Dracula
I get it: Vampires are cool. However, instead of believing Vampires are simply moody teenagers, why don't you read the book that brought the entity of "vampire" into the world vernacular? It is a classic. I promise within the first two chapters the story will consume your interest.
The Perks of Being A Wallflower
I have consistently seen this book on the list of top read books in High Schools today. Yet, despite all the praise and popularity this book had accumulated, I never had much desire to read it until I was well into college. I can honestly say I am disappointed i did not read this book sooner. The story is narrated by Charlie, a young boy in high school writing letters to an unnamed individual, discussing the numerous antics and characters he meets while growing up in an average high school in America. the characters and events of the novel certainly will capture your attention.
The Road
The most highly praised book by my favorite author: Cormac McCarthy. The Road is as bleak and desolate as it is beautifully crafted. Additionally, While his style will certainly take some getting used too, McCarthy's mastery and unique play on convention makes this an aesthetically brilliant novel. Perhaps the most riveting part of this novel is its powerful narrative which will force the reader to ask questions.
the Absolutely True Diary of A Part Time Indian
Alexie is probably the most well known Native American author. I chose this book because of its unique perspective that Alexie provides. Alexie himself being a Native American who grew up on an indian Reservation in Washington and found the conflict between white society and minorities, provides partial autobiographical content in this young adult novel.
The Unforgiving Minute
Arguably the best piece of literature written about the current conflict in Afghanistan. In addition to being an eye witness account through the eyes of a junior officer, Mullaney also provides an extremely articulate and moving narrative. After graduating from West Point and attending the grueling 8-week gut check known as Ranger school, Mullaney was assigned to a rifle platoon of one of the first conventional units to deploy to Afghanistan following the events of 9/11. The bulk of his narrative deals with the challenges and rise to maturity Mullaney found when he entered into the now ten year long war.
Things Fall Apart
African history and culture is often overlooked in the modern school curriculum. This book about warring tribes in Africa and the conflict created with Western Colonialism, creates a shocking and sadly accurate example of the dynamics of the many peoples that compose the continent of Africa. This book is quickly becoming a must read for many high schools. Just give it a try you will not be disappointed.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Ok, so its not what Jane Austen originally wrote, it's not high brow, the cultural dynamics found in the book are almost completely lost, and furthermore it will never be on any scholarly list of literary works. However, it is alright to read for fun. This book while being completely outlandish is an interesting new take on a classic novel.
All The Pretty Horses
He's my favorite author, so it was inevitable he would show up twice on this list. All The pretty Horses was the first McCarthy novel I read. While, I originally took a great deal of time getting used to his particular style, I found I really enjoyed this story. Having lived in the Texas border area this type of landscape for a story certainly interested me. Yet, I am sure that anyone will find this book about a young man attempting to make a living as a ranch hand extremely moving.
My War: Killing Time In Iraq
This book, about an Enlisted soldier's year long deployment to Iraq, will certainly in the future be grouped with the likes of All's Quiet on the Western Front, A Helmet for my Pillow, and the Things They Carried as one of the greatest pieces of War literature to be written. Buzzell's personal recount of his experience capture the fear, anxiety, compassion, and insanity found in the life of an average soldier roaming the streets of Iraq in the early years of America's post invasion of Iraq. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has grown up during America's involvement in the Middle East Post 9/11.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
The Latino population in America is only growing. This book, in addition to capturing the experience of growing up in a Dominican American community, also captures the common casual manner one would carry on a conversation with one of the many characters who is left to narrate the story of Oscar, the boy who did not fit in to this society. While the book can be painful to read at times, it provides an enormously colorful story and a mastery of capturing the common spanglish