World Literature Honors
Summer Reading Assignment 2023

Books are in guidance if you need a copy.

  1. Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse  (Bantam Edition), an absorbing novel about a young man’s search for self-knowledge

  2. The Woman Warrior, by Maxine Hong Kingston (Vintage Edition), an intense story of a young woman who wrestles with her Chinese identity and values in the context of America

Since the first two weeks of the course will be devoted to a comparative study of Siddhartha and The Woman Warrior, it is important that you read both works carefully and be prepared for a series of graded discussions.

DUE ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS:  TYPED DIALECTICAL LOGS ON THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUOTATIONS FROM EACH NOVEL

Requirements:

  • Dialectical Format:  two columns with quotations on the left and corresponding notes/commentary on the right

  • 8 - 10 Quotations PER NOVEL cited by chapter and page number

  • Observations recorded on developing themes, characters, symbolism, imagery, parallels, and contrasts with other works you have read, as well as personal reflections: comment on at least two quotations that have personal meaning for you.  Do not simply state what is going on in the novel.

Once Google Classroom is set up during the first week of school, I will have you upload your logs.  LOGS WILL BE GRADED SEPARATELY, SO PLEASE SUBMIT SEPARATELY. Once again, use dialectical format -- I will not read logs in other formats.

For purposes of reference during discussion, it is important that we all use the same editions.  Books are available to borrow in D25.  Of course, you may purchase your own copies if you wish to annotate as you read.

Feel free to email me at kgreco@branfordschools.org if you have any questions. Have a great summer; I look forward to seeing you in the fall, well-rested and well-read!