Subject
Social workers -- Fiction Books
Best books
W. S. (Wilmarth Sheldon) Lewis
Tutors' Lane
"Tutors' Lane" by Wilmarth Lewis is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the academic environment of Woodbridge College, it explores the experiences of Tom Reynolds, a young instructor navigating the complexities of college life, relationships, and personal growth. The narrative hints at a focus on the interactions of faculty and students, layered with themes of ambition, love, and the social dynamics within the educational setting. At the start of this novel, Tom Reynolds, newly back from service in the war, walks through Tutors' Lane, a notable part of Woodbridge College, as he reflects on his life and the prospects of his new teaching role. As he arrives at the Dean's house, he meets various figures from the college community, including Mary Norris, a dynamic young woman preparing for an evening's entertainment. The opening establishes a humorous yet perceptive tone, introducing a range of characters and their relationships against the backdrop of a traditional academic institution, setting the stage for Tom's unfolding journey in both his professional and personal life.
Laurence M. Janifer
Hex
"Hex" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the intersection of social work and mind manipulation, as the protagonist employs her unconventional abilities to help her clients. It delves into themes of control, societal expectations, and the ethics of intervention in people's lives. The narrative follows Gloria, a young and enthusiastic social worker who possesses a unique talent for influencing the thoughts and behaviors of her clients through her psychic abilities. She becomes invested in the cases of the struggling Mrs. Wladek and her son Rudi, to whom she unintentionally imposes her will, pushing them toward employment and societal integration. However, her well-meaning actions lead to unintended consequences, provoking suspicion and conflict with Mrs. Wladek, who believes Gloria has placed a hex on her. As the story unfolds, it explores the moral complexity of Gloria's interventions, ultimately raising questions about the implications of using power to "help" others and the nature of autonomy and consent.
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