Ryton Students - Departments – English –
Recommended Book List
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Year 7, 8 & 9 |
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Recommended Reading List for Key Stage 3 Action & Adventure Malorie Blackman: Hacker One of Blackman’s most
popular books. Two computer whizzes try to prove their father is innocent of
bank theft. A gripping read. A J Butcher: Spy
High Great series of novels in the Horowitz tradition
for teenagers who go to school to be trained as spies. Michael Crichton: Jurassic Park You’ve seen the movie… Marianne Curley: The
Named Imagine you have
the chance to change history? Ethan does this accidentally because of special
powers he has. The sequel, also starring Ethan, has just been released in
which the altered pasts slowly begin to impact upon
the present. Great reads. Peter Dickinson: The
Kin (series) Astonishing
story of man 200,000 years ago and his fight for survival. This is a
compendium of 5 novels and follows the lives of four teenage cave dwellers.
Highly recommended. Leon
Garfield: Devil in the Fog One
of many highly entertaining novels by William Nicholson:
Wind on Fire Breathtaking
trilogy about a society governed by exams. But what happens when you rebel? Gary Paulsen: Hatchet Thrilling
adventure about the survival of a 12 year old boy after a plane crash. Also has great sequels. Chris Ryan: Survival The ultra-tough
and realistic novels of Chris Ryan are a must for youngsters seeking
excitement and thrills. This “Alpha Force” novel is the start of a gripping
new series. Louis Sachar: Holes Very
popular novel about a miscarriage of justice that sends B. Smucker:
Underground to Relationships &
Conflicts Julia
Bell: Massive Thought-provoking
look at teenage anorexia. Sharon Creech: Ruby
Holler An
entertaining heart-warmer about two wild children who are adopted by an
elderly couple, with startling and amusing consequences. A deserved
multi-prize winner. Paula Danziger: Pistachio Prescription 13 year old Cassie has an addiction to pistachio nuts; they
help her forget her problems. A lovely read and much to identify with in the
story. Cathy Hopkins: Mates,
Dates.. Long
running series of Lucy and her friends and their funny experiences of growing
up. These are very popular books. Cathy Hopkins: Truth
Date Kiss A new series by
Cathy Hopkins with more girls finding out about growing up and the important
of friendship. Jackie Kay: Strawgirl Magical
story in which a girl of mixed race struggles to adapt to life in a remote
Scottish community. This is the first novel from respected poet Jackie Kay. Eva Ibbotson: Journey
to the Paul May: Greenfingers Kate’s
problems with dyslexia seem to ease when she spends time in the garden of her
family’s her house in the country. Karen McCombie: Ally’s World The
series follows a group of friends from the age of 12 until they go to
university. Jerry Spinelli: Stargirl Brilliant and
brave novel about a teenager daring to be different in an American high
school. Kate Tym My Life Upside Down Chloe’s
life is turned upside down when her parents split up and find new partners.
This enjoyable novel deals with Chloe’s feelings and troubles. Anything by Jacqueline
Wilson! Classics *Louisa M Alcott:
Little Women First in the
series of classic novels of 4 sisters growing up in 1860s Charles Dickens: A
Christmas Carol Read about Scrooge yourself; much
better than any film you may have seen of it. Conan
Doyle: This
is a great introduction to detective stories. Many of Adventures of Sherlock
Holmes the best Holmes
stories are in this collection. Penelope Farmer: Charlotte
Sometimes Dream-like novel where Elizabeth Goudge: Little White Horse Haunting story of a unicorn appearing at Louisa Sewell: Black Beauty Mark
Twain: Tom Sawyer Adventure,
freedom and excitement are in Huckleberry Finn abundance in these two novels set
in the American deep south during the great
depression Jules
Verne: Fantastic
and classic story of the journey of Captain 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea Nemo, his crew and prisoners. Journey to the Centre
of the Earth Wonderfully
inventive story about explorers who climb down an extinct volcano and into
the centre of the earth. Fantasy Steve Augarde: The Various Wonderful
story of Midge visiting relatives in the countryside
only to find that fairies really do exist. She then has to try and persuade
her uncle not to sell his farm and destroy the home of the fairies. Start of
a new trilogy. Eoin Colfer:
The Wish List Funny
novel in which Lowrie has to complete 4 idiotic
tasks to get into heaven. By the writer of the Artemis Fowl series. Anne Dalton: Angels Unlimited Very
funny series of novels about an apprentice angel and her adventures trying to
earn her full angel wings. Catherine Fisher: Corbenic Arthurian
myths and legends are skilfully woven into this
moving story of a teenager struggling with family life. Diane Duane: High
Wizardry Highly
entertaining fantasy novel. CS Lewis: Narnia series Perhaps
the ultimate battle between Good and Evil? Classic tale of children trying to
awaken an animal world from eternal winter. 7 books in series. Alan Gibbons: Shadow
of the Minotaur Computer game virtual
reality becomes reality in this compulsive read. Highly recommended. Cliff McNish: The Silver Child An
intriguing and sinister tale set in a lawless land with twins trying to
survive in a dangerous fantasy world. 1st in a trilogy. Anything by Terry Pratchett Philip Pullman His
Dark Materials Trilogy Philip Reeves: Mortal
Engines Superb fantasy
novel where moving cities trawl the globe. Predator’s Gold Tom and Hester are thrown
from their beloved “ J.K.Rowling: Harry Potter The last book is due out in 2007 David Lee Stone: Illmoor Chronicles
This funky, fantasy and
funny quest novel deserves to be up there with the Artemis Fowl books. The
sequel is out soon! Ghosts & Horror Judy Allen: The
Burning An
ancient power begins to awaken in a sleepy town. Malorie Blackman: Dead
Gorgeous After moving to the
countryside, Nova befriends a dead boy with too many problems of his own. The
only problem for Nova is that the ghost is also very, very cute! Stephen Cole: Wereling Trilogy Really
enjoyable horror series about a family of werewolves and the teenage
daughters fight against her changeover. Startling and original. Catherine Fisher: Darkwater Hall Would
you lose your soul so that you could fulfil your
dream? Neil Gainman: Coraline Stunning novel about
a warped alternative universe hidden behind a door. Very weird and altogether
creepy. Nick Gifford:Piggies Great horror
novel set in a land where vampires wander the land and humans are the prey.
Very scary. Carol Hedges: Red
Velvet Nasty
things begin to happen to Elly when she finds the
skeleton of a dead girl wearing a red dress in an old house. Darren Shan :Cirque du Freak First in the long running
vampire horror series. Catherine Storr: The Mirror Image Now
classic suspense horror novel. Wonderfully written with a timeless appeal. Chris Wooding:
Haunting of Alaizabel Great atmospheric crossover fantasy novel about two young
Cray wych-hunters seeking for a beast that lurks in
the sewers of old Humour M E Allen:The Bish
Bash Bosh A group of
teenage boys discover a lotion which makes them irresistible to girls.
Hilarious chaos follows! Meg Cabot: Princess Diaries Funny
series in which Mia discovers that she is a princess and her very normal
world is turned upside down. Bruce Cloville: Aliens Ate My Homework Funny novel about aliens who move into Billy’s house! Gillian
Cross: Demon Headmaster Series Terry
Deary: Horrible History Series Narinder Dhami:
Bindi Babes Hilarious
novel about 3 Anglo-Asian sisters who have great fun bossing their dad around
until their tough, traditional aunty from Anne Fine: More the
Merrier Funny novel
about a traditional big family Christmas gathering with amusing consequences. Carol Gorman: Dork in
Disguise Funny novels
about a desperate to be liked, but Dork on the Run clumsy 11year old and his
trials and tribulations at school. Eva Ibbotson
: Dial A Ghost Funny
story of hiring ghosts to scare people you don’t like! Michael Lawrence:
Maggot Pie Another great
Jiggy McClure story in which Jiggy
thinks he is jinxed with bad luck when he starts his new secondary school. Terry Pratchett: Johnny Maxwell A brilliant trilogy. Johnny has special powers which
help him see the world in a slightly different way from other boys. Anything by Louise Rennison Lemony Snickett Enjoy
this deliciously morbid series of books. Mystery &
Thrillers Julie Berttagna: Soundtrack Interesting
novel in which noises in Finn’s head predict a disaster which is to hit his
small sleepy town. Bridget Crowley: Feast
of Fools Exciting mystery
story set in a school in the middle ages. Caroline
Lawrence: Roman
Mysteries Series about four amateur child detectives in Ancient Anthony Masters:
Wicked Thrilling
story about a dark secret kept from the youngest of three brothers. One of
many great Anthony Masters novels. Justin Richards:
Invisible Detective New big
series of children’s detective books set in Kate Thompson:
Switchers Very
popular trilogy about a girl who discovers she can change into another
creature. Very good and suspenseful. Alex Shearer: The
Stolen A
nail-biting and supernatural tale of old people taking over the bodies of
young people. A gripping mystery. Robert Swindells: Invisible It
would be nice wouldn’t it? Maybe, maybe not. Find out in another highly
recommended Swindells novel. Robert Westall: Blitzcat Breathtaking story
of a cat who saves people from the bombed ruins of
World War 2 ruined School Stories Wendy Cooling: Excellent
collection of 10 school stories including new stories Ten of the Gillian Cross: Demon
Headmaster Something is wrong
at Dinah’s new school. All the pupils act in exactly the same way. Wonderful
blend of horror and suspense. Berlie Docherty: Tough Luck Story set in a big school
covering all aspects of day to day life. Very entertaining and
thought-provoking. Alan
Gibbons: Chicken Tough
school story, focusing on bullying. The Protectors A gang
runs the school. What happens if you don’t pay your“protection”
money? Very realistic. Gene
Kemp: Follow
the adventures of Tyke Tyler at school and the chaos he Turbulent Term of Tyke
Tyler causes at home! Sue Mayfield: Blue Tough and
moving story of school bullying when a family moves from Jerry Spinelli: Wringer Tough
coming of age novel about a nasty initiation ritual 10 year olds have to go
through in a rural American community. Science Fiction Malorie Blackman: Pig Heart Boy
Your heart transplant is
from a pig! Find out what difference it makes in this gripping read. Dangerous Dare Yet another stunning
novel from Blackman. Suspense, thrills and scares
abound in this entertaining read. John Christopher:
Tripods Classic
series in which giant robots takeover the Earth. Malcolm
Rose: Clone Another
intriguing novel about human cloning. Robert Swindells: Time Snatch Superb
time travel novel by Swindells. Very exciting. Sport Neil Arksey: Playing on the Edge Great futuristic thriller where football has achieved
global domination. A wonderful idea! MacB The captain
of the football team has an accident. Or was it? Entertainingly dark sporting
mystery with a hint of Macbeth! Ben
Bo: Scullcrack High
energy novel about skateboarding. Maurice Gleitzman: Boy Overboard Amusing
novel about Afghan immigrants living in Kelvin
MacGregor: Here We Go! Football and romance! A great combination! War & Spies Martin Booth: War Dog Wonderful story of
friendship and a dog’s battle to be reunited with his master during World War
2. P.O.W After 14 year old Ted’s ship is sunk,
he finds himself a prisoner of war. Very thought provoking story. Joe
Craig: Jimmy Coates: Target Anne Frank: Diary Absorbing
story of bravery during the Second World War. Essential reading. Jackie French: Hitler’s
Daughter Wonderful
time-slip and thought provoking novel which asks the question, “What if?”
Highly recommended. Michelle Magorian:
Goodnight Mr Tom A poor evacuee begins to flourish in the
care of old Tom. Andy McNab: Boy
Soldiers Thrilling
novel about what happens after teenager Danny finds out his uncle is an SAS
traitor. Michael Morpurgo: War Horse/Waiting for Anya/Private
Peaceful Anything by Robert Swindells |
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Years 10
& 11 Recommended Reading
list for Key Stage 4 Recommended Action and Adventure Isabelle Allende: City of
the Beasts Thought-provoking novel
about the search for a beast apparently responsible for
deaths in the Amazonian jungle. Malorie Blackman: Noughts and Crosses In
an alternative world the issues of racism are tackled in a society which has only two types of people: “noughts” and “crosses”. This novel is about friendship that goes beyond these barriers. NM Browne: Basilisk
A wonderful blend of
myths, history and archaeology are present in this great novel
set in the caves of a dark world. Cornelia Funke: The Thief
Lord A richly atmospheric
thriller about a group of orphaned children set in the crumbling
walls of SE Hinton: Outsiders Stunning study
of hate, violence, loyalty and friendship set in the violent gang-lands of teenage novels ever written. S.E.
Hinton: Rumblefish Rusty is a 14 year old
loner, desperate to belong to something.
Stunning novel of hero worship and alienation. William Nicholson: Wind
on Fire Trilogy Breathtaking trilogy
about a society governed by exams. But what happens when you rebel? Read to
find out. A truly excellent book with two outstanding sequels. Louis Sachar: Holes Very
popular novel about a miscarriage of justice that sends “holes”. Compulsive reading. Alex Shearer:Bootleg Great
novel about chocolate being made illegal and the underground resistance movement that forms. V
original! Family and
Relationships Valerie Bloom: Surprising
Joy Great
first novel from renowned poet Bloom about the life of a young girl being
turned upside down when she moves from Theresa Breslin: Suskia’s Journey The
personal tragedy of the past must be revealed to Suskia when she visits relatives in Alyssa Brugman: Walking
Naked Highly
original novel set in a secondary school where the girls who are ‘cool’ clash
with a new girl with startling consequences. Jenny Davis: If Only I’d Known Beautifully
written novel about teenage pregnancy. Malachy Doyle: Who is Jesse Flood? This is a wonderful coming of age novel
where 14 year old Jesse discovers himself over the course of a summer. E R Frank: until he is picked up and
helped by a doctor. Alan Gibbons: Caught in the Crossfire Possibly the first
children’s post September 11 novel about a group of British Asian boys caught up in the
racial repercussions of the atrocity. Challenging and gripping. Alan Gibbons: The Lost Boys’ A sensitive exploration of bereavement
in a home for boys Appreciation Society who have lost their
parents. A powerful and moving novel. Elizabeth Laird: The Garbage King Original novels set in the slums and
streets of Joan Lingard: Me and
My Shadow The
tough reality of finding out you have a half-sister is the idea behind this difficult
family drama. Lois Lowry: Gathering
Blue In
an unforgiving medieval type society handicapped Keira’s battle to survive is a daily
and tough one. Lynne Markham: Blazing Star Fantastic novel about a school
loner who is desperately trying to come to terms with the loss of his parents
by escaping into his own dream world. Hilary McKay: Exiles
(series) Trilogy
of novels about 3 sisters and the quirky habits of their parents and
grandparents. Hilary McKay: Indigo’s
Star This
loose sequel to Saffy’s Angel features Indigo as
the main character as he overcomes a serious illness and dreads going back to
school. Maggie Pearson: Shadow
of the Beast Very
tough novel about the consequences of a family break-up and a boys’ failure
to deal with the reality of it as he sinks deeper into a fantasy he shared
with his dead father. Jerry Spinelli: Stargirl Brilliant
and brave novel about a teenager daring to be different in an American high
school. Highly recommended. Cynthia Voigt: From
Bad to Worse 4th
in the series of Bad Girls novels featuring Mikey
and Margolo who in this book both
fall for the same boy. Lee Weatherly: Child
X This
is a moving and powerful story of one girl's search for her own identity as
she struggles to perform in the school play after her father leaves home and
her life changes completely. Classics Nevil Shute: A
Town like War 2. A fascinating study. Dodie Smith: I
Capture the Castle Great
novel of first love, with an eccentric family of sisters living in a dilapidated
castle. R.L. Stevenson: Treasure
Is land Sea
adventure and the search for lost treasure. The wonderful characters make
this yarn as fun as ever. J. Vance Marshall: Walkabout In the
Australian desert, two children, survivors of an air crash, make their
journey across the harsh landscape, aided by an Aboriginal boy on
“walkabout”. Jules Verne: Wonderfully
inventive story about explorers who climb Journey to the Centre of the Earth down an extinct volcano and into
the centre of the earth. HG Wells: The
Time Machine SF
novel about time travel and the possible consequences. War of the Worlds The Martians invade Earth. Groundbreaking science
fiction. Fantasy Herbie Brennan: Faerie
Wars Really
strong fantasy novel that blends mythology with science. The well paced story
features a normal boy trapped in a world inhabited by faeries and
other creatures. Patricia McCillip: Winter
Rose Intriguing
mystery romance novel about a curse that threatens to engulf a middle age
community. Cliff McNish: Doomspell (trilogy) Powerful fantasy series about children
snatched from our world to satisfy the evil of a witch
from a different dimension. Garth Nix: Sabriel Powerful
and complex fantasy trilogy. Sabriel sets out Lirael on a quest to avenge
the death of her father in the land of dark, dark magic. Absolutely superb
from book one to three. Garth Nix: Mister Monday Breathtakingly ambitious
series of 7 novels (only 2 of which Grim
Tuesday are out) about a dying
boy who is saved in a dream by Mr Monday. His adventures are only just beginning. Superb. Pat O’Shea: Hounds
of the Morrigan Blinding
fantasy novel that incorporates old Celtic myths. As nasty characters go the Morrigan
is pretty hard to beat! Philip Pullman: His Dark Materials Brilliant fantasy adventure trilogy
currently being filmed. Philip Reeves: Mortal Engines Blinding fantasy novel where
moving cities trawl the globe. Tom and Hester are
thrown from their beloved “ and try to get back on board.
Highly original read now with a top notch sequel “Predator’s
Gold”. Marcus Sedgwick: Dark
Horse Dark
and dangerous story of conflict in a distant land and the coming of the
feared, mythical tribe known as the Dark Horse. Jonathan Stroud: Amulet
of Samarkend An
unforgettable mix of history, fantasy and intrigue. Trilogy Ghosts and Horror Ann Halam: Don’t Open
Your Eyes Spine
chilling horror novel about a boy killed in a joyriding accident. Highly recommended. Carol Hedges: Red Velvet Nasty
things begin to happen to Elly when she finds the skeleton of a dead girl
wearing a red dress in an old house. Nick Gifford: Flesh
and Blood Killer
novel about a family trying to keep a deep, nasty secret from their teenage
son. John Gordon: Ghosts of Blacklode
A
thrilling and intriguing ghost story about the search for 400 year old cursed
treasure. Very enjoyable. Margaret Mahy: The
Changeover Complex
and challenging novel with very real supernatural overtones about a boy who is dying; but no
one is quite sure why. Recommended. Celia Rees: Witch Child Interesting read about
the daughter of a woman accused of being a witch in 18th
century Celia Rees: Soul Taker Jardine is so obsessed with the lovely Lisa that he sells
his soul for a chance to be
with her. Scary stuff. Kate Thompson: Beguilers The
Beguilers haunt this primitive village society. Rilka sets out to catch one in
this gripping fantasy ghost story. Chris Westwood: Becoming Julia Great suspense story about a girl
who thinks she may have a double trying to take her place… Chris Wooding: Haunting of Alaizabel
Great atmospheric
crossover fantasy novel about two young Cray “wych-hunters” seeking for
a beast that lurks in the sewers of old Humour and Comedy Ros Asquith: I was a Teenage Worrier Amusing teenage
aspirations and hopes, with looks at topics as diverse as sex, war
and electrolysis! Has funny sequels. Martin Chatterton:
Helen Dunmore: Aliens Don’t Eat Bacon Sandwiches Tender short stories about
growing up. Echo Freer: Magenta is forever chasing the wrong boy. Cathy Hopkins: Mates, Dates... (series) Now a successful multi-book
series. Have a look at the funny world of Izzy and her wacky school chums. Louise Rennison: confused teenager. Very
popular series Louis Sacher: There’s a Boy in the Another highly
entertaining (and funny) tale from the writer Girls’ Bathroom of
Holes. Has much to identify with. Sue Townsend: Secret Diary of Classic series of diaries
featuring 13 year old Adrian and his Adrian Mole obsession with the
lovely Pandora. Mystery and Thrillers Terrance Blacker: Angel
Factory Dark
and delicious tale of what happens when a curious boy hacks into his father’s
computer. A really powerful read. Kevin Brooks: Martyn Pig Martyn’s life is turned on its head when he accidentally
kills someone very close to him in
this sublime novel. Brilliant. Anne Cassidy: Missing Judy Gripping novel about the mystery
surrounding the vanishing of a 6 year old and the guilt of the 16 year old sister
who feels responsible. Alan Gibbons: The Edge A
fast and compelling read written in near diary format about a young family
trying to escape a dangerous past. Philip Gross: Going for Stone A runaway gets involved in the
sinister world of begging and ends up training to be a human statue
with the beautiful Swan. Mark Haddix: Amongst the Hidden Superb futuristic thriller in a world
where families are only permitted to have 2 children.
This is the story of the hidden 3rd child. Gripping and harrowing stuff. Catherine MacPha: Dark
Waters A
testing and powerful novel that explores the theme of hero worship. Thought
provoking and intelligent. Philip Pullman: Butterfly Tattoo The agony of first love inspires
this book, but tragedy and violence are soon to follow.
For the mature reader. Ruby in
the Smoke Exceptional mystery
yarn, about a girl trying to find out why her father was murdered. Has two sequels with the same characters, which are also
excellent. Alex Shearer: The Stolen A
nail-biting and supernatural tale of old people taking over the bodies of young
people. A gripping mystery. Alex Shearer: Speed of the Dark Power house science fiction
thriller about a scientist who disappears into thin air but leaves an intriguing
manuscript behind. A riveting thriller
about time travel follows. Nancy Werlin: Killer’s
Cousin Ingenious
thriller with gothic flair about a 17 year old who was acquitted of murder and forced to move towns to live with distant relatives. An
exceptionally well-paced thriller. School Stories E R Braithwaite: To Sir with Love True story of a teacher’s trials and
triumphs in a tough overcrowded Robert Cormier: The Chocolate War Stunning
and shocking novel about the power of gangs in school and how one small act of defiance starts a chain reaction in the school. Highly
recommended for strong readers. Catherine Forde: Fat Boy
Swim Great
novel about a misfit who will do anything to fit in at school. Alan Gibbons: Ganging Up 2
best friends fall out when one joins a gang. This book is about choices and the importance of friendship before
peer pressure. Roger Green: Cuckoos Powerful
novel about the power and cruelty of school bullying that starts with the
“whisper”. Highly recommended. Catherine MacPhail: Run, Zan, Run Challenging
novel about bullying that also challenges the issue of running away from
home. Very thought-provoking. Louis Sachar: The Boy
who Lost his Face Very weird
novel about a bully seemingly cursed who then begins to see things from the
point of view of the bullied. An interesting and challenging read. Gillian Cross: The Dark Curtain Behind the Very sinister story
about a school play that becomes very
real when accidents begin to happen. Sport Neil Arksey:
Brooksie Lee
has a dad who was once a famous footballer. Now he’s a bit of a joke. But Lee
thinks he has found a way to help him redeem himself. Trevor Colgan: lives, loves and dreams of making it
big. Start of a great series. Kelvin MacGregor: Here
we Go Not
just about football; but about friendship, girls and how to have fun. Follows
the trials and tribulations of a boy who wants to turn
professional when he is 16. Mal Peet: Keeper Mesmerizing
football novel about a Brazilian goal-keeper. It’s so real you can almost hear the crowd cheering. Robert Swindells: Staying
Up Great
novel about a struggling football team, a teenage romance, and a killer on the
loose. Highly recommended. War E. Buchignani:
Tell No One Who You Are Harrowing look at the
lost children of Nazi Germany. Michael Cronin: Against the Day Uncannily believable accounts of
what might have Through the Night happened if during World War 2. Highly
recommended. Els De Groen: No Roof in
Michael Morpurgo: Private
Peaceful Brilliant
World War 1 trench novel. Beverley Naidoo: Out of
Bounds Entertaining
short story collection about war and conflict. Jenny Nimmo: The Rinaldi Ring Interesting
novel spanning generations and the returning of property to someone long dead
in World War 1. Joan O’Neill: Daisy Chain War Thought
provoking novel of growing up in World War 2. Mal Peet: Tamar Absorbing
story of undercover agents in occupied Robert Swindells:
Daz 4 Zoe Set in
the not too distant future, where society is divided into two sections: rich
and poor. About the relationship of two teenagers divided by the system. |
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Year 12
& 13 Sixth Form Reading List Recommended (Revised June 2006) We live in a golden age of books, and the choice, for all of us, is
often overwhelming. Putting this list
together has provoked harmony & disagreement in equal measure, but then
that’s what it’s all about: sharing our discoveries, ideas, opinions and
responses, entertaining ourselves and each other and expanding and deepening
our experience of the whole rich diversity of life! We’ve shamelessly raided each other’s ideas
and notes, our bookshelves and the internet.
The keywords when we were deciding what to include were Quality
& Diversity. We’ll be reviewing these reading lists every year, and we’d really
appreciate it if you would tell us what you think. We’re particularly interested in your suggestions
and recommendations of titles you think should be included. Conversely, if you’ve read something on
this list and you don’t think it should be there or the synopsis is
misrepresentative, we really do want to know.
You can give your comments verbally, or email them to VBoyle@rytoncomprehensive.co.uk.
Almost all the books on this list are available in the school library,
and if they’re not there now, they soon will be. If you can’t find what you want, come and
ask. We can put things on reserve for
you: when the book is returned, we’ll
keep it for you and send you an email. This is how the list is organised: Contemporary fiction You’ll find these books in the “Modern Adult Novels” section. Of all the novels published in the last 20
years, these are the ones we think you’d most enjoy. Fantasy & Sci-Fi There’s some superb writing in these genres: we suggest some of the most admired authors
for those of you who like escapism and wild flights of imagination. Major Novels of the 20th
century These books have all been chosen because they’re generally acknowledged
to be major works, well-written, dealing with characters, plotlines and
issues which are memorable and perennial.
They’re over by the window. Pre-1914 Classics Don’t miss out because you think they’ll be dull: they’ve lasted because they’re not! Thrillers There’s a section in the library called Crimes and Mysteries, and here
you’ll find a list of writers recommended for their superb mastery of plot
and style . Short stories Often perfect little packages:
good short-story writers have to grab your attention quickly, take
just a few characters and create a perfect little nugget of plot! Poetry Poems
can be dipped into, so just sit and have a browse. You’ll find some in the 6th Form
Library, and a lot more in the main area.
The Dewey number for poetry is 821. Plays If you find it difficult to sit and read a play by yourself, rope in a
few friends: it might be a laugh! The
plays we’ve listed are often performed, or available on video or DVD. They’re
shelved at 822. Contemporary Fiction Andrea Ashworth: Once Upon a House on Fire Moving & often funny
autobiographical story of a girl growing up amongst poverty and violence in Margaret Atwood: Cat’s
Eye Absorbing story which
explores the vivid experience of childhood bullying & its effects in
later life. Psychologically fascinating. Iain Banks: The Wasp Factory Stunning debut novel
from Banks about a strange family in the north of A.S.Byatt: Possession Entralling literary detective
story & a beautiful modern love story.
Romance and dusty books: what
more could you want? Loius de Bernieres: Captain Corelli’s
Mandolin Set on idyllic Greek
island under Italian occupation in WW2, this story has it all: funny & vivid characters, love &
war Roddy Doyle: Barrytown Trilogy “The Commitments”,
“The Van” and “The Snapper”. Very funny novels set in a close-knit Irish
community. Jeffrey Eugenides: Middlesex Calliope is
hermaphrodite (geddit?) & her story is
gripping; one of love, family, genetics, immigration, history & secrets Charles Frazier: Don’t be put off by
the film: this is a rich, fascinating story of love, endurance & courage
set in the American Civil War. Esther Freud: Hideous Kinky Fascinating novel
about free spirits travelling around Alex Garland: The
Beach Golden : Memoirs of a Geisha Secret and sometimes
desperate life of a geisha between the wars. Guterson: Snow Falling on
Cedars Haunting &
mysterious novel set in atmospheric backwoods of Kief Hillsbery: War
Boy Bizarre and brilliant
novel about a deaf and mute skateboard fan and his journey into adulthood. Joanne Harris: Chocolat A beautiful and
mysterious woman opens a chocolate delicatessen in a close-knit, repressed
community in rural Nick Hornby: Fever
Pitch Funny semi-
autobiographical novel about a fanatical Arsenal supporter how his life
revolves around his favourite football team. Ian McEwan: Enduring
Love Brilliant and
compassionate, this is a novel of love, obsession, faith, and suspense, and
of how life can change in an instant. Peter Carey: Oscar
& Lucinda Set in C19th
Australia, this is the story of the love between two addicted gamblers from
entirely different backgrounds. Frank McCourt: Angela’s Ashes Absorbing, sad, sometimes
humorous evocation of an impoverished Irish Catholic childhood. Gabriel Garcia Marquez:
One Hundred years of Solitude Vivid magic realism
startles and absorbs in this story of a family living in the heart of the
South American jungle. Yann Martel: Life of Pi A boy drifts across the ocean on a raft with a tiger! Beautifully simple prose, magical,
philosophical & haunting story Anne Michaels: Fugitive Pieces Haunting story of young Jakob, rescued from
the mud of a buried Polish city in WW2 & taken to a Greek island by his saviour. Haruki Murakami: Norwegian Wood Whimsical yet deep look at young love:
absorbing exploration of memory and the meaning of life. DBC Hilarious tragedy (!!) about a Texan teenager caught up in
Columbine-style massacre: comic satire of American culture Arundhati Roy : The
God of Small Things Gloriously evocative story of a Christian family in Alice Sebold: The Lovely
Bones Haunting &
heartbreaking story narrated by Susie, who was raped and murdered at the age
of 14, and now watches from heaven as her family disintegrates in their
grief. Zadie Smith: White Teeth A celebration of life
in multicultural Donna Tartt: The Secret History Unputdownable story of the
night-time activities of a group of students of Ancient Greek whose trance-time
ends in murder. Sarah Waters: Fingersmith Dickensian romp in
Victorian London: crime, sex, madness
& enough plot twists to keep the reader gripped: sensational! Louise Wener: Goodnight
Steve McQueen Funny and touching
story of a wannabe rock star about to lose his girlfriend unless he gets a
record contract. Jeanette Winterson: Jess’s adopted mam thinks she's the Fantasy and Science Fiction Douglas Adams: Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy Hilarious sequence of
comedy SF novels based on the radio series of the same name. Far funnier than the film! J G Ballard: The Drowned World Hypnotic novel set in
the future when 90% of the world is underwater and the last few survivors
start heading to the William Gibson: Neuromancer Groundbreaking SF
novel from the 1980s which coined the phrase “cyperpunk.” Aldous Huxley: Brave New World Huxley’s nightmare
vision of the future. A challenging read and a worthwhile one. Mervyn Peake: Gormenghast A triumph of the
imagination. A trilogy set in the fantasy HG Wells: War of the Worlds The Martians invade
the Earth in this classic invasion story.
Again, don’t be put off by the film! Major Novels of the 20th Century J G Ballard: Empire of the Sun Ballard’s famous
autobiographical novel about his teenage years in Anthony Burgess: A Clockwork Burgess’s still
infamous nightmare vision of youth culture in revolt. 15 year old sociopath
Alex is released from prison. Truman Capote: Breakfast at Tiffany’s Lyrical and moving
story of a woman trying to use her charms to climb the social ladder. Colette: The Ripening Seed Childhood friends
become something more as the transition to adulthood beckons. Very tenderly written. Joseph Conrad: Under Western Eyes Political thriller, set in Ralph Ellison: The Invisible Man Powerhouse of a novel
about a black man’s true experiences of living in segregated Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby Famous American novel
from the ‘Jazz Age’, centred
on Jay Gatsby and his circle of friends, who involve themselves in adultery,
hard drinking, fast living and ultimately, murder. Alain Fournier: Le Grand Meaulnes An exploration of the
twilight world between boyhood and manhood. A dreamlike masterpiece by a
writer who died in WW1. E M Forester: A Room with a View Romance set amongst a
group of English ex-pats living in Stella Gibbons: Cold Comfort Farm Quirky novel about a
rich orphaned 20 year old who decides to live with relatives in the country,
only to find that their lives are very different. (Think Royston Vasey!) William Golding: Lord of the Flies A group of boys,
having survived a plane crash, are left on an island with no adults: will
they survive each other? Graham Greene: Set in Ernest Hemingway: A Farewell to Arms Engrossing story of an
ambulance driver during World War One. Based on Hemingway’s own experiences. L P Hartley: The Go-Between Set in Edwardian
England, telling the events of the narrator’s summer spent in Jack Kerouac: On
the Road The definitive ‘Beat’
novel, it’s semi-autobiographical, and deals with Kerouac’s experiences
whilst travelling across Ken Kesey: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest McMurphy, a brawling gambling
man, is put into a mental institution, where he wages total war on behalf of
his cowed fellow-inmates. Hilarious and heroic, tragic and ultimately
liberating. D H A
semi-autobiographical novel tracing the adult life of Paul Morrell and his
intense and complex relationships with his mother, his closest friend and his
lovers. Harper Lee: To Kill a Mockingbird Now regarded as a
modern classic. The narrator is
growing up in the deep South of Primo Levi: If This Is A Man Levi’s account of how
he survived the concentration camps of the Holocaust. Harrowing and moving,
this book will stay with you. Patrick McCabe: The Butcher Boy Bizarre novel written
in the prose of the leading character’s thoughts. It features a far from
ordinary Irish boy. Often as funny as it is horrific. For those with a black
sense of humour. Toni Morrison:
Beloved In the troubled years
following the Civil War, the spirit of a murdered child haunts the George Orwell : 1984 This book will change
the way you think: it’s the definitive
dystopian novel, in which Winston Smith struggles against the all-seeing
(original!) Brig Brother & ends up in (the real!) Room 101! Sylvia Plath: The Bell Jar The
semi-autobiographical work of poet Sylvia Plath,
describing 19 year-old Esther’s mental breakdown while she’s at college. Salman Rushdie:
Midnight’s Children Swirling &
evocative magic realist epic set in the emergence of modern Francoise Sagan: Bonjour
Tristesse A French father and
teenage daughter enjoy life to the full on the French Riviera until he
remarries; the catalyst in a series of tragic events for his daughter. J D Salinger: Catcher in the Ground breaking
rebellion novel featuring two days in the life of a cynical teenager just
expelled from school. John Steinbeck:
East of Set in the
rich farmland of Tolstoy: Anna
Karenina One of the
greatest love stories ever told, this is a rich and complex meditation on
passionate love and disastrous infidelity, set in C19th Russia. Evelyn Waugh : The Loved One If you enjoyed Six
Feet Under, you’ll love this satire on the American way of death! Alice Walker: The
Color Purple Alice Walker’s The Color Purple weaves an
intricate mosaic of women joined by their love for each other, the men who
abuse them, and the children they care for. Oscar Wilde: The
Picture of Dorian Gray An exceptionally
handsome young man living a life of decadent self-indulgence whose beauty
remains miraculously unchanged, but wait till you see the portrait in the
attic! Tobias Wolff: This Boy’s Life Moving
autobiographical novel about a teenager growing up with an abusive father in Pre-1914 Classics Jane Austen: Emma Classic novel in which
Emma has to come to terms with her own mistakes as well as other people’s. Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre Orphaned Jane goes to be a governess in a spooky mansion ruled by
brooding Emily Bronte: Brooding dark and romantic gothic story of love and hate set on the
wild and windy moors! Charles Dickens: Great Expectations Poor little orphaned Pip, scary convict in graveyard, mad old skeletal
rich lady in bridal dress: who’s the
mysterious benefactor? George Eliot: The Mill on the Floss The evocative, tragic
story of Tom and Maggie Tulliver which remains one
of the most widely read novels of the period. E M Forster: A Passage to A picture of society
in Thomas Hardy: Far
from the Madding Crowd Feisty & fallible
Bathsheba fights for independence, lives, loves and learns! Thomas Hardy: Tess of the D’Urbervilles Beautiful, innocent Tess Durbeyfield attempts to
restore her family's fortunes by claiming their connection with the
aristocratic d'Urbervilles, one of whom seduces her… Mary Shelley: Frankenstein The fable of the
scientist who creates a man- monster:
murder and mayhem ensue! Bram Stoker: Dracula Classic tale of the
Count. Nothing like most of the films made in its name; and far more
frightening. Thrillers Paul Auster: Three gripping detective stories: classic American crime writing with a
post-modern twist. Umberto Eco: The Name of the Rose Forget the da Vinci Code! This is a fantastic gothic medieval
detective story James Ellroy: LA
Confidential Fascinating multi-
layered detective novel about deceit and deception in the underside of Great crime novel
about the murky world of gangland crime in 1950s John King: Football
Factory Gripping and violent
look at the football hooligan movement in the 1980s. Chris Palahniuk: Fight Club Gripping and
mesmerizing tale about schizophrenia, recently made famous by the film
starring Brad Pitt. Short Stories J G Ballard: The Voices of Time Complex series of
science fiction short stories. Angela Carter: The Bloody Chamber Gruesome but
compelling collection of stories which rework old fairy tales in some very
bizarre ways. Ernest Hemingway: Collected Short Stories Most of Hemingway’s
stories are highly recommended and original, entertaining and diverse. Hanif Kureishi: Midnight
All Day Astonishing collection
of short stories, part melancholic, very sensitive and often filled with the cruelty
of life. James Joyce: The Dubliners Fine collection of
Irish stories which are well worth dipping into. “The Dead” is generally agreed to be the
best. Edgar Allen Poe: Tales of Mystery and Imagination Poe helped define the
modern horror story. Some of these short stories are as unpleasant and as
gripping as they ever were. Poetry Think
about the poetry you’ve read so far, and which you have most enjoyed. Consider which themes and periods most interest you,
and do some wider reading. Poetry can
be dipped into, so just sit and have a browse in a library or bookshop. Here are some ideas: Pre-twentieth
Century: Twentieth
Century: William Blake Simon
Armitage Robert Browning John Betjeman Lord Byron Wendy Cope John Donne Carol Ann Duffy George Herbert Gillian
Clarke Gerard Manley Hopkins Seamus Heaney John Keats Ted Hughes Christina Rossetti Philip
Larkin William Shakespeare Liz Lockhead Alfred, Lord Tennyson T.S.Eliot William Wordsworth Sylvia Plath Plays You could also go to 822 & look
at some of the major playwrights of the twentieth century, eg: Alan Ayckbourn Alan Bennett Samuel Beckett Robert Bolt Caryl Churchill Henrik Ibsen Arthur Miller John Osborne Harold Pinter J B Priestley George Bernard Shaw Tom Stoppard Oscar Wilde
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