Ah, Summer!!
Beaches, Picnics, Summer Reading!!
Dear Junior Student,
Next fall we will be starting to explore the wonderful world of American literature and its impact on all aspects of
our society. I am asking you to pick up a copy of Cannery Row by John Steinbeck and read it before you return to
classes. This book is available on Amazon.com for under $10. There is also a PDF available online. If you wish, you
can take an AR test on this book in the fall. There will also be classwork presented on this book when you arrive
and there will be a test.
I hope the rest of your summer is wonderful. See you in August.
Mr. Nemergut and Mr. Stratigakis
Cool Reads for a Hot Summer!
Non-Fiction/History
Fields of Battle – John Keegan. Recounting of logistics and tactics for American battles – or – why we don’t speak
French. Keegan has written many other historical accounts of warfare. Very readable.
The Six Wives of Henry VIII – Alison Weir – Believe it or not, one of them survived and thrived. She became a
close friend and advisor to His Nibs in later years. 5 extra credit points for the name. Also easy reading.
The Things They Carried – Tim O’Brien – Vignettes of the Viet Nam war.
New Fiction
Fireman – Joe Hill (who’s Joe’s father?). Cool science fiction/plague book. Actually kind of toasty.
Ready Player One – Ernest Cline. For the sci-fi gamer.
The Mango Season - Amulya Malladi. Curious about India? Having issues with your parents? This is the one.
Red Rising - Pierce Brown. Very good sci-fi. The Hunger Games in space.
Older, But Definitely Still Cool, Fiction.
Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte. Dark, sultry, antisocial and not a teenager. Heathcliff!!!!!
Ghost Story – Peter Straub. Terrific ghost story, not to be redundant. Not that old, but older than you.
The Watchers - Dean Koontz. Interesting sci-fi about genetic manipulation. Awesome dog. Also older than you –
the story, not the dog. Well, maybe both.