Also written by Reagan O’Connor
In Language arts classes everywhere students have required reading. Every year in class students tend to go through multiple books in which the entire class reads. For some this is a highlight of their class, and others would rather not read the books at all. Some books are very enjoyable, while others can be boring. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite books we’ve read for school.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury –
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a dystopian novel which displays the dangers of government censorship, specifically in book burning and freedom of speech. The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman in their futuristic society. Yet, a fireman is not the same in their world, compared to ours. Montag’s whole job is to burn books. The book’s namesake comes from the burning point of temperature which is 451 degrees fahrenheit. The book was originally published in 1953, and it criticizes future (our modern) society, and the government. It is really interesting to focus on the differences between 1953, and the current year. Overall, if you’ve read a Ray Bradbury book before, or any kind of dystopian futuristic style you will definitely like it.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller –
The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller, depicting the hysteria of the Salem witch trials, while comparing it to the 1953 government during the Red Scare. The play highlights McCarthyism in the United States, and the terror that came with it. The blaming and accusations that came with the Salem witch trials, also happened in the government and personal relationships in the Red Scare. This is a really easy read, it is a play, so the format is a bit confusing at parts, but it is super entertaining. The storyline mainly follows the protagonist, John Proctor, who eventually becomes involved in the trials.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald –
The Great Gatsby takes place during the 1920s in New York. It’s written from the perspective of a man named Nick Carraway. The novel follows him as he interacts with a man who lives near him, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a millionaire, and he lives in a big mansion, yet no one knows anything about him. He throws lavish parties and pines after another character, Daisy Buchanan. Her and Gatsby have a history and most of what he does in the novel is to win her attention. The Great Gatsby explores topics of wealth and class, hierarchy, and more. It’s a fun read, and there’s a movie and Broadway musicals inspired by it.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck –
Of Mice and Men follows the story of two close friends, George and Lennie. The two men travel around and work at different ranches. They find somewhere to stay and spend the majority of the book there. They meet other men, all of which have their own stories and personalities. The story is heartwarming, and you get to know each of the individual characters. This is a quick read with lots of ups and downs, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Whether you have heard of these books, loved them or skimmed them just a bit, we recommend every single one. While most are considered classic, each book entertains easily, and are all quick reads. So, even if you don’t know anything about these books besides this review, go out and read them, we promise they’re worth it.
