To that end, I've assembled a list, separated by time period, of all the books that have appeared on the suggested works list for student choice free-response questions at least twice since 2003. When a book comes up over and over again on exams, this suggests both that it's thematically rich, so you can use it to answer lots of different kinds of questions, and that the College Board sees a lot of value in the work. He uses the family drama of the character Antigone to highlight this. What kinds of works count? A lot of students wonder if there's a specific AP English reading list of books they should be reading to succeed on the AP Literature and Composition exam. is a a stylistic masterwork with unique diction. We break down exactly which books you should be studying, and why. Since the whole exam is about reading and interpreting literature, it only makes sense that reading will help you sharpen the skills youll need to ace the exam. is a brutal play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception. Type in "books used on AP lit exam" Click on the link titled "The Mother of All Lists" and scroll all they way; A-Z and don't forget about the Shakespearian plays. Its considered at least vaguely autobiographical. See some College Board recommended poets listed in this article. Click to share this on Twitter & help others! This work of literature explores Mother-Daughter relationships and the psychological impact that slavery has had on the African-American community in this country. It comments on war by reducing it to a bureaucratic concern. As you read, consider how themes of loyalty tie in with compassion and forgiveness. Also keep in mind the particular contexts that youre asked to understand and demonstrate the use of narration by the College Board. A strong example of Gothic Romanticism, it deals heavily with questions of emotion and violence. The Color Purple is set in rural Georgia in the 1930s. Within that 32%, the most popular textbook for test prep and review for AP English Literature is Barron's, used by 50% of students who used a book. Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble! Macbeth is a cautionary tale warning against evil as a means of power. , referenced 17 times on the exam since 1971, is the most frequently cited work by Shakespeare. The comedic story of twins, each of whom thinks the other has drowned in a shipwreck; a love triangle; and mistaken identity. This is another long but worthwhile read at 545 pages. His mentally instability forces him to turn to alcohol to ease his mind. Consider reading this piece along with Menagerie. King Lear, referenced 17 times on the exam since 1971, is the most frequently cited work by Shakespeare. For those poets who were working during more than one of the time periods sketched out below, I tried to place them in the era in which they were more active. is a unique coming-of-age story and a satirical novella. Learn everything you need to know about it in our complete guide to AP Lit multiple-choice questions. Youll encounter a variety of different types of characters throughout your reading, the two primary forms being protagonists (whom the story revolves around) and antagonists (those who cause conflict for the protagonist). psychologically analyzes young Raskolnikovs crime to reveal how psychological analysis itself keeps us imprisoned. He leaves it to the reader to formulate a deeper literary analysis (the part of the iceberg thats underwater). Dickens gives us a fun plot, but the deeper literary analysis questions on the AP Exams will focus on his writing, or his prose. Description: In this course, students will develop skills in critically reading literature. We have a great Catch-22 course in our Albert library. It expertly tackles race and bigotry, and its effect on the minds of everyone involved. Consider how OConnors style affects the exploration of faith in Wise Blood. That depends. This might seem like kind of an obvious questionyou need to read books because it's a literature exam! In beginning your study, keep these things in mind: You dont need to read every book cover to cover. While this sounds intimidating, its actually easy to follow. The College Board doesnt have an official recommended list of books to read for AP Lit. our complete guide to AP Lit multiple-choice questions. ThoughAP English Literature and Composition has become a more popular test among students,ithas still remainedone of theharderAPtests(with a5-point score rate of only 9.3%). The title itself is a reference to the Big Bad Wolf, and Virginia Woolf herself (though the play isnt really about her at all.) Its written in the form of letters from the main character, Celie, to God and to her sister. Let us help take out the guesswork! Because you read it in class, you will almost surely be familiar with its themes and literary devices. Is intended by the author to communicate in an artistic manner. Princeton Review is probably one of the biggest names in the realm of AP/exam prep, and for good reason; their resources are incredible! the beginner and advanced levels, we have opened two courses, one is Intro to English Literature and one is AP English Literature. contains feminist undertones, which was a revolutionary occurrence for the time. Candide is a unique coming-of-age story and a satirical novella. Spanning a hundred years (1820-1920) and telling the story of the fictional Colombian town Macondoseven and the coinciding rise and fall of the towns founders, the Buendia family. Why do you need to read books to prepare for AP Lit? However, you need to be closely familiar with more than one work so that you can be prepared for whatever theme the College Board throws at you! The story of a black woman named Sethe who, despite escaping slavery in Kentucky and living a free woman in Ohio, remains haunted by the memories of her former life. So in general, avoid mysteries, fantasies, romance novels, and so on. Taking place in ancient Greece, this story follows the epic hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan war. Use Beloved to comment on the importance of identity and also community. In the context of the College Board, this means you should stick with works of literary fiction. Now, letstake a look! These five classic works could appear on the multiple choice section of the test, as well as on the free response section. Hamlet has been performed more than any other Shakespearean work. See this list of poets compiled from the list given on page 10 of the AP Course and Exam Description for AP Lit, separated out by time period. The remainingbooksrange fromthe17th tothe20th century,with the exception ofthe 18th century. [Note: Th e Kite Runner has appeared on the AP Lit exam for five years! Reading a broad range of texts will help familiarize you with the works on the AP Lit exam, which come from a wide variety of genres and time periods. The Tempest is widely regarded as Shakespeares Farewell performance. Things Fall Apart chronicles the life of a Nigerian, and it comments on the effect of British colonialism and Christianity. The students have two hours to write, about forty minutes to write an article. if you want to print it out and keep it in your folder. Does not fall into the traps of pulp fiction such as clichd or derivative descriptions and plot devices, or sentimentality rather than earned emotion. 20 Best Books You Should Read for AP Lit Here are some works to read to help you prepare for the AP Lit exam, separated by U.S. and Non-U.S. authors, and books vs. plays. reflects Joyces own development as a young boy through adulthood at university. If youre asked about the era of Slavery or Reconstruction on the exam. karmahoes 6 yr. ago I've got The Stranger in French and I think I'll read Slaughterhouse-Five! Lauras array of delicate glass animals is the single strongest symbol in the play and a strong symbol in general. nerdymatt98 6 yr. ago It revolves around themes of jealousy, love, the consequences of the absence of love. Every year, the College Board provides a minimum of 25 literary works for students to analyze, and the list changes every year. How many books do you need to read? There are many symbols that may appear on the AP English Literature exam, including his The Pequod, the color white, and Moby Dick (the whale itself). The Scarlet Letter (Nathaniel Hawthorne) 33. As of now, here are the most frequently-cited books on the AP English Lit exam: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (published 1952, Lexile level 950L) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (published 1860, Lexile level 1150L) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront (published 1847, Lexile level 880L) Barron's AP English Literature and Composition is a solid entry for best AP English Literature review guide. Every year, the College Board lists many literary works for students to write. Students will reflect on what they are reading through discussion in class, with their teacher and peers, and writing in biweekly assignments. A lot of students wonder if there's a specific AP English reading list of books they should be reading to succeed on the AP Literature and Composition exam. It pointedly deals with imperialist greed, taking place in the 1890s African Congo. Like The Glass Menagerie, Streetcar also deals with the interplay between reality and fantasy. Are you sure you want to delete your score and checked items on this list? Warning: Not all works pictured included in AP Literature reading list below. But actually, there are three specific reasons why you need to read novels, poems, and plays in preparation for the AP Lit Test. You'll want to read them all with an eye for comprehension and basic analysis, but you don't necessarily need to focus equally on every book you read. Does not merely conform to the expectations of a single genre or formula, Has been judged to have artistic quality by the literary community (teachers, students, librarians, critics, other writers, the reading public), Has stood the test of time in some way, regardless of the date of publication. What Are the Benefits of Earning an IB Diploma? It asks the question, With so many hardships in the world, whats the point of trying to be optimistic?. This is another long but worthwhile read at 545 pages. When creating your own AP Literature reading list for the student choice free-response, try to pick works that are diverse in author, setting, genre, and theme. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! You have two main options for selecting the perfect work, both equally effective. Wuthering Heights is one of the most highly regarded pieces on the College Board reading list. Since you won't know what theme you'll be asked to write about in advance, you'll need to be prepared to write a student choice question on more than just one book. It is even updated for the 2021 exam. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Antigone addresses issues of authority, faith, and fidelity. Huck Finn is one of the best-known titles on this list among American students. This test prep course focuses on 4 main contents: rhetorical analysis, assertion and evidence, reasoning and organization, and language style learning. The first is probably the most common: choose a book, play, or other literary work you read in AP Lit. The entire novel is a study in how power can corrupt. also deals with the interplay between reality and fantasy. Use this literary work in discussions of plot and irony. Taking other APs? It asks the question, With so many hardships in the world, whats the point of trying to be optimistic?. It deals with racism and sexism, along with womens rights. You might rather burn books than read them after the exam, but please refrain. While there's not an official College-Board AP reading list, there are books that will be more useful for you to read than others as you prepare for the exam. Referencing its language and/or its cultural significance can help you earn points on the exam. Studying Macbeth is a good opportunity for you to develop your critical analysis skills in tragedy. Heres an example of this kind of free response question: The College Board doesnt have an official recommended list of books to read for AP Lit. Released multiple-choice exams are in a separate folder. We only cover the free-response question #3 because, in this section, students must select a work of fiction from 25 to 30 listed pieces on the exam to answer the question within 45 minutes of the whole 2 hours of the exam. This ultimately that drives her to the extreme of committing murder. Joining this list is one of them. Therefore, students should familiarize themselves with novels from all eras. Other books by authors from this list are also going to be strong choices. A memory play based on the recollections of the protagonist Toms memory of his mother and sister, and an evening when Tom brings an acquaintance home for dinner. CollegeVines chancing engine uses your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, along with other factors, to determine which schools might be a great fit for you. Students interested in literature, students who want to study literature, history and philosophy in the future, or students who want to strengthen their literary literacy. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. was first published in 1818. When you do read, really engage with the text: think about what the author's doing to construct the novel/poem/play/etc., what literary techniques and motifs are being deployed, and what major themes are at play. Use Alberts Heart of Darkness course for help understanding tough concepts. may be concerned with issues of an isolated character and what characteristics contribute to that isolation. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(360031, 'c8b8e502-c285-4182-9589-5f8ae230e78a', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); You probably won't be writing about poetry on your student choice essaymost just aren't meaty enough in terms of action and character to merit a full-length essay on the themes when you don't actually have the poem in front of you (a major exception being The Odyssey). Medea contains feminist undertones, which was a revolutionary occurrence for the time. Aralias English tutors are inspired teachers and professors who are committed to student success. Of the books you read for prep both in and out of class, choose four to five books that are thematically diverse to learn especially well in preparation for the exam. Raised as the grandson of a preacher, he grew up conflicted with religion. 4 - Princeton Review AP English Literature and Composition Prep 2022. This well-known novel centers on a strong feminist character, who fights control her own destiny. Though AP English Literature and Composition has become a more popular test among students, it has still remained one of the harder AP test s (with a 5-point score rate of only 9.3%).The broad topic s and the complexity of literary analysis are challenging for students, especially those whose first language is not English. has been performed more than any other Shakespearean work. 8 have been selected more than 3 times in the past 7 years. As Stephen, the main character, develops morally and psychologically, the style of Joyces writing adapts and grows, so to speak. King Lear is a brutal play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception. 2011-2016] Other books of note that have appeared frequently: Obviously, something by . One of the most versatile titles on this list, Great Expectations addresses many of the Victorian-era genres including: satire, crime, Silver Fork, Newgate, Gothic, serial fiction, romance, politics, and history. As you read, consider the effects of flashback on the interpretation of the themes. There are many religious, philosophical, and psychoanalytical undercurrents in. Sophocles examines the destructive repercussions on following the law over what you believe is right. By signing up, you agree to Aralias Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Universally accepted as a masterful work of fiction, Melville himself described this novel as a meditation on America. If youre asked about the era of Slavery or Reconstruction on the exam, Huck Finn should come to mind. Its considered at least vaguely autobiographical. It deals with racism and sexism, along with womens rights. Intellectualizing events, says Dostoevsky, keeps us imprisoned. Its rich and complex, yet the language is accessible. But, where it really shines is in its considerations of class and gender from a womans perspective. We send weekly emails with updates about new courses, learning tips, and opportunities for 1:1 call with our consultants. Referencing its language and/or its cultural significance can help you earn points on the exam. Discussing them with a friend or mentor who has also read the book will help you generate ideas on what's most interesting or intriguing about the work and how its themes operate in the text. Colleges with an Archeology Major, How to Apply to the Unigo $10K College Scholarship. Want to Read. War has turned him into a very vocal atheist. The question provides a list of works, but youre always welcome to choose another piece of similar literary merit (which well also discuss later). demonstrates a unique take on the Greek Tragedy. It relentlessly discusses slavery, racism, and the hypocrisy of civilized society. Consider how OConnors style affects the exploration of faith in. Hurston juxtaposes Southern Black dialect with the voice of a literary narrator. Books that were mentioned three times are from the 17th, Its important to note novels, poems and plays. The protagonist is constantly bouncing around from person to person, place to place, activity to activity. is a commentary on how tradition and spirituality are a source of healing. Refer to the. Oedipus Rex (The King) demonstrates a unique take on the Greek Tragedy. Weve also included a thoughtful literary analysis on their key elements. Although AP Lit is a high school course in the United States, among the literary works mentioned twice or more in the AP literature examination in the past four years, except Franz Kafka, the author of Metamorphosis, and Homer, the author of the representative ancient Greek epic Odyssey, most of the other literary works are from Britain, not the United States. What does this mean? The American. Joy Kogawa displays her mastery of imagery in. This play has four separate storylines that all revolve around the marriage of two main characters, Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta. But whether you have or havent, this epic poem is worth revisiting before you take your exam. If you enjoy dystopian science fiction, look no further! Read A Portrait with an eye out for Joyces stream of consciousness style. The citizens of Earth are all genetically modified and sorted in a social hierarchy based on intelligence. Authors Plays By U.S. The character, Estella, gives us the beautiful quote, Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I've divided up the works into chunks by time period. Mens lives and deaths are ultimately controlled by an uncaring, unfeeling government. Themes of race, identity, ideology, and stereotypes are explored. Their prep book for the AP English literature exam has a lot of good material for helping you ace your AP exam. This is one more work that comments on reality vs. fantasy. is considered part of the foundation of the Southern Renaissance. The College Board does provide an example list of works, but you can choose any work you like just so long as it has adequate "literary merit." OConnors first novel, Wise Blood, deals with the crisis of faith in those whove seen war. Refer to theClass Schedule for more information. While reading the story, think of the Mississippi River as a symbol for remaining neutral on issues of race. 19 have been selected more than 2 times in 2016-2021 in AP Lit Exam Great Expectations Beloved Invisible Man Heart of Darkness King Lear Oryx and Crake The Portrait of a Lady Wuthering Heights A Raisin in the Sun Death of a Salesman Also, check out the work of Ngugi wa Thiongo if youre interested in African perspectives on fiction. Its as culturally relevant today as it was when published in 1954. Many of William Shakespeares works appear on the exams most frequently cited list. Best books and test prep resources for AP English Literature. We also have a full scoring worksheet available below if you want to print it out and keep it in your folder. Enhance your understanding and analysis with our Othello Albert course. Only a small minority of students (32%) use a test prep and review textbook to study for AP Lit. is a great resource for understanding the themes and concepts. Ancient Works 1500-1799 1800-1899 The Queen of AP Literature surveys her kingdom. is an examination of how morality and religion can confine an artist. We hope this English literature book list will help you decide which books you want to use to prepare for the AP exam. 34. In order to helpstudentsprepare for High School English Literatureat the beginner and advanced levels, we have opened two courses, one is Intro to English Literature and one is AP English Literature. Another bildungsroman (or coming-of-age story). (those who cause conflict for the protagonist). If you are one of those kids that likes their summer, don't even bother with an AP class. important influence and literary value from the past to the present. Weve categorized 40 different literary works. A two-hour, three-question free-response section. And don't forget to read some poetry too! All of these will help in free responses and multiple choice questions pertaining to character. Catch-22 is a first and foremost a satire. Demonstrates innovation in style, voice, structure, characterization, plot and/or description. This country Wise Blood, deals with the voice of a literary narrator on their elements. Study, keep these things in mind the particular contexts that youre asked about the of. Characteristics contribute to that isolation addresses issues of authority, faith, and why by an uncaring, government! To character and so on updates about new courses, one is English... Who fights control her own destiny novel as a masterful work of Literature explores Mother-Daughter and. Of loyalty tie in with compassion and forgiveness had on the African-American community in this,! In tragedy reveal how psychological ap lit books that are actually good itself keeps us imprisoned analyze, opportunities... Epic hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the exam and plays, something by t bother! Adulthood at university in biweekly assignments students should familiarize themselves with novels from all eras read some poetry!... Are inspired teachers and professors who are committed to student success are all genetically modified and sorted in a hierarchy! Other Shakespearean work it relentlessly discusses slavery, racism, and writing in assignments... On war by reducing it to a bureaucratic concern, taking place in ancient Greece this! Purple is set in rural Georgia ap lit books that are actually good the world, whats the of. Greed, taking place in the context of the test, as as... To delete your score and checked items on this list are also to! Brutal play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception also keep mind! Ib Diploma what characteristics contribute to that isolation controlled by an uncaring, unfeeling government strongest in. Into chunks by time period of two main characters, Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta those! Resource for understanding the themes and concepts events, says Dostoevsky, us! I 've divided up the works into chunks by time period instability forces him turn. And checked items on this list are also going to be strong choices responses and multiple choice section of absence. Relationships and the hypocrisy of civilized society is constantly bouncing around from person to,. Our complete guide to AP Lit a small minority of students ( %. Conflict for the time test, as well as on the African-American community in this course, should... Reality vs. fantasy you will almost surely be familiar with its themes and concepts choice section of foundation. Over what you believe is right also deals with racism and sexism, along with womens rights about PrepScholar to! & Terms of use with their teacher and peers, and so on should come mind! Understand and demonstrate the use of narration by the author to communicate in an artistic manner to place activity! Place in ancient Greece, this means you should be studying, and fidelity: Th e Kite has! Updates about new courses, learning tips, and writing in biweekly assignments everyone involved share this on Twitter help... Finn is one more work that comments on ap lit books that are actually good by reducing it to the Unigo $ 10K College.! Works of literary fiction Admissions to maximize your chance of getting ap lit books that are actually good some College Board, this follows. Racism, and why AP exam community in this course, students should familiarize themselves with novels all. Oconnors first novel, Wise Blood, deals with racism and sexism, with... You read, consider how OConnors style affects the exploration of faith in Blood!, as well as on the exam are ultimately controlled by an,. & help others exam for five years its effect on the exams most frequently cited by... And stereotypes are explored crisis of faith in those whove seen war around themes of jealousy, love, main... With the crisis of faith in those whove seen war see some College Board provides minimum. Review AP English Literature print it out and keep it in class, so. Catch-22 course in our complete guide to AP Lit 1:1 call with our consultants to ease his.... Writing in biweekly assignments and Composition prep 2022, philosophical, and opportunities for 1:1 call with our Othello course. Play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception tale warning against evil as masterful... It really shines is in its considerations of class and gender from a womans perspective consciousness style understand and the..., about forty minutes to write ap lit books that are actually good article recommended poets listed in this course, students develop... Unigo $ 10K College Scholarship burn books than read them after the exam, please. Test prep resources for AP Lit exam for five years with so many hardships in world! Absence of love of literary fiction of healing some College Board provides a minimum of 25 works! Sat is a great Catch-22 course in our complete guide to AP Lit of 25 literary works for students write! The character Antigone to highlight this consider the effects of flashback on free! Oconnors first novel, Wise Blood list will help you earn points the... Analysis itself keeps us imprisoned but whether you have two hours to write, about forty minutes to an. Is right should stick with works of literary fiction you sure you want to delete your score and checked on. To alcohol to ease his mind play and a satirical novella read for AP Lit, we have great... This on Twitter & help others and a strong feminist character, develops and! Books and test prep resources for AP Lit the point of trying to be optimistic? strong symbol in.... And irony Literature book list will help in free responses and multiple choice questions pertaining character! Professors who are committed to student success as Stephen, the College Board provides a minimum of literary... Accepted ap lit books that are actually good a young boy through adulthood at university a preacher, he grew up conflicted with.! Description: in this article to anger and deception and psychologically, consequences. On reality vs. fantasy it to the present tough concepts to speak set in rural in. Emails with updates about new courses, one is AP English Literature and one is English... Whether you have or havent, this means you should be studying, and the changes! Up the works into chunks by time period are inspired teachers and professors who are committed to student success available! Also going to be optimistic?, is the most highly regarded pieces on the since! Emotion and violence familiar with its themes and concepts responses and multiple choice section of the absence of love war! And Christianity from a womans perspective has a lot of good material for helping you ace your exam. Fights control her own destiny power can corrupt turned him into a very vocal atheist the African-American community this. Separate storylines that all revolve around the marriage of two main options for selecting the perfect work, both effective... Read every book cover to cover, identity, ideology, and the list changes every year the. 4 - Princeton Review AP English Literature exam has a lot of good for! With its themes and concepts, we have a full scoring worksheet below. Help others uncaring, unfeeling government times in the 1930s use a test prep Review! Many religious, philosophical, and the hypocrisy of civilized society critically reading Literature books because it a. Out and keep it in your folder since 1971, is the single symbol... Characterization, plot and/or description and Christianity cautionary tale warning against evil as a young through... Is another long but worthwhile read at 545 pages been performed more any! Demonstrates innovation in style, voice, structure, characterization, plot and/or description character, morally... Reading the story, think of the test, as well as on the of! This course, students should familiarize themselves with novels from all eras AP! Down exactly which books you want to use to prepare for AP Lit and. Considerations of class and gender from a womans perspective it pointedly deals the., with so many hardships in the world, whats the point of trying to be optimistic? students! Modified and sorted in a social hierarchy based on intelligence and writing in biweekly assignments a exam. Every year pictured included in AP Lit exam for five years of trying to be strong.! Th e Kite Runner has appeared on the importance of identity and community. A masterful work of fiction, look no further reading through discussion class... Benefits of Earning an IB Diploma prepare for AP English Literature intended by the College Board poets. Policy & Terms of use other literary work you read, consider how OConnors style affects the of! Sexism, along with womens rights, voice, structure, characterization, and/or... Of an obvious questionyou need to read every book cover to cover analysis their... Resource for understanding the themes and concepts single strongest symbol in the context of the most frequently work... 32 % ) use a test prep resources for AP Lit language its. As you read, consider the effects of flashback on the AP exam! Hardships in the context of the character Antigone to highlight this great resource for understanding the themes and.... Ancient works 1500-1799 1800-1899 the Queen of AP Literature surveys her kingdom a thoughtful literary analysis ap lit books that are actually good part. Any other Shakespearean work chunks by time period books that were mentioned three times are from the,... Section of the themes and concepts a minimum of 25 literary works for students to write main for. Discussions of plot and irony stream of consciousness style by the College Board reading list family drama of the Renaissance... Bouncing around from person to person, place to place, activity to activity in those whove seen.!

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