Summer Reading 2019
“We shouldn’t teach great books: we should teach a love of reading.” B.F. Skinner
Explanation
The faculty and administration of the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School believe that summer reading represents a logical extension of the school year. Studies have demonstrated that recreational reading correlates with increased language proficiency, enhanced vocabulary development, as well as improved reading comprehension and critical/creative writing skills that may lead to stronger standardized test scores. Teachers and students have suggested the books on this list as examples of pleasurable reading experiences. Since the list encompasses a wide range of books representing different genres and topics, parents may want to review the list to help in the selection of appropriate titles. We are promoting the expansion of literary knowledge; therefore, students should choose books that they have not read previously. We encourage students to read as many books as they desire. All students must complete the following requirements:
Grade 9 All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque +One selection from the list
Grade 10 The Help by Kathryn Stockett +One selection from the list
Grade 11 Honors All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr +One selection from the list
Grade 11 College Prep The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson +One selection from the list
Grade 11 AP English The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah +One selection from the list
Grade 12
College Writing Educated Tara Westover +One selection from the list
Creative Writing Old School Tobias Wolff +One selection from the list
After students read their selections, they must complete the reading log that accompanies this assignment. In September, English teachers will collect the reading logs. Students should read the required selections near the end of August, so they can participate positively in class discussions as well in assessments given during the first week of school.
Summer Reading Log 2019
Student’s name ______Grade _____
Name of book Author Date completed
______Student’s Signature Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature 1
Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School Reading List 2019
All entries are listed alphabetically by title. Names in parenthesis represent those students, faculty, and parents who have recommended the book and have written the synopsis.
Adventures in Darkness Tom Sullivan (Lindsay Dermer ’10)
As an 11 year-old blind boy, Sullivan tries to live a “normal” life like sighted kids. This is an entertaining story of a boy with disabilities struggling to “fit in” with other neighborhood children.
The Agent: My 40-Year Career Leigh Steinberg (Zack Steinmetz '14) Making Deals and Changing the Game
Leigh Steinberg, once aspiring to become a public defender as a law student, became a sports agent when Steve Bartkowski, a star quarterback who became the first overall pick in the NFL draft, asked his RA to represent him. Steinberg went on to become the greatest sports agent in history, until he lost it all to alcoholism. Throughout his story, Steinberg details his experiences signing and negotiating contracts for some of the best NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL players.
Airman Eoin Colfer (Josh Miller ’16)
A boy framed for a crime navigates prison and dangerous gangs to create a miraculous flying machine to free his native island from the treacherous murderer who rules it.
The Alchemist Paulo Coelho (Devin Krol ’11)
This novel follows an Andalusia shepherd boy named Santiago as he travels from Spain to Egypt in search of treasure buried in the pyramids. On this journey, Santiago meets a gypsy woman, a king, and an alchemist who direct Santiago on his quest.
All Other Nights Dara Horn (Dr. Schorr, Mr. Bruner)
A Civil War spy page-turner meets an exploration of race and religion in 19th-century America. Jacob Rappaport, the 19 year-old scion of a wealthy Jewish import-export family, flees home and enlists in the Union army to avoid an arranged marriage. When his superiors discover his unique connections, he is sent on espionage missions that reveal an American Jewish population divided by the Mason-Dixon Line, but united by business, religious and family ties. This novel is fraught with the potential for peril, betrayal, tragedy and redemption.
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All the King’s Men Robert Penn Warren (Paul Rosen ’13)
Loosely based on the life of Louisiana politician Huey Long, this novel chronicles Willie Stark’s epic rise and fall from power and Jack Burden’s tumultuous quest for self-discovery. Through these dual stories, this tragic novel examines the role of history in man’s quest for knowledge.
All the Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr (Mr. Bruner, Emma Silverman ‘16)
A blind French girl and a German boy meet in occupied France as they both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
American Gods Neil Gaiman (Jesse Halpern ’11)
Gods exist because people believe in them. As people’s values change, new gods arise to challenge the old ones. In the United States, technology, drugs, and popular culture threaten to weaken organized religion. Can Shadow, an ex-convict, help diffuse the tension between conflicting ideals, or will the divine world dissolve to chaos?
Angela’s Ashes Frank McCourt (Marcie King ‘09)
This memoir recounts the author’s life in Ireland and in America as he endures countless obstacles including poverty. Ultimately, overcoming these hardships leads to the healing power of forgiveness.
And the Mountain Echoed Khaled Hosseini (Daniel Goldman ’16)
The plot follows Abdullah and Pari, syblings separated early in their lives, as they cope with love, sacrifice, and betrayal. If you like Hosseini’s other novels, you will love this one.
Apollo 13 Jim Lovell/Jeffrey Kluger (Elyse Shumsky ’13)
This story portrays the failed Apollo 13 mission to the moon. The authors describe the team work that occurred to return the astronauts safely to Earth.
The Art of Racing in the Rain Garth Stein (Ellie Blanco ’10, Ethan Cuttler ‘15)
Enzo, on the eve of his death, narrates all that he and his family have experienced. Although the narrator is a dog, this unique point of view presents many life experiences. I loved this book.
As a Driven Leaf Milton Steinberg (Dr. Schorr)
A classic work in the genre of historical fiction, this book tells the story of Elisha Ben Abuye, a Talmudic sage who is tormented by a crisis of faith. The story is set in Second Temple times, with a backdrop of Greek and Roman culture which lends texture to the setting. Although there are no easy answers offered, the questions posed are deep, thought-provoking, and relevant.
Atonement Ian McEwan (Rachel Miller ’11, Micaela Gelman ’13)
After 13 year-old Briony Tallis falsely accuses her sister’s lover of a serious crime, she struggles to find the right words to atone for her transgression. Widely considered a modern classic, McEwan constructs a world where the line that separates truth from imagination is blurred until the very end of the novel.
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From Beirut to Jerusalem Thomas Friedman (Aaron Karacuschansky’13)
Through his personal journey, Friedman interprets the composite of the Middle East. The book captures the psychological mannerisms of the people of Lebanon and Israel and draws parallels between the two disparate societies of Arabs and Israelis by focusing on each one’s long search for identity.
Beneath a Marble Sky John Shors (Mrs. Jaffe)
Jahanara, the daughter of the 17th century emperor of Hindustan, narrates the story of the extraordinary relationship between her parents and their love that inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal. This historical novel transports the reader to 17th century India where love, betrayal, and war consume everyday life.
Between the World and Me Ta-Nehisi Coates (Jeremy Goldstein ’19)
In this book, Coates provides a glimpse into wat it is like to be Black in the United States. Coates draws from his experiences growing up in Baltimore to illustrate the institutional racism that people f color must face in their daily lives.
Bitter is the New Black Jen Lancaster (Arielle Steinmetz ’10)
In this hilarious memoir, Jen Lancaster struggles for two years as she attempts to find a job after losing her high paying VP of marketing position. The once materialistic ex-sorority girl learns not only the value of money but also what is truly important in life.
The Blessing of a Broken Heart Sherri Mandell (Adiva Berkowitz ’12)
Koby Mandell and his friend Yosef Ishran were stoned to death in a cave located in the desert. Koby’s mother wrote this book to share her challenges to find meaning in her life and to honor her son.
Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown (Ben Glazer ’19)
The novel is about eight college boys who rowed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and narrowly won gold. The story follows the boys’ journey through school while also highlighting Hitler's brutal regime and his efforts to hide evidence of inhumane treatment towards Jews to win the 1936 Olympic Games bid.
Bust Adam A. Resnick (Seth Schulder ’10)
This true story chronicles Resnick’s gambling addiction that led to the downfall of Universal Federal Savings and Loan and his conviction of bank fraud.
Cancer Schmancer Fran Drescher (Elana Sandler '14)
Fran Drescher, the star of "The Nanny," tells her story of battling cancer. Throughout her journey she learns a lot about the importance of family, friends, love, and happiness and the importance of knowing one's own body. Recommended for 11th and 12th grade students.
The Cardturner Louis Sachar (Eli Tettelbach’13)
Pressured by his parents to impress his “favorite uncle” Lester, Alton Richards finds a new direction for his bewildering life when he spends his summer turning cards for his uncle at his bridge club. Alton learns not only about bridge but also about interpersonal relationships, trust, and love.
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Carlisle vs. Army Lars Anderson (Daniel Hefter ’10)
This book recounts the monumental football game that pitted America’s finest athlete, Jim Thorpe, against Dwight D. Eisenhower, a future war hero and president.
The Chaperone Laura Moriarty (Mrs. Steinberg)
In 1922 Cora Carlisle leaves her husband and home in Wichita to chaperone 15 year-old Louisa Brooks on a month-long trip to New York, only a few years before Brooks would become a famous actress an icon for her generation. Cora has her own reasons to venture to New York, hoping to discover the answers about her past that go to the core of her identity. The radical social changes of the time will have lasting effects on both Louisa and Cora. Recommended for 11th and 12th grade students.
Cheap Ellen Ruppel Shell (Rabbi Frank)
“…This non-fiction book argues that the American drive toward bargain-hunting and low-price goods has a hidden cost in lower wages for workers and a reduced quality of goods for the consumer.” -Publishers Weekly
Chronicles: Volume I Bob Dylan (Mr. Pedroni)
This stunning memoir captures the authentic voice of one of America’s most compelling poet- songwriters. Read this book if you want to learn about the enigmatic life of Dylan as well as the creative ferment of the folk-rock 1960s. This is a necessary read for all Bob Dylan fans.
The Clan of the Cave Bear Jean M. Auel (Caleb Ziv’18)
In his first book of the Earth’s Children series, Jean M. Auel takes readers back to the dawn of humanity and into the world of Ayla. A young girl orphaned by an earthquake during the Ice Age must make a new life with a group of paper known as Neanderthals.
Clapton Eric Clapton (Matt Somerville ’09, Joshua Pertman ‘12)
Recognized as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock and blues music, Clapton’s memoir relates the hectic tale of his life from his social problems in youth to his drug addiction. Anyone interested in the life of a renowned musician free of self-promotion and gimmicks will enjoy this novel. Because of its realistic portrayal of Clapton’s life, this book is appropriate reading for 11th and 12th grade students.
Clockwork Angel Cassandra Clare (Danielle Herman ’16)
Set in Victorian England, Tessa Gray finds herself facing a difficult choice- the love she has for her brother or her new friends, the Shadowhunters, who have the answers to Tessa’s questions about her background. Can she save both her brother and the Shadowhunters?
In Cold Blood Truman Capote (Sam Supnick ’09, Rebecca Abbott ‘12)
This novel is a shocking true-life murder mystery, masterfully written. The riveting plot unfolds like a present-day horror movie, all the more horrific because it is firmly rooted in true events.
The Color of Magic Terry Pratchett (Ben Balfanz ’17)
The Color of Magic is the first book in the Discworld Series of fantasy novels blending fantasy with harsh criticism of the real world.
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The Color of Water James McBride (Mrs. Zigelman)
This magnificent, true survival story details the life of a bi-racial young man raised by a black father and a white mother who grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family. Despite experiencing overt anti-Semitism and racism, the author and his numerous siblings achieve remarkable success due to their mother’s love and devotion.
The Color Purple Alice Walker (Molly Azrael ’17)
This novel describes the lives of African American women living in Georgia in the 1903s who struggle to achieve the American Dream.
The Count of Monte Cristo Alexandre Dumas (David Howarth ’11)
Bursting with adventure, excitement, and endless twists, The Count of Monte Cristo recounts how Edmund Dantes seeks revenge on those who had ruined his life.
The Covenant Naomi Ragen (Erika Reif ‘09)
During the Holocaust, four women made a covenant to guard each other’s lives forever. Decades later, one of the women’s families is kidnapped in Israel by terrorists during the Intifada. The four women use the strength of their covenant to battle the forces of evil once again.
Cradle to Cradle William McDonough (Rabbi Frank)
This non-fiction book represents “a manifesto calling for a new industrial revolution, one that would render both traditional manufacturing and traditional environmentalism obsolete.” -Amazon.com Review
Crunchy Cons Rod Dreher (Rabbi Frank)
At a time when the Republican party, and conservative movement in general, is bitterly divided over what it means to be conservative, Dreher introduces us to a people who are pioneering a way back to the future by reclaiming what’s best in conservatism…” -from Amazon.com
The Cure Sonia Levitan (Hannah Harrow ‘16)
In a futurist society in 2407, Gemm 16884 wants to create music, outlawed in this conformist society. To cure his desire, Gemm 16884 returns to 1384 and experiences not only the plague but also the torture of Jews.
Darkness at Noon Arthur Koestler (Harley Katz ‘09)
In this thrilling, suspenseful novel set during Stalin’s purge trials of the 1930s, the protagonist imprisoned for his beliefs, ultimately must decide between saving his life or condoning the excesses of of the regime he helped to establish.
Day after Night Anita Diament (Mr. Schneider)
Based on historical events at the end of World War II, this novel tells the story of four young women, all Holocaust survivors from different parts of Europe, who meet near Haifa in the British-run Atlit international camp for “illegal” immigrants. Through shared experiences and the challenges of forging new identities in a new country, the four protagonists “find salvation in the bonds of friendship.”8
Deadline Chris Crutcher (Harrison Hoffman ’12)
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Deadline tells the story of a high school student named Ben Wolf who has one year to live. How would you spend your time if you knew what Ben knew?
Defying Hitler Sebastian Haffner (Mrs. Frank)
This memoir describes the life of an ordinary German citizen during the end of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. Haffner, a non-Jew, illustrates what it was like to oppose Nazism in an increasingly totalitarian society, and depicts ways in which ordinary Germans were swept up in Nazi fervor, forgetting what Nazi ideology meant.
Delivering Happiness Tony Hsieh (Zach Silverman’13)
In 1999, at the age of twenty-four, Tony Hsieh sold LinkExchange, the company he co-founded, to Microsoft for 265 million dollars. He then joined Zappos as an advisor and investor and eventually became its CEO. He helped Zappos grow to a 1 billion dollar annual gross merchandise sales company.
Down and Out in Paris and London George Orwell (Brandon Gelfen ’14)
George Orwell disguises himself as a nomadic, homeless man in Paris and London to learn about the struggles that the poor experience in France and England.
Dreamland Sam Quinones (Rebecca Goldscheider ’19)
This story represents the true tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic from a small town in Mexico to the boardrooms of Big Pharma companies to main streets nationwide to expose the shocking account of addiction in the heartland of America.
Dry Augusten Burroughs (Emily Koslow ’10)
In this memoir, Burroughs portrays his life as a drinking and sober alcoholic. Through dark humor and haunting observations, he chronicles the ultimately overwhelming desire to live.
The 188th Crybaby Brigade: Joel Chasnoff (Eric Trattner ’13, Jenn Miller ’15) A Skinny Jewish Kid from Chicago Fights Hezbollah
A skinny Jewish kid from Chicago finds himself joining the Israeli Defense Forces after college. As he was a former Solomon Schechter student, the Jewish culture and the Hebrew language is nothing new to him. However, once he was assigned to the 188th Armored Brigade, the Jewish nation he thought he knew was replaced by a far more absurd and shocking one.
Ellen Foster Kaye Gibbons (Mr. Schneider)
A young white girl in the rural South faces domestic violence and homelessness as she struggles to make a place for herself in the world. Taking advantage of her good heart and quick mind, Ellen eventually finds comfort in the loving embrace of a black family.
The Enigma Andrew Hodges (Allison Rakhamimov’17)
This book concerns a young man chosen to crack the German Enigma machine during World War II. This book is based on a true story recently declassified by the United States government.
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Europa, Europa Solomon Perel (Joseph Troy ’12)
Europa, Europa depicts a Jewish boy who poses as a German orphan during WWII to hide his identity.
Every Last One: A Novel Anna Quindlen (Rabbi Frank)
“Mary Beth Latham is a happily married woman entirely devoted to her three teenaged children. When her talented daughter, Ruby, casually announces she's breaking up with her boyfriend Kirenan, a former neighbor who is like family, Mary Beth is slightly alarmed, but soon distracted by her son Max, who is feeling overshadowed by his extroverted, athletic twin brother, Alex. Quindlen's novel moves briskly, propelled by the small dramas of summer camp, proms, soccer games and neighbors, until the rejected Kirenan blindsides the Lathams, and the reader, with an incredible act of violence. Left with almost nothing, Mary Beth struggles to cope with loss and guilt, protect what she has left, and regain a sense of meaning.” Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Everything is Illuminated Jonathan Safran Foer (Henry Sholk ’11)
A young man sets out to find the woman who may have saved his grandfather from the Nazis. On his trip, an old man haunted by war memories accompanies the man. I found this book extremely entertaining as it was filed with comedy and interesting plot twists.
Content and language in this book may be appropriate for 11th and 12th grade students.
Exodus Leon Uris (Evan Sandler ‘10, Ilana Levin ‘12)
This historical fiction demonstrates the Jewish struggles to obtain a homeland in Palestine and recover from the horrors of the Holocaust.
The Eye of the Needle Ken Follett (Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Ginsberg)
Using late World War II as a backdrop for an exciting tale of espionage, Ken Follett brings together a ruthless German spy and a resourceful young English woman, a combination that serves as a catalyst for the Allied victory. Even if you have not tried spy novels, you will enjoy this book.
Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity Andrew Solomon (Rabbi Frank)
This eye opening, thoughtful book explores the way that we as a society and culture explore difference, identity and disabilities. It contains chapters borne out of years of interviews with and research on families coping with issues of deafness, dwarfism, Down syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, multiple severe disabilities, prodigies, homosexuality and criminality in the family unit.
The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden Mark Bowden (Evan Lieberman ’13)
In this gripping account of the hunt for the most notorious man of the 21st century, Mark Bowden details the sentiments of top American officials after 9/11 as they began to search for Osama bin Laden. Bowden describes the determination and hard work in which the Navy Seals and the CIA analysts engaged to find the terrorist.
Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes (Ethan Tucker ‘09, Joanna Rapoport ‘10, Micah Lehmann ‘10)
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This extremely engaging story describes the tale of a mentally challenged individual who receives an experimental drug to increase his intelligence. Keyes questions the effects of science attempting to play G-d as the protagonist learns the positive and negative effects of his newfound knowledge.
Following Ezra: What One Father Learned Tom Fields-Meyer (Marisa Kassimir ’13) About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love from his Extraordinary Son
This inspiring book traces the experiences of a father as he raises a child he did not expect, a son with autism. It highlights the difficulties as well as the loving and joyful moments that transpire with this unique child. Lastly, it offers insight that the father must not attempt to change his son, but he must follow his son's ways in order to lead a happy life.
The Forger Cioma Schonhaus (Sara Shefter ’10, Avi Fagan ‘12)
This memoir reflects Cioma’s struggles of losing his family and friends while he tries to help save a number of Jews by using his skills as a graphic artist. An interesting read, Cioma gives the reader a new view of the Holocaust and the lives of Jews fortunate enough to escape the Nazis.
Freakonomics Steven D. Levitt/Stephen J. Dubner (Jacob Finglass ’12)
Prepare to be fascinated as the authors apply the principles of economics to unravel misconceptions about cheating, drug dealers, and even baby names in an attempt to understand the world.
Freefall Anna Levine (Mrs. London)
While Abigail Jacobs prepares for high school graduation and compulsory service in the IDF, her friend Shira tries out for a troupe of entertainers. Abigail survives a physically and mentally grueling boot camp with the help of Noah, Shira’s brother. A realistic narrative and a romance give this novel universal appeal.
The Friday Night Knitting Club Kate Jacobs (Julie Friedman ’13) A group of women from several different and diverse backgrounds meet at a knit shop every Friday night and become a supportive group of friends, depending on each other as they deal with twists and turns in their lives.
Funny in Farsi Firoozeh Dumas (Mr. Bruner, Dulaney Hassan’11, Marissa Zamanian ‘12)
This humorous collection of short stories chronicles the immigrant experience in the United States as the author and her family acclimates to a new environment. Living in America with a funny sounding name and with relatives who cannot understand cultural differences often leads to humorous as well as insightful points about racial profiling and stereotypes.
In the Garden of Beasts Erik Larson (Mrs. Harans)
During the first years of Hitler’s reign, the American ambassador to Germany and his daughter become players in the story of Hitler’s obsession with absolute power. The New York Times called this novel “the best and most enthralling work of novelistic history.”
Girl with a Pearl Earring Tracy Chevalier (Dr. Schorr)
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An evocative story based on the work of Dutch Masters painter Johannes Vermeer. Hauntingly recounted, the book deals with the intensity of the artistic process, and with the human issues of loyalty and betrayal.
The Glass Castle Jeanette Walls (Julie Harrans ’13, Kaitlyn Hubberman ’13)
In her memoir, Walls recounts stories of her childhood at the hands of her poverty-stricken and dysfunctional parents. Walls strives for the education and values that her parents fail to provide.
The Good Earth Pearl S. Buck (Leora Friedman ‘10)
This novel follows the life of Wang Lung, from his beginnings as an impoverished peasant to his eventual position as a prosperous landowner. Buck combines descriptions of marriage, parenthood, and complex human emotions with depictions of Chinese reverence for the land. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1932.
Hank Greenberg, The Story of My Life Ira Berkow (Danny White ’12)
While Hank Greenberg was raised in an observant Jewish home in the Bronx, he transcended Jewish stereotypes and followed his passion for baseball overcoming anti-Semitism throughout his career.
Have a Little Faith Mitch Albom (Gabe Krivenko ’11)
When an 82 year-old rabbi from Albom’s hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy, Albom returns to Detroit where he meets a reformed drug dealer who is now a pastor. This pastor’s poor, homeless congregation learns to live by faith. This book is a timely, moving, and inspiring look at faith: not just who believes, but why he believes.
Hidden Figures Margot Lee Shetterly (Dr. Koplon)
Recently adapted to film—with Oscar nominations for best picture and best adapted screenplay—Margot Lee Shetterly’s nonfiction book depicts the lives of four black women who, as mathematicians and engineers, helped send the first American astronaut into space. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden fought to progress up the ranks at NASA in the 1950s.
A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story Adam Makos and Larry Alexander (Jake Horowitz ’13) of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II
A Higher Call follows the lives of American 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown and German 2nd Lieutenant Franz Stigler and their encounter in the skies. As an ace Messerschmitt fighter, Stigler was the pride and joy of the German Air Force. During World War II, both Stigler and B-17 captain Brown were sent on attack missions where their lives collided in an intense stare at each other across the sky. Stigler’s shooting skills allowed him to be able to shoot down Brown’s plane at any second, but in that second where Stigler’s and Brown’s eyes met, Stigler sought to avoid fighting any more in World War II.
The History of Love Nicole Krauss (Mrs. Steinberg)
In this coming-of-age novel, a teenage girl who has lost her father and an elderly Holocaust survivor who has lost virtually everyone discover their own truth through the power of the written word. Set in modern-day New York City, the novel spans continents and times to explore the ways in which we are ultimately connected to one another.
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Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams (Miriam Reid ’18)
After the Earth was destroyed by the Vogons to make room for a hyperspace bypass, Arthur Dent is quite probably the only human left that witnessed the destruction. With a copy of The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur must determine what to do next in a galaxy full of things much more interesting that Earth.
Hole in my Life Jack Gantos (Jordana Eisenberg ’10)
As a child, Jack Gantos dreamed of becoming a writer. After his family is forced to move to Puerto Rico, Gantos finds a way to escape to New York to pursue his writing career. This expedition, though, lands him in a federal prison. In his memoir, Gantos addresses his childhood troubles, his time in prison, and the lessons he learned from each experience.
Homage to Catalonia George Orwell (Sam Supnick ‘09)
Orwell’s thrilling memoir of life as an anarchist in the Spanish Civil War provides the inspiration for his later masterpiece, 1984. This book is an interesting historical read with plenty of moral fiber.
The Hope Herman Wouk (Mr. Gurewitsch)
David Harris wrote, “The story of the Jewish nation is the wondrous realization of a 3,500-year link between a land, a faith, a language, a people, and a vision. It is an inspiring story of tenacity and determination, of courage and renewal, of the ascendancy of hope over despair.”
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Jamie Ford (Shira Goldstein ’11)
An aging Chinese man discovers the old “Panama Hotel’ which holds secrets in its basement. As he explores these artifacts left by Japanese citizens prior to their internment, he tries to piece together information about an old hidden love.
House of Ghosts Lawrence S. Kaplan (Mrs. Levin, Parent)
At his estate sale, retired police detective Joe Henderson discovers a 1944 diary describing an attempt by a Jewish-American pilot to drop his bombs on Auschwitz. This book explores anti-Semitism and Jewish resistance to Nazism in the United States as a conflict ensues about how the United States should react to the Holocaust.
The House on Mango Street Sandra Cisneros (Michael Martin ’19)
Written from the perspective of teenage Latina, Esperanza Cordero struggles with her life in a Chicano and Puerto Rican neighborhood of Chicago)
How to Buy Stocks Louis Engel/Harry Hecht (Yossi Kuttler ’13)
This book provides the key insights into the world of investments including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and the workings of the stock exchange.
How to Win Friends & Influence People Dale Carnegie (Harvey Kasner, parent)
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Carnegie believed that “financial success is due to 15% professional knowledge and 85% to the ‘ability to express ideas, assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm in people’.” This self -help book has stood the test of time to teach people to pay attention to other people if you want to succeed in this world.
I Was Told There'd be Cake Sloane Crosley (Meredith Smith ’14) This is an excellent memoir that shows the life of an average woman in her mid 20s. Crosley's clever way of writing portrays her struggles, from being locked out of her apartment not once but twice in one day, to dealing with a difficult boss and living as a vegetarian.
I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: Tony Danza (Rabbi Frank) My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High
This is an excellent year-long reflection by actor Tony Danza, who took the risk of teaching in an inner city high school for one year.
The Illustrated Man Ray Bradbury (Emily Kozlow ‘10)
Blending science fiction with acid social commentary, Ray Bradbury weaves together vivid depictions of witches, extraterrestrial life, and the coming of the messiah to develop disturbing insights into human nature.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot (Mrs. Steinberg, Jennifer Franklin ’13)
In her fascinating New York Times bestseller, Rebecca Skloot tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells – collected without her knowledge by Johns Hopkins researchers in the 1950s – became the basis for medical research spanning from the polio vaccine to AIDS treatments. A non-fiction account, the story of Lacks, her family and the researchers reads like a detective novel.
Interpreter of Maladies Jhumpa Lahiri (Rachel White ‘09, Mr. Bruner)
This book of short stories examines the experiences of Indians, in both their native country of India and the United States. Although the characters range from couples dealing with marriage to college students looking for the American dream to poor servants trying to survive, they share the common human struggle to adapt to unfamiliar situations, times, and people.
Into Thin Air Jon Krakauer (Mr. Green)
This non-fiction book recounts the gripping tale of a 1996 disaster on top of Mount Everest when Krakauer and a team of climbers become stranded on the apex in a storm. This is an emotionally charged, page turning account of a true-life adventure.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? Mindy Kaling (Jenna Miller ’14)
This memoir is a collection of funny experiences leading up to and through her job as a writer on The Office. Kaling's comedic take on life as a modern, single, ethnic, and self-admittedly chubby girl makes this memoir enjoyable, relatable, and hysterical.
Ishmael Daniel Quinn (Gabby Levey ’11)
This book focuses on a series on conversations between the narrator, Ishmael, a gorilla, and his student as they review the history of humankind on this planet and the detrimental effects that humans have caused
12 on the environment. Through these conversations, the reader learns that a society that is measured primarily in economic terms is a society destined for unhappiness.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers Jack Finney (Rebecca Hefter ’13)
When his high school lover returns to town, Dr. Miles Bennell’s patients start experiencing weird feelings that their family members are not really members of their family. His colleague suggests that the patients are experiencing an unreal, mental epidemic. Can Miles discover the reason behind the community’s behavior, or will his town crumble from these psychotic people?
Ironweed William Kennedy (Mr. Schneider)
William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel draws on both the history of Depression-era Albany and the supernatural to portray Francis Phelan’s struggles with guilt, alcohol, poverty, homelessness, violence, and mystical visions. Often confusing the living with the dead and vice versa, former baseball player Francis seeks reconciliation with his Irish-American family.
Juicing the Game Howard Bryant (Leizer Steppa ’14)
Through investigative journalism, Bryant explores how steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs tainted baseball from the 1990s to 2005.
Juliet Anne Fortier (Rachel Robin ’16)
After inheriting a key to a safe deposit box located in Sienna, Julie Jacobs travels into the history of her ancestors. She crosses paths with many characters from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and realizes that she is the next target of a family curse that can only be broken when she finds Romeo.
Jumper Steven Gould (Josh Lewis ’16)
Jumper tells David’s coming of age story, with a twist--teleporting. The NSA is interested in David’s ability to travel across the world in a matter of moments.
Kaaterskill Falls Allegra Goodman (Dr. Portnoy, Mr. Green)
A beautifully told (and hard to put down!) series of intertwined stories surrounding a fictional ultra- Orthodox Jewish community that spends winters in New York City and summers in the bucolic community named in the title. Goodman’s novel, set in the 1970s, is a richly nuanced view of the many personalities that comprise a complex and textured community that is often presented in a stereotypical, monolithic light.
Kaddish Leon Wieseltier (Rabbi Frank)
This book is a personal journey of mourning and a scholarly Judaic work. It brilliantly weaves its way through the author’s year of mourning and contains important messages about family, life, death, and our place in the world as Jews and as human beings. This book will count as two books read for this coming year.
Krakatoa Simon Winchester (Sarah Greenberg ’12)
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A great read for history lovers and avid readers alike, this novel details the infamous annihilation of the volcano island in 1883. This historically accurate work relays the intricate details of “the day the world exploded.”
Lab Girl Hope Jahren (Dr. Koplon)
This book won the 2016 National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography and was noted by Time, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Amazon as a best memoir or best book of 2016. Hope Jahren chronicles her lifelong passion for nature and science. Her memoir explores her relationship with her parents and the impact it had in cultivating her love of science as a child, and how her passion for plants and science gave her a deeper insight into herself.
In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom Qanta A. Ahmed (Dr. Koplon)
This memoir by Qanta A. Ahmed, a British Muslim doctor, begins in the late 1990s when her application to renew her U.S. visa is denied and she accepts a job in Saudi Arabia. Though excited about the prospect of forming a deeper connection to her faith, she struggles with being a feminist, a doctor, and a Western woman living and working in a country that is deeply oppressive to women.
The Last Alibi David Ellis (Jocie Broth ’15)
Incapable of stopping a serial killer without breaking his attorney-client oath and losing his career, Jason Kolarich, a well-known defense attorney, must unravel the truth before he loses everything.
The Last Days of Night Graham Moore (Lauren Banks ’18)
Set in New York and Pittsburg in the late 1800s, the story follows Paul, a lawyer recently out of law school, who defends George Westinghouse in the Edison vs. Westinghouse lawsuit over the invention of the light bulb.
Leap Into Darkness Leo Bretholtz (Mason Bernstein '14)
This thrilling memoir tells the story of Leo Bretholtz's life on the run across Europe in order to escape Nazi persecution. The reader is kept on edge as Leo constantly experiences narrow escapes with Nazi forces.
To the Last Breath: A Memoir of Going to Extremes Francis Slakey (Corey Weinapple ’13)
This book describes how Francis Slakey devotes his life to journey to the most amazing places on earth. He sets out to climb the highest mountain of each continent and ride every ocean wave. Slakey goes to the extreme points in his life-threatening adventures and dives deep down inside the human spirit.
A Lesson Before Dying Ernest J. Gaines (Aaron Finglass ’13)
In this novel set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s, Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed. The only survivor, Jefferson is
14 convicted of murder and sentences to death. Wiggins, a teacher at the plantation school, befriends Jefferson. In the end, these two men forge a bond, as they both understand the simple heroism of resisting and defying the expected.
Letter to My Daughter Maya Angelou (Mrs. Steinberg)
In this collection of short autobiographical essays, Angelou offers life lessons to “her daughter”-- women everywhere. Angelou’s own experiences as an unwed mother, the victim of an abusive boyfriend, a writer and a teacher struggling with her own prejudices and those of society shape the stories she tells. Because of its realistic portrayal of Angelou’s life, this book is appropriate reading for 11th or 12th graders.
Let the Right One In John Ajvide Lindqvist (Max Spitz ’12)
Endlessly tormented by bullies, 12 year-old Oskar lives through life as a loner with a morbid curiosity. When a girl his age, Eli, moves into the apartment next to his, Oskar begins to learn the truth about Eli’s vampire state.
Levels of the Game John McPhee (Brenden Seidel ’13)
This book describes a tennis match between Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner alternating between the match and profiling the participants, contrasting their family backgrounds. This book delves into social issues like poverty and racism.
Liar’s Poker Michael Lewis (Evan Albert ’11)
Michael Lewis' memoir of his time on Wall Street was truly captivating. He reminisces about how he entered the world of finance and what everyday life was like as a Wall Street employee.
Like Dreamers Yossi Klein Halevi (Lani Roskes ’14)
Like Dreamers follows the lives of seven paratroopers in the Six Day War.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier Ismael Beah (Jordan Loux ’11, Ashley Sefret ’12, Erin Kuntz ‘12) In this powerful memoir, Ismael tells his story of how he got caught in a Civil War in his home country of Sierra Leon as a young boy. Throughout the book, you see how the war affects him. From running from the fighting to being a part of it, you get an up-close view of war through a child’s eyes. I recommend this book because it shows the horrors of war, and shows the psychology of the soldiers who fight in them.
Look Homeward Angel Thomas Wolfe (Mr. Bolenbaugh)
This is the first of the five novels that describe life in the American South and in New York City in the 1920s. In this novel, Wolfe focuses on his youth and education at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He describes in detail his family, and the characters he meets in his emerging adulthood.
The Long Emergency: Surviving James Howard Kunstler (Rabbi Frank) the Converging Catastrophes of the Twenty-First Century
“Discerning an imminent future of protracted socioeconomic crisis, Kunstler foresees the progressive dilapidation of subdivisions and strip malls, the depopulation of the American Southwest, and, amid a world at war over oil, military invasions of the West Coast; when the convulsion subsides, Americans will live in smaller places and eat locally grown food. Credit Kunstler with an energetic argument, but
15 whether he has achieved his stated goal--waking up an ostensibly somnolent public--via his relentless and alarmist pessimism remains to be seen.” -Gilbert Taylor
Love Letters to the Dead Ava Dellaira (Shani Goloskov ’15)
What begins as an English assignment quickly becomes a way for Laurel to cope with everything life has thrown at her--her sister’s death, beginning high school, new friendships and more. She tells her story through letters written to famous people like Kurt Cobain.
Madame Bovary Gustave Flaubert (Jessica Marder ’10, Jodana Suldan ‘11)
This novel tells the tragic tale of Emma Bovary, a woman chronically dissatisfied with her life, bored with her husband, and desperate for adventure. Recognized by critics as one of the best novels ever written, Mademe Bovary’s complex characters, moral questions, and surprise ending have pleased generations of readers.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Helen Simonson (Mrs. London)
Major Ernest Pettigrew lives in a small village in the English countryside. Wry, courtly, and opinionated, Major Pettigrew leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations. Then his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their respective spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. However, village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition? This funny and beautifully written book, with its quirky characters and compelling plot, has some important underlying messages and will keep the reader turning pages!
A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman (Mr. Bruner)
Ove is a man you might love to dislike until you understand him. After his wife dies, Ove, a solitary man, becomes even more distant until he realizes his new mission in life, to help a boisterous young family that moves next door. Called by critics “The Most Charming Book of the Year,” this novel, an international best seller, proves that love and acceptance conquers despair.
The Martian Andy Weir (Justin Tepper ’19)
Astronaut Mark Watney must survive alone on Mars when his crew thinking he was dead abandons him. He must use his skills to find a way to signal Earth that he’s still alive,
The Martian Chronicles Ray Bradbury (Mrs. Allen, Emily Kozlow ‘10)
From “Rocket Summer” to “The Million-Year Picnic”, Ray Bradbury’s short stories of the colonization of Mars form an eerie mesh of past and future. Expedition after expedition leaves Earth to investigate Mars, but the Martians guard their mysteries well. This collection of excellent science fiction stories criticizes some of modern society’s weaknesses.
The Maze Runner James Dashner (Chase Berman ’15)
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In this thriller, a teenage boy named Thomas arrives in the Glade, where he experiences memory loss. Through suspenseful and heart-wrenching scenarios, Thomas and the other boys fight for survival as they attempt to find the answers to questions about the Glade and their purpose.
Memoirs of a Geisha Arthur Golden (Anna Balfanz)
In the 1930’s, a young Japanese girl is taken from her fishing village and sold to an okiya, a boarding house for geisha. From her childhood to adulthood, Chiyo undergoes the struggles and triumphs of living in the house, going through training, and ultimately becoming a renowned Japanese geisha.
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac Gabrielle Zevin (Sara Beth Adler ’14)
In this book, Naomi Porter falls down a flight of stairs and hits her head. After the fall, she cannot remember anything since sixth grade. She cannot remember her best friend, her boyfriend, or even her parents’ divorce.
Mila 18 Leon Uris (Mrs. Klaff, Mrs. Allen, Andrew Lebowitz ’12)
This novel about the Warsaw uprising is a timeless story of the Jewish struggle for survival against overpowering Nazi oppression.
The Moon and Sixpence W. Somerset Maugham (Mrs. Munitz)
This book represents the fictionalized account of Paul Gaugin’s decision to leave his wife, children, and business to head for the South Pacific to paint.
Modoc Ralph Helfer (Kacy Stein ’13)
Spanning seven decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing animal stories ever told. Raised together in a small German circus town, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives and would be tested many times.
Mother Night Kurt Vonnegut (Gideon Wolf ’10, Matthew Goldberg ’11))
This novel is a psychological thriller exploring the life of a former Nazi spokesperson as he battles through mysterious circumstances after World War II.
My Grandmother Asked Me
To Tell You She’s Sorry Fredrik Backman (Mrs. Broth)
This touching novel is the tale of a quirky and precocious seven-year-old named Elisa and her best friend, who also happens to be her grandmother. After Granny’s death, Elisa is tasked with delivering a series of letters to those people Granny feels that she has wronged.
My Stroke of Insight Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D (Yossi Muroff ’10)
Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained brain scientist, describes her fascinating journey from a debilitating stroke to full recovery.
The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss (Avi Cheifetz ’17)
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In the first book of a fantasy trilogy, this novel follows the life of an innkeeper and his protégé who happens to be a Prince of the Fae.
The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern (Lauren Banks ’18)
Within the black and white striped tents of Le Cirque des Reves is a unique experience full of breath- taking amazements only to be seen at night. However, behind these scenes, a fierce competition ensues between two magicians.
Night Road Kristen Hannah (Chandler Pierce ’13)
Judy Farrady, a mother of twins Mia and Zach, lives in an upper middle class community. Mia befriends Lexi, a former foster child, who spends countless hours with Mia and her family. Lexi falls in love with Zach and the three friends become inseparable. A car accident ruins this relationship.
Not Me Michael Lavigne (Michelle Safferman ‘09, Mr. Bruner, Eric Manski ‘12)
When the protagonist receives a box of old journals from his father who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, he begins to investigate his father’s past that takes the reader from life in the concentration camps in Poland to a complicated love story in Israel. Is the narrator’s father a Nazi or a benefactor of Israel?
Not Without Hope Nick Schuyler/Jere Longman (Zachary Seidel ’16)
This nonfiction book shares the headline-making tragedy that killed three NFL football players. Written by the only survivor, Schuyler describes his strategies for survival.
The Once and Future King T.H. White (Melanie Gorelik ’16)
White retells the King Arthur story as the king tries to save his kingdom.
Once We Were Brothers Ronald Balson (Bradley Harrison ‘19)
This book begins in the present and transitions to the story of an 83 year-old Holocaust survivor who plans to accuse a man of being a former Nazi SS Officer. Through flashbacks, the survivor tells the life of two young boys and their families struggling to survive in deteriorating Poland.
One Bullet Away Nathaniel Fick (Jeremy Zuckerberg ‘09)
Following his undergraduate years at Dartmouth, Nathaniel Fick, a Marine officer, traces his military service in Afghanistan and Iraq following the tragedy of 9/11.
One Day in September Simon Reeve (Henry Sholk ’11)
At 4:30 am on September 5, 1972, a group of Palestinian terrorists took 11 Israeli athletes and coaches hostage at the Summer Olympic Games in Munich. This book recounts, documents, and analyzes one of the most devastating and politically explosive tragedies of the late 20th century.
One Thousand White Women Jim Fergus (Andrea Piccioto ’13)
This book chronicles the life of May Dodd and other pioneer women who, under the auspices of the US government, travel to the western prairies in 1875 to intermarry with Cheyenne Indians. This
18 controversial “Brides for Indians” program, launched by the administration of Ulysses S. Grant, sought to assimilate the Indians into the white man’s world.
One True Thing Anna Quindlen (Mrs. Ginsberg)
This is the story of an adult woman whose father asks her to put her life on hold in order to take care of her dying mother. There is a twist in the story that will keep the reader wondering who is responsible for the mother’s death and how each character grows wiser as death approaches.
The Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline (Mr. Bruner)
Between 1854 and 1929, “orphan trains” transported thousands of abandoned children from East Coast cities to rural families in the Midwest. These orphans had no idea what might await them at their final destination. With the help of a young girl, an elderly Vivian Daly recalls her turbulent life as an orphan when they clean out an old trunk in Vivian’s attic.
Content and language in this book may be appropriate for 11th and 12th grade students.
Outliers Malcolm Gladwell (Billy Mont ’13)
An exploration of the sociological phenomenon of high achievement, this book upends the conventional wisdom of success. Using narratives of Canadian hockey players, the Beatles, Bill Gates and others, Gladwell portrays how success is not determined by innate ability, but by timing, circumstance, culture, and tenacity.
Out of the Depths Rabbi Israel Meir Lau (Mr. Green)
Little Luleck Lau was the youngest child to survive Buchenwald. He grew up to become the chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of the State of Israel. In this easy read and compelling autobiography, Rabbi Lau tells his extraordinary life story.
The Paris Architect Charles Belfoure (Lauren Banks ’18)
This story follows French architect Lucien Bernard who created temporary hiding places for Jews in Nazi occupied Paris.
Passing Nella Larsen (Mr. Schneider)
Two lifelong friends from Harlem in the 1920s contend with the temptations and pitfalls of “passing for white” in an American society dominated by racist policies.
Pay It Forward Catherine Ryan Hyde (Sarah Moshman ’11)
What would the world be like if instead of paying people back, we paid them forward? Relentless and determined to bring a light of kindness to the world, Trevor McKinney, a twelve yea-old student, strategically constructs a plan to help three people who will each help another three people and so on. Trevor refuses to back down from his task regardless of the obstacles that stand in his way or the dangers that threaten his life.
People of the Book Geraldine Brooks (Mr. Fuller)
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Hanna, a book conservationist, not only restores the Sarajevo Haggadah but also discovers clues within the ancient holy book that take the reader through a series of stories that reconstruct its long and varied history. Interspersed between the stories of the Haggadah is Hanna’s own story, her own history.
Percy Jackson and The Olympians Book One (The Lightning Thief) Rick Jordan (Noa Cardin ’14)
This adventure novel is filled with humor, love, and excitement as Percy Jackson learns about his father who left him at birth. Discovering that his father is the Greek god Poseidon carries Percy on a quest that can save the world.
The Piano Teacher Janice Y. K. Lee (Mrs. Steinberg)
Through an array of characters from Chinese and British socialites to brutal Japanese military, Janice Lee’s first novel depicts the intrigue and brutality of Japan’s attack on Hong Kong during WWII as well as the aftermath still occurring ten years later. The Piano Teacher has a little something for everyone: romance, betrayal, murder, and international political intrigue. Mature themes: recommended for 11th and 12th grade students.
Playing the Enemy John Carlin (Eric Eidelman ’11)
Carlin tells the story of how Nelson Mandela used rugby as a unifying force in post apartheid South Africa. The movie Invictus is based on the events in this novel.
Please Excuse My Daughter Julie Klam (Isabella Shapiro ’13)
This book takes place in New York. Growing up, Julie's parents spoiled her with everything she could want and sometimes even put luxuries before priorities. She grew up knowing she was going to marry a rich husband and raise her children the same way; however, when that perfect rich man did not come sweep her off her feet, Julie did not know what to do. Julie learns to change her ways, a difficult transition.
The Power of Nice; How to Negotiate So Everyone Wins-Especially You! Ron Shapiro (Eli Davis ’12)
Shapiro, a corporate lawyer, teacher and expert negotiator, demonstrates through personal experiences how simply being nice and building strong relationships represent the keys to any successful negotiation.
The Promise Chaim Potok (Leora Friedman ‘10)
This novel, a sequel to Potok’s The Chosen, portrays the continued friendship between Reuven, who lives in Brooklyn studying to be a rabbi, and Danny, a psychologist. After Reuven discovers that his girlfriend’s relative, Michael, suffers from depression and anger, his concern for Michael eventually leads him to reunite with his friend Danny.
Purple Hibiscus Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Mrs. Broth)
Narrated by a fifteen-year-old Nigerian girl, this is a meaningful coming of age story. Though many of the book’s themes are more specific to Nigerian culture, the most critical themes are universal.
A Random Walk Down Wall Street Burton G. Malkiel (Eli Plaut ’11)
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Malkiel explains to anyone interested in the stock market the background information needed to make wise investment decisions as he evaluates the full range of investment opportunities.
Rashi Elie Wiesel (Mrs. Munitz)
In this book, we get a brief biography of Rashi, a number of examples of his commentary on Genesis and other parts of the Bible, and some very interesting examples of Responses, Rashi's responses to questions sent to him from Jewish communities throughout Europe. These reveal a lot about the gentle character of this famous rabbi.
Ready Player One Earnest Cline (Lauren Banks ’18)
The story set in a 2044 dystopian society follows Wade Watts on his search to find an Easter egg in a virtual reality game called OASIS. This discovery will lead Wade to inherit a fortune in a world wreaked by an oil crisis.
Rebecca Daphne Du Maurier (Rachel Cohen ’10)
A young woman marries a widower with a hidden scandal and a housekeeper obsessed with his dead wife. Rebecca is a novel of mystery and passion, a dark psychological tale of secrets and betrayal.
The Red Necklace: A Story of the French Revolution Sally Gardner (Mrs. London)
A Gypsy boy, Yann, and the dwarf who has raised him are caught up in drama on and off the stage, where they work with a magician and his automaton. Gardner sweeps the reader into the turbulent time, dissecting eighteenth century French society and the evolution of the revolution, from the yearning for liberty to the chaotic revolutionary bloodbath.
Red Rising Pierce Brown (Tamar Kiewe’17)
This is the first book of the Red Rising Trilogy. Darrow is a Red, the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to defeat his enemies…even if it means becoming one of them.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist Mohsin Hamid (Joshua Sloane ‘09, Mr. Bruner)
In Pakistan, an American meets a stranger named Changez who tells his life story about living in America as a Muslim. Changez relates his initial infatuation with the American dream and his disenchantment with America.
Retief Unbound Keith Laumer (Gil Lehmann ’13)
This book is a collection of short stories and a novella, “Retief’s Ransom,” set during a Cold War-like diplomatic conflict between the Terrans of Earth and the Groaci of plant Groac over control of the galaxy.
The Rising Tide Jeff Shaara (Joel Cohen ’10)
This historical fiction novel about WWII focuses on the North African theatre along with the beginnings of the American Italian campaign. Shaara provides the reader a view of some of the most popular figures of the war, such as Field Marshal Rommel and Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower.
A River Runs Through It and Other Stories Norman Maclean (Mr. Monroe)
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Maclean’s descriptions leave one’s senses abuzz with the limitless beauty of the Bitteroot region of Montana. Moreover, his characters are as crusty and vibrant as the natural world that they inhabit.
The Road Cormac McCarthy (Gideon Wolf ’10, Mr. Bruner)
In the wake of global destruction, a father and a son must make their way to warmer weather, struggling to find food and shelter along the way. McCarthy reveals the true bond between a father and son in this breathtaking tale of adventure and drama.
Room Emma Donoghue (Helaine Wilkowsky ’11, Lidan Simhi ‘12)
Five year-old Jack, the narrator, has lived his entire life in a single 11’x11’ room with his mother. Although he is happy in this confinement, everything changes when his mother tells him the story about where they live and why they live in the room.
Roses Leila Meachem (Atara Vogelstein ’11)
Mary Tolliver struggles with maintaining her family’s cotton plantation while she also remains loyal to those close to her. Instead of taking the “easy way out,” Mary commits herself to a life of toil, hardship, and regret as she forsakes beauty and romance for pride and dignity.
Sailing Alone Around the Room Billy Collins (Paul Rosen, ’13)
In this best-selling collection of poems, Poet Laureate Billy Collins finds meaning in the experiences of everyday life.
Sag Harbor Colson Whitehead (Mrs. Steinberg)
This coming-of-age story follows a group of African American teenage boys as they spend their summer navigating the world of Sag Harbor, their small vacation community in the affluent Hamptons. In a style similar to J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, Whitehead presents the details of typical teenage life for this group of boys who struggle with the conflicting feelings of privileged private school students in a world that expects them to be downtown hip-hop cool. Recommended for 11th and 12th grade students.
Sarah’s Key Tatiana de Rosnay (Erika Reif ’09, Frankie Simone ‘11)
This novel parallels two stories of Sarah, a 10 year-old Jewish girl lived in Paris in 1942, and Julia Jarmond, an American journalist lives in Paris in 2002. After much research, Julia reveals the eerie connection she has with Sarah. This discovery causes Julia to examine her life and question the decisions that she has made.
Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Tobias Moskowitz/L.J. Wertheim (Noah Rapoport ’16) Behind How Sports Are Played
Economist Tobias Moskowitz and sports illustrator L. Jon Wertheim overturn some of the most cherished truisms of sports to reveal the hidden forces that shape how today’s popular sports are played, won, and lost.
The Secret Life of Bees Sue Monk Kidd (Judy Gerstenblith ’09, Tara Danels ’11)
Lily Owen and her “stand-in mother,” Rosaleen, flee from their house and escape to Tiburon, South Carolina, a town that supposedly holds the secret that will reveal her mother’s past. This novel encompasses the critical themes of female power, the ability to cope with a difficult loss, finding forgiveness, and discovering one’s identity.
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She Said Yes Misty Bernall (Ali Summerfield ’14)
This memoir is told by the mother of the late, Cassie Bernall, who was killed in the shooting at Columbine High School. It illuminates the most remarkable aspects of 17 year-old Cassie’s tragic death and her life.
Slave: My True Story Mende Nazer (Yaki Weingarten’14)
Slave depicts the true-life story of Mende Narzer, a native Nubian from southern Sudan. Throughout the book, Nazer struggles for survival after being abducted and forced into slavery by the northern Sudanese militia. Slave gives a unique and rare glimpse of modern world slavery.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Lisa See (Maia Witow ’13)
This 19th century novel focuses on women in China, specifically two girls who are set up to be a laotong pair, a companionship even closer than a husband’s and wife’s. The novel depicts a sisterly bond between the two girls as they struggle through the pain of feet binding, marriage, poverty, and death.
Some Danger Involved Will Thomas (Mrs. London)
A private detective and his sidekick attempt to solve a murder mystery in the Jewish quarter of Victorian London. If you liked Sherlock Holmes and Watson, you will definitely enjoy reading about Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn.
Son of Hamas Mosab Hassan Yousef (Caitlyn Franks ’14)
Son of Hamas is narrated by a young man named Mosab, who discovers that his father is one of the seven ringleaders of Hamas, a terrorist organization located in the West Bank in Israel. Mosab tells his journey of working undercover for the Shin Bet, and how he became a double agent between Israel and Hamas.
Spartan Child Clive Cussler/Grant Blackwood (Aryeh Weinrauch ’13)
This novel focuses on husband and wife environmentalists who explore the Great Pocomoke Swamp in Delaware, but they find a WWII German U-boat. When they find a bottle of wine belonging to Napoleon’s “lost cellar,” they decide to search for the rest of the bottles. Others also want the hidden treasure.
Speak Laurie Halse Anderson (Danielle Gelber ’12, Channa Rifkin ’12)
As a high school freshman, Melinda lost her ability to speak. Ever since this traumatic event at a party over the summer, she has chosen to remain silent as she strives to confront her enemy and prove her honesty.
Start Up Nation: Dan Senor, Paul Singer (Mrs. Beth Steinberg) The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle
In the 20th century, Israel has emerged as a leading global economic player particularly in the fields of science and technology. How does a country plagued by bitter Middle Eastern rivals emerge as a critical leader in world economics? Israel’s culture, environment, military training, open immigration policies and fight for survival play a major role in fostering its unprecedented success.
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Start Something That Matters Blake Mycoskie (Louis Bookoff ’13)
This book takes readers on the journey of the founder of TOMS Shoes, Blake Myocskie. The book gives great business advice and shows the inner workings of his business in vivid details. It also tells the story of the brand and the inspiration behind it.
Steve Jobs Walter Issacson (Ian Lever ’12)
Detailing the erratic life of one of our generation’s most compelling figures, Walter Isaacson provides a comprehensive perspective to the mastermind behind much of today’s innovations.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle David Wroblewski (Mrs. Zigelman)
A poignant story for dog lovers who enjoy observing the complications and intricacies of human relationships, this book follows the twists and turns in the development of a mute boy.
A Street Cat Named Bob James Bowen (Noah Broth ’17)
Do not let the title fool you. This was one of the best books I have ever read. The story of a drug addict who meets a cat that changes the addict’s life, this memoir reminds us that it is never too late for a second chance.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie Alan Brady (Emily Miller ’12)
In the English countryside of the 1950s, Flavia de Luce, an 11 year-old chemistry prodigy, investigates the murder of a stranger on her father’s property. This fictional story entertains the reader with suspense, humor, and eccentric characters.
The Things They Carried Tim O’Brien (Mr. Green, Sam Supnick ‘09)
Arguably the most significant piece of fiction representative of the Vietnam War, this collection of short stories follows the experience of a platoon of American soldiers fighting deep in the jungles of Vietnam. This book contains blunt and frank descriptions of what war is like.
A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini (Lizzy Solovey ’09, Rebecca Kraut ‘11)
The second book by the author of The Kite Runner outlines the many tribulations Afghani women endure and the desperate steps that some take to become individuals. Two Afghan women whose paths cross when they both marry the same man struggle to overcome the male-dominated Afghani society. This book contains mature language and scenes that portray realistically how some Muslim women are treated.
Throne of Glass Sarah J. Mass (Celia Weinrauch ’18)
The first novel in Throne of Glass series follows teenage assassin Celaena Sardothien as she fights for the chance to serve as the king’s champion and to acquire her freedom. Celaena makes unexpected bonds as she starts to uncover the secret history of the kingdom of Adarlan.
The Tiger’s Wife Tea Obrecht (Jen Sykes ’12, Michelle Czinn ’12)
This novel weaves three related stories: a young doctor investigates her father’s mysterious death, recounts what she discovered while she researched his childhood, and recalls the stories her grandfather told her about his encounters with the “Deathless Man.” The three stories deal with the nature of death, the relationship between death and the struggles of living, and the relationship between truth, secrets, and lies.
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The Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell (Ian lever ’12)
Demonstrating how small ideas catch on, Gladwell utilizes varying riveting examples spanning from the exponentially expanding suicide rate in Micronesia to the popularity of Sesame Street to argue that a series of patterns and factors catalyze each tipping point phenomenon.
Treasure Box Orson Scott Card (Shari Kurland ’10)
This novel tells a tale of Quentin Fears, a man with a troubled past and an even more troubling present. When he was 10 years old, his older sister was killed in a car accident and is seemingly haunted by her memory. After he marries, his idealistic relationship takes a turn for the worse when she takes him home to meet her rather mysterious and very peculiar family.
The Trial Franz Kafka (Matt Somerville ‘09)
This novel is a terrifying tale of Joseph K., a respectable bank officer who is suddenly and inexplicably arrested and must defend himself against a charge about which he has no information.
Triangle Katharine Weber (Mrs. Frank)
Esther Gottesfeld, the last survivor of the deadly 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, has been telling her story of the fire for decades, but what really happened to her remains unclear. As the next generation tries to determine what really happened to Esther, the real story becomes clear, bringing new meaning to the greatest tragedy in New York City prior to the 9/11 attack.
Trinity Leon Uris (Dr. Portnoy)
In this richly researched historical novel of Ireland, Baltimore-born author Uris turns his attention to thirty years of turbulent Irish history, as seen through the fictional lives of the three representative families. When I read this book in high school, it immediately (together with Exodus) became an “all-time favorite.”
Tuesdays with Morrie Mitch Albom (Alyssa Miller ’17)
Almost two decades after his graduation from college, Mitch Albom reunites with his former sociology professor who has been diagnosed with ALS. They discuss topics such as love, death, forgiveness, and the meaning of life.
Unbroken Layra Hillenbrand (Arielle Albert ’15)
Unbroken depicts the true story of Louis Zamperinin, a skilled Olympic runner who enlists in the army air corps and becomes a bombardier during World War II. The novel follows Zamperini’s quest for survival in an inhumane Japanese POW camp.
Uglies Scott Westerfield (Rachel Miller ’10)
Starting with the fast-paced Uglies, Westerfield’s series, set in a futuristic (yet both believable and realistic) time, examines society as a whole, especially society’s obsession with beauty and plastic surgery. The novel’s adventurous and rebellious protagonist, tally Youngblood, must journey out of her comfortable life to bring her best friend home. With interesting technologies and plot twists, romance and conspiracy, Uglies provides an examination of what we see as important in life.
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Water for Elephants Sara Gruen (Simone Shapiro ’10)
Set during the Great Depression, this novel chronicles the life of a young Cornell University veterinary student who runs away and joins the traveling circus after the sudden death of his parents.
Watership Down Richard Adams (Bobby Rubin ‘10)
In this allegory, a warren of rabbits flees as a result of the destruction of their home by land developers. Along their journey, the rabbits encounter numerous challenges as their goal and beliefs become clearer.
We Were the Lucky Ones Georgia Hunter (Mrs. Broth, Mr. Bruner)
This is a moving debut novel for Hunter, who discovers at age fifteen that her grandfather was a Jewish Holocaust survivor. Historical fiction based on what years of research teaches her about her family and their miraculous survival, the book is a fascinating read.
What’s Left of Me? Kat Zhang (Mackenzie Chyatte ’13)
Set in a futuristic era, this book depicts a girl who shares her body with another soul. The two girls must fight to remain undetected by the government, who weed out those who are “unsettled” and still have two souls. Through a journey of love, strength and action, both Eva and Addie find a way to coexist.
Where We Belong Emily Giffin (Morgan Mzhen '14)
Marian Caldwell is a 36-year-old television producer living her dream life in New York City. One night, 18 year-old Kirby Rose knocks on Marian's door, bringing back a past that Marian thought she had left behind forever. Suddenly, Marian's life is turned upside down and she is forced to remember a love affair she had when she was a teenager. Together, Marian and Kirby go on a journey to find the one thing that is missing from their lives.
Where’d You Go, Bernedette Maria Semple (Helyn Steppa ’15)
Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she is a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she is a disgrace; to design mavens, she is a revolutionary architect, and to 15 year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply Mom. Then Bernadette disappears.
The Witch’s Boy Michael Gruber (Mrs. London)
This fantasy novel begins when a witch finds her baby so ugly that the note with it reads, “The devil’s child for the devil’s wife.” The more the witch underestimates parental responsibility, the more hurt and angry the boy becomes. The boy and his mother locked in their own selfishness must fight through disappointment, hatred, and anger to find forgiving love.
The World to Come Dara Horn (Mrs. Frank)
A young Jewish man steals a million dollar Chagall painting from a museum during a singles’ cocktail hour. As the story about why the man stole the painting unfolds, the reader is taken back to 1920s Soviet Russia where Marc Chagall originally paints the stolen art piece. The two stories mystically intertwine with references to history, theology and folklore.
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Wickett’s Remedy Myla Goldberg (Mr. Schneider)
An Irish-American shop girl marries a wealthy young medical student in Boston just prior to the outbreak of the Spanish Influenza Epidemic of 1918. Amid sudden upheaval and tragedy, Lydia eventually works as a nurse in an experimental hospital designed to find information about the mysterious and deadly disease.
I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree Laura Hillman (Zoe Eisnberg ’12)
As she attended a Jewish boarding school, Hannelore Wolff is informed that the Nazis have taken her family. To reconnect with her family, Hannelore sends a letter requesting her deportation to the Nazis. Shifting between concentration camps, Hannelore still manages to find treasured friendships and everlasting love.
The Winter of Our Disconnect Susan Maushart (Elliot Heller ’13)
In this humorous memoir, Australian single mother of three Susan Maushart chronicles her family’s six- month odyssey without technology. Mason describes the reasons she made the move, the challenges the family faced, and the unexpected results the experiment yielded.
Women Heroes of WWII Kathryn J. Atwood (Miriam Pomerantz ’13)
These short stories take place in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, or the United States. The book demonstrates how women refused to sit around and not participate in the war. Readers look at the strides women made to make a difference.
Wrestling Jacob: Deception, Identity, Shmuel Klitsner (Rabbi Frank) and Freudian Slips in Genesis
“The book Wrestling Jacob presents close readings of the biblical stories of Jacob from both literary and psychological perspectives. The readings explore the relationship between text and subtext as reflecting the relationship between the conscious and subconscious. On one level, this book is about Jacob's personal wrestling with his own angels and demons, his struggle to build a ladder between his own internal heaven and earth. On another level, it is about deceptions of us and of others that threaten the fragile development of our identities... Wrestling Jacob introduces a new way to read the Bible, in which unusual word choices, odd syntax, and striking parallels conspire to reveal profound new meanings in an ancient text.”—Amazon.com
The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story Diane Ackerman (Leora Friedman ’10)
This book tells the true, unique story of two heroes of WWII, Jan and Antonia Zabinski, zookeepers of the Warsaw Poland Zoo, who risked their lives to rescue and safeguard Jews from Nazi persecution.