Reading List for AP English Literature

Guys, I'm taking AP English Lit next year and want to get a head start on the reading over the summer. Does anyone have a list of the books we'll need to read? Thanks in advance!

Hello! The reading list for AP English Literature can slightly vary depending on your teacher and school, so it would be a good idea to reach out to your school or the teacher directly to get the most accurate list. However, there are certain works that are frequently covered in this class.

First and foremost, you'll likely read plentiful of classic works. This could include novels, plays, and poetry of British, American, and world literature such as:

1. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

2. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

3. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

4. Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" and "Othello"

5. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

6. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

7. "1984" by George Orwell

8. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte

9. "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte

10. "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck

11. Various poetry by poets such as Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and Langston Hughes

Remember, while reading these works closely for themes, motifs, and literary devices, you should analyze how authors use these devices to develop meaning and explore complex human nature.You might also try taking notes and writing short analyses of passages you find significant as you do your summer reading. The key to succeeding in AP English Literature is not just understanding the texts, but being able to analyze them deeply and write about them effectively.

Please do keep in mind that this is just a list of some of the most commonly read books in AP English Literature and may not reflect your exact curriculum. It's always a good idea to reach out to your teacher to confirm which books you'll be reading. Happy reading and best of luck with your AP preparation!