1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen ~ English II Honors
Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel beloved by many students due to its timeless love story. Published in 1813, it explores complex familial relationships and the impact of social status in the nineteenth century through the experiences of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth is one of five daughters in an upper-middle-class family, all of whom are aiming to find husbands. They are instantly enthralled by the friendly, wealthy Mr. Bingley and disgusted by his friend, Mr. Darcy, as he seems unlikable and ill-mannered towards people of lower social classes. As Elizabeth and her family grow closer to the two men, she must learn to put aside her own biases in order to find love.
2. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini ~ AP English Literature and Composition
Khaled Hosseini is most well-known for his book The Kite Runner, but a similar novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is much more impactful in the context of an all-girls school. Following the stories of Mariam and Laila, two women in Afghanistan, the emotional story allows for discussions of the treatment of women in society and the importance of loyalty.
Mariam and Laila are brought together during war as both are married to the same husband. Together, the two navigate the struggles felt throughout the entire country as well as those within their household, forming a strong mother-daughter-like bond.
3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë ~ English I Honors
One of the most classic novels in English literature is Jane Eyre, which tells the story of the title character as she falls in love with Mr. Rochester. The plot is beautifully written as there are numerous twists and Brontë uses a unique style, addressing the reader at certain points to make them feel as though the entire book is a friend confiding in them.
The novel is set near the Victorian era, which is when Brontë published it, and tells the story of the title character as she faces hardships both as an orphan at the hands of her relatives and when she travels to boarding school. After graduating, Jane becomes a governess, employed by a man named Mr. Rochester, whom she ends up falling in love with.
4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald ~ English III & AP English Language and Composition
The Great Gatsby is taught in all junior year English classes in conjunction with the Gatsby Ball, and it offers a glimpse into the American lifestyle of the 1920s. The novel introduces readers to the idea of an unreliable narrator while still managing to tell the story to the fullest extent, making the book enjoyable and informative.
The book follows Nick Carroway as he moves next door to Jay Gatsby, an extremely wealthy man. The story displays the gray moral compasses held by many during the time period as it describes the relationships Nick has with his neighbor and cousin, providing commentary on the importance of opulence and the American Dream in the context of the Roaring Twenties.
5. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare ~ AP English Literature and Composition
Many Shakespeare plays are taught throughout high school, and Much Ado About Nothing is an enjoyable read since it is considered a comedy. The main plotline involves Beatrice and Benedick being set up to fall in love as other characters influence their actions, and it discusses the idea of how gossip and deception can impact relationships.
Beatrice and Benedick are depicted as very antagonistic at the beginning of the play as the two constantly argue. However, once their friends begin to attempt to trick the two into falling in love, chaos ensues as false rumors threaten to end numerous characters’ happiness.
