A Raisin in the Sun

Author: Lorraine Vivian Hansberry

First line: Come on now, boy, it's seven thirty.

Why you should read this book: The three generations of Youngers living in the old two-bedroom apartment all dream of material success, and now that the insurance money is about to come through, their dreams could be realized, but they all have different definitions of success. This play is a realistic portrait of an African-American family struggling to get ahead in the early days of the civil rights movement, resonant with issues of racism, classism, and infighting. A powerful play with a surprisingly optimistic conclusion.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You don't get the big deal about the American Dream, since your parents gave you everything you ever wanted and it's always been easy for you to succeed.