What Are They Reading?

寒假即将到来，同学们在休息之余，可以多读书，扩展自己的阅读量与知识面。本期，我们就为大家介绍美国高中生必读的十本书。

1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain’s classic novel is a must for all students studying American humor and satire. While banned in some school districts, it is a widely read and appreciated novel. If you want to learn American humor, the works of Mark Twain is the best choice.

2. The Scarlet Letter

Hawthorne mainly told a sad story about the false religion, cold-hearted humanity and cruel society. It is regarded as the first American book about psychoanalysis(心理分析).

3. To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s awesome novel was set in the Great Depression, which was from the view of two children. The book can make readers think over the human behavior. It is always an excellent choice for high school students.

4. The Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck’s tale of Dust Bowl victims travelling west for a better life is a classic look at life during the Great Depression. The hero Yoder was released from prison. He went west to make a living with his family. There a series of things happened. At the end, Yoder had to leave again. This work showed the masses’ dissatisfaction with the society.

5. A Farewell to Arms

One of the best novels of World War I, Ernest Hemingway tells of the war as a backdrop to a love story between an American ambulance driver and an English nurse. From the story you can tell Hemingway’s attitudes towards war and life.

6. The Red Badge of Courage

Henry Fleming struggles with bravery and courage during the Civil War in this excellent book by Stephen Crane. The author made a good combination with integrating history and literature.

7. Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury’s classic novel portrays a futuristic world. Books were not allowed by people. Once found, they burn books. But a firemen start fires instead of putting them out. The author was actually against McCarthyism(麦卡锡主义). Students enjoy this quick read that packs a huge psychological punch.

8. Call of the Wild

After a lot of hard experience, Buck finally returned to wild enrironment. Call of the Wild is Jack London’s masterpiece of self reflection and identity. This book is worth reading, which will make you feel moved, shocked and thoughtful.

9. The Great Gatsby

Can anyone think of the “flapper” era of the 1920s without thinking of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby? Poor staff Nick found the secret world of the rich man Gatsby by accident. To his surprise, what Gatsby minded only in his heart was a green light on the other side of the river. The Great Gatsby is a work of loneliness and lose.

10. The Invisible Man

Ralph Ellison’s classic novel The Invisible Man is about racial prejudice. The story happened after talented physicist Griffin invented how to be invisible. Many of the problems that his narrator faces throughout the novel sadly are still present in America today.