100 ESSENTIALS: An American Tragedy

This month, Story Line Books is reading An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser — a landmark novel first published in 1925 that still resonates today. Based on real events, the story follows Clyde Griffiths, a young man yearning for success and respectability, who finds himself torn between love, ambition, and the crushing weight of his choices. Dreiser’s sweeping narrative explores the stark divides of class, the allure and danger of the American dream, and the moral struggles that can shape — or shatter — a life.

We’ll come together to reflect on the novel’s themes, its historical context, and the questions it raises about ambition, morality, and fate. Whether you’re encountering this powerful work for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, we’d love to have you join the conversation.

📖 Bring your copy, your curiosity, and your perspective — everyone’s voice adds something unique to the discussion.