8littlebookshelves

Some might know the novel from school, as a set book, some, being a book worm, might know it simply because they love reading: Either way, To Kill a Mockingbird is a world-famous work of literature. But what makes it so special?   The Story The book was published in 1960 – that’s 64 years from today. And yet, it is still as popular and well-read as ever. One reason for this is that addresses universal topics. So, what is To Kill a Mockingbird about? The story is set in a town in Alabama in the early-mid 1930s, amidst the difficult times of the Great Depression. Jean Lousie Finch is the main character, through whose eyes we experience the unfolding of events. She is six years old and lives with her father, a lawyer, and her older brother. Jean hears of a new client her father is appointed to defend: Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a young white woman, a man, who’s left arm is left useless and crippled after an accident. It becomes apparent that, through th...

    The Story Set in 1985 in an Irish Town during Dezember, this bestseller is centred around Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant. Bill's challenging upbringing, marked by single parenthood and conservative societal norms, shaped his adult identity and influences the story's turn. The narrative delves into the Furlong family's significant decision and is dedicated to women and children compelled into the Magdalen asylums in Ireland, which highlights its historical significance and the need to recognize the scandalous events.   What's it really about Short (128 pages) and pointed with a nod to historical events this novel revolves around Ireland's Magdalen asylums. The book portrays how communities tolerate dark secrets for survival, highlighting the courage required to defy societal norms.The gradual revelation of the Furlongs' crucial decision in the story was skillfully crafted. Claire Keegan is commended for her brilliant portrayal and exposition, ...

    Going on a journey? Maybe just a short vacation or maybe a long, soul searching adventure to a very foreign place? Still looking for a book to take along? Well, here are my 3 top recommendations for great reads to pack into your suitcase or backpack ... 1. The Midnight Raven by Orson Moore This book might still be unknown to a lot of readers. I've stumbled upon it through a friend's recommendation, and I am truly happy about this hot tip. I love The Midnight Raven because it combines so many different themes and aspects. I don't really know what genre to put it into, perhaps magic realism with elements of historic fiction. It is also a story of adventure and coming-of-age. It has some small elements of the fantastic, of magic and unnatural creatures. Then it's so personal and has these trains of thoughts, this insights into the main character's mind, his pondering, his qualms, his questions. But first of, what is it about? Well, it is set in a kind of Middle A...

    Have you heard of the sensation this epic novel has sparked? Over millions and millions of copies sold worldwide this book offers a super unique story, full of meaning and power, and is absolutely well written. So, if you haven't read it yet, here's a brief introduction to why you should (no spoilers) ... The Story Wolf Totem follows Chen, a student from Beijing, to the vast grasslands on the Inner Mongolia steppes, where he joins herdsmen in their traditional life. He doesn't do so  voluntarily . Chen has been exiled by the Mao government. It is the start of a novel experience for the young man. He soon finds there is a tug of war between farmers and their "enemies", the wolves that occasionally attack their livestock. The herdsmen hunt the packs viciously in return. They also kill pubs they discover in a den.  Yet, Chen saves one pub and lovingly raises it as his own wolf totem . It is not an easy task. The wolf, seemingly adapting to its new life at first...