Salem Academy Summer Reading 2022

Reading is fundamental, as the saying goes, but we in the English department also want it to be fun, especially during summer break. To accomplish this, we’ve created a summer reading list that steps a little outside of established literary canon. The following list is comprised of quality works that may not usually be studied in school, but that are worth reading.

Select one work from the list that you have not read before. The list includes works of varying complexity and subject matter, so take these factors into consideration when making your choice. If you can, purchase a physical copy of your selected book. A physical copy of the book provides a break from looking at screens as well as the ability to annotate if you wish to do so. Similarly, if English is not your first language, try to acquire a copy of your selected work in English to give you further practice reading and learning in the English language.

All students will complete an assignment at the start of fall semester about their summer reading. This may be a presentation, creative project, book review, or something else. Given this, you are advised to bring your book with you at the start of fall semester. No outside sources are permitted for summer reading, including online literary supplements such as Spark Notes, Shmoop, Cliff Notes, etc. These are not permitted for any text studied during the year in English classes as the focus of all reading is to develop your thoughts and analyses of the literature, which helps to improve your reading comprehension.

Different Worlds

This year’s summer reading theme is “Different Worlds.” The works present a variety of utopias, dystopias, alternate universes, and fantasy worlds created by classic and contemporary authors, often as a way to comment on and critique reality. Review the provided list of titles, and select a new and different world to dive into during summer break!