The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a 1955 novel by Patricia Highsmith that follows Tom Ripley, a young American con artist who travels to Italy to persuade Dickie Greenleaf to return home. As Ripley becomes increasingly obsessed with Dickie's lifestyle, he commits a series of crimes to assume his identity. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and deception. Highsmith's portrayal of Ripley as a charismatic yet amoral character has captivated readers and inspired numerous adaptations.

The novel follows William Stoner, born on a small farm in Missouri in 1891, who is sent to the University of Missouri to study agriculture. However, he discovers a passion for literature and decides to pursue a career in English. The book delves into Stoner's undistinguished career, his marriage to Edith, his affair with Katherine Driscoll, and his complex relationships with his daughter Grace and his colleagues. It explores themes of work, passion, love, and the social and sexual reawakening of the protagonist, all set against the backdrop of his quiet yet rich and vibrant life as an academic.

The novel centers around 13-year-old Theodore Decker, whose life dramatically changes after he survives a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where his mother is killed. During the chaos, Theo takes the famous Dutch painting 'The Goldfinch' by Carel Fabritius. The story follows Theo's journey through grief, guilt, and his complex relationships, including his friendship with Boris and his involvement in the art underworld. The novel spans several years, detailing Theo's struggles with identity, loss, and the impact of the painting on his life.

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.