Category: Historical Fiction Beneath a Scarlet Sky is an excellent historical fiction novel that takes place during World War II. The author, Gregor Mortensen, does an incredible job of capturing the essence of life in Italy during this time period. The story follows Pino Lella, a young Italian man who becomes involved with the resistance movement and helps to smuggle Jews out of Italy. The book is well-researched and provides insight into the daily lives of people living in Italy during World War II. Mortensen also does an excellent job of portraying the emotions and struggles that people faced during this time period. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their stories. One of the things that sets Beneath a Scarlet Sky apart from other historical fiction novels is its focus on the human element of the war. While many books focus on the larger events and battles, this novel takes a more intimate approach, showing how everyday people were affected by the conflict. This makes for a compelling read and provides a unique perspective on World War II. Overall, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is an excellent historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. It's well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone interested in this time period. Category: Classic American Literature The Great American Novel by John Steinbeck is considered one of the most important works of American literature. The book follows the story of Nick Adams, a young man who travels across America and meets a variety of interesting characters. Along the way, he learns about the history and culture of the country, as well as the struggles and hardships that many people faced during this time period. Steinbeck's writing is beautiful and evocative, painting vivid images of the American landscape and its people. The book is also filled with social commentary, providing insight into the issues and challenges facing America at the time. Despite the serious nature of some of the topics covered in the book, Steinbeck manages to infuse it with a sense of humor and optimism, making it an enjoyable read. One of the things that sets The Great American Novel apart from other works of literature is its focus on the common man. Many books focus on wealthy or powerful characters, but this novel takes a more egalitarian approach, showing how everyone has something to contribute to society. This makes for a refreshing and thought-provoking read. Overall, The Great American Novel is an excellent work of classic American literature that will appeal to fans of the genre. It's well-written, engaging, and insightful, making it a must-read for anyone interested in this time period. Category: Contemporary Fiction Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult is a contemporary fiction novel that explores themes of race, class, and privilege. The book follows the story of Dr. Kennedy Ryan, a young black woman who becomes involved in a tragic accident involving a white man named Brandon Turner. Despite the fact that she did nothing wrong, Ryan faces discrimination and prejudice from both Turner and his family. Picoult's writing is powerful and thought-provoking, exploring complex issues in a way that is both engaging and informative. The book also features multiple perspectives, allowing readers to see the world through the eyes of different characters and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. This makes for a compelling read that will challenge and inspire its audience. One of the things that sets Small Great Things apart from other contemporary fiction novels is its focus on social justice issues. Many books ignore these issues or gloss over them, but this novel takes a more direct approach, tackling head-on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in America today. This makes for an important and timely read. Overall, Small Great Things is an excellent contemporary fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre.