The Power & Perils of Fame

In this thematic Collection, explore The Power & Perils of Fame through works that discuss the highs and lows of having a following. Featuring autobiographical accounts from those who have achieved celebrity status as well as fictional works, these titles examine the nature of fame, both historically and in contemporary settings, as they explore topics such as power, pressure, and privacy.

Genre Poem, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Art, Emotions/Behavior: ConflictTags Lyric Poem, Auto/Biographical Fiction, American Literature

Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Identity: Disability, Relationships: Siblings, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Trust & DoubtTags Historical Fiction, Action / Adventure

Al Capone Shines My Shoes (2009) is the second book in Gennifer Choldenko’s Tales from Alcatraz series. The novel is set on the prison island of Alcatraz during the height of the Great Depression. The protagonist and narrator is 12-year-old Matthew “Moose” Flanagan, whose father works as a guard and electrician at the notorious prison. When Moose receives a note from Al Capone, a famous gangster and prisoner of Alcatraz, he finds himself caught up... Read Al Capone Shines My Shoes Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Essay Collection, NonfictionThemes Identity: Race, Values/Ideas: Music, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Society: NationTags Arts / Culture, History: U.S., African American Literature, Creative Nonfiction, Gender / Feminism, Music, Race / Racism, Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fame

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a 2018 novel by American video blogger Hank Green. Told in the first and second person, this speculative fiction follows a young woman after her video of what she believes to be a robot art installation goes viral. Her addiction to attention and the revelation that the Carl is an alien examines the consequences of fame and the nature of humanity when faced with the presence of aliens.Plot Summary While walking... Read An Absolutely Remarkable Thing Summary


Publication year 1890Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Society: War, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Values/Ideas: FameTags Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, American Civil War

Ambrose Bierce, an American writer and Civil War veteran, wrote “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” in 1890. Bierce’s story was first published in The San Francisco Examiner and later became part of his collection Tales of Soldiers and Civilians published in 1891. “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” is considered one of Bierce’s best works for its use of the stream-of-consciousness narrative technique and the hero’s journey as well as its exploration of death... Read An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Relationships: Mothers, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Fantasy, Mythology, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publication year 2023Genre Biography, NonfictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: The Past, Society: Class, Society: Community, Society: Economics, Society: Immigration, Society: Nation, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags History: U.S., Politics / Government, Business / Economics

Publication year 1887Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Natural World: Place, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Classic Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet (1887) is a detective novel about a mysterious murder in a vacant house, one man’s lifelong hunt for justice, and the powers of deduction and reason. It marks the introduction of the famed detective character Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick John Watson, along with several other characters and locations that would become important to the 56 short stories and three other novels about Holmes that followed. The... Read A Study in Scarlet Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Good & EvilTags Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, New Adult

Publication year 1791Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Fame, Society: Community, Society: Politics & Government, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Midlife, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags History: U.S., Politics / Government, Inspirational, American Revolution, Age of Enlightenment

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written in pieces from 1771 to 1790. The work was first published in 1791 in Paris, France, after Franklin’s death as The Private Life of the Late Benjamin Franklin. The autobiography was then published in London in 1793. In his writing, Franklin reflects upon his academic, professional, and philosophical pursuits. He examines how he advanced his economic and social standing during the formation of the United States, covering from... Read Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Summary


Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Fame, Life/Time: The PastTags Romance, Historical Fiction

Publication year 2022Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fame, Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Arts / Culture

Publication year 2010Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Fate, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: FameTags Humor, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2000Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Identity: Sexuality, Values/Ideas: Fame, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: MothersTags Love / Sexuality, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction

Publication year 2006Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: FameTags History: U.S.

Published in 2001, Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West is a narrative history of the turbulent period from the 1800s to the 1860s, the “settling” of the American West. It frames the transformation of America into a transcontinental power through the life story of Christopher “Kit” Carson, a larger-than-life frontiersman, guide, and army officer who assisted the conquest every step of the way. Blood and Thunder is not author Hampton Sides’s first... Read Blood and Thunder Summary


Publication year 1960Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Values/Ideas: FameTags Magical Realism, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Latin American Literature

Publication year 2006Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Fathers, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Music, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Gordan Korman’s 2006 young adult coming-of-age novel Born to Rock follows teenager Leo Caraway as he sets out to get to know his biological father—the frontman of a legendary punk rock band—hoping to fund his college tuition while navigating the foreign world of punk rock and gets to know his roots. The novel, which was written for and dedicated to Korman’s son, also named Leo, explores themes of genetics, identity, self-expression, and lying.Korman is a... Read Born to Rock Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Biography, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Midlife, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Music, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Music, Arts / Culture, Mental Illness, Social Justice

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Values/Ideas: Fame, Relationships: Fathers, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Sports, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publication year 1888Genre Poem, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Win & LoseTags Narrative / Epic Poem, Sports

Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Fame, Society: Community, Relationships: Teams, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: The Future, Identity: Race, Identity: Gender, Identity: Mental HealthTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Satire, LGBTQ, Black Lives Matter, Business / Economics, Grief / Death, History: U.S., Incarceration, Race / Racism, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Social Justice

Publication year 2009Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: FameTags History: U.S., American Civil War

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is a YA novel adapted from the adult version, Manhunt, both by James L. Swanson. Manhunt is a meticulously researched nonfiction novel describing the hunt for John Wilkes Booth, and includes previously unpopularized transcripts, archives, and interviews. Published by Scholastic in 2009, Chasing Lincoln’s Killer makes these rare historical finds digestible for younger audiences and provides a rapid-fire, abridged version of the narrative of the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth. Those who... Read Chasing Lincoln's Killer Summary


Publication year 1971Genre Poem, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Life/Time: The Past, Values/Ideas: Fame, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Society: NationTags Narrative / Epic Poem

Publication year 2019Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Music, Relationships: Fathers, Values/Ideas: FameTags Historical Fiction, Music

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s historical fiction novel Daisy Jones & The Six, published in 2019, is a contemporary work of fiction that explores the rich music culture of the 1970s in the United States. This time was known for rock ’n’ roll, partly as a cultural response to the strict rules of the 1960s and the disaster of the Vietnam War. The California dream world of hard partying, no rules, and freedom persists as a major... Read Daisy Jones & The Six Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Fame, Identity: Race, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Equality, Identity: GenderTags Historical Fiction, Race / Racism

Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Fame, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fame, Life/Time: The Past, Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self discoveryTags Arts / Culture, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Relationships

Publication year 1968Genre Poem, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Values/Ideas: FameTags Satire, Lyric Poem, Race / Racism

Publication year 2016Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Self Help, Philosophy, Business / Economics, Leadership/Organization/Management

Publication year 2009Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: FameTags Sociology

Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle is a non-fiction book written by Chris Hedges, published in 2009. This work of cultural criticism focuses on the effects of mass media and popular culture on American society, politics, and economics. Since its publication, Empire of Illusion has been marketed as a work which predicted the forces that ultimately gave rise to the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Author Chris Hedges... Read Empire Of Illusion Summary


Publication year 1995Genre Poem, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fame, Society: Community, Society: NationTags Free verse, Science / Nature

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Life/Time: The Past, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: BeautyTags Romance, Realistic Fiction, Relationships

Publication year 2020Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Fame, Identity: MasculinityTags Arts / Culture, Philosophy

Publication year 1998Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Fate, Society: Community, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: FameTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a 1998 young adult fantasy novel by J.K. Rowling, the second in the Harry Potter series. The story follows Harry’s tumultuous second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including an encounter with Voldemort, the wizard who killed Harry’s parents. Against this fantastic backdrop, Rowling examines such themes as death, fame, friendship, choice, and prejudice. Upon release, the novel became a worldwide bestseller and won several... Read Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Romance, Psychological Fiction

Publication year 2012Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Fathers, Values/Ideas: FameTags Realistic Fiction

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga is a YA thriller published in 2012. The novel’s central character is Jasper “Jazz” Dent, son of the nation’s most notorious serial killer, Billy Dent. The novel is told from a limited third-person point of view, mostly from the perspective of Jazz; however, at certain points in the novel, the perspective shifts to that of the Impressionist, a new serial killer who has descended upon the small town of... Read I Hunt Killers Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Mothers, Values/Ideas: Fame, Identity: Mental Health, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor

Publication year 1891Genre Poem, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: Fame, Natural World: AnimalsTags Lyric Poem, American Literature

Publication year 1934Genre Poem, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Natural World: Space & The Universe, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

In “In My Craft or Sullen Art” (1946), renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) asks the age-old question: Why write poetry? In the poem, a poet sits alone at a writing desk bathed in moonlight. He is compelled by an energy he does not entirely understand to spend his night toiling over lines of poetry. The poem explores the creative process that links a lonely poet to the people he writes for—not guaranteed readers, but... Read In My Craft or Sullen Art Summary


Publication year 2004Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Fame, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Society: ClassTags Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Magical Realism

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Identity: Race, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Fame, Relationships: FamilyTags Race / Racism, Civil Rights / Jim Crow, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Relationships

Life on the Color Line: The True Story of a White Boy Who Discovered He Was Black, published in 1995, is an autobiographical account of the childhood and adolescence of the American lawyer and educator Gregory Howard Williams. An exceptional achiever throughout his life, Williams devoted 10 years to penning this memoir that centers around his being raised to believe he’s white, only to be told as a 10-year-old boy that he’s of African American... Read Life on the Color Line Summary


Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Art, Self Discovery, Relationships: Marriage, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Identity: Femininity, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Auto/Biographical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Arts / Culture

Publication year 2006Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Fame, Society: Economics, Emotions/Behavior: ApathyTags Psychology, Leadership/Organization/Management, Business / Economics

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Self Discovery, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Music, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Historical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Humor, Music

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Femininity, Relationships: Marriage, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Fame

Publication year 2023Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Identity: Femininity, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Music, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Music, Inspirational

Publication year 1880Genre Novel, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Society: Class, Society: Nation, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Identity: Femininity, Identity: MasculinityTags Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Love / Sexuality, Realism, Realistic Fiction, Naturalism, Class, History: European, French Literature

Publication year 1966Genre Poem, FictionThemes Identity: Femininity, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Fame, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Literature, Identity: GenderTags Lyric Poem, Arts / Culture, Gender / Feminism, American Literature, Confessional

Publication year 2022Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Marriage, Values/Ideas: Fame, Identity: GenderTags Romance, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2021Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Fame, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Fate, Society: Nation, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Historical Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Arts / Culture, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Depression / Suicide, History: U.S., Mental Illness