English Recommended Reading Lists
Listed below are books read in previous years by students in English 30-1.
Have a book you would like to recommend to other students taking ELA 30-1?
Fill out the Recommend A Book form.
Have a book you would like to recommend to other students taking ELA 30-1?
Fill out the Recommend A Book form.
English 30-1 Recommended Reading
Foundation
by Isaac Asimov
"This is a great science fiction that promotes deep thought and discussion. A must for all sci-fi lovers!"
- Jake C.
Prelude to Foundation
by Isaac Asimov
"Prelude to Foundation is set in the future. Main character, Hari Seldon, broadens his mind set on his journey to find a solution for his wanted theory. This novel demonstrates the power and influence fear has over people."
- Brooke A.
Emma
by Jane Austen
"It has some underlying principles that many young people can relate to and learn from. Jane Austen's work is often judged as reading for women, but despite being a woman myself I believe even men can enjoy and engage in this novel. The main character, Emma, is a young woman of 21 who believes she knows best for herself and others. Throughout the book she comes to listen and make herself accountable. Austen creates a community readers can fall in love with."
- Brooke A.
The Memory Palace, a Memoir
by Mira Bartok
- Angela V.
Sorry You're Lost
by Matt Blackstone
“This novel had an interesting title, and an interesting concept within. You go through the middle school life of Denny "Donuts" Murphy, whose mother had died prior to the story. The book was had a strange, yet somewhat relatable style of voice, from Denny's thoughts. It is a book with sadness, humor, and an important life lesson. It was relatable, to a degree, and also annoying at times. I would sometimes find myself yelling at Denny from inside my head, "Stop fooling around and just do it already!", yet I would have done something like what he would have done in that situation.”
- Immanuel C.
Invisible Cities
by Italio Calvino
“Italio Calvino uses his knowledge of history to write a masterful poetic novel about the stories of Marco Polo and Kublai Khan. The novel allows the reader a lot of ways to interpret its' text.”
- Andrew Y.
The Outsider
by Albert Camus
“I liked this book because I understood how he didn’t fit in and was different from those around him. Plus it had murder.”
- Sheena B.
Before You Know Kindness
by Christopher Bohjalian
“This book is great if you like a novel with well-developed characters. In the novel you know nearly all the characters thoughts and ideas on what has occurred. This book turns into mainly a legal thriller after a while which I found really slowed down the story but if you're into the politics and crime kind of books then you may just enjoy this one!”
- Lydia A.
Wuthering Heights
By Emily Bronte
“This is a very well written book. It is hard to get into until about the fourth or fifth chapter, but it is well worth the wait. It is somewhat depressing throughout the middle, but has a fantastic resolution. Recommended to everyone. Must read.”
- Jacy H.
Piano Man's Daughter
by Timothy Findley
“I recommend this book because of the in-depth meaning it possess. This piece of literature had multiple themes all entwined leaving the reader much more knowledgeable and wiser about the innate human conditions in the face of adversity. This novel is extremely easy to write essays and personal responses on because of its multiple themes and motifs. I highly recommend this novel to any grade twelve student looking to choose a book for either of the above assignments.”
- Morgan G.
The Wars
by Timothy Findley
"Really enjoyed the reality this novel brought to my perception on war."
- Curtis W.
"An honestly real depiction of the psychological impact of war."
- Bailey P.
Looking for Alaska
by John Green
“Easy to follow and interesting. Has death and investigation."
- Ellice S.
The Innocent Man
by John Grisham
"The Innocent Man by John Grisham is a great novel to read for English 30-1 because it grabs your attention and makes you want to read until the end. It works well because there are many symbols and an obvious theme. It truly shows just how corrupt the legal system can be and how poorly innocent people can be affected."
- Stephanie W.
Forrest Gump
By Winston Groom
“A happy, feel good story with an intriguing storyline. An easy read that entices the reader to commit deep into the characters.”
- Damon R.
Snow Falling On Cedars
by David Guterson
“It is well written and the author develops multiple ideas that are well ranged and though provoking that works well with the 30-1 course.”
- Silken W.
Dune
by Brian Herbert
"This book is a great sci-fi story of choices and how those choices affect the others and force them to grow. This novel greatly shows how conflict shapes people in different ways, how power can change the most gentle of people and turns him into someone vicious and ruthless."
- Daniel F.
Broken Ground
by Jack Hodgins
“Broken Ground by Jack Hodgins is a nostalgic story of WWI veterans living on a government settlement. It is a sincere recollection of misplaced people overcoming new post war challenges.”
- Darby S.
And The Mountains Echoed
by Khaled Hosseini
"And The Mountains Echoed is one of Khaled Hosseini's most engaging and unforgettable novels. The harsh reality of the story involves the reader with the characters, and makes them feel their joy, their pain, and their burdens. The journeys taken by the characters leave the minds of the readers awe-struck and wandering."
- Ty T.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini
"I recommend this novel because it is very thought provoking. It made me more sympathetic to others."
- Shomi G.
“This book was riveting, full of heart break and adversity. It gives us in insight of how brutal life can be all around the world. I would highly recommend this book.”
- Farron H.
The Bean Trees
by Barbara Kingsolver
"A book about escaping. A young girl, Taylor escapes her life in a small town by fleeing to where ever her old beater will take her. In her travels she is given a small Indian child who has been both molested and physically abused. She is faced with the many different challenges that come with raising this child and discovering herself."
- Sydney J.
"The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver is the story of a young girl wanting to escape the life that she was currently living. This novel gives the reader an idea of what it truly means to live one’s life to the fullest. Kingsolver shows the readers that there is a little bit of Taylor in all of us. The Bean Trees is a very inspiring and heartwarming novel, and a great choice as an English 30-1 novel."
- Taylor L.
Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer
“This gripping high-altitude book sends the reader through the journey he experienced without a missing inch. Step by Step he reports his life threating climb up the most terrifying mountain in all of mankind experiencing things that he had never known were part of climbing. Really draws the reader in and focuses on detail.”
- Nathan M.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
By Steig Larsson
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo keeps you in suspense always wondering what will happen next. However it has a background message of disrespect towards women and a very tragic story.”
- Joe N.
A Jest of God
by Margaret Laurence
" A difficult read due to the experiences of the main character."
- Sydney J.
The Stone Angel
by Margaret Laurence
"The Stone Angel is an in-depth novel that illustrates the power of an individual to carry a capacity of burdens throughout life that ultimately shape who they become."
- Darrion L.
Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
- Julia P.
"Life of Pi is a book that will make you believe in the impossible. Yann Martel causes the reader to hope for the survival of not only the boy also the tiger. Portraying the importance fear plays in daily life."
- John L.
“This book was very fascinating and kept you interested. It also has a crazy twist at the end.”
- Davis L.
“Life of Pi is captivating and offers a stunning philosophy on life and faith that leaves an unimaginable impression on the reader. The reading is interesting and suspenseful. Highly recommended.”
- Ty T.
Let the Great World Spin
by Colum McCann
“I liked this book it is great for essays however there are eleven different characters and can be difficult to follow at times. So if you’re a poor reader I would not recommend this book to you but if you are looking for a challenge go for it. Great for adversity topics.”
- Viesha R.
No Country for Old Men
by Cormac McCarthy
“Cormac McCarthy is a master at setting and atmosphere. He manages to be cold and distant, but at the same time, very deeply personal. It is an amazing book that gets a solid recommendation from me.”
- Jake C.
1984
by George Orwell
“I would recommend this book because it suggests an interesting view on the world in the future and shows how much power the government can have over its people.”
- Dakota F.
The Chosen
by Chaim Potok
“I would not recommend this book because this book talks a lot about Jewish culture and about the war that is going on, which I did not find that interesting. This book went off track in a lot of places and I felt that nothing really happened.”
- Kendra P.
“A difficult read because of the deep religious theology. The storyline pushes the reader to question his own position.”
- Damon R.
Resurrection Men
by Ian Rankin
"It was a good read, it was somewhat difficult to follow, but it keeps you guessing until the end. John is a clever man struggling with balancing his personal and professional life."
- Daniel F.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
by Mordecai Richler
"Interesting story of a young Jewish man who successfully goes into business starting with nothing. A harsh, realistic look at good vs evil through the apprenticing of life."
- Darby S.
“The novel shows a great depiction of the dreams of many young people trying to make a name for themselves in the world. The struggle of Duddy to create something of himself out of nothing keeps you on edge thought the whole story.
- Walker P.
Keepsake
by Kristina Riggle
“This novel showed the real struggle and mental illness associated with hoarding. When a single mother is forced to give up all her keepsakes or to lose her child. It captivates the toll mental illness has on families and tearing them apart. Many people can relate to this book because it is a very popular subject many struggle with.
- Brittany F.
The Almost Moon
by Alice Sebold
“This is a unique novel that pulls you in from chapter one. As the main character struggles to overcome both physical and mental challenges you are brought with them to experience it all. It is great for 30-1 because there are many angles to write from.”
- Stephanie W.
The Lovely Bones
by Alice Sebold
“The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is a great choice for an English 30-1 student. Sebold is able to pull you in and captivate you with her amazing writing skills, and she makes the reader feel as though he is part of the story. The Lovely Bones is easily relatable due to the many character dynamics and events which unfold.”
- Taylor L.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
by Garth Stein
“The canine narrator Enzo makes interesting connections between dealing with hardships in life and racing. It is interesting to see the world from a dog's point of view.”
- Darby S.
The Help
by Kathryn Stocket
- Jesse G.
“A beautiful journey of the courage it takes to stand up for what it right. Based in the 60's, Aibileen is a black housemaid who follows the orders of white folk all day, but comes to a point where enough is enough. Aibileen is aided in her efforts by Skeeter is a graduate of Ole Miss University, and her conviction to do what she believes is right helps set all the black folk free from their servitude.”
- Darrion L.
The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
“It was an interesting and emotional book. It kept me interested throughout the novel.”
- Nicole D.
Falling Home
by Karen White
“This novel is a bit dull at the beginning however becomes more interesting as you reach the end. It has many aspects of which an individual could relate to which would make it easier to write about.”
- Makayla O.
Mother, Mother
by Koren Zalickas
“I would recommend reading this book if you are interested in stories with a slightly twisted story line, and something that always keeps you wondering what could happen next. It has an aspect of darkness that keeps you interested, but does not fully take over the story. I definitely enjoyed this book!”
- Casey R.
by Isaac Asimov
"This is a great science fiction that promotes deep thought and discussion. A must for all sci-fi lovers!"
- Jake C.
Prelude to Foundation
by Isaac Asimov
"Prelude to Foundation is set in the future. Main character, Hari Seldon, broadens his mind set on his journey to find a solution for his wanted theory. This novel demonstrates the power and influence fear has over people."
- Brooke A.
Emma
by Jane Austen
"It has some underlying principles that many young people can relate to and learn from. Jane Austen's work is often judged as reading for women, but despite being a woman myself I believe even men can enjoy and engage in this novel. The main character, Emma, is a young woman of 21 who believes she knows best for herself and others. Throughout the book she comes to listen and make herself accountable. Austen creates a community readers can fall in love with."
- Brooke A.
The Memory Palace, a Memoir
by Mira Bartok
- Angela V.
Sorry You're Lost
by Matt Blackstone
“This novel had an interesting title, and an interesting concept within. You go through the middle school life of Denny "Donuts" Murphy, whose mother had died prior to the story. The book was had a strange, yet somewhat relatable style of voice, from Denny's thoughts. It is a book with sadness, humor, and an important life lesson. It was relatable, to a degree, and also annoying at times. I would sometimes find myself yelling at Denny from inside my head, "Stop fooling around and just do it already!", yet I would have done something like what he would have done in that situation.”
- Immanuel C.
Invisible Cities
by Italio Calvino
“Italio Calvino uses his knowledge of history to write a masterful poetic novel about the stories of Marco Polo and Kublai Khan. The novel allows the reader a lot of ways to interpret its' text.”
- Andrew Y.
The Outsider
by Albert Camus
“I liked this book because I understood how he didn’t fit in and was different from those around him. Plus it had murder.”
- Sheena B.
Before You Know Kindness
by Christopher Bohjalian
“This book is great if you like a novel with well-developed characters. In the novel you know nearly all the characters thoughts and ideas on what has occurred. This book turns into mainly a legal thriller after a while which I found really slowed down the story but if you're into the politics and crime kind of books then you may just enjoy this one!”
- Lydia A.
Wuthering Heights
By Emily Bronte
“This is a very well written book. It is hard to get into until about the fourth or fifth chapter, but it is well worth the wait. It is somewhat depressing throughout the middle, but has a fantastic resolution. Recommended to everyone. Must read.”
- Jacy H.
Piano Man's Daughter
by Timothy Findley
“I recommend this book because of the in-depth meaning it possess. This piece of literature had multiple themes all entwined leaving the reader much more knowledgeable and wiser about the innate human conditions in the face of adversity. This novel is extremely easy to write essays and personal responses on because of its multiple themes and motifs. I highly recommend this novel to any grade twelve student looking to choose a book for either of the above assignments.”
- Morgan G.
The Wars
by Timothy Findley
"Really enjoyed the reality this novel brought to my perception on war."
- Curtis W.
"An honestly real depiction of the psychological impact of war."
- Bailey P.
Looking for Alaska
by John Green
“Easy to follow and interesting. Has death and investigation."
- Ellice S.
The Innocent Man
by John Grisham
"The Innocent Man by John Grisham is a great novel to read for English 30-1 because it grabs your attention and makes you want to read until the end. It works well because there are many symbols and an obvious theme. It truly shows just how corrupt the legal system can be and how poorly innocent people can be affected."
- Stephanie W.
Forrest Gump
By Winston Groom
“A happy, feel good story with an intriguing storyline. An easy read that entices the reader to commit deep into the characters.”
- Damon R.
Snow Falling On Cedars
by David Guterson
“It is well written and the author develops multiple ideas that are well ranged and though provoking that works well with the 30-1 course.”
- Silken W.
Dune
by Brian Herbert
"This book is a great sci-fi story of choices and how those choices affect the others and force them to grow. This novel greatly shows how conflict shapes people in different ways, how power can change the most gentle of people and turns him into someone vicious and ruthless."
- Daniel F.
Broken Ground
by Jack Hodgins
“Broken Ground by Jack Hodgins is a nostalgic story of WWI veterans living on a government settlement. It is a sincere recollection of misplaced people overcoming new post war challenges.”
- Darby S.
And The Mountains Echoed
by Khaled Hosseini
"And The Mountains Echoed is one of Khaled Hosseini's most engaging and unforgettable novels. The harsh reality of the story involves the reader with the characters, and makes them feel their joy, their pain, and their burdens. The journeys taken by the characters leave the minds of the readers awe-struck and wandering."
- Ty T.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini
"I recommend this novel because it is very thought provoking. It made me more sympathetic to others."
- Shomi G.
“This book was riveting, full of heart break and adversity. It gives us in insight of how brutal life can be all around the world. I would highly recommend this book.”
- Farron H.
The Bean Trees
by Barbara Kingsolver
"A book about escaping. A young girl, Taylor escapes her life in a small town by fleeing to where ever her old beater will take her. In her travels she is given a small Indian child who has been both molested and physically abused. She is faced with the many different challenges that come with raising this child and discovering herself."
- Sydney J.
"The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver is the story of a young girl wanting to escape the life that she was currently living. This novel gives the reader an idea of what it truly means to live one’s life to the fullest. Kingsolver shows the readers that there is a little bit of Taylor in all of us. The Bean Trees is a very inspiring and heartwarming novel, and a great choice as an English 30-1 novel."
- Taylor L.
Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer
“This gripping high-altitude book sends the reader through the journey he experienced without a missing inch. Step by Step he reports his life threating climb up the most terrifying mountain in all of mankind experiencing things that he had never known were part of climbing. Really draws the reader in and focuses on detail.”
- Nathan M.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
By Steig Larsson
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo keeps you in suspense always wondering what will happen next. However it has a background message of disrespect towards women and a very tragic story.”
- Joe N.
A Jest of God
by Margaret Laurence
" A difficult read due to the experiences of the main character."
- Sydney J.
The Stone Angel
by Margaret Laurence
"The Stone Angel is an in-depth novel that illustrates the power of an individual to carry a capacity of burdens throughout life that ultimately shape who they become."
- Darrion L.
Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
- Julia P.
"Life of Pi is a book that will make you believe in the impossible. Yann Martel causes the reader to hope for the survival of not only the boy also the tiger. Portraying the importance fear plays in daily life."
- John L.
“This book was very fascinating and kept you interested. It also has a crazy twist at the end.”
- Davis L.
“Life of Pi is captivating and offers a stunning philosophy on life and faith that leaves an unimaginable impression on the reader. The reading is interesting and suspenseful. Highly recommended.”
- Ty T.
Let the Great World Spin
by Colum McCann
“I liked this book it is great for essays however there are eleven different characters and can be difficult to follow at times. So if you’re a poor reader I would not recommend this book to you but if you are looking for a challenge go for it. Great for adversity topics.”
- Viesha R.
No Country for Old Men
by Cormac McCarthy
“Cormac McCarthy is a master at setting and atmosphere. He manages to be cold and distant, but at the same time, very deeply personal. It is an amazing book that gets a solid recommendation from me.”
- Jake C.
1984
by George Orwell
“I would recommend this book because it suggests an interesting view on the world in the future and shows how much power the government can have over its people.”
- Dakota F.
The Chosen
by Chaim Potok
“I would not recommend this book because this book talks a lot about Jewish culture and about the war that is going on, which I did not find that interesting. This book went off track in a lot of places and I felt that nothing really happened.”
- Kendra P.
“A difficult read because of the deep religious theology. The storyline pushes the reader to question his own position.”
- Damon R.
Resurrection Men
by Ian Rankin
"It was a good read, it was somewhat difficult to follow, but it keeps you guessing until the end. John is a clever man struggling with balancing his personal and professional life."
- Daniel F.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
by Mordecai Richler
"Interesting story of a young Jewish man who successfully goes into business starting with nothing. A harsh, realistic look at good vs evil through the apprenticing of life."
- Darby S.
“The novel shows a great depiction of the dreams of many young people trying to make a name for themselves in the world. The struggle of Duddy to create something of himself out of nothing keeps you on edge thought the whole story.
- Walker P.
Keepsake
by Kristina Riggle
“This novel showed the real struggle and mental illness associated with hoarding. When a single mother is forced to give up all her keepsakes or to lose her child. It captivates the toll mental illness has on families and tearing them apart. Many people can relate to this book because it is a very popular subject many struggle with.
- Brittany F.
The Almost Moon
by Alice Sebold
“This is a unique novel that pulls you in from chapter one. As the main character struggles to overcome both physical and mental challenges you are brought with them to experience it all. It is great for 30-1 because there are many angles to write from.”
- Stephanie W.
The Lovely Bones
by Alice Sebold
“The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is a great choice for an English 30-1 student. Sebold is able to pull you in and captivate you with her amazing writing skills, and she makes the reader feel as though he is part of the story. The Lovely Bones is easily relatable due to the many character dynamics and events which unfold.”
- Taylor L.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
by Garth Stein
“The canine narrator Enzo makes interesting connections between dealing with hardships in life and racing. It is interesting to see the world from a dog's point of view.”
- Darby S.
The Help
by Kathryn Stocket
- Jesse G.
“A beautiful journey of the courage it takes to stand up for what it right. Based in the 60's, Aibileen is a black housemaid who follows the orders of white folk all day, but comes to a point where enough is enough. Aibileen is aided in her efforts by Skeeter is a graduate of Ole Miss University, and her conviction to do what she believes is right helps set all the black folk free from their servitude.”
- Darrion L.
The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
“It was an interesting and emotional book. It kept me interested throughout the novel.”
- Nicole D.
Falling Home
by Karen White
“This novel is a bit dull at the beginning however becomes more interesting as you reach the end. It has many aspects of which an individual could relate to which would make it easier to write about.”
- Makayla O.
Mother, Mother
by Koren Zalickas
“I would recommend reading this book if you are interested in stories with a slightly twisted story line, and something that always keeps you wondering what could happen next. It has an aspect of darkness that keeps you interested, but does not fully take over the story. I definitely enjoyed this book!”
- Casey R.
