There are certain books every high schooler experiences. We have the famous "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, and we all know how that turns out. Then we have the infamously boring "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens, in which an unsurprising turn of events a man ends up with his childhood lover. As a student of literature, there are many books I have come across that progressively enlightens any reader, becoming an instant classic in my books. The following list, in no particular order, inspires young thinkers to learn more about society and themselves.
1. "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
Practically required by any student to read for his/her class. It explores the psyche of a troubled adolescent attempting to find his purpose in the world. Salinger classifying the novel as a bildungsroman, or a coming-of-age story, views the young hero−Holden Caulfield−a strong and misunderstood individual; however, through a means of discovering the phonies of the world, Holden finds much more.
2. "To the Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf
A true form of the stream of consciousness writing style that requires deep focus to truly understand the big picture of the story. To the Lighthouse follows the theme of old versus young, and how when the tides change from a generation to the next, only the adaptable survive.
3. "Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton
Surprisingly when I ask my peers if they had ever heard of "Ethan Frome", most say they have never heard of the book! I usually describe the book as the Ringo Starr of literature, being that most people only like it for its less known nature. The story on the other hand is universal, man possess the true power to remove any light a woman might contain.4. "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry
"A Raisin in the Sun" discusses the true issues involving a black family’s life and their attempt to transition from living in the city to the suburbs. The play examines the prejudices and stereotypes a black family would normally face during the 1950s-1960s. Not only does it shed light on the injustice many black families faced, "A Raisin in the Sun" finds itself promoting the honest truth of the American lifestyle of this time, a dream being deferred.
5."Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
An instant classic that studies the nature of young boys isolated on an unknown island. The foundation of the story is simple, can a group of young boys survive without adult supervision on an island? Seeking the approval of each other, and attempting to make the quick shift of childhood to adulthood is a difficult task. Golding’s terrific writing examines the characters to having a distinct purpose with each action. And then with religious allegories, loss of innocence, and the birth of savagery finds Lord of the Flies on any instant classic list.
Each piece of literature holds a special place in my heart. I am truly thankful for the wonderful English department I had to introduce me to these books, as I instantly fell in love with each one. Any of the readings on the list contain the full possibility of touching your heart as it did mine.
