School required readings can be a hit or miss for many students. Some books leave a lasting impact, while others can leave readers scratching their heads wondering why they were forced to read it in the first place. Here are five school required reads that I’m glad I read, and five that I wish I hadn’t.

Five School Required Reads I’m Glad I Read:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel that tackles important themes such as racism, prejudice, and empathy. The story of Scout Finch and her father, Atticus, is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. This book left a lasting impact on me and taught me valuable lessons about standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

2. 1984 by George Orwell
George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984, is a chilling portrayal of a totalitarian society where individuality is suppressed and freedoms are limited. This book made me think critically about the power dynamics in society and the importance of safeguarding our rights and freedoms.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic that explores themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream. The tragic story of Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan is both captivating and heartbreaking. This book gave me a glimpse into the Roaring Twenties and the effects of wealth and excess on individuals.

4. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Lord of the Flies is a powerful allegory about the darker aspects of human nature and the breakdown of society. The story of a group of boys stranded on a desert island and their descent into savagery is both disturbing and thought-provoking. This book made me reflect on the fragility of civilization and the importance of order and leadership.

5. Night by Elie Wiesel
Night is a haunting memoir that chronicles Elie Wiesel’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor. This book provides a firsthand account of the horrors of the Holocaust and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history. Night is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about this dark chapter in human history.

Five School Required Reads I Wish I Hadn’t:

1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a divisive novel that follows the disillusioned teenager, Holden Caulfield, as he navigates adolescence and adulthood. While some readers may relate to Holden’s angst and alienation, I found his character to be grating and self-absorbed. This book failed to resonate with me and left me feeling frustrated.

2. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Scarlet Letter is a classic novel about sin, guilt, and redemption set in 17th-century Puritan New England. While the themes of the book are important, I found the writing style to be dense and difficult to follow. The story of Hester Prynne and her scarlet letter felt outdated and uninteresting to me.

3. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Wuthering Heights is a Gothic novel that follows the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. While the book is considered a literary classic, I found the characters to be unlikeable and the story to be melodramatic. The toxic relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff left me feeling unsatisfied and unengaged.

4. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and the Sea is a novella that tells the story of an aging fisherman’s struggle to catch a giant marlin. While the book is lauded for its symbolism and themes of perseverance, I found the plot to be slow-moving and lacking in depth. The repetitive nature of the story left me bored and disinterested.

5. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows the Joad family as they struggle to survive during the Great Depression. While the book sheds light on important social issues such as poverty and inequality, I found the writing style to be overly descriptive and slow-paced. The book felt overly long and meandering, leading me to lose interest in the story.

In conclusion, school required readings can be a mixed bag for many students. While some books leave a lasting impact and teach valuable lessons, others can fall flat and fail to resonate with readers. It is important for educators to carefully select texts that will engage and inspire students, rather than simply checking off a list of classics. Ultimately, the best school required reads are the ones that leave a lasting impact and spark meaningful discussions.