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"Classic" American Literature Book Club
14
items I found this reel on Instagram by a former AP Literature teacher that highlighted 5 “classic” books taught in AP Literature classes and 5 replacements he thought covered the same topics but were more relevant in today's world. I've only read two of t...
Sections
3
Traditional Classics
Replacement Classics
Background
Traditional Classics
The traditional “classics” that are taught in AP Literature classes
I haven't read this, so per Wikipedia, it sounds like it's tackling themes that involve racial injustice and the destruction of innocence. “Scholars have noted that Lee also addresses issues of class, courage, compassion, and gender roles in the Deep...
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I did read this book and it deals with themes of social class, inherited versus self-made wealth, gender, race, and environmentalism. However, I didn't like the style of writing and felt that it was overly dramatic and wordy for the core message whic...
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Literally written in in Middle English between 1387 and 1400. These 24 short stories (mostly verse, not poems) are presented as part of a fictional storytelling contest held by a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury. I kind of disagr...
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
I haven't read this, but you can't escape the themes in modern day life if you follow anything in politics. This book hits on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviors within society. ...
1984 by George Orwell, Paperback
I haven't read this, but per Wikipedia, this novel is widely regarded as a critique of European colonial rule in Africa, while also examining the themes of power dynamics and morality. It's never named, but it's also thought to be a direct criticism ...
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Replacement Classics
Replacement for “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Haven't read this book yet, but it deals with themes of human perseverance, dignity and redemption. Per Wikipedia, “It is based on the historic Dozier School, a reform school in Florida that operated for 111 years and was revealed as highly abusive. ...
Haven't read this book yet, but it deals with themes of human perseverance, dignity and redemption. Per Wikipedia, “It is based on the historic Dozier School, a reform school in Florida that operated for 111 years and was revealed as highly abusive. ...
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Replacement for “The Great Gatsby”
Far more modern and the original reviewer talks about how it is able to get across the the differences in classes and how they still affect people today (compared to the 1920s of “The Great Gatsby”).
Far more modern and the original reviewer talks about how it is able to get across the the differences in classes and how they still affect people today (compared to the 1920s of “The Great Gatsby”).
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, Paperback
Replacement for “The Canterbury Tales”
The original reviewer calls this a more modern version with great characterization, but just not written in the 1400s. This book focuses on Native Americans' history and identity, especially as it relates to living in modern urban centers.
The original reviewer calls this a more modern version with great characterization, but just not written in the 1400s. This book focuses on Native Americans' history and identity, especially as it relates to living in modern urban centers.
There There by Tommy Orange
Replacement for “Nineteen Eighty Four”
Haven't read so per Wikipedia, this is another post-apocalyptic Earth setting, specifically one affected by climate change and social inequality. Its sounds like another rising of a Jesus-like character with Lauren Olamina, a young woman who can feel...
Haven't read so per Wikipedia, this is another post-apocalyptic Earth setting, specifically one affected by climate change and social inequality. Its sounds like another rising of a Jesus-like character with Lauren Olamina, a young woman who can feel...
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Replacement for “Heart of Darkness”
Never read but it's a historical fiction book where each chapter follows a different descendent of an Asante woman named Maame from the 18th century. Circumstances split her daughters into two very different experiences, and the chapters follow their...
Never read but it's a historical fiction book where each chapter follows a different descendent of an Asante woman named Maame from the 18th century. Circumstances split her daughters into two very different experiences, and the chapters follow their...
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Background
The reel that started all of this….plus other books (not called out in the reel) that I was forced to read in school
The reel that started all of this!
Cody Vest on Instagram: "#bookstagram #books"
It’s a classic coming of age story…but I hated it. I thought the protagonist was such a whiny little baby and I just couldn’t get into it.
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
We read this one at the same time we were doing early American history. Honestly, not the best but also not the worst book I was forced to read. I did decide to map every major character to a SpongeBob SquarePants character and I thought I actually h...
The Scarlet Letter (Signature Classics) by Nathaniel Hawthorne
One of the few assigned readings in high school I actually liked. I think the writing was easier to consume and the topic was interesting.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd