Kentlake AP Literature and Composition Summer Reading
2012-2013
A.P. Literature Students:
As we head into summer break, let the following good reads enrich your vacation. These titles
were chosen carefully to procure momentum into next year as we explore the human condition,
specifically where culture and literature intersect, and prepare for the AP literature and
composition exam. Surrounding one’s self with story is a timeless cultural tendency, through
which life is celebrated and learned. We are glad you have elected to pursue the rewarding
challenge of this course and look forward to sharing some great literature together.
Summer Reading and Accompanying Assignment:
Reading: The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Assignment: Dialectical Journal
A dialectical journal is a conversation between you and what you are reading. It is an opportunity
to make connections with a story and explore your reactions. The objective of the journal is to
personalize construction of meaning and your experience with the novel. As you read The Road,
keep a journal of quotes that resonate with you and, as good readers do, react to each quote in
writing. Consider what you like, what you do not like, what confuses you, what you find
interesting, or make connections within the novel and with the outside world. Simply read and
think. While the content of the journal is up to you, it will help, as we will be writing an essay in
class on the first day of school, to include quotes relating to the characters’ isolation and its
effects. The journal should include at least fifteen quotes, each with your responses, and is
due on the first day of class. It should also be typed and follow MLA guidelines.
Recommended Reading: How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
This book is not a required reading, but is recommended because it is an entertaining guide to
analyzing and interpreting literature. There is no assignment accompanying this book, as it is not
required.
Kentlake AP Literature and Composition Summer Reading
2012-2013
Common Course Texts:
Below is a list of literature that we will read during the school year. You are required to obtain
the first title, The Poisonwood Bible, on your own. Purchase of the other titles is recommended
so you can make annotations within them as you read. If you do not get your own copies, they
will be provided for you (except for The Poisonwood Bible). Other titles exclusive to either Mr.
Lessard’s or Mr. Cleary’s class will be discussed the first week of school.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (required for the school year)
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (recommended for the school year)
Hamlet by William Shakespeare (recommended for the school year)
Fences by August Wilson (recommended for the school year)
Excluding registration problems or extenuating circumstances (as determined by teacher
discretion), students that have not completed the summer reading and/or the associated
assignment due on the first day of school will receive no credit. Any subsequent
assignments related to the summer reading done in class must be completed within two
weeks in order to receive credit for those assignments.
If you have any questions regarding the reading or written assignments, please e-mail us at
Scott.Cleary@kent.k12.wa.us or Sam.Lessard@kent.k12.wa.us. Otherwise, enjoy your summer
and happy reading!
Sincerely:
Scott Cleary
Kentlake High School
AP Literature and Composition Teacher
Sam Lessard
Kentlake High School
AP Literature and Composition Teacher