Publisher: Project Gutenberg
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a popular 1876 novel about a young boy growing up in a small town along the Mississippi River. The story is set in the town of "St Petersburg", inspired by Hannibal, Missouri, where Mark Twain grew up.
Dick and Nicole Diver are a glamorous couple who rent a villa in the South of France and surround themselves with a coterie of American expatriates. Rosemary Hoyt, a 17-year-old actress, and her mother are staying at a nearby resort. Rosemary becomes infatuated with Dick and becomes close to Nicole.Show book
"A Thousand Nights and a Night," also known as Arabian Nights, is a timeless collection of Middle Eastern folktales and stories that has captivated readers for centuries. Compiled over many centuries, the book features a rich tapestry of narratives, including adventure, romance, magic, and morality tales. The collection is framed by the story of Scheherazade, a clever and resourceful storyteller who uses her wit and storytelling skills to save herself and others from a vengeful king. The tales within "A Thousand Nights and a Night" transport readers to a captivating world of enchantment and wonder. From the legendary adventures of Aladdin and his magical lamp to the epic voyages of Sinbad the Sailor, the stories are filled with fantastical elements, larger-than-life characters, and intricate plot twists. Each story is intricately woven with vibrant descriptions of exotic settings, mythical creatures, and intricate moral lessons, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and imaginative storytelling traditions of the Middle East. One of the enduring qualities of Arabian Nights is its ability to transport readers to a world beyond their own. The tales are a window into the values, traditions, and customs of the Middle East, providing a glimpse into the region's history and cultural tapestry. Moreover, the stories explore universal themes of love, honor, bravery, and the consequences of human actions, resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds and time periods. "A Thousand Nights and a Night" continues to be celebrated for its captivating narratives and its enduring influence on world literature. Geoffrey Giuliano is a renowned audiobook narrator known for his captivating storytelling and versatile vocal talents. With a career spanning over three decades,Show book
O. Henry's story presents a unique narrative arc that explores the complexities of love and sacrifice among two young lovers. Through the protagonists, Della and Jim, readers are presented with an exploration of the power of selflessness in spite of limited resources. By highlighting the characters' choices to purchase gifts for one another despite their financial scarcity, O. Henry effectively illuminates how meaningful acts of kindness can take precedence over monetary wealth. Read in English, unabridged.Show book
This classic novel has been thrice adapted for the screen by the BBC. Mary Smith relates the story of her time with middle-aged spinster sisters Miss Matty and Miss Deborah. Witty, poignant, and often ironic, Cranford is the tale of what these two women will do to remain respectable, proper, and kind with only moderate means. “... an extremely clever piece of writing.”—Guardian (UK)Show book
Author Edna Ferber described the story of SO BIG as being about a "material man, son of his earth-grubbing, idealistic mother." Left an orphan at 19 years old in the late 1880s, Selina Peake needs to support herself. She leaves the city life she has known to become a teacher in the farming community of High Prairie, IL. Her father had told her that life is an adventure, and one should make the most of it. Selina sees beauty everywhere, including in the fields of cabbages. She has a natural curiosity about farming and oversteps the woman's traditional role by having the audacity to ask the men questions. She soon marries Pervus DeJong, a farmer. Selina eagerly offers suggestions for operational improvements, but Pervus ignores her, preferring to use the unprofitable farming methods employed by his father. Though she suffers many hardships, Selina always remembers the importance of beauty, and she admires those who exercise their creative talents. She tries to instill these views in her son Dirk and fights with her husband over the need for their child to get a full education. Once Dirk finishes college and starts work, will he retain Selina's values? SO BIG was the first book to have the rare distinction of being the best-selling book of the year and win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.Show book
