Jennifer Derrick
Oooh. Tough question and one that I don't have a conventional answer to. I don't think there are too many books that everyone must read. I tend to believe that people should read what interests them, and for (non-fiction) things they need or want to know. If your interests lie in science fiction, my list would read very differently than it would for someone who loves thrillers, for example.
I know that schools will tell you differently... That you "have" to read certain books to be considered educated or to function as a citizen of the world. And maybe they're right. I'm not a teacher, so I don't know. I do know that a lot of kids stop reading for fun in high school because the "forced march" of reading wears them out. By forcing kids to read things that don't matter to them, schools end up teaching that reading is a chore and not a joy. (I didn't read much after high school for this very reason. I was burned out. It took me about six years to get back into reading for fun.) Sure, there's something to be gained from acquiring the discipline to read something, even when you don't want to, but four years of that kills a lot of interest in reading.
I say read widely, discover what you enjoy, and then read more of that. It's good to reach outside your comfort zone every now and then and try something new, as well. If you always read mystery, try fantasy, for example. Or try some non-fiction in areas you've never studied before. You might find a new interest or hobby. But just keep reading.
That said, like everyone, I do have my favorites. I keep a list of different genres and research materials on my website http://jenniferderrick.com/about/reco... It's an ever growing list and I work on it when I have time.
Of the "classics" I'd say the following are great reads that teach some important, universal lessons that are important in the world today:
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. A terrific lesson on what can go wrong with censorship.
1984, by George Orwell. A terrific lesson in what can go wrong when government runs amok.
The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. A terrific lesson on what can go wrong when we forget that other people are human beings.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. A terrific lesson on what can go wrong when we let racism rule the world.
Thanks for the question!
I know that schools will tell you differently... That you "have" to read certain books to be considered educated or to function as a citizen of the world. And maybe they're right. I'm not a teacher, so I don't know. I do know that a lot of kids stop reading for fun in high school because the "forced march" of reading wears them out. By forcing kids to read things that don't matter to them, schools end up teaching that reading is a chore and not a joy. (I didn't read much after high school for this very reason. I was burned out. It took me about six years to get back into reading for fun.) Sure, there's something to be gained from acquiring the discipline to read something, even when you don't want to, but four years of that kills a lot of interest in reading.
I say read widely, discover what you enjoy, and then read more of that. It's good to reach outside your comfort zone every now and then and try something new, as well. If you always read mystery, try fantasy, for example. Or try some non-fiction in areas you've never studied before. You might find a new interest or hobby. But just keep reading.
That said, like everyone, I do have my favorites. I keep a list of different genres and research materials on my website http://jenniferderrick.com/about/reco... It's an ever growing list and I work on it when I have time.
Of the "classics" I'd say the following are great reads that teach some important, universal lessons that are important in the world today:
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. A terrific lesson on what can go wrong with censorship.
1984, by George Orwell. A terrific lesson in what can go wrong when government runs amok.
The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. A terrific lesson on what can go wrong when we forget that other people are human beings.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. A terrific lesson on what can go wrong when we let racism rule the world.
Thanks for the question!
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