MORE High School Books to (re)Read
When I wrote the first version of this topic, my husband – lovingly – rolled his eyes and said, “Why would anyone choose to read about reading?” Granted, this was coming from someone whose favorite book is My Side of the Mountain because it’s one of the five books he’s ever read, but I posted it anyway. And am so glad I did.
This list is slightly different from the last in that I taught these to junior, senior, and AP Literature students. In other words, these texts are all at a higher reading level than the freshman/sophomore novels I recommended before. So, even though they are enjoyable, legitimate high school books, they’re a bit more challenging.
I also don’t expect you to be as familiar with the novels listed here. With one exception, they’re not exactly “classics.” However, I have honestly read each of these more than twice and recommend taking a stab at them (especially if you’re still searching for ways to kill time this winter).
* This post contains affiliate links, which means if you buy any of the books by clicking the pictures on this page, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
1) How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster
I wish every high school student was required to read this. It’s more so an instructional textbook, in that there are no characters or plot. Instead, this novel literally teaches you how to analyze fiction. But the author’s smart, funny, conversational writing style makes it relatable and enjoyable.
Basically, Foster outlines the prominent features that tend to appear in all good literature… and movies, for that matter. For example, characters eating together is a sign of compatibility and communion. But if that meal gets interrupted – like Tom’s infamous phone call in Chapter 1 of Gatsby – that’s foreshadowing some evil afoot. Or if it happens to rain at some point in the story – the author isn’t just creating a somber mood; a character getting wet could symbolize them being cleansed of their past, or baptized for a new life, or exposed and vulnerable to others (like in Gatsby Ch 5).
The cool thing that makes this book worth reading is that you’ll notice these aspects popping up everywhere. It makes those good books even better because you’ll pick up so much more. (Sorry to all students who have since complained to me that they can’t watch movies anymore without analyzing them…) Plus, if you don’t want to actually buy it, there’s a free pdf version you can access here.
2) The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Despite my actual detest for Hawthorne’s writing style, his novel still made the list. I’ll warn you now, somehow an entire paragraph can be one sentence through the author’s annoying love of semicolons and dashes. Plus, the book was written in the 1800s but is set in a flashback to the 1600s and randomly breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the reader, throwing the language all over the place.
So, why read it? Because the soap-opera plot is so dramatic and enthralling and ahead-of-its-time. It’s awesome that such a strong female protagonist was accurately created then. You can’t help but root for Hester, despite her secret, sinning adultery resulting in the birth of a demon-child (I’m not exaggerating).
Plus, a lot of Foster’s teachings can be directly applied to this book. And you’ll finally understand those endless modern allusions, like in Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”
3) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
And now we leave the analytical comfort of classic literature to dive into the first-ever nonfiction novel. Capote’s book depicts the real-life murder of the Clutter family in 1959. Written through information the author himself gathered from interviews with the murderers while they were on Death Row, reporters, townspeople, and self-investigation, it’s such a captivating read because none of it is made up.
Very interesting, but also difficult. Capote certainly doesn’t write this in a nonfiction style – his slight overuse of imagery makes this drawn-out plot feel like a fiction novel. But this blend is part of what makes it worth reading, though. Especially if you’re currently hooked on Netflix’s murder mystery bandwaggon.
4) Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Yet another fantastic nonfiction novel – this one follows Christopher McCandless’s post-college vagabond journey through America. Despite the fact that he dies in Alaska (I promise I’m not spoiling anything – you’re told this right away, and remember, it’s all true), it’s still an interesting and inspiring story.
Like Capote, Krakauer tells this story through a variety of first-hand accounts. It’s especially interesting because the author legitimately follows Chris’ trail himself, throwing in personal anecdotes along the way. You see, after burning his money and abandoning his car, Chris set off across the country in true transcendental fashion to “find himself.” His excursion makes my road trips sound luxurious. Plus, there’s a good movie for you to watch after you’re done reading.
5) The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Appropriately, we’ll end with a perfect mixture of fiction and nonfiction. Really though. O’Brien’s book recounts his time fighting in Vietnam, with war stories that are 100% true… and some that are 100% fake. And – sometimes – you don’t know which is which.
Personally, I love this book. Each chapter can be read separately as its own short story, making it both easy(ish) and enjoyable. I also really appreciate the authenticity of the author and his legitimate use of writing to cope with something unimaginable. His stories are completely valid, even when they’re made up, because his experience gives him the right to write whatever he wants.
I will warn you – the jargon used is completely authentic. Meaning there’s a good amount of the “F-word” thrown in there. Also, it’s a war story, so of course there are some graphic, bloody, disturbing scenes. Honestly, I was surprised to find it on my classroom bookshelf when I was hired. But I think it’s a good example of the purpose of language and inclusion of detail – the book would lose its validity if those words and scenes were censored.
So, there you go! Be sure to comment your own recommendations!