There's something about the idea of a "High School Reading List" that is so odious that the mere mention of it sends many people running to SparkNotes. After all, who wants to pour over long passages of old English or write lengthy essays? Despite all of that, there are some real winners when it comes to the classics. Below are my top 5 picks for works of fiction that you were probably assigned in High School.
5.) Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
It's hard to describe Wuthering Heights because it is a book with so many twists, turns, and cousins marrying each other that it can be hard to keep track. I first read this book as a selective for my AP Literature class in High School, and found it to be an enthralling story of love, betrayal, and generational sin. It's also worth reading if you love laughing at old 19th century tropes, like women "falling ill" every time someone surprised or upset them. I also had a lot of questions about what a "whelp" was, but you can pretty much infer that from context clues. Anyway, it is a long read but I highly recommend it if you're hoping for a starter book from the Bronte sisters.
4.) Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A classic that essentially birthed the "Science Fiction" genre, Frankenstein rarely gets the credit that it deserves. Far removed from the classic green monster-like depiction, Frankenstein's monster is a much more sympathetic character than one might imagine. One of the first renowned books openly written by a female author, Mary Shelley uses this novel to paint a very human picture of loneliness, isolation, and the search for acceptance. Frankenstein is full of suspense, mystery, and drama that is sure to keep you saying, "Actually, Frankenstein is the scientist, not the monster..."
3.) 1984 by George Orwell
I can honestly say that this was the only book I read in High School that genuinely scared me. Set in a surveillance state, 1984 will leave you much more skeptical of your smart-devices. While Orwell was known to use his novels to challenge the political climates and movements of his time, I believe that 1984 surpasses Animal Farm in its ability to warn against the evils of an authoritarian state. Give it a read - but don't tell Big Brother.
2.) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is a pretty obvious one. I remember reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" for the first time the summer before my freshman year and being unable to put it down. In this novel, Harper Lee paints a charming yet critical picture of small town America in the 1930s. A tale of family, friendship, and doing the right thing in the face of adversity, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a great pick for young people looking to read some of the classics.
1.) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I have probably read this book half a dozen times over the last 4 years because it's so short and sweet. Full of breath-taking imagery, symbolism, and all the majesty of the 1920's - this book is considered an American classic for a reason. The audio book is almost exactly 4 hours long, which makes it a great pick for road trips. It's hard to beat a such a streamlined story because there is hardly a dull moment. A tale of rags, riches, and learning that you can't hold on to the the past, "The Great Gatsby" is a timeless tale about the sins of the rich and powerful. (Side note, I am also a big fan of the 2013 film...)
I hope you found this list helpful. Feel free to leave your favorite classic book titles in the comments below. Happy reading!