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Hesse, Achebe, Wilde, and Martel are the most commonly read authors in the summer before senior year - find out what they're all about!
The end of school is quickly approaching, but the summer of reading is just beginning. Each June students get assigned summer reading, which is usually not looked upon too fondly. But what of it? Across the country, major patterns emerge as to which books are being read by what ages. The following are the most commonly read books in the summer for incoming seniors:
Siddhartha Though not a traditional plot structure, many students have enjoyed following the title character throought this short book as he spends a lifetime trying to discover his true path and purose. Though raised a Brahmin, Siddhartha, along with his friend Govinda, try a number of different paths, until finally making some important discoveries about himself, the world and his place in the world. Throughout the book only five or six other characters emerge, but each bring with them their own memorable scene and lesson. Things Fall Apart Warning: Many find this book to be startling - and it is. In Achebe's most acclaimed novel, Okonkwo finds himself unchanged and trying to conform to tradition in a Nigerian villiage where most of his fellow villiagers have converted to Christianity and are helping the British. Okonkwo still holds true to the old warrior-like temperments that Nigerians once thought all men should have, and this causes a number of problems for him and his relationships. The Importance of Being Earnest Earnest is indeed a most important chap - in fact all four of the main characters in Wilde's play would agree. Both Cecily and Gwendolyn are madly in love with him (though they have never actually met him), while Algernon and Jack, well they ARE Earnest. Madness erupts with a series of mistaken identities and hilarious run-ins, making this a classic favorite over the century. The only word of advice to offer: never understimate the hired help. Life of Pi If you're looking for a good story to be told, you've found it with this Yann Martel tale. In it, Pi, who grew up as the son of a zookeeper, sets off to find himself spiritually, not unlike the previously mentioned Siddhartha. However, Pi also must BE FOUND, as, on his family's cross-ocean travels, he is stranded on an island with only 4 other animals. Given all this time, Pi invites the reader to enter into an entirely different world, where much is to be learned. If your school district does not provide a way for you to purchase the summer reading books, do not forget that your local library will have these copies (although get them early before classmates beat you to it). Amazon.com is also a good option to get the books quickly and inexpensively. Enjoy your reading!
The copyright of the article Summer Reading - 12th Grade in Teen Fiction is owned by Laura L. Johnson. Permission to republish Summer Reading - 12th Grade in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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