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Summer Reading List 

AP English Language and Composition

Required Summer Reading (2021-2022 school year)

 

Everyone must read the following three books:

  1. Into the Wild – John Krakauer
  2. Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
  3. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius – Dave Eggers

 

 

You are expected to read three books this summer and keep a reading journal/log for each book. In other words, you should write down your analysis of the book as you read it. You must write at least two pages per book (it must be typed). Quality as well as quantity counts. Remember, this course focuses on how the author writes to create a message, so your journals should analyze the writing style. In other words, do not merely summarize the story. You can use the internet to assist you in interpreting the stories; however, your journals need to be your reflections, not the interpretations of others. You will be tested on these stories as early as the first day of school, so do not wait until the last minute.

 

Write a 3-5 page paper that argues which book you feel succeeds best at its given subject matter. In your argument, you should consider why the book you have chosen is superior to the others. Your paper must follow MLA guidelines.

 

You are expected to get these books on your own, either by checking them out of a library, or by purchasing them. Buying the books is not a requirement, but it is a good idea since you might want to make notes in the margins.

 

Remember, you must:

  1. Write a 3-5 page paper about the books
  2. Write a 2 page journal for each of the three books
  3. Be prepared for a test on the first day of school on all three books