AP U.S. GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT
Doug Wiles
douglas_wiles@hotmail.com
Val Lawrensen
vlawrensen@hotmail.com
OLHS weblog will have assignment posted also
All students planning to take AP U.S. Government & Politics will be required to purchase the following
books for summer reading:
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
New paperback -- $14.95
2006
ISBN# 0307237702
375 pages
Used paperback -- < $7.00
And
Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir
New paperback -- $14.00
by John McCain
2006 ISBN# 1422352501
349 pages
Used paperback -- < $7.00
*Both books may be purchased at Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. There are several used
paperback books for sale on line for $5.00 or less. You may purchase the hardback edition, but they are
much more expensive.
Requirements & Guidelines:
1. You will be expected to have completed the reading of both books prior to the start of school.
2. It is highly recommended that you find a reading partner to assist in motivating, discussing, and
understanding what you have read. Both books are inspirational and insightful, but there is much to be
learned from another reader’s perspective. We will also offer a weblog discussion area on the Liberty
First Class mail system -- you will be able to set that up by checking Mrs. Lawrensen or Mr. Wiles’
weblogs for instructions and steps.
3. It is highly recommended that you complete the basic reading guide (on back) prior to your return to
school. There will be a writing response during the first few days of class in order to assess your reading
and understanding of both books.
The following are important suggestions and should be utilized as a reading guide for both books in
order to prepare for the writing response upon your return to school in August.
You should be able to:
1. Compare the events and upbringing of both individuals and relate their unique experiences to their
present beliefs and philosophies.
2. Identify key people in their lives and how those individuals have influenced them.
3. Provide your own perspective on each life story -- rate each book on your own personal interest
level.
4. Identify key personal characteristics of each individual which would support their ability as an
acceptable candidate for president.
5. Compare and contrast at least 3 key policy differences between McCain and Obama. (you may have
to use current resources outside of the assigned reading)