Subject
Choice (Psychology) -- Fiction Books
Best books
L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery
The Blue Castle: a novel
"The Blue Castle: a novel by L. M. Montgomery" is a novel published in 1926. Twenty-nine-year-old Valancy Stirling has spent her entire life suffocated by her controlling family's expectations. When she receives a shocking medical diagnosis, she decides to finally break free and live on her own terms. She scandalizes her relatives by speaking her mind, moving out, and eventually proposing marriage to the mysterious and supposedly disreputable Barney Snaith. Together they build a new life on a remote island—but secrets still linger.
Frank R. Stockton
The Lady, or the Tiger?
"The Lady, or the Tiger?" by Frank R. Stockton is a short story published in 1882. In a semi-barbaric kingdom, accused criminals face trial by choosing between two doors—one concealing a lady they must marry, the other a deadly tiger. When the king's daughter's lover faces this ordeal, she knows what lies behind each door and signals him which to choose. The story famously ends without revealing his fate, leaving readers to decide.
Gore Vidal
In a Yellow Wood
"In a Yellow Wood" by Gore Vidal is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The story primarily focuses on Robert Holton, a young man adjusting to civilian life after serving in the war, navigating through his work in a brokerage house, and his interactions with various characters, including Marjorie, a waitress, and Caroline, his co-worker. The novel delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the search for personal meaning amidst the backdrop of post-war America." The opening of "In a Yellow Wood" introduces us to Robert Holton as he prepares for his day, reflecting on his appearance and the lingering effects of a troubling dream. Through vivid descriptions, we gain insights into his mundane life at a New York hotel and his routine as an office worker at a brokerage firm. The narrative captures his interactions with other characters, including a fellow worker with whom he shares a friendly rapport, and Marjorie, a waitress who harbors feelings for him. As the scenes unfold, there’s an exploration of Robert's inner thoughts and the sense of alienation he feels in the bustling city, setting the tone for deeper character development and emotional complexity in the rest of the book.
Alan Cogan
Nothing But the Best
"Nothing But the Best" by Alan Cogan is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The story explores themes of alternate realities and the consequences of choices, focusing on the concept of parallel worlds that arise from different life decisions. Through its imaginative narrative, the book delves into the nature of existence and the idea that every decision leads to the creation of multiple possible lives. The plot revolves around Charles Mead, who discovers the ability to travel between parallel worlds through a complex device. He encounters his counterpart, Chuck Mead, and reveals to him the existence of their alternate selves, shaped by the choices they made in life. The two Meads discuss their life paths, reflecting on relationships and decisions, particularly concerning their marriages to the same woman, Estelle. As they navigate the implications of their different worlds, they consider the existence of an ideal version of themselves, ultimately leading to a realization that happiness may not lie in the pursuit of a perfect reality but rather in appreciating and making the best of their current lives.
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