 Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is one of those classic novels that genuinely lives up to the hype. It dives into messy relationships, complicated emotions, and the pressures of society in 19th-century Russia. At the center is Anna, whose intense affair with Vronsky pulls her into a spiral of love, heartbreak, and loneliness.
What makes the book special is how deeply Tolstoy explores his characters. Anna feels real, flawed, and relatable—even if some of her choices are difficult to understand. There's also Levin, a character wrestling with his own questions about life's meaning, providing a thoughtful contrast to Anna's intense storyline. Sure, the book is lengthy, and Tolstoy sometimes spends considerable time discussing farming, politics, or philosophy, which can slow things down. However, these moments teach you a lot about Russian history, politics, and society in the 1870s, adding important layers to the story and making it more than just romantic drama. In the end, Anna Karenina is about real people struggling with love, society, and themselves. It’s the kind of novel you keep thinking about long after you've finished reading it, and it's definitely worth giving a shot. It’s certainly one of my favorite books! Reserve it at the library or get the audiobook or eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a short but unforgettable story about two friends, George and Lennie, trying to make a better life for themselves during the Great Depression. They dream of owning land, but life doesn’t go easy on them, and things take a heartbreaking turn.
The book has been banned in some schools because of its language, racial slurs, violence, and tough topics like sexism and disability. Some think it’s too harsh, while others say it’s an important look at the struggles of the time. No matter how you feel about it, Of Mice and Men is one of those books that stays with you. It’s about friendship, dreams, and how unfair life can be—but that’s what makes it so real. Check it out at the library. Get the audiobook narrated by Gary Sinise or the eBook. We also have the DVD of the movie starring Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Yeah, it's really long. But, Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky is a wild, dark ride. It’s all about Raskolnikov, this broke student who murders someone and then spirals into guilt and some seriously deep thoughts about right and wrong, all while balancing a ton of drama with his family and friends, plus dodging the law.
The story is intense but also super gripping, and you can’t help but get pulled into his messed-up head. It’s got big ideas about human nature and justice, but it’s also just a really good story. Definitely worth a read if you’re up for something heavy but unforgettable. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Use your SPL to reserve the eBook or audiobook if you prefer those formats. |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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