AP English Reading List

Hey, I'm about to start AP English this upcoming year and I was wondering if there's a recommended reading list? Can anyone share their recommended reading list they've been using for AP English?

Sure, I can provide a list of commonly recommended texts for AP English courses, though it might differ from school to school as there is no definitive reading list set by The College Board. The AP English curriculum is usually divided into two separate courses: AP English Literature and Composition, and AP English Language and Composition.

For AP English Literature and Composition, here are some commonly studied books:

1. "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

2. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

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

4. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

5. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

6. "1984" by George Orwell

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

For AP English Language and Composition, the emphasis is more on non-fiction, so you'll likely encounter:

1. "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

2. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X and Alex Haley

3. "The Federalist Papers" by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay

4. "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion

5. "A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf

6. "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

In general, these courses aim to expose students to a diverse array of literary works, spanning different periods, genres, and thematic concerns—it's good to aim for some variety in your reading outside of these lists as well. However, you should also check with your teacher for any specific books you would read in class.