AP English Literature Reading List: 7 Best Books to Begin with

The AP English tests students on their ability to analyze literary works and cogently communicate that analysis in essay form. The preparation for this exam requires students to read and analyze a vast amount of literature. With a huge list of novels to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which books to prioritize for your AP English Literature Reading List.

In this blog, we break down the list of books you should start with for your AP literature preparation. The book list consists of the top 10 literary works that every student should start with in their AP literature prep journey:

Here’s the list of novels for AP literature exam prep:

Top 7 Books for Building your AP English Literature Reading List

1. Great Expectations by Charles Dicken

Great expectations by Charles Dickens is one of the most versatile novels. It comprises all genres like satire, crime, gothic, serial fiction, romance, history and politics. The plot of this novel is a fun read and the AP literature exam can test on deeper literary analysis with focus on his writing or prose.

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2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Regarded as one of the best pieces on the College board reading list, Wuthering Heights is a strong example of Gothic Romanticism. Its language is easy to understand compared to other readings in the AP reading list. This novel talks about class and gender conforms from a woman’s perspective.

3. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Published in 1954, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is a popular read and has been part of the AP English Literature Reading list for many years. Though a long read, it is definitely worth the time.

The book talks about race and bigotry and also explores various ideologies and stereotypes, while delving on the effect it has on the minds of everyone involved. The story is culturally relevant even today

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4. King Lear by William Shakespeare

King Lear is one of the most cited works of literature by Shakespeare. A brutal play throwing light on themes like familial love, duty, anger and deception, this is a wealth of both literary analysis and stylistic elements. The play interweaves the theme of loyalty with compassion and forgiveness.

5. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment is a long (545 pages) read but is a worthwhile read. Its main theme is gaining redemption through suffering. Staying true to its name, Crime and Punishment talks about the relationship of one with another.

6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre is a highly cited and a well known Victorian Romantic novel and is a must read book for AP literature reading list. The story is of a woman longing for more than what traditional society would allow her to have.

The novels centres around a strong feminist character who fights to gain control of her destiny. The novel resonated deeply with women and centres around the themes of love, gender roles and social class.

7. Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Herman Melville’s Moby Dick is described as a meditation on America and is considered as one of the most masterful works of fiction. We advise reading this novel and studying it to build an understanding of Melville’s particular use of symbolism.

Students can use this list of AP English Literature books to plan exam prep. These 7 novels should definitely be a priority on your AP Literature reading list! Studying them will help you cover a wide range of themes, genres, and cultural time periods and aid you in tackling different varieties of exam questions.

To build a better understanding of these literary works, consider going for a private online AP English Literature tutor to help you ease your prep journey and gain mastery over tools and techniques used to conduct effective and efficient literary analysis. Talentnook offers a range of affordable AP English literature tutors to check out from