Popular Study Guides

The Popular Study Guides Collection brings together a selection of our most-visited Guides in one convenient place. Featuring titles ranging from classic literature with enduring appeal to popular book club picks, this Collection represents a diverse array of literature readers can't get enough of.

White by Law

by Ian Haney-López

Publication year 1996

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Race, Community, Economics, Politics & Government

Tags Education, Education, Sociology, World History, Race & Racism, Crime & Law, Politics & Government, Social Justice, US History

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White Fang

by Jack London

Publication year 1906

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Coming of Age, Animals, Nature Versus Nurture

Tags Animals, Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Action & Adventure, Children`s Literature

White Fang (1906) is a short novel by American author Jack London. The novel explores themes of survival, nature versus nurture, and improving oneself through discipline and adaptability. White Fang’s protagonist is a wild-born wolfdog named White Fang whose struggle for survival and eventual domestication comprise the novel’s narrative arc. London’s novel challenges humanity’s claim to superiority over nature and celebrates animals’ resilience, simple logic, and instinct. White Fang has been adapted into over a... Read White Fang Summary

Wild

by Cheryl Strayed

Publication year 2012

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Forgiveness, Memory, Hate & Anger, Love, Shame & Pride, Fear, Grief, Perseverance, Conflict, Loneliness, Hope, Safety & Danger, Environment, Place, Mothers

Tags Grief & Death, Travel Literature, Relationships, Love & Sexuality, Science & Nature, Action & Adventure, Biography

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Wish

by Barbara O'Connor

Publication year 2016

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Friendship, Community, Childhood & Youth, Disability

Tags Realistic Fiction, Animals, Bullying, Children`s Literature

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Witness

by Whittaker Chambers

Publication year 1952

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, The Past, Politics & Government, War, Truth & Lies, Wins & Losses, Safety & Danger, Good & Evil

Tags US History, Cold War, Politics & Government, Philosophy, Christian, World History, Philosophy, Classic Fiction, Biography

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World Order

by Henry Kissinger

Publication year 2014

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Economics, Power & Greed, Politics & Government, Order & Chaos, War

Tags Politics & Government, World History, Science & Nature, Business & Economics, Philosophy, Philosophy

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World Without End

by Ken Follett

Publication year 2007

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Order & Chaos, Power & Greed, Femininity, Social Class, Religion & Spirituality, Politics & Government

Tags Historical Fiction, Medieval, British Literature, World History, Fantasy, Romance

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Year of Wonders

by Geraldine Brooks

Publication year 2001

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Femininity, Fear, Perseverance, Self Discovery, Community, Religion & Spirituality, Trust & Doubt, Friendship

Tags Historical Fiction, Health, British Literature, World History

Year of Wonders (2001) is a historical fiction novel by Geraldine Brooks, tracing the 1666 outbreak of the bubonic plague in the English town of Eyam. When the town’s zealous rector, Michael Mompellion, and the community submit to a voluntary quarantine, young widow Anna Frith serves with the rector and his wife Elinor to minister to the townsfolk as the plague wreaks havoc. Through the eyes of 18-year-old Anna, the novel explores what happens when... Read Year of Wonders Summary

Zero Day

by David Baldacci

Publication year 2011

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Environment, Equality, Conflict

Tags Horror & Suspense, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Crime Fiction, Military & War

David Baldacci’s Zero Day (2011, Grand Central Publishing) is the 23rd of Balducci’s 44 adult novels and the first of three in his John Puller series. Most of Baldacci’s adult novels are in the suspense and legal thriller genres. Baldacci studied law and worked as an attorney for seven years before publication of his first novel, Absolute Power (1996), which was made into a 1997 film directed by Clint Eastwood. His research for Zero Day... Read Zero Day Summary