High School Reading List

Thinking back to my high school days, specifically between 2016 and 2020, I realize those years weren't just about schoolwork; they were when I truly fell back in love with reading. Seeing my sister start her sophomore year and delve into some classics has me reminiscing about the books that genuinely left an impact on me. If you're a high schooler wondering what to pick up, these are some of my personal must-reads! Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' was a game-changer for me. It’s so much more than a horror story; it's a deep dive into ethics, ambition, and the consequences of creation. I remember being completely gripped by Victor's journey and the monster's plight. It really made me think about responsibility in a new light. Then there's F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' This book had me dissecting every conversation between Nick and Gatsby, trying to understand the elusive nature of the American Dream and the sadness beneath all the glamour. It taught me to look beyond the surface of things, both in literature and in life. John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' is another one that truly resonated. I still vividly recall how it made some of my classmates (and me!) sob. The raw emotion, the struggle for dreams, and the power of friendship in the face of hardship—it's a story that stays with you long after the final page. And Homer's 'The Odyssey'? What an adventure! I absolutely loved tracing Odysseus’s epic journey home. It's packed with courage, cunning, and perseverance. Seriously, I was so enthusiastic about it, I even tried to get my boyfriend to read it! Finally, an honorable mention goes to George Orwell's '1984.' While COVID-19 unfortunately cut my reading short, the parts I did get through were incredibly thought-provoking. Its themes of control and truth felt eerily relevant, even back then. These books aren't just assignments; they're invitations to explore big ideas, spark your imagination, and find your own love for stories that truly matter.