holiday season read. This charming novel was published in 1868 and paints a beautiful portrait of life in Boston during, and in the years following, the Civil War. The turbulent, but hopeful story of the four March sisters' journey from girls into young women can serve as a conversation piece at
