Ali discusses the Newbery Medal-winning young adult novel, Holes, written by Louis Sachar.
Holes
Category: Novel
The Help
Ali discusses Kathryn Stockett’s debut bestselling novel, The Help, recapping key plot points amidst the heartbreakingly honest portrayal of racism during the 1960s, all the while praising the realistic characters and how much they truly make you feel.
Little Women
Ali discusses the important life lessons learned throughout the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy—in Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel, Little Women.
The Secret Life of Bees
Ali discusses the powerful imagery and the connecting theme of motherhood in Sue Monk Kidd’s critically acclaimed novel, The Secret Life of Bees.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Ali discusses Betty Smith’s bestselling novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She shares all the ways she admires and relates to the heroine, Francie Nolan, and she talks about the significance of the tree’s metaphor throughout the novel.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Ali discusses Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. She reads memorable passages from this noteworthy work of fiction, praising the main characters’ values while highlighting the important themes of empathy, courage, morality and justice.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Ali discusses the movie adaptation of the first book in Ann Brashares’ bestselling young adult novel series, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. She tracks the story arcs of each of the four main characters while touching on the timeless themes of self-love, growth, family, grief and, above all else, the true bond of everlasting friendship.
The Catcher in the Rye
Ali discusses J. D. Salinger’s popular novel, The Catcher in the Rye. She analyzes the main character, Holden Caulfield, focusing on his unique way of speaking, his hypocritical hatred of all things phony and his cynical feelings toward growing up. She also talks about important symbolism throughout the novel and the key theme of preserving innocence.
The Outsiders
Ali discusses S. E. Hinton’s powerful coming-of-age novel, The Outsiders. She reads passages and talks about important character moments as well as the significance of the novel’s famous quote, “Stay gold, Ponyboy.”
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Ali discusses The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the acclaimed epistolary novel by Stephen Chbosky. She cites various quotes that resonate with her, compares the novel to its movie adaptation and talks about the qualities she admires most about the main character, Charlie.
Storytelling Saga 