Romance

"The course of true love never did run smooth," wrote William Shakespeare in A Midsummer Night's Dream—and he knew what he was talking about. A text from this study guide collection might be just the thing to remind you of the bliss and pain of love.

Iron Widow

by Xiran Jay Zhao

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Gender Identity, Sexual Identity, Equality, Justice, Good & Evil

Tags Fantasy, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance, LGBTQ+

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It Ends with Us

by Colleen Hoover

Publication year 2016

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Love

Tags Romance, Love & Sexuality, Modern Classic Fiction, Trauma & Abuse

It Ends with Us is a 2016 romance novel by Colleen Hoover. The novel tells the story of Lily Bloom and her doomed romance with Ryle Kincaid and traces her past history growing up in an abusive home, her fall into an abusive relationship, and her escape from that relationship. Colleen Hoover is the author of several best-selling novels, including Verity, Ugly Love, and All Your Perfects. In 2022, Hoover published a sequel to It... Read It Ends with Us Summary

It's Kind of a Funny Story

by Ned Vizzini

Publication year 2006

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Mental Health, Friendship, Coming of Age

Tags Coming of Age, Mental Illness, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Psychology, Psychology, Romance

It’s Kind of a Funny Story was Ned Vizzini’s second Young Adult novel, published by Hyperion in 2006. It is a critically acclaimed Young Adult novel and coming-of-age story that was given a starred review by the American Librarians Association and adapted into a film of the same name (2010).Other work by this author includes the novel, Be More Chill.Content Warning: This novel and study guide include topics and themes that may be sensitive for... Read It's Kind of a Funny Story Summary

Ivanhoe

by Walter Scott

Publication year 1819

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Love, Nation, War

Tags Historical Fiction, Romanticism, British Literature, Classic Fiction, Action & Adventure, Medieval, World History, Romance

Ivanhoe is a historical fiction novel by Walter Scott, first published in 1819. The novel or “romance” is a fanciful account of English life in the 12th century, during the time of King Richard I (Richard “Coeur de Lion”). The protagonist of the story is Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a knight returning home from fighting in the Third Crusade. His journey weaves together historical events, religious conflict, and Medieval folklore and explores themes of Chivalry as... Read Ivanhoe Summary

I Will Save You

by Matt de la Peña

Publication year 2010

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Fear, Mental Health

Tags Depression & Suicide, Mental Illness, Realistic Fiction, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance, Trauma & Abuse

Matt de la Pena’s young adult novel I Will Save You (2010) follows the narrator, Kidd Ellison, after he runs away from a group home to live and work at a campground on the beach. Harboring memories of a traumatic past, he forges new relationships and fosters old ones that test his self-understanding. Through flashbacks, dreams, and journal entries mixed with the present day, the narrative explores themes such as The Impact of Trauma on... Read I Will Save You Summary

Jude the Obscure

by Thomas Hardy

Publication year 1895

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Marriage, Social Class, Education, Religion & Spirituality

Tags Victorian Period, Classic Fiction, Social Class, Historical Fiction, Romance, British Literature, World History, Victorian Era

English author Thomas Hardy published his final novel, Jude the Obscure, in 1895. Critics deemed it “immoral” and “indecent,” and it became a target of book burnings because of its critique of marriage, religion, education, and class structure. The narrative follows the tragic journey of Jude Fawley, a working-class man striving for education and love, whose aspirations are consistently thwarted by societal barriers, personal setbacks, and internal struggles.This guide refers to the e-book version of... Read Jude the Obscure Summary

June Baby

by Shannon Garvey

Publication year 2026

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Grief, Mental Health, Sexual Identity, Coming of Age, Death, Future, Environment, Place, Mothers, Self Discovery, Social Class, Community, Art, Literature

Tags Literary Fiction, Romance, Coming of Age, Grief & Death

Shannon Garvey’s debut novel, June Baby (2026), is a contemporary coming-of-age story that was selected as a “Read with Jenna” book club pick. The narrative follows Ruth Phillips, a young woman who has spent a decade in a state of emotional and professional stasis following her mother’s death. When her mentor and surrogate mother, the photographer Diana Beckett, also dies suddenly, Ruth returns to the community of Block Island, forcing her to confront a past... Read June Baby Summary