Drop Everything and Read This Summer

Summer is a great time to relax, hang out with friends and not worry about school. So the initial thought from students who are given a school required reading list is that some of the books will be boring or a hassle. Interestingly enough, many students seem to find  some of their required books enjoyable. These Buzz-area high school students recommend the following books (which were required by their schools, but fun to read):

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

The book is a true story about a man named Chris who left his affluent lifestyle behind after graduating college. He donated his life savings to charity to travel out west and explore Alaska and eventually dies. He kept a journal so the book has a lot of his entries and photos. The biographer went to Alaska and tried to do similar things so he really connected with Chris' story on a deep level.

Aerin Kalmans, rising senior at The Kinkaid School, said, “Even though he was ill equipped and could have been so much smarter there was something about Chris' ambition and will to break free that made other people envious.”

Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

An unlikely pair become drawn together by their troubled pasts.

Ellie Gershenwald, rising senior at the St. John’s School, said, “Since I'm interested in psychology, I became interested in reading it and watching the movie.”

Counte of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The book is about a man who gets revenge on those who wrongfully put him in jail.

Maddie Benzuly, rising sophomore at Bellaire High School, said, “What started out as a book I was forced to read for school ended up being one of my favorite books.”

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

The book depicts a story behind a small village in pre- and post-colonial life in late 19th-century Nigeria.

Ilana Inselbuch, rising senior at Bellaire High School, said, “Even though I read this book for school, I would definitely read this book in my free time or during the summer!”

Some other good reads for the summer that are required by schools include:

• The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
• The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Though summer schedules can be quite busy, it is always important and a good use of time to sit down and read a good book!

Find other reading recommendations in The Next Great Book by Andria Frankfort and on our weekly Book Buzz blog, which includes book suggestions from local librarians.