Woodrow Summer Reading, 2012: 11th Grade

The following books are the assigned summer reading for incoming 11th graders at Woodrow Wilson:

For AP English Language and Composition or 11th Grade IB Literature (doesn't matter which, you're reading the same two):

The Reluctant Fundamentalist is the second novel by Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid, and it is not the story you anticipate. I will fully admit that I was skeptical upon opening the book, but I was quickly disabused of any concerns--in fact, I couldn't put it down. A political thriller, this novella is a classic story of post-9/11 disillusionment with the American Dream and all its wretched excess. Part-spy-thriller, part-romance, this story will make you think.

 First of all, Into the Wild is non-fiction written by a regular contributor for Outside Magazine. Second, there is a movie, but I don't advise watching it at all. You don't need it. Third, don't read this book in an enclosed area, especially if the A/C is on high. This book reveals right on the cover that the subject of the book, a young man fresh out of college, died doing this; in spite of this spoiler, the book is riveting and will make you reconsider your camping plans.