Jon Krakauer’s nonfiction book chronicles the journey of Christopher McCandless, a 25-year-old man who hitchhiked to Alaska and, eventually, his untimely death. This future classic is an exploration of self-discovery, mystery, and finding out where one fits in society. While there is some skepticism over the details provided by Krakauer, the writing and story are nonetheless impressive and here to stay.
Life of Pi, a fantasy and adventure novel, tells the story of a young man stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger after a devastating shipwreck. As the characters fight to survive at sea without being able to understand one another, Martel discusses personal growth through tough times and the act of believing in something greater than oneself. The novel has an impressive list of awards already, but there’s no doubt that it’s fated to be a timeless classic.
The Help addresses racial relations during the 1960s through three women, two black and one white, who all must deal with the difficulties of the Civil Rights Era. Stockett imitates Southern diction and accent to paint a narrative rich in voice and emotion. This novel addresses racial issues, self-discovery, and what makes us all human.
Franzen’s novel tells the story of a midwestern American family experiencing the ailing health of a father, personal mistakes of children, and a mother’s desire to finally live her life. Throughout the narrative, Franzen depicts the decline of the technological boom of the late '90s and the anxiety families feel as a result of illness. The author’s ability to detail those feelings and issues is what gives this novel staying power.
Martin’s hefty, multi-layered story is rich in detail, strong characterization, and plot that captivates readers from the start. From the beginning, A Song of Ice and Fire addresses issues of family, loyalty, identity, and consequences—all while painting a complicated world of magic. The sheer entertainment value gives it staying power, but Martin's artistic talent is why it will be a classic.
