Summer Reading

Summer Reading Selections 09 Part I

SUMMER READING

2009

Mrs. Asselta

Required for AP English IV class. This fulfills their and my summer requirement:  

• The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Odyssey by Homer
• Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
• As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
• The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 

Mr. Boody 

Original Gangsters

It translates to “Black” in French, but in America it represents the tough, brooding, and dark nuances of a genre that has influenced its culture since the 1920’s. The novels in this Summer Reading Selection are examples of “Noir Fiction” and “Pulp Fiction”. It will include works featuring the classic hard-boiled detective and the dark criminal protagonists of this genre of literature. These are the “Original Gangsters”. These are the anti-heroes that serve, not as role models, but as examples of the gritty realism found in the criminal element of society. Their calling card is violence on a regular basis. It is a cold world, and these men did not ask to be born into it.  Whether smuggling contra-band from Cuba to the Florida Keys or hunting down those who though they had the upper hand, we will immerse ourselves in this relentless environment. If you can’t beat them, join them… if you can’t join them, then you take them out.

1.     The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett ISBN-13: 9780679722649 (224pp) - An original magazine serial turned mystery novel that has haunted two generations of readers is ready to work on its third. This quick read is the story of Sam Spade, a “hard-boiled” detective with his own solitary code of ethics, is the focal point of what many consider Hammett’s finest work. The love of money, and the evil ends to which an individual will go to obtain it make up this classic noir novel.

2.     Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett ISBN-13: 9780679722618 (224pp) - This classic is an example of a “pulp fiction” crime novel. The murder of an honest citizen in Poisonville leaves a Continental Op behind to clean up a dirty town. The guilty will pay. One man paints the town red in this gritty crime novel depicting the brutality of gang warfare. If money is the root of all evil… we have found the man picking the fruit of that tree. This novel inspired Hollywood writers to create works starring Clint Eastwood (For a Few Dollars More) and Bruce Willis (Last Man Standing) But they pale when compared to Hammett’s original.

3.     The Getaway by Jim Thompson ISBN-13: 9780679732501 (185pp) - This fast-paced read follows Doc McCoy after he pulls what he intended to be the perfect bank job. But, when you have an insane, double-crossing partner and a wife who is new to the game, a heist like this is bound to be far from perfect. When blood is spilled… a clean getaway does not exist. Thompson paints a portrait of the darkest corners of the noir genre. This novel provided the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s spin on the events in From Dusk Till Dawn.

4.     To Have and Have Not by Ernest Hemingway ISBN-13: 9780684818986 (272pp) - This classic adventure is the harshly realistic tale of Harry Morgan, a runner of contraband between Cuba and Key West. Harry must do what he must do in order to keep his boat and feed his family. This is a story of intrigue, smuggling, and love that Hemingway wastes no words in telling. This novel provides a Hemingway sip out of the noir glass.

5.     The Hunter by Richard stark ISBN-13: 9780226770994 (208pp) - The first of a series, this novel introduces Parker. He’s a pro… the best of the thieving, heisting, and murdering professionals that are out there on the streets. You don’t notice them… but they are there… waiting, calculating, and planning their next move in the chess game that is the criminal underworld.  They are the Outfit. Parker… you don’t want to cross Parker. He’s the last man you want on your track. He won’t stop until he gets what he wants. A man with his own rules is out for revenge… and he will get his revenge.

6.     The Outfit by Richard Stark ISBN-13: 9780226771014 (224pp)- The third in the Parker series, this novel pits Parker directly against the mob. He goes job for job, heist for heist and when it comes to Parker… he always wins. Gritty, tough, and as deadly as can be, Parker is not a man to upset. Richard Stark provides an example of crime writing at its best.

Assessment: Each student will schedule a personal interview to display knowledge of the works.

Mrs. Bertonazzi

Love & War

Gone with the Wind by Matgaret Mitchell 

Margaret Mitchell’s epic novel of love and war won the Pulitzer Prize in 1937.  Gone with the Wind is one of the most powerful anti-war novels ever written.  Many stories have been written about the Civil War and its aftermath, but none so vividly portraying the disillusionment and devastation of war.

Mr. Carmichael

AP US History Summer Reading 2009

 

Books

1.      What Hath God Wrought.  Daniel Walker Howe

2.      Profiles in Courage. John F. Kennedy

 

Assignment

Students will complete an 8-10 page report consisting of summary, analysis, and at least 2 pages of opinion.  Obviously, due to the length, a little more attention will be required for Mr. Howe’s book.  Also, each student will be asked a series of oral questions directly from me.

 

WARNING – These are serious works of history which I esteem highly.  I tell you plainly that if you don’t plan on treating them as solemnly as I do transfer out NOW!

 

**THIS ASSIGNMENT WILL COUNT AS A GRADE IN THIS COURSE**

 

 

Mr D’Amico

1.      Perfect Balance by Aquil Abdullah

2.     The Shell Game by Stephen Kiesling

3.     The Amateurs by David Halberstain

4.     Legend of Bagger Vance

For the sport enthusiast, you don’t have to be a rower to enjoy these insightful books.  The pursuit of excellence in sport and life is the ultimate goal of these readings.  You will be entertained and educated on what it takes to be the best in the world.

Mr. Deluca

Not a summer reading but required reading for AP Statistics

Chapter P and Chapter 1 pp. 2-105 of the “The Practice of Statistics” by Yates, Moore, and Starnes

Mr. Docherty

Great Projects of the U.S.

1. The Great Bridge - The Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough.  ISBN: 0-67145711x

2. The Path Between the Seas - The Building of the Panama Canal by David McCullough.   ISBN:0-671244094

These books are about two of the greatest construction projects in the history of the United States.  Both books were written by David McCullough, who has won the Pulitzer Prize twice.

Mr. Docherty will show a documentary on each book before the summer vacation.  Seeing these will help the student to even more appreciate not only the genius behind these construction, but also the sacrifices that were made to complete them.

Fr. Paul

Spies in War by Ken Follett:

The Eye of the Needle  ISBN: 006074815X

Code to Zero ISBN:B00006G9KW

Jackdaws ISBN: 0451207521

Each book is a page-tuner.  These books have to be proven to be the favorites of those who read  them.  Follett knows how to write a great story.  A minor part of each novel has material that parents may deem inappropriate.  These sections can be skipped over without impacting the plot of the book

Assignment: Meet with me for a five minute interview sometime before Thursday August 27, 2009.  E-mail (pwgaletto@aol.com) or phone the school to make an appointment.

Br. Dave

Mr. Grealis

Theme: Einstein's life and work 
 
1. Einstein: His life and universe, by Walter Isaacson 
2. E = mc2: A biography of the world's most famous equation 
 
Both of these books cover the life and most important work of one of the greatest minds of the last 200 years, Albert Einstein. Students will read not only about the man, but also about the work and contributions of the scientists that came before him.  Evaluation of the assignment will be done via a test upon returning to school in September

Mr. Hambrecht

The American West: Writings of Stephen E. Ambrose

1.     Nothing Like it in the World by Stephen E. Ambrose

2.     Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose

3.     Crazy Horse and Custer by Stephen Ambrose

The exploring and characters of the American west during the 19^th century have attracted attention from some of the world’s most prominent authors.  Each of these three books were written by Stephen E. Ambrose, a renowned author whose most famous work was produced into a 10 hour series on HBO called “Band of Brothers.” These selections will focus on the west and cover  topics such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Transcontinental Railroad, and lives of Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer

Assignment:  Will have to complete an interview at the end of the summer for the final grade.

Mr. Iaconelli

Open to all students and MANDATORY for all students taking Genocide/Holocaust Course next year.

The Psychology of Genocide: Perpetrators, Bystanders and Rescuers by Steven K. Braun

The Roots of Evil:  The Orgins of Genocide and Other Group Violence by Erwin Straub

The Sunflower:  On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal

Maus by Art Spiegleman

Mr. Leonardo

Honors Composition and Literature

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar   

Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella      

Skinwalkers by Tony Hillerman 

Prey by Michael Crichton                                                    

Dr. Mahoney

Mandatory for Dr. Mahoney’s AP Literature

Plays:

Julius Caesar

Romeo and Juliet

Equus

Novels:

Great Expectations by C. Dickens

A Clockwork Orange by A. Burgess

Mr. Martino

Required summer reading for AP Spanish Literature

El Burlador de Sevilla

·     Mr. Mullen

Science Slam

1.     One, Two, Three Infinity: Facts and Speculations by George Gamow

2.     The Physics of Superheroes by James KaKalios

3.     The Science of Star Wars by Jeanne Cavelos

4.     Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things by Cy Tymony

Exploring how the Science we use everyday,(through an essay and interesting explanation of the laws of Math, Physics, and Physical Science) is used to prove true or false common life situations and not so common but famous-fiction stories.  Could Superheroes really use their powers and what would they look like, givn the limitations of the human body according to the laws of Physical Science?  Can you really make a radio oput of a penny???  Well, can ya?

Assignment:  After reading the books, pick one subject, situation, project, person or concept from each of the books and write 500 words (total of four essays) on why it was your favorite, or how you have a better understanding of the subject that the author wrote about

 

Mrs. McHugh                                                                        

Theme:  Naturalists/Environmentalists.   

 

The great naturalists described, experimented, collected and gave us the means to order and understand the natural world.  These efforts are futile if we fail to conserve nature and ensure its future survival.  Read biographies of two great men Clarence Petty (Adirondack preservationist) and John Muir (the founder of our National Park system).  Read popular writer Bill Bryson’s account of his trip along the Appalachian Trail. Then, switch gears and read “The Green Book”, which details many popular celebrities’ environmental efforts and discusses small, daily changes that, in the aggregate, can significantly impact the vitality of our planet.  Like these famous people (historical and current), YOU can make a difference!!!!

 

Assignment – no formal paper required:

• Create a time line of the lives of Petty and Muir.  Be creative!  Illustrate each man’s environmental milestones
• Creatively illustrate (draw a picture, draw a cartoon, etc) your favorite scene depicting Bryson’s journey through our national parks.
•  Pick one of the naturalists (Petty or Muir) and build a model (poster, diorama, model magic, mobile, etc) depicting him in the setting he sought to preserve.
•  Submit a "Proposal for Change" in which you offer concrete suggestions and implementation strategies aimed at protecting the environment in either your local community or at the Prep.  (This proposal will be submitted to Fr Paul and to the Prep’s environmental club). 
• Students will meet for a round table discussion on the books and share ways to make their individual proposals a reality.  No test. 

 

Books: (1156 total pages)

 

1)  A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson àISBN-13: 9780767902526 (274 pages)

2.)  Extraordinary Adirondack Journey of Clarence Petty: Wilderness Guide, Pilot, and Conservationist by Christopher Angus àISBN-13: 9780815608707 (264 pages)

Synopsis

Essayist Angus tells the story of Clarence Petty, who served as a wilderness guide in the Adirondacks and later became involved in the conservation movement to protect the region from overdevelopment. The story begins with his youth growing up in the woods, and continues through his days as a Navy pilot during WWII and his work with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Booknews

Essayist Angus tells the story of Clarence Petty, who served as a wilderness guide in the Adirondacks and later became involved in the conservation movement to protect the region from overdevelopment. The story begins with his youth growing up in the woods, and continues through his days as a Navy pilot during WWII and his work with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

3.)  Son of the Wilderness: The Life of John Muir by Linnie Marsh Wolfe, Steven J. Holmes àISBN-13: 9780299186340 (420 pages)

 

 4.)  The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a

Time by Elizabeth Rogers, Thomas M. Kostigen, William McDonough (Foreword by), Cameron Diaz (Foreword by) à  ISBN-13: 9780307381354 (197 pages)