The First Two Books starting August 1st

Rachel's journey begins with the novel The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow

Shannon's journey begins wtih the novel A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

For those of you who are not farmiliar with these two books....

Both begin August 1 and have until August 8 to finish their first book :)

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The Adventures of Augie MArch by Saul Bellow (1953)
This novel centers on the eponymous character who grows up during the Great Depression. This picaresque novel is an example of bildungsroman, tracing the development of an individual through a series of encounters, occupations and relationships from boyhood to manhood. Bellow explores the themes of belonging, poverty and wealth, love, and loss.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (2003)
This novel centers on a character in the late 1800s who grows through her teenage years by learning she has "magical" powers through a series of events, people, and places. With the help of her three friends at boarding school the main character develops. Bray explores the themes of belonging, love, friendship, and coming of age.