Book Smart

This intelligent, engaging guide leads you down the path of literary enlightenment

In "Book Smart," literature expert Jane Mallison outlinesa month-by-month reading plan that tackles the most compelling books of all time. The diverse reading list includes such important classics as "The Odyssey" and "Beowulf"; great 18th century works such as "Tristam Shandy" and "Gulliver's Travels"; battlefield literature like "The Red Badge of Courage" and "A Farewell to Arms"; and novels with strong women such as "Anna Karenina" and "Vanity Fair."

Each book comes alive with Mallison's insightful highlights on key themes and characters, advice on how to approach reading, and historical notes that provide valuable context.