Welcome to AP English!
I’m excited to begin our work together for next year. To prepare for the course, please complete the required
summer reading outlined below by the first day of school. You also need to purchase all novels for this class. It’s
important every student uses the SAME edition, so please use the ISBN listed after each title.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
ISBN: 978-0-679-73450-5
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
ISBN: 0-553-21258-3
Beloved by Toni Morrison
ISBN: 978-1-4000-3341-6
You will also need to purchase the following texts for the course:
W;t by Margaret Edson
ISBN: 9780571198771
In order to prepare well for next year, please follow the suggested reading schedule below.
 June-July 10
Crime and Punishment
 July -July 31
Wuthering Heights
 August 1-August 28 Beloved
 Throughout Summer Choice Novel (see extra handout)
As you read, annotate your text using the guidelines on the back of his handout. The annotations will be VERY
helpful for the quiz and essay you’ll write your first week back from summer vacation. Be prepared and launch your
senior year with strength and confidence.
AP English is a challenging course that demands college-level work. And when everyone arrives curious and
prepared, it’s also a lot of fun! Let’s work to make the class of 2016 the best!
Annotation Requirements
As you read, use pencil and highlighter to mark anything that will help improve your understanding or memory of
the text. When annotating leave your unique fingerprint on the page by marking SOME of the following:
 Personal responses—annotation should include your opinions!
 Connections to other things you have studied (allusion) or experienced
 Unfamiliar words or References—circle them and then look them up!
 Questions—pose questions of the text for clarity or challenge the writer (?)
 Ideas with which you agree and disagree (+ = agree, - = disagree)
 Literary strategies—note stylistic choices and changes, character development, symbols, themes, motifs
Tips for Crime and Punishment
o
Note how Dostoevsky develops the various indoor settings of St. Petersburg, the streets of St. Petersburg,
and Raskolnikov’s mind.
o
Character List—There are MANY characters with MANY nicknames. Make a simple character chart and
add details as the plot unfolds: name, nicknames, role, relation to Raskolnikov, physical description,
personality traits, major contributions
o
Motifs—Pick ONE from the list provided and follow it throughout the novel
o
Religious allusions—pay attention to these!
o
Endnotes—Use them to help you understand allusions. They are WORTH the page flipping!
Tips for Wuthering Heights
o
Note how Bronte develops the two settings of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange
o
There are fewer characters BUT their relationships can be difficult to track. Download a Linton-Earnshaw
family tree. A simple Internet search of "Wuthering Heights family tree" will offer many accurate options.
Use it as you read. Mark it up!
o
The story begins AFTER the main events have occurred. It’s a retelling from two narrators:
 Nelly Dean, a loyal servant, who tells the story to a visitor/tenant, Mr. Lockwood
 Mr. Lockwood, a visitor/tenant who re-tells the story, adding his knowledge
Tips for Beloved
o Note how Morrison develops the settings of 124 Bluestone Road and Sweet Home
o Listen as you read. Imagine someone is (un)weaving a tale around you.
o Use your knowledge of American history, especially the Middle Passage and the treatment slaves endured
on board and throughout slavery, to enable yourself to hear the tales Morrison’s characters reveal.
o Be prepared for SEVERAL shifts in point of view, especially in the final chapters.
o Do NOT be put off by the haunting!
Feel free to contact me throughout the summer with any questions you have about the readings.
I look forward to our year together. Happy reading!
Cheers,
Ms. Sibbernsen
Patty.Sibbernsen@wfbschools.com.