Anna Karenina
Often called the greatest novel ever written.
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”
Why It Matters
Often called the greatest novel ever written. Tolstoy's most architecturally perfect book, and the one in which his realism reaches its most refined point — the parallel marriage plots are a structural argument about love, will, and faith. Nabokov rated it above all other novels for its 'utter aesthetic perfection.'
The 
Take
Personal reviewTolstoy has the most realistic characters with the most realistic depictions of social, psychological and romantic phenomena I’ve ever seen. His descriptions are incredibly perceptive, largely non-judgemental, and almost always reveal a believable ulterior motive or cause to any event or action. His methodical approach to the events in anna karenina is purely clinical, and he never lets up. I’d say the entire plot line is less amazing than the consistent list of perfect observations of human nature if I had to define his superpower. The way he depicts the yearning of characters is just so real, not totally rational or irrational. Liked this one more than war and peace, the peace is more interesting!
Notable Quotes
“If you look for perfection, you'll never be content.”
“He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking.”