Required reading is definitely not the favorite pastime for most students, but even books that may have been read under duress may prove to be interesting. The students of Masuk have spoken: these are some of the favorite choices of required reading books.
- To Kill a Mockingbird: Harper Lee
A story told through the eyes of Scout Finch as she narrates the life of her father Atticus Finch, an attorney who strives to prove the innocence of a black man unjustly accused; and of Boo Radley, the mysterious neighbor who saves Scout and her brother Jem. To Kill a Mockingbird is an American classic, and a required book for sophomore year, that is favored by junior Julia Batsu.
- Macbeth: William Shakespeare
Macbeth is a Scottish general fighting for King Duncan, who receives a prophecy that he would become king. Pushed by his ambition and his wife to seize the throne through some questionable measures, Macbeth finds himself slowly losing his mind. A sophomore required reading book, favored by sophomore Laura Crowley. “Macbeth was written very well and had a lot of interesting plot points,” Crowley explained.
- Huckleberry Finn: Mark Twain
Set in the 1840s in Missouri, a young Huck Finn, fearful of his drunkard father and desperate for adventure, leaves his family and joins with a runaway slave, Jim, on a voyage down the Mississippi River toward free states. Junior Joseph Iken enjoyed reading this book, which is required during junior year.
- The Bluest Eye: Toni Morrison
This story follows two young girls: Claudia MacTeer and Pecola Breedlove, told through the sectioning of the book as seasons. Both are young girls of color, but Pecola especially idolizes blue eyes, and believes herself to live a sad life because she is ugly without them. This novel goes through the hardships the two have to face, covering some very deep topics. Arshriya Koul, a senior, favored this required book for senior course UConn writing.
- Call Of The Wild: Jack London
The story follows a large dog called Buck whose blissful domestic life gets turned upside down when he is suddenly moved from his home in California to the Alaskan wilderness. Working as part of a mail-delivery dog sled team, Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime and eventually finds his place in the real world. You might have to think back for this book, a favorite from eighth grade, enjoyed by sophomore Mia Alderman.
- Lord Of The Flies: William Golding
The story of a group of young boys who find themselves stranded alone on a deserted island. The group is forced to develop rules and a system of organization, but without any adult supervision, the children descend into violence and anarchy. Lord of the Flies was a freshman favorite from junior Abby Brewster. “There was a lot of depth to the book and a lot to think about when reading it. Although it was a heavier story, it made you think,” said Brewster.