Books in Action classic series

One of the first personal narratives written by an ex-slave, this is also one of the few written by a woman. Harriet Jacobs (1813-97) was enslaved, along with her family, in North Carolina under a ruthless master who sexually harassed her. After several failed escape attempts, and several years of hiding, she finally made her way North to freedom, where she was eventually reunited with her children. The book was published in 1861.

A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland From Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Public, commonly referred to as A Modest Proposal, is a Juvenalian satirical essay written and published anonymously by Jonathan Swift in 1729. Swift suggests in his essay that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling children as food for rich gentlemen and ladies. By doing this he mocks the authority of the British officials. A Modest Proposal is included in many literature programs as an example of early modern western satire. It also serves as an exceptional introduction to the concept and use of argumentative language, lending itself well to secondary and post-secondary essay courses. Outside of the realm of English studies, A Modest Proposal is a relevant piece included in many comparative and global literature and history courses, as well as those of numerous other disciplines in the arts, humanities, and even the social sciences.

Top 5 Finalist on PBS's The Great American Read in 2018Jane Austen’s insightful and sometimes wry Pride and Prejudice provides today’s listeners with a fascinating look into the British society during the nineteenth century.This delightful novel of manners follows the Bennets, a family of five daughters and humble fortune. With her savory wit and satire, Jane Austen unveils the lives of the Bennet sisters as they endeavor to find their place in society—some taking a long road to get there. The arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy turn their pastoral lives upside down, and listeners will take in the story with rapt attention, eager to discover if Elizabeth, cured of her prejudice, and Mr. Darcy, cured of his pride, will finally fall into each other’s arms.This novel is part of Brilliance Audio’s extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

On a bright, summer day, a cyclone suddenly sweeps across the Kansas sky. A young girl named Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are carried up into the terrible storm. Far, far away, they crash down in a strange land called Oz. To return home, Dorothy must travel to the Emerald City and meet the all-powerful Wizard of Oz. But the journey won't be easy, and she'll need the help of a few good friends.