10 Year Syllabus

1. The Odyssey by Homer; You've probably heard references to this epic in class or movies, but now it's is time to read it. Odysseus' 10 year journey home offers an understanding of navigating strange creatures, and personal flaws which speak to the heart of every quest for self-knowledge. Although this may not be everyones favorite, it's a novel that helps you dive into the understanding of literature. 

2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; With so much mention of this book in history, you've probably always wondered what all the hype is about. Now that its on the list, its time to find out! Holden Caulfields rebellious, disillusions perspective while growing up and finding authenticity in a world full of "phonies", makes this novel a classic and an important read. 

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; This novel is a staple in American literature. Fitzgerald unpacks the emptiness of the American Dream through the tragic life of Jay Gatsby. This story will make you rethink the cost of ambition and the nature of success. 

The Great Gatsby - Wikipedia                                                    

4. To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee; This book broadened my view on social inequality and helped me understand the complexities of prejudice. Through the perspective of Scout Finch, Harper Lee unpacks the understanding of social inequalities in the 1930s. 

5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; This is an unforgettable novel. This novel explores the themes of loss, resistance, and quiet strength in regular people through the story of a young girl living in Nazi Germany. This story is one that stays long with you after the last page. 

6. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank; This book is real and raw. It's written by a teenage girl finding from the Nazis during WW2. It captures the horror and fear of her teenage years. This novel serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the deep horrors of the past that help you understand what these people went through. 

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl: Frank, Anne, Mooyaart, B.M., Roosevelt, Eleanor: 9780553296983: Amazon.com: Books                                  

7. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson; This book takes you through the lives of three individuals who left the South for better opportunities, reshaping America's cultural landscape. This novel allows you to dive into history and understand how the past is still present. After reading it, you'll see history on a deeper level. 

8. Beloved by Toni Morrison; This novel is a classic, but also a challenge. This novel explores trauma, motherhood, and the haunting impact of slavery. Beloved highlights the harsh parts of history but leaves you thinking long after you finish. 

9. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; You have probably seen this book on tons of reading lists, but you need to experience it. This novel is about a young Shepard's Journey who is determined to finding his personal legend, is a timeless reminder of the importance of chasing your destiny. If you're seeking inspiration or a chance to reconnect with your sense of purpose, this is the book to guide you. 

10. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom; This novel tells the story of Eddie, an elderly maintenance man at an amusement girl while saving a little girl from a tragic accident. This novel encourages readers to reflect on purpose and redemption, and helps readers understand no life is meaningless. It's an inspirational and comforting novel you definitely need to read!


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