Stay-Home Winter Reads

If the concept of trading morality for everlasting youth intrigues you, then "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is the seductive classic you need. This book isn't just about vanity and the superficial; it dives into the depths of human depravity and the consequences that come with it. Wilde's eloquent prose and the haunting transformation of Dorian will stay with you, a testament to the dark allure of immortality and the price one pays for it.

The Copley Edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" presents the the first 1886 edition of this famous fable with several enrichments for students and teachers. A substantial and lively critical-historical introduction situates the novel in the cultural ferment of Stevenson's day and in the psychological conflicts that that defined his particular experience. The text of the novel itself is enhanced with helpful chapter endnotes to clarify allusions and explain other terms and references. A substantial appendix presents some of Stevenson's reflections on his fable followed by reactions to the novel from nearly two dozen sources ranging from Stevenson's contemporaries, Henry James and Oscar Wilde, to major twentieth century fiction writers-Vladimir Nabokov, Jorge Luis Borges and Joyce Carol Oates.

If you're intrigued by the human condition and enjoy literature that weaves everyday life with a touch of the uncanny, Shirley Jackson's "Let Me Tell You" is a treasure trove. It's a rare opportunity to delve into previously unreleased stories and essays that offer the same sharp wit and chilling undercurrents you'd expect from the author of "The Haunting of Hill House." You'll get to peer behind the curtain of Jackson's mind, making each page a discovery of her mastery over the short form.

If you're someone who savors getting into the intricacies of human experiences, "Heat, and Other Stories" by Joyce Carol Oates is a must-read. Oates's mastery in crafting short stories is evident as she delves into the depths of her characters' psyches. With each story, you're likely to find yourself transported, challenged, and moved. This collection is perfect for readers looking for something profound yet concise.

"Study for Obedience" delves deeply into the psychological tangle of why individuals comply with authority, even when it betrays their own moral compass. It's a haunting exploration that will resonate with anyone fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature and the complex interplay between personal responsibility and societal pressure. The book's brevity does not shy away from delivering a potent, thought-provoking punch that will linger with you long after the last page.