Summer Reading
Boggs, Reynolds, Wiesinger
Advanced Composition 2017-2018
All students registered for Advanced Composition must take and pass the Writeplacer test through
Rio Salado (a passing score is a 5). Those not planning to register for Rio Salado credit, are still
expected to take the Writeplacer test. If you test over the summer, bring a copy of your score to class.
If you missed testing at Desert Vista, please contact the Rio Salado Testing Center at 480-514-8560 to
schedule a time.
Directions: Select one writer and read one of his or her non-fiction books listed. Read the book in its
entirety, annotating the book as you read. The reading will be due on August 7, 2017. Please come to
class prepared and bring your annotated book. There will be a timed writing on the book the first week
of class along with other related assignments.
Please Note: You are required to select a non-fiction book from this list. Some books listed may
contain mature content/language. Choose a book you are comfortable reading.
Questions: This handout is posted on the English Department webpage. If you have a specific question
over the summer, you may email Mrs. Boggs at [email protected].
Annotation
What does it mean to annotate? Annotating can include many things. For example:
 Highlight, underline, or circle words or phrases that are interesting or dynamic
 Make comments in the margins about what the author is saying
 Ask the writer questions in the margins
 It offers the opportunity to interact with the text in a meaningful way
 If you google “how to annotate” you will find web pages, power points, and even Youtube
videos to help you.
What should I annotate? As you read, highlight, underline, or comment on the following:
 The author’s style. Consider diction, tone, word choice, voice, details, imagery, figurative
language, sentence structure, organization, etc. Look for anything that exemplifies the way the
author writes (helps distinguish this author from others).
 Passages that describe important plot points or pivotal moments.
 Passages or quotes that interest you. These can be funny, serious, or anything in between. The
goal is to find examples you can analyze and discuss in class.
 Anything that identifies the author’s audience or purpose. What makes this author unique? Why
is the author writing the book? What is his or her purpose?
 Do you recognize allusions or references to pop culture or real life events?
 How does the writing make you feel? Can you identify with the writing?
Reading Log
 To help you, please keep a reading log of important quotes or passages. A reading log includes
the following: Quote/idea from text, what the text is saying, and why it’s important (this log will
come in handy later)
 In a word document, create a table with rows and columns.
 You can add examples and quotes to your reading log as you go. This is an easy way to keep
track of important information from the text. Aim for a minimum of 10-15 passages on the
reading log. The reading log is a great tool to prepare for the timed writing.
Sample of Reading Log
Page
#
50
Quote/Idea from the text
(can be a direct quote or a paraphrase)
“The look on his face, his inability to
vocalize his sadness, taught me more
about medicine than any lecture I would
ever attend.”
From When Breath Becomes Air
What the text is saying?
(provide a brief description for
context)
A powerful moment for him as a
medical student
Why was this important?
(What is your reaction to the
text?)
This is an existential moment for
him. We often have these
realizations as we move through
life. They are valuable in how they
shape our ideas and behaviors.
Author/Book List
Select a non-fiction book from this list. If you want more information, check Amazon for a
description of the book you are interested in.
Ta-Nahesi Coates: Between the World and Me
Angela Duckworth: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Dave Eggers: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
Barbara Ehrenreich: Nickel and Dimed
Roxanne Gay: Bad Feminist
Blain Harden: Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to
Freedom in the West
Edward Humes: Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash
Hope Jahren: Lab Girl
Michael Pollan: In Defense of Food
Oliver Sacks: Musicophilia
Sonia Shah: The Body Hunters
Eric Shlosser: Fast Food Nation
Brian Stevenson: Just Mercy
Richard Rodriguez: Hunger of Memory
Paul Kalanithi: When Breath Becomes Air
** Note: Some books listed may contain mature content and/or language. Please choose a
book you are comfortable reading. **
YOU MUST CHOOSE FROM THIS LIST! No other authors or books will be approved for this
project. Please do not email asking us to approve an author or book not listed.