Reading for Fun

I know you guys don't have much time for reading for fun, but maybe some of you have recommendations for something to read that does not require much thought. A story that you can just get lost in. My favorites are Harry Potter, The Georgia Nicolson Series, and The Princess Diaries.

Jane Eyre

Jane is constantly held down by the men in her life. Choose either John Reed, Brocklehurst, Rochester, or St. John and analyze how they kept her back and made her feel inferior.

Dystopia

We have read a lot of Dystopian novels. What I want you to do is to write a blog post describing your idea of a Utopian Society. We will then comment on what is wrong with each others' Utopias to prove that there is no such thing as a Utopian Society.

Jesus

We have read several books with Christ-like figures. Compare these characters in a blog post and describe their Christ-like tendencies.

The Great Gatsby

Colors are everywhere in this book, and although I have told you not to use it on the test, it is still important to recognize how Fitzgerald uses colors to display themes.

Catcher in the Rye

How do you feel about Holden Caulfield? Is he an inspirational character or just whiny? Why?

Frankenstein II

Shelley alludes to Prometheus and Paradise Lost in the work. How does this add insight?

Franknstein I

In what ways are Victor and his monster foils? In what ways are they alike? How do their likenesses and differences inform any themes to which you think they are applicable?

Be brief

Brevity is the soul of wit, dear pupils. Remember this when writing your papers. I do not want to read the same ideas over and over again for pages. I would rather your paper be brief and insightful than long and monotonous.

However, do not model your brevity after the speaker of this quote, Polonius from Shakespeare's Hamlet. He states "Brevity is the soul of wit" and then continues to ramble on line after line.

Symbols, Symbols, Symbols!

Symbolism can be found in every book and will likely show up on the AP test. So, think of some books with blatant and hidden symbolism.

A couple of go to books are The Scarlet Letter and 1984. I want you to come up with some books that are not so loaded with symbolism.

Winter Blues

I know we all have the winter doldrums, but remember that spring is right around the corner, so keep up with your schoolwork and take some time to enjoy the winter. While doing so, read this selection from Thoreau's Walden. It gives insight into the workings of humankind as well as beautiful descriptions of the outdoors. If you want to continue reading you can buy the book or find it here.

Ignorance is Slavery

Think back to when you first read 1984 by George Orwell. Was it believable, or did it seem far fetched to you? Does it really seem that far off, or is 1984 on the horizon? After reading the links, do you think that an Orwellian Society could be our future?