Summer Reading Assignments:
The purpose of this assignment is to give you an early start on your Senior Literature studies, and prepare you for the A.P. Literature exam and the Booktalks Semester Final. Read at least one book from the links listed below. IT MUST BE A BOOK OF LITERARY MERIT (i.e. NO Harry Potter, Hunger Games, The Giver, Where the Red Fern Grows, Twilight series, etc.), and be a work of FICTION. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER YOUR CHOICE IS APPROPRIATE, ASK ME OR YOUR CURRENT ENGLISH TEACHER. You will be given an FRQ at the start of next year using the book you have read for the topic given. If you haven't read a book, we will both know. Likewise, if you choose an inappropriate book, I will not read your essay, and you will earn a ZERO. In your reading, you should focus on literary devices, characterization, and most importantly, theme. I suggest taking a look at the Perrine's Literature, How to be Considered for an "A" and the Booktalks Assignment Link on this page, and the A.P. Senior Literature page. They will give you insights into expectations and requirements.
You may also use the same book for your Booktalks assignment. Again, if you have any questions regarding titles, see me before the end of school, or e-mail me during summer break (though I don't get to my computer often during summer).
If you are taking this class, you need to realize I expect you to be more than a "student". I expect you to be a scholar, which means I expect you to MASTER your subject by working hard, asking questions, meeting deadlines, and going outside your comfort zone. Happy reading.
What The College Board says about A.P. Literature readings:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_englit.html
Here is a link to a list of titles appropriate for Booktalks assignments:
http://gcit.enschool.org/ourpages/auto/2009/1/16/48443945/AP%20suggested%20reading.pdf
In addition to the Booktalk reading, read the following article regarding failure:
What if the Secret to Success is Failure?
After reading the article, respond to the following questions, in three pages or less: Can failure be an integral part of success? What in the article supports your ideas? What role does grit play in personal success (you may use yourself as an example)? YOUR ESSAY MUST BE TYPED IN MLA FORMAT, STAPLED, AND TURNED IN ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS.
Optionally, you can take the Grit Survey:
http://sites.sas.upenn.edu/duckworth/pages/research
The Booktalks Assignment: