Subject
Success -- Fiction Books
Best books
Maria S. (Maria Susanna) Cummins
The Lamplighter
"The Lamplighter" by Maria S. Cummins is a novel published in 1854. This female coming-of-age story follows Gertrude Flint, an abandoned orphan rescued at age eight by a kind lamplighter from her abusive guardian. Raised with love and religious faith, Gertrude transforms from a mistreated child into a moralistic woman. Her journey of suffering and virtue ultimately leads to unexpected rewards in adulthood. An immediate bestseller, the novel sold over 40,000 copies in eight weeks and became a cultural phenomenon of its era.
Katherine Cecil Thurston
The Masquerader
"The Masquerader" by Katherine Cecil Thurston is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers around John Chilcote, a member of Parliament who grapples with the pressures of his political life and personal demons, particularly his addiction to morphia. The narrative begins in a fog-laden London, where Chilcote encounters a doppelganger named John Loder, setting off a chain of events that explores themes of identity, desperation, and the façade of social appearances. At the start of the novel, a significant fog disrupts London life, and it is on this night that Chilcote's struggle with his identity and addiction becomes pronounced. He navigates the dense fog both literally and metaphorically, illustrating his self-absorbed and tumultuous state. After an unsettling encounter with a mysterious stranger who shares his striking resemblance, Chilcote experiences a blend of fascination and distress. The conversation hints at greater themes of ambition and downfall, particularly surrounding a public figure named Lexington. As this initial scene unfolds, it becomes clear that the duality of the characters and their individual struggles will play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative. Chilcote's increasing unrest foreshadows his later desperate proposal to Loder, which will shape the course of the story.
Meredith Nicholson
The Main Chance
"The Main Chance" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces John Saxton, who has relocated to Clarkson to manage the troubled investments of a group of Eastern investors. The narrative sets up the challenges he faces in this new environment, highlighting his past failures in ranching and the complexities of the Western landscape wrapped around business and social interactions. At the start of the novel, Saxton arrives in Clarkson and meets William Porter, the president of the local bank, who advises him about navigating the financial landscape of the region. Saxton, seeking to prove himself after a failed venture in Wyoming, grapples with his reputation and the expectations of those around him. He reflects on his past while settling into his new office and prepares for the uphill battle of managing his clients' difficult investments. The introduction of intriguing side characters, including Porter and the lively Warrick Raridan, hints at the social undertones and relationships that will develop as the story unfolds.
A. S. (Azel Stevens) Roe
I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success
"I've Been Thinking; or, The Secret of Success" by A. S. Roe is a novel likely written in the mid-19th century. The story centers on two brothers, Jim and Ned Montjoy, who contemplate the future of their farming efforts and the limitations of their small, isolated community. They embark on an entrepreneurial adventure, exploring ways to sell their produce to nearby military personnel at a fort, with the aim of improving their family's circumstances. At the start of the book, the brothers discuss the challenges posed by their abundance of vegetables, leading Jim to propose a plan to sell their produce to soldiers rather than simply consuming everything themselves. As they strategize, they express concern over their situation without a father and the dependency on their mother. Jim's resolve to pursue selling vegetables inspires his brother, and they decide to approach their mother for permission to carry out the plan. The opening chapters establish their motivational dynamics, character backgrounds, and the setting of a socially and economically challenging environment, laying the groundwork for their upcoming adventures and endeavors for success.
Self-made man
A corner in corn; or, How a Chicago boy did the trick
"A Corner in Corn; or, How a Chicago Boy Did the Trick" by A Self-made Man is a fictional story likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers on Vance Thornton, a young man working for a successful speculator, Jared Whitemore, in Chicago. The plot unfolds as Vance embarks on a critical mission to close significant corn options, navigating a world of market manipulation, betrayal, and high-stakes business. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the bustling office of Jared Whitemore, where tension is palpable due to Mr. Vyce, the bookkeeper, harboring ulterior motives against young Vance. With hints of corruption and a planned conspiracy against Whitemore, Vance is unwittingly pushed into a showdown that heightens the stakes of his mission. The initial chapters establish the characters and setting, setting up a clash between ambition, loyalty, and deceit as Vance prepares to step into a world fraught with danger and opportunity amidst the backdrop of the corn market.
Self-made man
Born to Good Luck; or The Boy Who Succeeded.
"Born to Good Luck; or The Boy Who Succeeded" by a Self-made Man is a serialized adventure story probably written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around a young boy named Dick Armstrong, who works under poor conditions for the Maslin family and has become a victim of bullying and injustice. After a series of confrontations, including accusations of theft and mistreatment, Dick decides to strike out on his own in search of a better life. The opening of the story introduces Dick as he endures a confrontation with Luke Maslin, the storekeeper's son, who bullies him about his status as a "charity boy." Following an escalating conflict, which involves physical altercations and a false accusation of theft against him by Silas Maslin, Dick resolves to run away. He later teams up with his friend Joe Fletcher, embarking on a series of adventures that involve gathering apples, uncovering a robbery plot against a miserly old man, and ultimately aiming to establish his independence and success in the world. This initial portion sets the stage for themes of resilience, the pursuit of fortune, and moral dilemmas that Dick faces in his quest for a better station in life.
Maria S. (Maria Susanna) Cummins
Il lampionaio
"Il lampionaio" by Maria S. Cummins is a sentimental novel published in 1854. The story follows Gertrude Flint, an abandoned orphan rescued at age eight by Trueman Flint, a lamplighter, from her abusive guardian. Raised with love and taught virtues and religious faith, Gertrude grows into a moralistic woman whose long suffering is ultimately rewarded. An immediate bestseller, the novel sold over 40,000 copies in eight weeks and became one of the most popular works of its era.
Recently surfaced classics