With the heavily anticipated finish of AP exams and university looming around the corner for seniors, it’s the perfect time to catch up on some reading! Here is a list of some novels guaranteed to offer new perspectives on life and prepare you for the seemingly daunting transition into university-- or into your next year at Sentinel.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird, narrated by a young girl, tells a tale of prejudice.
The main character’s father, Atticus, fights to defend a Black man mistakenly condemned for the rape of a white woman. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize and nominated as the #1 must-read book by British librarians according to a 2006 World Book Day poll, this timeless classic is a staple in anyone’s reading list.
1984 by George Orwell
Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four explores themes of government, society, and freedom as it depicts a frightening dystopian world featuring Winston Smith, a Ministry of Truth worker that secretly begins to question the government’s oppressive rule. Citizens are monitored constantly, and, if even a hint of rebellion is detected, the Thought Police will be on the hunt.
Nineteen Eighty-Four is, according to prominent writer Robert McCrum, “probably the definitive novel of the 20th century” and is definitely worth a read over the summer!
Lord of the Flies by Wiliam Golding
Published in 1954, Lord of the Flies offers insight into humanity’s savagery.
The novel starts off like any other—a plane crashes onto an isolated island, killing all the adults and leaving the schoolboys to survive on their own. Separated from civilization, the boys set up their own primitive society, which progressively unravels into chaos as the novel goes on. This novel is truly an eye-opener that reveals the dark characteristics of human nature.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a dystopian society promoting the oppression of women.
Following the overtaking of the US government via a military coup, Offred, the protagonist of the story, is subjugated to the position of Handmaid, where she is forced to produce offspring for the Commander and his wife. Similarly, other women in The Handmaid’s Tale are also relegated to a variety of social classes. Of course, rebellion is not tolerated. This novel is certainly an intriguing read and a great choice for those looking to get into books of literary merit.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Despite having been published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye remains a popular classic today. The novel follows the journey of Holden Caulfield, a 16-year-old teenager who seeks refuge in New York City after being expelled from his prep school. Things don’t go exactly as planned, though… This coming-of-age novel offers a glimpse into the “adult world” and is a perfect addition to your summer reading list.
Hopefully, some of these novels capture your attention! We hope you enjoy these novels, and, if you’re currently a senior, wish you the best of luck in the next step of your education. Happy reading!
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