2011-2012  PRE-REQUISITE READING – ENGLISH III HONORS
DUE FIRST DAY OF ENGLISH CLASS  

PART ONE

The first part of the assignment is simple:  read Serena by Ron Rash.  You may use local libraries to borrow this title, or you can find the novel in bookstores in the area.  Ordering from sites such as amazon.com, booksense.com and other online bookstores is a possibility.  On the first day of class, be prepared to take a test, write an essay, or give a speech on the novel.  

PART TWO

In addition to reading Serena, you should choose one novel from the list below. You may use local libraries to borrow these titles, if they are available, or you may be able to find these novels in bookstores in the area.  Ordering them from sites such as amazon.com, booksense.com, and other online bookstores is a possibility.  Online booksellers usually have a brief description of the novels, so you might browse through them to get an idea of which of the titles you might enjoy.  Some of these could be interesting.  These titles are comprised of noted Southern writers.  

Maya Angelou - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings					
Sue Ellen Bridgers – All We Know of Heaven						
Olive Ann Burns – Cold Sassy Tree
Fred Chappell – Brighten the Corner Where You Are	
Pat Conroy – The Lords of Discipline					
Donald Davis – Listening for the Crack of Dawn (American Storytelling)
Wilma Dykeman – The Tall Woman
Tony Earley – Jim the Boy
Clyde Edgerton – Walking Across Egypt			 
Kaye Gibbons – Charms for the Easy Life 				
Robert Morgan – Gap Creek			
Toni Morrison – Song of Solomon
Ron Rash – One Foot in Eden
Ferrol Sams – Run with the Horsemen
Lee Smith – On Agate Hill
Ila Jean Yount – Patchwork

PLEASE NOTE!
Some of these novels may contain adult language and situations you find uncomfortable.  Please preview with reviews and publisher summaries.  If the language or situations offend you, stop reading and select another title.  No specific title is required for everyone to read!

Of course, since this is school, there are strings attached with this assignment.  
        1.  Select a book that is at least 250 pages.  Make sure you bring the book with you on the   
            first day of class.
       2.   Complete three journal entries for your novel. . 
 								(continued on back)

JOURNAL ENTRY 1 – FIRST 3RD OF THE NOVEL - Length – minimum of 150 words

GUIDING QUESTIONS:
 - Why did you choose to read this novel?
 - What information did you need to know before reading this novel?
  - What has happened before the novel began? 
 - Who is telling the story?
 - What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?
 - What is the initial problem(s) faced by the main character?
 - How does the author get your attention or hold your interest?
 - Choose a quote and explain its significance to the novel.

JOURNAL ENTRY 2 – MIDDLE 3RD OF THE NOVEL - Length – minimum of 150 words

GUIDING QUESTIONS:
 - What new things are added to the original problem as the novel progresses?
 - What plot twists or unexpected events happen?
 - What have you discovered about the author’s style?
 - Is there a message or a main theme emerging in the book?
 - Describe at least two of the characters.  Go beyond just the physical characteristics.
 - Choose a quote and explain its significance to the novel.

JOURNAL ENTRY 3 – LAST 3RD OF THE NOVEL - Length – minimum of 150 words

GUIDING QUESTIONS:
 - What is the climax of the novel?
 - How are the major and minor conflicts resolved?
 - What message did you get from the novel?
 - How was this message conveyed?
 - How realistic is the novel?
 - How is the title important to the main idea of the novel?
 - How does the novel compare to others that you have read?
 - Why would you (or why wouldn’t you) recommend this novel to a friend?
 - Choose a quote and explain its significance to the novel.

Obviously, some of you may read the same title.  That’s OK, but each of you must have a copy of whatever title you read.