ADVANCED PLACEMENT SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
SUMMER 2013
A component of the Advanced Placement curriculum in Literature and Composition is careful reading and
critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students can deepen
their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers.
Several of the books recommended below have been labeled Outstanding Books for the College Bound by the
American Library Association. Many are contemporary novels and may contain mature language and issues.
You should select books from the list that seem most appropriate foryour personal interests and/or maturity
level.
READINGS:
Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison. 1977. This is required reading for ALL STUDENTS.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS – Please answer the Song of Solomon study questions completely and bring the
questions and answers with you on the first day of class. You will be allowed to use these when writing your
diagnostic essay on this novel.
In addition, students should read TWO books from the list below:
Catch22, Joseph Heller. 1961.
Catch 22 is a satire attacking the absurdities of the dehumanizing military bureaucracy of WW II. Captain
John Yossarian tries to decode the meaning of Catch‐22 while thousands of people he has never met are
trying to kill him.
Alias Grace, Margaret Atwood. 1997.
A probing psychological portrait of Grace Marks, a 16‐year‐old Canadian housemaid who was tried for the
murder of her employer and his mistress in 1843. This is a fictionalization of a true story set in a 19th century
prison asylum.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Mohsin Hamid. 2008.
Changez is living an immigrant’s dream of America. Following Princeton, he is snapped up by an elite
business firm, where he thrives on the energy of New York. But in the wake of September 11, Changez
finds his position in his adopted city suddenly overturned.
For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway. 1940.
Set in Spain, in 1937, the novel tells the story of American teacher Robert Jordan, who has joined the
antifascist Loyalist army.
Native Son, Richard Wright, 1940.
The novel tells the story of 20-year-old Bigger Thomas, an African-American youth from Chicago who can not
escape the downward spiral that is his destiny.
A Hologram for the King, Dave Eggers, 2012.
A struggling American businessman pursues a last-ditch effort to avoid foreclosure, pay his daughter’s
college tuition, and finally do smoothing great.
Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte, 1847.
A story of a woman’s quest for freedom and love.
Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver. 1999.
In 1959, Nathan Price, a fierce, evangelical Baptist, takes his four young daughters, his wife, and his mission
the Belgian Congo ‐‐ a place, he is sure, where he can save needy souls.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski. 2008.
A modern retelling of Hamlet set in rural Wisconsin featuring a young hero, born mute, who communicates
with people, dogs, and the occasional ghost through his own mix of sign and body language.
Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte. 1847.
An epic love story played out against the dramatic backdrop of the wild English moors, and presenting an
astonishing metaphysical vision of fate and obsession, passion and revenge.
The Round House, Louise Erdich, 2012.
The story of a boy on the cusp of manhood who seeks justice and understanding in the wake of a terrible
crime that transforms his family.
JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT: DUE AUGUST 5, 2013
In addition to reading these books, students will keep a neatly TYPED journal of entries according to the
descriptions below. Journals will count as a major part of the first quarter grade. In addition, during the first
week of the course, you will be asked to write three diagnostic essays using former AP test questions. These
diagnostic essays will count toward the first quarter grade.
Keep a TYPED journal of the following 10 entries (100‐150 words each):
‐ One comparison or contrast: main character from Song of Solomon and either of the other novels
‐ One comparison of a theme from Song of Solomon and either of the other novels
‐ One comparison of a theme from each of your self‐selected novels
‐ One comparison or contrast: analysis of a literary technique (e.g. author’s use of symbolism, imagery, point
of view, style, etc.) from two novels of your choice.
‐ One comparison or contrast of a minor character from two novels of your choice
‐ Five focused, developed personal responses (What do you think about what you’re reading? Can you
compare or relate it with people you know, places you’ve been, movies you’ve seen, other books you’ve read,
etc?)
NOTE: Save journal assignments to a jump drive for submission to TURNITIN.COM when school begins.
Make sure that each entry has its own focus. Don’t jump around to different subjects in one entry. Your
personal response entries may include any focus except plot summary. Do not merely retell the story. Do not
use Cliff’s Notes or any similar source. Assume your reader is highly familiar with the novel.
Good luck and enjoy your summer vacation and summer reading.
IMPORTANT NOTE: COMPLETED JOURNAL ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE POSTMARKED OR
DELIVERED IN PERSON TO THE STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE BY 3:00 P.M.
MONDAY, AUGUST 5th, 2013.
Assignments may be mailed to:
AP English Summer Reading
Strongsville High School
20025 Lunn Road
Strongsville, OH 44149