The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

*Five Survive* by Holly Jackson is a gripping YA thriller that follows six friends on a road trip, which turns into a deadly fight for survival. The story centers on Red, the main protagonist, who is traveling with her five friends when their RV is ambushed, and one of them is targeted by a sniper. Trapped in the vehicle with no way out, each of the friends begins to reveal secrets and hidden tensions, all while the sniper watches them, forcing them into a tense game of trust and survival. As the night unfolds, Red must piece together clues, unravel her own relationships with the others, and determine who the sniper is targeting—and why. With its twists, high-stakes suspense, and character-driven storytelling, *Five Survive* keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the pressure of life-or-death decisions. It’s a tightly-wound thriller that builds tension with every chapter.

*Lord of the Flies* by William Golding is a classic novel that explores the darker side of human nature through the story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. As they attempt to govern themselves and form a society, their initial attempts at order quickly devolve into chaos, savagery, and violence. The boys' descent into brutality is symbolized through the conflict between two leaders: Ralph, who strives for civilization and rescue, and Jack, who embraces the primal instincts of power and control. The novel examines themes of civilization vs. barbarism, the loss of innocence, and the inherent violence within humanity. Through its stark portrayal of how quickly societal norms can break down, *Lord of the Flies* serves as a powerful critique of human nature and the fragility of social order.

*Sons and Lovers* by D.H. Lawrence is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complex relationships within a working-class family in early 20th-century England. The story focuses on Paul Morel, a young man caught between his intense emotional attachment to his domineering mother, Gertrude, and his romantic relationships with two women, Miriam and Clara. As Paul grows older, he struggles with his desire for independence and his loyalty to his mother, whose overbearing love has shaped much of his identity. The novel delves into themes of Oedipal conflict, family dynamics, sexual tension, and the individual's search for self-identity. With its psychological depth and exploration of the complexities of love and family life, *Sons and Lovers* is considered one of Lawrence's greatest works, offering profound insights into the emotional and social challenges of the time.

*The Reluctant Fundamentalist* by Mohsin Hamid is a thought-provoking, suspenseful novel that explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the complexities of post-9/11 world politics. The story is narrated by Changez, a young Pakistani man who moves to the United States to attend Princeton University and later works at a prestigious financial firm in New York. Initially drawn to the American dream, Changez’s life begins to unravel after the 9/11 attacks, as his sense of identity is challenged and he grapples with increasing alienation. The novel is structured as a conversation between Changez and an American stranger in a Lahore café, creating a tense, one-sided narrative that explores Changez’s transformation from an ambitious, assimilated professional into someone disillusioned with both the West and his own country’s role in global politics. With its exploration of personal and political identity, *The Reluctant Fundamentalist* raises important questions about nationalism, the effects of globalization, and the complexities of cultural belonging.