Books to add when there is an option for the high school English class
I've previously written about the books kids are assigned to read for English projects. I believe that the multicultural and politically correct slant turns kids off. Most of the crap being assigned isn't very good. Trust me, I read this stuff.
Usually, though, there are options available. Teachers will allow students to pick other literature. Here are my top choices that any high school student will benefit from reading:
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich - A slim 176 pages, packed with swear words and a message that any student will get. Teachers like this too. It's foreign.
Stories of Anton Chekhov - Again, it is foreign, so extra points there. Great stories of varying length that will get through any class exercise.
A Good Man is Hard to Find - Flannery O'Connor is one of the lesser-known treasures of American writing. High school students would do well to know her writing and there isn't a better choice than this collection.
The Screwtape Letters - I need to get the audiobook, read by John Cleese, but delivers a great message inside great literature.
Hamlet - C'mon. If it wasn't required already they should know the bard.
Nicomachean Ethics - Here's the deal: They can read Books I and II as part of an essay assignment. Easy stuff and they will get a glimpse of truly original thinking.
The Symposium - You gotta read it at some point in your life. It is slim and enticing and you are off.
Watership Down - I am forever grateful that my high school English teacher required this wonderful book that also gives us insight to the various forms of government.
Animal Farm - Better than 1984, this used to be required reading. It still should be.
On Duties - This is our stretch goal. The assignment: Read this and write a letter to your future child on surviving in today's society
Usually, though, there are options available. Teachers will allow students to pick other literature. Here are my top choices that any high school student will benefit from reading:
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich - A slim 176 pages, packed with swear words and a message that any student will get. Teachers like this too. It's foreign.
Stories of Anton Chekhov - Again, it is foreign, so extra points there. Great stories of varying length that will get through any class exercise.
A Good Man is Hard to Find - Flannery O'Connor is one of the lesser-known treasures of American writing. High school students would do well to know her writing and there isn't a better choice than this collection.
The Screwtape Letters - I need to get the audiobook, read by John Cleese, but delivers a great message inside great literature.
Hamlet - C'mon. If it wasn't required already they should know the bard.
Nicomachean Ethics - Here's the deal: They can read Books I and II as part of an essay assignment. Easy stuff and they will get a glimpse of truly original thinking.
The Symposium - You gotta read it at some point in your life. It is slim and enticing and you are off.
Watership Down - I am forever grateful that my high school English teacher required this wonderful book that also gives us insight to the various forms of government.
Animal Farm - Better than 1984, this used to be required reading. It still should be.
On Duties - This is our stretch goal. The assignment: Read this and write a letter to your future child on surviving in today's society
My boy-wonder is reading 10 chapters a day (he says) to have Watership Down done by Monday.
He also had to read the Hobbit this summer. This is for 8th grade advanced English in a public middle school. I like a lot of your recommendations.
I was tempted to become gay in college after reading the Symposium. Just kidding.
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AFTER he has finished with the book, the animated movie isn't bad as a refresher.
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