Both novels contained in this book are truly terrific.

They are set in Midwest America during the early 20th Century. The prejudices, desires, and aspirations of that era are meticulously chronicled in each work.

We often have a tendency to be nostalgic for these times, imagining them to be simpler and more idyllic. However, when you read the works of Lewis, you quickly realize that in many ways, we're still pretty much the same.

The same prejudices linger, the same desires drive us, and the same aspirations fuel our dreams.

These are great works by one of my favorite authors, who has the ability to transport us back in time and make us see the world through the eyes of those who lived in that era.

His writing is vivid, his characters are well-developed, and his stories are engaging and thought-provoking.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about history, human nature, and the power of literature to make us think and feel.

Having Sinclair Lewis's two best-known novels in one volume is extremely handy. It offers a convenient way for readers to access and enjoy these literary masterpieces without having to search for each individual book. For those who are avid collectors of hardbound books, this compilation may be the perfect choice. The hardcover format not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures the longevity of the books.

However, it is important to note that the books in the subscription plan may not be as durable as the more expensive ones available from bookstores or online retailers. While the subscription option provides an affordable way to obtain a wide range of books, the quality of the binding and paper may not be on par with the higher-priced editions. This is something that collectors and those who value the physical appearance and durability of their books should take into consideration.

Oof. Okay, let's start with the rating. It's for the writing, which is truly brilliant. The scathing comments here and there, and the craft itself - Sinclair Lewis has indeed written an excellent book in Main Street.

However, despite its literary merits, I hated it. I loathed it because it brought back memories of the hateful gossiping hens I had to endure in my early 20s, and the horrible church people who were so self-righteous. I despised it because I understood Carol all too well. Her longing for culture, art, and beauty, her hope of finding an intelligent person or two who could understand her, and her desire for something more than being trapped day after day in a dull, mundane place, surrounded by dull, mundane people with no real ambition other than to tear others down and meddle in their affairs. It made me realize that people will never change. Lewis has beautifully captured all of this, and I found myself putting the book down night after night, feeling completely drained.

Not since Anna Karenina have I been so relieved to finish reading a book. Again, don't misunderstand me. It's beautifully written, just like Anna Karenina. But I've come to realize that I can only handle so much reality in my fiction. And now that I've had such a heavy dose, I'm eager to find a nice, fluffy, cozy mystery or something to wash it all away.

The setting of Main Street this novel occurred nearly a century ago. It is "Gopher Prairie," a small town with all the anticipated traits of such a place.

Carol, an appealing, intelligent, and well-educated young woman who works in a St. Paul library, falls in love and marries Dr. Will Kennicott, then follows him to his desolate, depressing, and stagnant hometown.

Carol's aim when she settles in this town is to enhance the atmosphere by improving architecture, educating the residents, stimulating public interests in achieving these ends, and informing all about political knowledge. However, as she gets to know the town's inhabitants better, she ultimately feels trapped among people for whom she has no respect or common interests. Her attempts to change the town and herself are in vain.

Lewis depicts these Midwesterners as narrow-minded, malicious, judgmental, and suspicious. They are people who dread anything new, whether it's a trifle like a novel thought, stylish clothes, or "communism," which is actually a workers' union. The writing is clear and often thought-provoking. It often seems possible to view each character as a distinct personality revealed through actions or statements. The scenery and the environment vividly emerge in the imagination.

The themes of Main Street are enduring. It presents a historical perspective of America, with concerns that still resonate today. Carol's attempts to educate the public, instill new interests, and provide a broader lifestyle for women are clearly addressed throughout. Although great progress has been made for women, we still strive for things like equal pay and equal roles in the marketplace. Religious differences were not tolerated in this small town, and although this may not be the case in many larger cities today, we still see suspicion and shunning of those who do not conform to the general consensus.

Despite enjoying this lengthy work of Sinclair Lewis, I felt it was overly long and my interest began to wane. A lot could have been trimmed from his writing. Although this book, written in 1920,展示了许多生动的历史画面, the language was often "dated" and tended to be repetitive at times. For these reasons, I am having difficulty rating it and will likely revisit my assessment.

Certainly, this piece of writing stands among the very best. It is truly a remarkable work that has left a profound impact on me. In fact, it is quite possible that this is the best book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The author's skill in crafting the story, developing the characters, and creating a vivid and engaging world is simply outstanding. Every page is filled with rich details and emotions that draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end. The themes explored in the book are thought-provoking and relevant, making it not just an entertaining read but also a source of inspiration and learning. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

Forget Huckleberry Finn--Main Street is the great American novel.

While Huckleberry Finn is widely regarded as a classic, Main Street offers a unique and perhaps even more profound exploration of the American experience.

The story in Main Street delves deep into the lives and aspirations of the people in a small Midwestern town. It shows the struggles, the dreams, and the often unfulfilled desires of the ordinary folk.

Unlike some other novels that focus on grand adventures or larger-than-life characters, Main Street presents a more realistic and relatable picture. It makes us think about the true meaning of community, the search for identity, and the challenges of living in a changing world.

In conclusion, Main Street deserves to be recognized as a great American novel, one that offers valuable insights into the heart and soul of America.

Funny, extremely relatable even for the modern woman. Lewis has a remarkable way of penning the intricacies of people's inner universes. His writing style is truly captivating, as he delves deep into the human psyche, uncovering the hidden emotions and thoughts that we all experience but often struggle to express. It's as if he has a magical key that unlocks the door to our souls and allows us to see ourselves in a whole new light.

I was thoroughly entertained by this piece and couldn't help but nod in agreement at many of the observations made. It made me laugh out loud at times and also touched my heart in others. I am now eager to explore more of Lewis's work and discover what other treasures he has in store for us. I have a feeling that each new piece will be just as engaging and thought-provoking as this one.

Overall, I highly recommend Lewis's writing to anyone who enjoys a good read that not only entertains but also makes you think. He is a talented author with a unique voice, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Lyrical prose: the life it saves could be your own.

This particular bound version is truly remarkable. I was reading Babbitt on my iPhone, using Stanza. However, it often crashed, which was quite frustrating. But this bound edition I have now is a different story. Among the three I tried out today, it has the most perfect font. The letters are clear and distinct, as if they were carefully crafted to enhance the reading experience. Moreover, the paper is the crispiest and most rugged-translucent. It feels almost magical to turn the pages, as if I am being transported into a different world with each flip.

Every time I pick up this book, I am filled with a sense of anticipation. I know that within its pages lies a story that has the potential to touch my heart and change my perspective. The life it saves could indeed be my own, as I lose myself in the words and ideas presented. It is a beautiful thing, this connection between the reader and the written word, and this particular bound version seems to enhance that connection in a special way.

I absolutely LOVED Main Street. It is truly one of the few books that has managed to get me incredibly excited in quite some time.

The story is captivating, filled with vivid characters and a narrative that draws you in from the very beginning.

On the other hand, Babbitt is also a great book. However, it doesn't have the same level of devastation as Main Street.

Babbitt has its own charm and offers a different perspective, but there is something about Main Street that just hits harder and leaves a more lasting impression.

Overall, both books are worth reading, but if you're looking for a book that will really tug at your emotions and keep you on the edge of your seat, then Main Street is the one for you.

Although this volume encompasses both Main Street and Babbitt, as of now, I have only delved into Main Street.

Main Street presents a classic portrayal of a vivacious young woman named Carol, hailing from the Twin Cities. She eventually marries a rural physician and relocates with him to his hometown of Gopher Prairie.

The book has its uneven moments and could have been refined in certain aspects. However, at its core, it focuses on Carol's arduous struggle to surmount and ultimately reconcile with what she perceives as the narrow-mindedness and mediocrity of her fellow townspeople, including her husband.

What, for me, elevates this book to the status of a classic is its inherent ambiguity. Despite the blatant flaws and shortcomings of her fellow citizens, one is never truly certain whether Carol is justified in condemning them. And in the end, Carol herself is also left in a state of uncertainty.

This ambiguity adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and enduring work of literature.

I have only read Main Street up to this point. However, I fully intend to return to reading Babbitt at some point in the future. Sinclair Lewis truly shines in his narrative with his highly expressive and descriptive writing style. This made reading Main Street an extremely enjoyable experience. It's a novel that can resonate with every person, in every day life. The ideas presented within it, along with the problems and their proposed solutions, have a timeless quality that can be applied throughout the course of history. It's not just a story set in a particular era, but rather a reflection of the human condition that remains relevant today and will likely continue to be so in the future.

Witty, astute, and honest criticism of the very birth of the American Mid-Western cultural values found today.

The American Mid-West has long been a region with its own unique set of cultural values. However, it is important to critically examine the origins of these values.

One aspect that can be analyzed is the influence of the pioneer spirit. The early settlers in the Mid-West were faced with harsh conditions and had to rely on their own ingenuity and hard work to survive. This led to the development of values such as self-reliance and determination.

Another factor to consider is the role of agriculture in the region's economy. The Mid-West is known as the "breadbasket" of America, and farming has been a major part of its identity. This has given rise to values such as a strong work ethic and a connection to the land.

However, it is also necessary to question some of these values. For example, the emphasis on self-reliance may sometimes lead to a lack of community spirit and cooperation.

In conclusion, a witty, astute, and honest criticism of the birth of American Mid-Western cultural values can help us better understand and evaluate these values in the context of today's society.