English 12AP Summer Reading Assignment 2009
Mrs. Lindbloom:  sdlindbloom@henrico.k12.va.us

Overview:
English 12AP is a college-level class focusing on literature and composition.  You will have the opportunity to earn college credit for the course when you take the AP Literature and Composition exam on Thursday, May 6.  As one would expect of a college-level class with “literature” in the title, English 12AP will require a commitment to careful reading throughout the year.  The summer reading assignment is your first opportunity to demonstrate this commitment; as there are only two books to read, I expect each of you to arrive in September with a thorough familiarity with and understanding of each.

 

Directions:

In order to prepare for English 12AP, you are required to read the following books over the summer and complete the notes assignment for each.  Obtain copies (I recommend purchasing a copy so that you may “make it your own”) and read your books in a casual way at the beginning of the summer—bring them to the pool, sit on your back porch, or find a comfortable room without any distractions.  Instead of worrying about your notes assignments at this time, you should simply try to read the books for understanding and, ideally, enjoyment.

 

Towards the end of the summer, read them again.  This time, take careful notes—underline, highlight, keep a notebook, etc.  Then complete the formal notes assignments; these notes will consist of Major Works Data Sheets and a dialectical journal for each work (see attached).  Be prepared to take a short essay test, write an essay, and/or participate in a Socratic Seminar on both books at the beginning of the school year. 

 

You must email me the novel you have chosen for your optional reading no later than August 1.  If you are new to Hermitage and enroll after this date, email me as soon as possible.  Be sure to identify yourself clearly in the email.  All assignments are due the first day of class.

 

All students must read the following: 

• Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison*, with the accompanying article by Harold Bloom

 

Additionally, all students must read one of the following:

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini            
• Native Speaker by Chang-Rae Lee
• Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison   
• A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole