Almost alone among all major Victorian novelists, Ms. Gaskell deals with the lives of the poor and downtrodden - their lives, hopes, etc. While there have been better writers, few depict rural England in a more realistic manner than Elizabeth Gaskell.

North and South represents quintessential Gaskell in many ways. There is strong realism in her characters and the depiction of the conditions of England. Along with Dickens, Ms. Gaskell remains one of the most potent critics and observers of Victorian England.

A lovely and sentimental account of C. Bronte by a contemporary. It is of great historical interest as well, to see one of the foremost women novelists of that era write about another.

An interesting epistolatory novel from Jane Austen. However, I must say that I do not like it as much as her other works.

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland is crazy, scary, weird and totally fascinating. Under the guise of a children's tale, it presents deep conundrums, witty satire and profound insights. An amazing book!

Outstanding book. Has been labelled by many as a children's classic but I wouldn't agree. This is even darker than Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and it has a much more richer and twisted assortment of characters. Carroll is at his finest here in his renditions of Jabberwocky. Easily would make it to the top 10 books I've read along with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Classic book and classic sci-fi. Most of its premises now seem a little ridiculous but Verne's writing compensates for that. Along with his great contemporary, Wells, they were the pioneers of early science fiction.

Lovely novel and a fine sample of Alcott's writing. However, for those who have read all her works, there is a certain repetitive element that is encountered in her writings.
But, Little Women is a special book, especially the second half, "Good Wives". I've always been moved by Beth's death and Jo's resulting loneliness. Amy and Meg, though not as likeable, are much more realistically drawn.