ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Directions: Read one of the following books during the summer if you will be in World Literature or Honors World Literature. You will be tested in English class when you return to school. To prepare yourself, take notes on the book. Be sure to take notes on minor and major characters, the setting of the story, and plot events. AP students, see separate list.
World Literature (Choose one)
The Good Earth by Pearl S. BuckStory of Wang Lung's growth from adolescence and poverty to old age and wealth in pre-Communist China.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy TanFascinating vignettes about four Chinese-born women and their American-born daughters; magical tales of women living in two cultures.
Madame Bovary by Gustave FlaubertProject Gutenberg eBookFamous French novel about Emma Bovary, who, dissatisfied with the lack of glamour in her middle class life, searches for romance and excitement and becomes entangled in a web of deceit.
Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala MarkandayaA moving and realistic story of the unbelievable challenges of growing up as a girl/woman in a village of India.
The Merry Wives of Windsor by William ShakespeareProject Gutenberg eBook This romantic comedy entwines wise women, mistaken identities, jealousy and good old fashioned wooing! See the adventures of Falstaff, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page portrayed on stage this summer at the Great Lakes Theater Festival.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale HurstonWonderful story of a black woman's discovery of dignity and love in the prejudiced South of the 1930's.
Honors World Literature
(Choose one book from the list above, and also read the following)
Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton The compassionate story of Zulu pastor Steven Kumalo and his son Absalom.
AP World Literature
Read the following novel and one other work.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy(Penguin edition only, translated by Pevear & Volokhonsky) Sensual, rebellious Anna renounces a respectable marriage for a passionate and destructive romantic involvement.
