The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissenger.
Incoming Seniors: Required Reading: Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton.
English Department Summer Reading 2008 The English teachers have selected the following books for summer reading. In September, teachers will evaluate the reading through objective tests, and the student’s grade on these quizzes will count for a percentage of the first quarter grade. The teachers recommend that parents also read these books. Borders Books and Music and Barnes & Noble in Peabody will order copies of these books. Books can be ordered from Amazon.com. and are available at Book Shop of Beverly Farms at a 10% discount. Incoming Freshmen Please refer to the bottom of the page for additional instructions for the Class of 2012. Required for Accel, CP1 Students:
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Plus Select one from this list:
Lost Horizon by James Hilton Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger
Required for Honors Level Students
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Lost Horizon by James Hilton Life of Pi by Yann Martel Incoming Sophomores
Required Reading:
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Select two from this list:
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Eagle in the Snow by Wallace Breem The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario Incoming Juniors
Required Reading:
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Select two from this list:
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissenger Incoming Seniors:
Required Reading:
Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton
Select two from this list:
Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle The Tenth Man by Graham Greene Murder in Grub Street by Bruce Alexander The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
Incoming Seniors: Honors Required Reading:
Regeneration by Pat Barker The Inferno Dante Alighieri – trans by Robert Hollander The Eloquent Essay by John Loughery, ed.
AP seniors will receive a separate reading list.
Additional Information for the Class of 2012 In September your teachers will evaluate your reading through a variety of methods: objective questions, short essay, and essay. To prepare for this assignment, you may want to keep a reader's journal for each novel in which you record the following: A. Character List:
Write down the names of all the important characters in the novel and a brief identification for each.
B. Plot Summary:
Summarize the major events that occurred in each chapter in a concise paragraph.
C. Theme(s):
Write down two themes for each work in complete sentences. [See "What is a Theme?" on reverse side of this sheet]
D. Personal Response: Record your reaction to the characters, plot, conflict and resolution in a concise paragraph.
What is a Theme? In a work of literature, a theme is a general idea or insight revealed in a story. It is not a summary of the plot, of what happens; rather, a theme is implied by several factors in the work, such as plot, characterization, point of view, imagery, and symbolism. Often literature focuses on abstract themes such as "story of initiation," "loss of innocence," or "the revolt of the downtrodden." While some stories have easily identifiable themes, others offer themes that are difficult to summarize, and different readers may reach different conclusions. When discussing the implicit themes of a novel, ask yourself the following questions: 1. 2.
3. 4.
5.
Look back once more at the title. From what you have read, what does it indicate? Does the main character change in any way during the novel? Does this character arrive at any realization or understanding? Are you left with any realization that you did not have before? Does the author make general observations about life and nature? Does the novel contain any curious objects, mysterious flat characters, repeated names, natural symbols that hint towards meanings larger than the objects normally have? Does the ending of the novel contain any unexpected, ironic developments?
After you consider these questions, write two theme statements for each novel. a. b. c.
Write the theme statements in complete sentences. Write the statements as generalizations, not as plot summaries. Do the statements hold true for the novel as a whole, not just for part of it?
