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Suggested Reading From The Classes Of 2001-2004
Albom, Mitch
Tuesdays with Morrie
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it because
of its valuable life lessons that are explored by Albom. (Anish
‘01)
Alvarez, Julia.
In the Time of the Butterflies.
This is the true story of four sisters growing up in the Domincan
Republic, three of whom are later murdered for their work in an
uprising against a dictator. Each chapter is told by a different
person as you see the girls grow up, go to school, get married and
then get involved with the uprising. The writing is so clear, you
feel as if you are there the whole time with the sisters and there
are some scenes that will stay with you long after you finish the
book. (Anna '04)
Alvarez, Marie
In the Time of the Butterflies
This is a heart-rending tale of a political revolution in the Dominican
Republic, and one familyĖs struggle to oppress the confinements
their dictator placed upon them. This novel was based on a true
story. (Andrea '02)
This novel is about the Trujillo dictatorship of
the Dominican Republic in the mid-20th century. Four sisters form
their own revolutionary group to overthrow the oppressive dictatorship.
The novel is divided into random segments, each in first person
of a different sister. I loved this book because each sister had
a very different perspective; some I could relate to more than others.
It was fast-paced and entertaining and also provided cultural information.
(Niyati '02)
Andrews, V.C.
Flowers in the Attic
A fun, twisted novel about a mother who locks her children in an
attic. Good book, but a little strange/spooky. (Niyati
'02)
Armstrong, Lance
It's Not about the Bike
ItĖs just an inspiring biography about Lance Armstrong's battle
with cancer and his journey back to being one of the world's best
cyclists. (Graham '02)
Auel, Jane M.
The Clan of the Cave Bear
This novel is about the clash between two different species of man
many years ago. One Homo Sapien girl is adopted by a clan. The novel
describes her curiosity and discoveries. (Niyati
'02)
Block, Francesca Lia
I was a Teenage Fairy
This book focuses on painful but important teenage issues that one
could face. The main character, Barbie, and her fairy companion,
Mab, face these issues in a compelling twist of adventures set in
L.A. (Sara '02)
Bronte, Charlotte
Jane Eyre
The book is a story of the development of a young woman hungry for
love and finds it in a rough and frank Mr. Rochester. However, secrets
open up and her journey continues as she struggles to sacrifice
her happiness while he struggles to get her back to him, for he
loves her dearly as well. I loved Bronte's way of describing human
emotions and her wonderful characters. This is definitely an essential
classic to read. (Stephanie '04)
Burnett, Frances Hodgson
Little Lord Fauntleroy
This book is a classic and an easy read. I recommend it to anyone
who wants to feel hope that anyone can change his or her bad ways.
It is about a young boy named Cedric Errol who lived in the streets
of New York with his mother. Cedric finds out that he is the only
heir of his grandfather, who is the Earl of Dorincourt. He goes
to England to live in a castle where he meets this fierce and unhappy
old man, his grandfather. Cedric's innocence somehow transforms
the Earl, who is ready to grant Lord Fauntleroy's (Cedric's) every
desire. Cedric's successful future as an Earl is tarnished when
the true heir of Dorincourt is discovered.
(Imran '03)
Card, Orson Scott
Shadow of the Hedegmone
This book is about two boys, one Bean the other Peter, and their
journey. It takes place after a great intergalactic war. Bean is
pursuing a captor who has kidnapped his best friend. Peter is trying
to get a high government position. This book was fast pace and kept
me on my toes. It was truly exhilarating. (Brian
'04)
Card, Orson Scott
Ender's Game
This book is a fantastic novel about a young genius's quest to save
the World. When I read this book I could not put it down. I guarantee
you will not be able to put it down either. (Court Flannery '04)
I like the fantasy idea of the book. I also can draw some parallels
to myself in the book. (Sameer '04)
This is one of my personal favorites because it is
easy to relate to in many ways, and solves many real problems without
making the problems central to the plot. This book also appeals
to me because it has an addictive plot and depth, while not being
difficult to read. (Jake '04)
Carroll, Lewis
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,
and
Through the Looking Glass
It is a wacky and wonderful take of a young girl in a curious land.
Whether a dream or not, her adventures are fun and full of imagination.
(Marissa '03)
Coetzee, J.M.
Waiting for the Barbarians
This novel is the story of a South African magistrateĖs introspective
journey into the depths of torture, hatred and illusion. (Mark
'01)
Cormier, Robert
I Am The Cheese
A boy documents a journey on his bike, recalling many events past.
An interrogation interrupts his story every few chapters, as a mysterious
person tries to persuade him to recall the events of his past. A
startling end to this book is that the reader learns this boy is
in a mental hospital, and is riding his bike around the school yard,
remembering life outside the gates. This book is emotional, sometimes
confusing, but a novel that will keep you thinking.
(Ian '04)
Cornwell, Patricia
Postmortem
If you like crime scene investigations and heavy, intense murders,
then I highly recommend this book to you! Postmortem involves serial
killers, forensics, Federal agents, and laboratory experiments.
This book goes into heavy details about crime scene investigations
that are caused by nonstop serial killers. It tells about a serial
killer that rapes and then kills women by strangling them to death.
This murderer hasnĖt been caught yet because he is a perfectionist
and is extremely cautious and careful when it comes to leaving evidence
behind. The narrator herself is one of the lab investigators that
later finds herself to be in some dangerous trouble as well. All
of Patricia CornwellĖs books involve investigations and serial killers.
There are many of her books out that are even more intense and interesting.
(Kari '01)
Deaver, Jeffrey
The Bone Collector
Lincoln Rhyme, a paraplegic retired police officer, comes out of
retirement to work one final homicide case. Meanwhile, the serial
killer is on the prowl, searching for victims. I liked this book
because it had many action-packed scenes and a climactic ending.
This book was made into a movie starring Denzel Washington and Angelina
Jolie. (Joey '04)
Dickens, Charles
Great Expectations
This novel is about a young boy, Pip, and his journey to become
a gentleman. He learns that being rich isnĖt everything and that
he doesnĖt belong in that society. I liked this book because something
was constantly happening. There was always a new problem that Pip
had to face and that made the book interesting.
(Lourdes '04)
Ellison, Ralph
The Invisible Man
This book is the intriguing journey of a young black man, and his
realization about the cruelty of society. (Nikhil
'01)
Fitch, Janet
White Oleander
A young girl has grown up with her mother who is mentally and physically
incompetent to take care of her, so instead of the mother taking
care of the daughter, the daughter is forced to take care of the
mother. This compassionate story of a girl who is forced to move
from foster home to foster home at the same time that she is finding
herself will truly end up as a classic. A must read. This book would
be liked more by females, but men would like it too. (Katie
'04)
Golden, Arthur
Memoirs of a Geisha
This novel is about the life and trials of a young girl in Japan
trying to survive the hardships of being sold to an okiya by her
father and living as a servant for many years before finally becoming
a beautiful geisha. I loved this book because of the wonderful descriptions
and details, yet the plot captured my attention and kept me turning
the pages. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about
lives from different cultures and is ready for an incredible emotional
ride.
Heller, Joseph
Catch-22
During World War II a company of US Air Force servicemen reveal
the ridiculous nature of American policy and war in general. I liked
this book because through its humour, it showed its meaning. Heller
also coined the term 'Catch-22' in this book.
(Aalap '04)
Hemingway, Ernest
The Old Man and the Sea
The book reenacts an old Cuban fisherman who journeys to the waters
with courage and respect for the fish. The book is an easy book
to analyze in terms of major themes. It also allows for much imagination
on your behalf. (Jeff '04)
Hesse, Hermann
Demian
This book is an excellent example of psychomachia, while at the
same time it is very moving. (David '02)
Irving, John
A Prayer for Owen Meaney
Wonderful book with well-developed, likable characters. Easy to
read, will make you think (but not too much). Also recommended by
my mom. (Julia '01)
Jones, Diana Wynne
The Chronicles of Chestomanci
This novel details the Twelve Related Worlds, parallel universes
that are protected by the most powerful enchanter – so powerful
that only they can stop the magically-inclined people in all twelve
worlds from misusing it. These people are given the title Crestomanci.
Two boys from a strong magical family, Christopher and Cat Chant,
do not have the magical powers that made their families famous,
but they must stop a megalomaniac from becoming Crestomanci. This
book is GREAT! It is a mix of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings!!
(Morgan '04)
Keith, Harold
Rifles for Watie
A boy joins the army during the Civil War and lives through the
war, falls in love. He left a boy and returns home a man. I like
this book because it is accurate historically, realistic but not
too glory.(Laura '04)
King, Stephen
SalemĖs Lot
SalemĖs Lot is a haunting thriller which takes something as unbelievable
as vampires and brings them to life. The scariest book IĖve ever
read. (Shaud '03)
This book is about a mysterious town and a man that
returns to it. The book has to do with a boy that mysteriously disappears.
The man in the book tries to figure out where everyone is disappearing
too. This book was a quick read and a good mystery. I enjoyed this
book because of the suspense it puts the reader through, and also
for the way the book was written. It was a logical and realistic
way to write which also made the book seem more interesting. (Russell
'04)
Kingsolver, Barbara
The Bean Trees
The Bean Trees combines many important issues such as cultural differences,
difficult love and friendship relationships, and dealing with some
of lifeĖs questions into one book. It begins with a girl who is
driving across the country with less than ambitious goals: she will
rename herself whatever town she needs gas in first, and she will
make a home for herself when the car breaks. Unexpectedly a small
baby is dropped in the back seat of her car. Taylor makes a new
life for herself in Arizona becoming friends with a car repair woman
and two illegal immigrants. They struggle through life together
as told in this great book. (Ellen '03)
Lee, Harper
To Kill a Mockingbird
I absolutely loved this book. It teaches very important life lessons,
and itĖs also very comical and entertaining.
(Niyati '02)
Mah, Adeline Yen
Falling Leaves
In a Cinderella-like story of AdelineĖs own childhood and adolescence,
Mah weaves the tale of an unwanted Chinese daughter and the challenges
that she faces. I loved the vivid memories that Mah presents and
the Chinese that is artfully spun into the story.
(Amber '04)
Markandaya, Kamala
Nectar in a Sieve
ItĖs a story of a simple peasant woman in a primitive village in
India whose whole life was a brave and persistent battle to care
for those she loved. (Eugenia '02)
McCammon, Robert
Boy's Life
Recommended by my mom to me when I was a freshman. Writing style
reminds me of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. The characters
are great, the plot is interesting because of all the little details
woven in. Don't let the length scare you.
(Julia '01)
McCourt, Frank
Angela's Ashes
An Irish boy is faced with many harsh living conditions with his
family, as his alcoholic father brings home no money to his family,
they struggle to survive. Frank is faced with many things, but works
hard to get on his way to America. I liked this book because it
was a true story that discussed how strong families ties can be,
and in contrast, how they can be ruined. You will laugh and cry,
and love this book. Guaranteed. *You also get double points for
reading this. (Meredith '04)
Nixon, Garth
Shades Children
In a world where all adults have vanished, fugitive children and
Shade try to overthrow the terrible rule of the overlords. I liked
this book because it was action packed and moved quickly. The characters
were also well developed. (Simonne '04)
Pullman, Philip
The Golden Compass
A fantasy story set in a world not that different from ours; a young
girl must travel between worlds to find her destiny with the help
of her dameon, gypsies, and an armored bear. I enjoyed this book
because its suspense and intriguing characters have led me to reread
this book many times over. (Marissa '04)
Rice, Anne
The Vampire Lestat
This book is about a vampireĖs life, which expanded over two hundred
years, from when he became a vampire to the present day. I liked
it because it was very interesting and had a lot of action. It caught
me within the first 15 pages. I also liked how detailed it was.
I could actually imagine the years going by. (Ryan
'04)
Rowling, J.K.
Harry Potter (all of them)
Entertaining 7-part series about a young wizard who overcomes various
major and minor obstacles. Quick to read, I haven't found anyone
who doesn't like these books. (Julia '01)
Rowling, J.K.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter goes on yet another adventure by getting himself involved
in a competition to determine the best school in the wizard world.
He goes through many tests and trials and the outcome is very surprising.
I liked the book because it kept me guessing what was coming up
next and how the end would finally turn out. (Erin
Ė04)
These books are childish and fun. The text is simple,
however, it is not immature. (Niyati Î01)
Salinger, J.D.
Catcher In The Rye
This book is about a boy named Holden Caulfield who gets expelled
from prep school, and goes to NYC before he decides to return to
his parents home for break. The story describes his thoughts and
feelings that he encounters during his time in NYC. I found this
book to be very funny and true to life. (Jessica
'04)
This story catches the essence of teen turmoil shown
through a male perspective deals with issues of control, sex, drug
use and maturity. (T.J. '03)
I believe that all high schoolers should read The
Catcher in the Rye because it is about a college student that everyone
should know about. (Robert '02)
I recommend this book to read for several reasons.
It has much to do with life at the teenage years, and show how easily
people can mess up. It also gives you insight on Holden who is slowly
going insane and it shows you the flaw in his thoughts, showing
the reader what not to do. The book is just a pleasure book to read
in the end; having conflict in which Holden must solve them. The
book is fun to read and most people should like it. (Mayur
'03)
Salvatore, R.A.
Canticle
A young priest named Cadderly finds out there is trouble arising
in the catacombs beneath the temple in which he works. He learns
this too late, when he is suddenly pulled into a plot to kill the
priests of the temple, and suddenly Cadderly is forced to be the
hero he never wanted to be. (Sean '04)
Schopenhauer, Arthur
The World as Will and Idea
Anyone interested in philosophy, eastern or western, will be interested
in this book. It addresses all of the major philosophical topics
through the idea of Will, the insatiable force driving all things
to continue the pursuit of life to the maximum. It is a very insightful,
lucid analysis of the natural order of things coated by a heavy
dose of pessimism. (Phil '03)
Smith, Betty
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Betty Smith writes the tale of Frances Nolan's life: her joys, triumphs
and pains. This beautiful memoir incorporates all the details possible
in a teenager's life. (Kara '02)
Stackpole, Michael
I, Jedi
If you enjoy Star Wars you would enjoy this book. I like Star Wars
so I read it. This book is about Corran Horn, and his wife is kidnapped.
He must learn the ways of the Jedi to save his wife and stop the
empire. (David '04)
Staples, Suzanne Fisher
Shiva's Fire
Parvati, an Indian girl with special powers especially in the art
of dance, is invited to study at a gurukulam, or a dance school,
where she questions her dharma. Although she was first ridiculed
in her home village, she becomes a renowned dancer in all of India
facing challenges of her maturity to which she asks Shiva for help.
This book truly allows you to walk in Parvati's skin, experiencing
the atmosphere she grows in and feeling every emotion of love, sadness,
jealousy, or pain she encounters. Shiva's Fire totally enwraps you
and you really wonĖt be able to put this book down. (Laura
'04)
Steinbeck, John
Of Mice and Men
A great story of two men traveling and working on a farm. One man,
not very intelligent, follows his friend along as they go on with
life. (Randy '02)
Steinbeck, John
East of Eden
A story about two families that live in Salinas, the Trasks and
the Hamiltons, and how they retell the stories of Adam and Eve and
Cain and Able. I liked it because of the in depth characters and
because it never got boring. (Jessica '04)
Tolkien, J.R.R.
The Hobbit
Bilbo Baggins knew little about the world outside of his snug home
and was not expecting a visit from a majestic wizard and a band
of homeless dwarves. Soon after this strange visit Bilbo found himself
battling flesh-eating orcs, trolls, savage wolves, dragons and strange
things that lurk in the dark pools of the Forbidden Woods. When
I first read this book, I felt as if I was following the Dwarves
on the narrow path into the woods and through their perils. The
humor and suspense of this tale does not allow you to go a single
day without reading at least several chapters. This book is the
first of a four-book set; the intensity of adventure grows throughout
each one. (Jane '04)
Volsky, Paula
Illusion
Follows the friction between a large lower class and a self consumed
upper class: power hungry nobles and power hungry plebians alike
fight for the thrown and for control of the people, blood is shed,
and all those in the middle must find a new leader to bring peace.
Eliste vo Derrivalle and her escaped former-serf, Dref Zeenoson,
must find a way to adapt to this new, and constantly changing, society.
One of those books with everything in it: magic, romance, politics.
(Kim '04)
Watkins, Paul
Stand Before Your God
This memoir is interesting, insightful, eventful and easy to connect
with. The story of a youth makes one think about his own life. It's
definitely worth your time! (Caitlin '02)
Weisel, Elie
Night
Very moving. Very dramatic. Nothing more to be said. (Niyati
'02) .
Yoshikawa, Eiji
Musashi
A tale from feudal Japan, Musashi tells of Shinmen Takezo and his
difficult quest for chivalry and perfection during the rise of the
Tokugawa Shogunate. A long but rewarding read, Mushashi is packed
with suspense, action, tragedy, and humor. A classic Japanese story
that is remarkably versatile and quite fresh. A compelling read.
(Mikio '04)
You see the main character Musashi overgrow his childish
foolishness and grow into a mature man. Musashi is a Japanese classic
and a true story, so it is a valued national treasure in Japan.
(John '04)
Zindel, Paul
The Pigman
Two friends play a game in which they try to keep an unknown caller
on the phone for a long period of time, and talk to a nice man they
later call the Pigman, and become friends. I would recommend this
book because I knew what the kids were experiencing and I thought
it was an interesting story. (Aaron '04)
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July 9, 2002
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