Douglas Adams' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' also has strong IT elements. While it's a comical and far - reaching science - fiction story, it features advanced technology like the super - computer Deep Thought. The book's take on technology is both humorous and thought - provoking, showing how it can impact society and individuals in unexpected ways.
One of the saddest classic novels is 'Anna Karenina' by Leo Tolstoy. The story of Anna's doomed love affair and her tragic end is truly heart - breaking. Another is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Gatsby's unrequited love and his ultimate downfall in the pursuit of the American Dream are very sad. Also, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is quite sad, with the complex and often destructive love between Heathcliff and Catherine.
A racy classic novel is 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert. The story of Emma Bovary and her extramarital affairs was seen as quite scandalous when it was first published. Her pursuit of passion outside of her marriage and the way Flaubert described her desires was considered racy. This novel also gives a great insight into the society of that time and how women were restricted in certain ways, which makes the racy elements even more interesting as they are a form of rebellion against the norms of the society.
One classic disaster novel is 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells. It tells the story of a Martian invasion of Earth, which brings great destruction and panic. Another is 'On the Beach' by Nevil Shute. It depicts the aftermath of a nuclear war and the slow death of the remaining human population. Also, 'Jaws' by Peter Benchley can be considered in a way. It focuses on the terror brought by a man - eating shark, which is a kind of disaster for the beach - side community.
A great readable classic is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's not only about the hunt for the white whale but also has deep philosophical undertones. 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott is another. It shows the growth of four sisters. Also, 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain is a classic. It's full of Tom's mischievous adventures in a small town.
There's also 'The Years with Laura Diaz' by Carlos Fuentes. This novel takes readers on a journey through different historical periods in Mexico, using the life of Laura Diaz as a thread. It reflects on Mexican history, culture, and the role of women in society.
Well, 'Dracula' is a must - mention. It's full of gothic horror elements like vampires, castles, and the battle between good and evil. 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving is also a classic. With the headless horseman chasing Ichabod Crane, it gives a great sense of Halloween spookiness. And then there's 'Carmilla' which is an early vampire story that influenced later works on vampires.
Another is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. This novel delves deep into the life of Maurice, a young man coming to terms with his homosexuality in the early 20th century. It shows his journey of self - discovery, his relationships, and the social constraints of the time. The story is rich in character development and gives an in - depth look at the gay experience during that era.
One of the optimistic classic novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It shows the journey of Elizabeth Bennet towards finding love and self - discovery in a society full of social norms. The story ends on a positive note with multiple characters finding happiness in love and in life.
One of the most well - known depressing classic novels is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It shows the hollowness and disillusionment of the American Dream through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby. Another is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. The passionate and often cruel relationships, along with the desolate moor setting, create a very gloomy atmosphere. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville can also be considered in this category. The obsessive and ultimately doomed quest of Captain Ahab gives the novel a sense of futility and despair.
Well, 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is a great myster novel. In this book, ten people are lured to an isolated island and then start getting killed one by one in a very mysterious way. It keeps you guessing until the end. 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is also a must - read. It has a tough - as - nails detective trying to solve the mystery of a valuable statuette. And 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a popular one too. It's full of twists and turns as the mystery of a missing wife unfolds.