On this page:
	• 3rd qtr IRB expecations
	• 2nd qtr IRB expectations 000• book review assignment 000• 2nd quarter IRB reflection paper
	• 1st quarter reflection paper
	• 1st quarter IRB expectations 000000• grading for 1st quarter IRB
	• general description of IRB day expectations
	Need some book suggestions? Look through the links below:
	• books highly recommended by YOUR PEERS - Hill's 2009-10 sophomores
	• book lists (recs for college-bound, 100 best novels)
	• links to book search websites
	• books highly recommended by Hill's 2008-09 sophomores
	• books highly recommended by Hill's 2007-08 sophomores
	• books highly recommended by Hill's 2006-07 sophomores
	• books highly recommended by Hill's 2005-06 sophomores
	• books highly recommended by Hill's 2004-05 sophomores

3rd quarter IRB expectations
Minimum expectations (to earn a “B”)                                  To exceed expectations (and earn an “A”):
1. Read at least 450 pages from self-selected books - - - - - - Read at least 600 pages
2. Meet at least one of your IRB goals for this quarter - - - -Meet at least two or your goals
3. Read at least one book of non-fiction - - - - - - - - - - - - -Write a book review about a non-fiction
4. Keep your reading log complete and accurate                      book you read this quarter (& submit to turnitin.com)  
5. Write an IRB reflection paper at end of quarter
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooCriteria 1-5 are worth up to 100 pts
6. Always bring your current IRB and read during silent reading time on IRB days [5 pts X 6 IRB days = 30 pts] 
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo00000000 Total points possible =130 pts

---

2nd quarter IRB reflection paper
Your paper should be typed, in MLA format, and about one and a half to two pages in length
Part 1 At the top of your paper make a list of all of the books that you read second quarter. [May be single-spaced.]
Include the title and author of each book. Also include the total number of pages you read.
Part 2  After your list, write a reflection on your reading that addresses the three topics below.
[Note: Below each topic I’ve come up with several subtopics that you might discuss in that section of your paper.
    Do not address ALL of the subtopics! Choose two or three from each section to answer thoroughly.]
1) Discuss what you read this quarter
-Briefly describe what the book(s) you read is (are) about.
-Which is your favorite (&/or least favorite) book on the list? What did you like (&/or dislike) about it? Be specific.
-Describe the genre, style, level of difficulty of the book(s) you read. Were any of these new for you?
-Are you pleased with the books you chose to read this quarter? Why or why not?
2) Discuss how you read
-Did you develop any new reading habits this quarter? Describe them.
-What are you proud of related to your reading this quarter?
-Were there any challenges or frustrations related to your independent reading? Describe them.
-How did you choose the book(s) you read this quarter? Did you try anything new? (eg. read reviews, talk to librarian)
3) Discuss your goals
-Describe whether and how you met each of your IRB goals that you made for this quarter.
-What goals do you have for third quarter IRB? (# of pages or books? new genre or author? new reading habits?)

---

2nd Quarter IRB Expectations & Grading
During the second quarter, you will . . .

Read at least 500 pages from self-selected book(s) ………..[For an A: at least 600 pages
Make and achieve at least one goal for your reading……….[For an A: two or more goals]
Give one book talk to your peers……………………………[For an A:  also, write at least one review for the library]
Keep your reading log complete, accurate, thoughtful and neat
Continue adding to your list of books you’re interested in reading
Always bring your current IRB and read during silent reading time on IRB days
Write an IRB reflection paper at the end of the quarter that is thorough, specific and thoughtful
Demonstrate an active engagement in reading and finding books that you enjoy
Participate in all independent reading discussions and activities

A = met ALL of the expectations AND exceeded some expectations
B = met ALL of the expectations
C = met MOST of the expectations (You can not earn more than a “C” if you don’t turn in the reflection paper.)
D or F = did NOT meet most expectations

Ways to exceed the expectations to earn an A:

Read over 600 pages.
Make and achieve 2 or more reading goals.
Write a review for the library.
Demonstrate that you’ve challenged yourself in your  reading.
Write an engaging reflection paper

Book Review Assignment
Write a short book review that describes, analyzes, and evaluates the quality of the book.

In writing a book review, you combine the skills of describing what the book is about, analyzing whether the author has achieved his/her purpose, and evaluating the quality of the book.

Think of the reader of your review as someone who has not read the book, but is considering it. You do not want to “give away” any of the surprises or the ending; however, you will want to present your reader with enough about the book to know whether they'll find it engaging.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
General Requirements
– Your review should be typed, double-spaced, and should follow MLA guidelines
– In a review you may use "I" and "me" and "you" - it is your opinion of the book
– Make your review as concise as possible: 250 to 350 words
– Be sure to proofread and revise carefully.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Components of a Book Review
Heading
•Start off with a heading that includes all the bibliographic information about the book.
Author. Title. Year of publication. Number of pages. Publisher.
Introduction
•The first few sentences of the review usually gives a very brief overview of the contents of the book, the purpose or audience for the book, and your reaction and evaluation --- summary information that gives your reader a “snapshot” of the book and what you think of it.
Description / Analysis
•Briefly describe important aspects of the book. If fiction: the setting, main characters, and plot. If non-fiction: the argument, goal, and/or ideas. Give the reader a sense of the atmosphere and personalities in the book.
•As you write about the characters or people, you might use examples of things they’ve said or done.
•You may also describe significant (plot) events, without giving any surprises away. Readers want to know enough about what happens in a book to know whether they'll find it interesting.
•What themes are touched on? What are the important ideas in this book?
Evaluation
Finally, get to the heart of your review -- your evaluation of the book. You may discuss questions such as:
•Has the writer achieved what he/she set out to accomplish?
•Are the characters/plot/ideas rendered successfully?
•What has the writer done well? Not so well?
•Why should a reader consider reading this book? What audience does this book appeal to?
Concluding Comment
Like other essays, book reviews usually end with a conclusion which ties together issues raised in the review and provides a concise comment on the book.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There is, of course, no set formula, but a general rule of thumb is that the first half to two-thirds of the review should summarize the author's main ideas and at least one-third should evaluate the book.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Book review examples
Malcolm Gladwell. The Tipping Point. 2000. 288p. Little, Brown.
Malcolm Gladwell. Blink. 2005. 288p. Little, Brown.
Malcolm Gladwell has written two books, The Tipping Point and Blink, both of which I recently read. The Tipping Point is an explanation of a theory Gladwell has created and thoroughly researched on how many things in life follow not a gradual pattern but rather are held in equilibrium and can be “tipped” by certain factors. In his book, Gladwell provides examples of his theory from flu epidemics to fashion trends to crime. The sheer volume of information and extensive knowledge that he displays on almost every topic makes for an easily understandable and very fast read. But that does not mean his ideas are in any way typical or are derived from conventional wisdom. He approaches every topic from a completely unique and fascinating angle. Take his case study of the flu; using a simple mathematical equation and commonly overlooked facts Gladwell explains a phenomenon that remains a mystery to many people. Blink is written in much the same fashion. It is another explanation of a theory Gladwell had and is just as thoroughly researched as The Tipping Point. Blink talks about the mountains of information the human brain can process in less than two seconds and how, as quoted from the book, “these two seconds can be more valuable than two months of careful, analytical evaluation.” Blink is also packed full of more of the same interesting case studies such as what caused four mentally stable, professional police officers to shoot a scared immigrant near 40 times before realizing what they had done. In Blink, as in The Tipping Point, the reader will be surprised (and surely disappointed) at how short Gladwell’s books appear to be.
Malcolm Gladwell’s writing style is admirable and considerate. He is an expert on what he has written, but instead of using a grand arsenal of high powered words one can be sure he possesses, he invites almost every level of reader to take on his books by keeping things simple. The way he presents his information is entertaining and fun; tests, games, case studies, and his own powerful and logical prose keep the reader glued to the pages. Finally, as I have mentioned earlier, Gladwell approaches problems in a radically different way than most people and because of this will truly change the way you view the world after reading one of his books. The only people that won’t like his books are those who don’t understand his ideas (far too young or far too impatient) and those who are too close-minded to realize the truth in his fresh, new ideas.
-Sam Pollack, class of 2007

Dumas, Alexandre. The Count of Monte Cristo. 1988. 528p. Signet Classic.
The Count of Monte Cristo takes the reader on an adventure from the sea to a terrifying prison to the luxurious life of a millionaire who is planning revenge on his enemies. Edmond Dantes is a loyal, honest sailor who is about to become captain of a ship and marry the love of his life. Unfortunately, his jealous friends—Danglers, Villefort, and Morcef—have different plans. After being falsely accused and tried, Dantes spends more than a decade in the ghastly Château d'If prison, obsessed with getting revenge on his betrayers. In those horrible years Dantes meets another prisoner, an abbe, who teaches him language, history, math, science, and a wonderful secret—the secret of the treasure of Monte Cristo. After escaping from the Château d'If, and under the disguise of the mysterious and extremely wealthy Count of Monte Cristo, Dantes hatches a brilliant plan to ruin his enemies’ lives.
Alexandre Dumas weaves together a tale of suspense, revenge, and adventure in The Count of Monte Cristo. The plot can be confusing at times; the omniscient narrator skips between stories, sometimes telling you about new characters that do not seem important at the time but will become significant later on in the book. You may not feel satisfied with the ending, but the rest of the book more than makes up for it. The plans of revenge are brilliant, and I can guarantee that you will not be able to predict them. The Count of Monte Cristo is an excellent book for both sexes and all ages.
-Sonya Ursell, class of 2007

Sittenfeld, Curtis. Prep. 2005. 403p. Random House.
Prep is a about a teenage girl from the Midwest and her experiences at boarding school in Massachusetts. The book is a character development and ranges from when she first starts the school as a freshman to her graduating day as a senior. At a prestigious boarding school, Lee doesn’t seem to fit in because she is on scholarship while the other students are all wealthy and are legacies. Lee becomes completely different from the person that she was at home; she is now quiet, stupid, doesn’t try, and doesn’t care about anything. The boarding school is a nightmare for her, she begins to wonder why she ever wanted to come to a boarding school that was so different from where she grew up, but she feels like she would be letting down her family and giving up if she leaves. Each chapter is a scene and a couple chapters make up each school year. In one chapter, Lee’s parents come from Indiana to visit. Lee becomes embarrassed by her parents; she is humiliated that her dad owns a mattress store while the other student’s parents own multi-million dollar companies. She doesn’t like the old things that she used to like about them and she feels that they make her stand out making her more noticeable. Her parents remind her of all of the good times at home and her old self.
Prep is a best seller, the author is on a well publicized book tour, and the book was highly recommended to me. However, I was extremely disappointed. I couldn’t understand the character and I couldn’t really empathize with her. Lee could go on for months without saying a word to anyone and didn’t care about anything. I understood that she was unhappy and depressed, but I couldn’t understand her being so secluded and not caring. At the end of the book Lee makes a bad decision and for the first time speaks out, publicly. I wanted the loose ends tied up, but I felt the book just ended abruptly. I don’t recommend this book, the people that would read it are women or teenage girls, but I feel that you should only read this book if want a character study of a miserable girl coming of age.
-Clare Reich, class of 2007

Thompson, Hunter S. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. 1971. 204p. Vintage.
Fear and Loathing is, as Dr. Thompson put it, "a savage journey to the heart of the American Dream." It's the retelling of the rampant, drug-fueled exploits of the journalist "Raoul Duke" and his attorney, "Dr. Gonzo", in Las Vegas, in the midst of those strange years after the 60's free-love enlightenment. Thompson's frantic narrative, interspersed with thoughtful insights and memories of the Nixon era, carries the tale as the sordid affairs unfold.
The "Gonzo journalism" style that Thompson pioneered is truly unmatched and fascinating to read. He is at times completely wild and irreverent, then curiously sober, then sharply hilarious, all with a streak of sensible genius. He turns the job of covering a racing event in Vegas into a deep, yet pessimistically humorous analysis of the world in the early seventies. He explores the fizzling drug culture in which he festers throughout the book, the growing paranoia sweeping the nation, and the frightening specter of the American government under Nixon's lead. Somehow, he perfectly encapsulates the harsh hopelessness and idleness that spread across the nation in the wake of the acid explosion. Despite his constantly inebriated state, his sober view of a world on the brink of madness seems perfectly clear in the face of the strange affairs around him.
Now, thirty years after the fact, a reader can find in Fear and Loathing an entertaining spectacle of drugs and madness, a challenging exhibition of journalistic style and genius, and a unique view of a truly surreal time.
-Felice Ford, class of 2007

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. 1890. 187p. Barnes and Noble Books.
The Picture of Dorian Gray explores the life and soul of the young aristocrat Dorian Gray. Dorian born into a wealthy family has always had life the way he wanted it. He never had to worry about anything in his life until he met a man who questioned how long Dorian would stay as beautiful as he was. In an act of selfishness and desperation Dorian prays that this portrait he has will grow old in his place and that he will always be as beautiful as he is right then. His prayer is answered and his portrait not only grows old in his place but it takes the burden from the sins he has committed. Dorian grows mad watching the horrible mirror of his soul in this painting change with every evil and selfish thing he does. He has been granted the ability to see the ugliness of his own soul but he has also lost the ability to feel any guilt for it. Dorian struggles with his own morals and life through out this book and has to deal with the people he used to trust and the people he called his friends.
The story focuses on the evil side of the human spirit and how it might be portrayed if it were placed in a picture that you could see. I recommend this book for any high school student and even many middle school students. Its rich characters offer an exciting and drawing story that you just can’t help reading all the time.
-Taylor Ferris, class of 2007

---

1st Quarter Reflection Paper
Click here to download a pdf of the assignment sheet.

Part 1  At the top of your paper make a list of all of the books that you read first quarter.
             Include the title and author of each book. Also include the total number of pages you read.
Part 2  After your list, write a reflection on your reading that addresses the three topics below.
[Note: Below each topic I’ve come up with several subtopics that you might discuss in that section of your paper.   Do not address ALL of the subtopics! Choose two or three from each section to answer thoroughly.]
1) Discuss WHAT you read this quarter
-Which is your favorite book on the list? What did you like about it? Be specific.
-Describe the genre, style, level of difficulty of the book(s) you read. Were any of these new for you?
-If you stopped reading a book before finishing it, tell me why you made that choice.
-If you read more than one book, were there any patterns in what you chose to read? (e.g. same author, genre, style, subject matter, level of difficulty) Is this a pattern you’d like to break out of or are you still interested in exploring it?
2) Discuss HOW you read
-Did you develop any new reading habits this quarter? Describe them.
-Are you reading more or less than you have in past years? Why do you think that is?
-Were there any challenges or frustrations related to your independent reading? Describe them.
-How did you choose the book(s) you read this quarter? Did you try anything new? (eg. read reviews, talk to librarian)
-Is getting your IRB reading done a pleasure or a chore? Is my IRB program “working” for you?
3) Make some specific reading GOALS for next quarter
-How many pages (and/or books) would you like to read second quarter?
-Are there some particular books, authors, or genres you’d like to read?
-Do you need to be more disciplined about getting your reading done? If so, what will you try to do? 
-How could you expand your search for good books? (e.g. do more browsing in the library or book stores, read book reviews, ask for suggestions from librarians or your parents or siblings)

---

1st Quarter Expectations0000000000Click here to download a pdf file of this assignment sheet
During the first quarter, you will . . .

1. Compile a list of books you’re interested in reading

2. Read at least 400 pages (at least 450 pages for an A) from self-selected* book(s)

3. Keep your reading log** complete, accurate, thoughtful and neat

4. Give one book talk*** on a book that you recommend to your peers

5. Always bring your current IRB and read during silent reading time on IRB days

6. Write an IRB reflection paper at the end of the quarter that is thorough, specific and thoughtful

7. Demonstrate an active engagement in reading and finding books that you enjoy

8. Participate in all independent reading discussions and activities

*A few GUIDELINES for selecting books
-Read books that you haven’t read before.
-Don’t keep reading a book if you’re hating it! Record the pages you read on your reading log (I’ll give you credit for any pages you read!) then find another book.
-Read books that are “appropriate” for school and that your parents would approve.
-I’d prefer that you not read a Harry Potter book for IRB. (If you think I should make an exception for you, come talk to me.)

**READING LOG
     Each IRB day I will give you your reading log to fill out. Before you begin reading, fill out the log for the appropriate rotation. Record all of the pages/books you read since the last IRB day and then write the total number of pages for the rotation in the box in the upper right hand corner. Next, write a brief but descriptive reflection on your reading in the space provided. I’ve included several topic ideas for your reflection at the top of the log sheet. You may write about one or two of these, or you may write about something else that relates to the reading you did in the past rotation.
     After you’ve filled out your log I will collect it (I keep these on file in my classroom) and then you will have some time to read in class. Any pages that you read in class will be recorded on your log on the NEXT IRB day.
     If you are absent on an IRB day, you are still responsible for logging your pages and writing a reflection. Ask me for your log if you’ve missed an IRB day and return it to me as soon as you can.

***BOOKTALKS
In three to five minutes, tell the class about a book that you highly recommend. The book does not need to be a book that you read this year. It may be any book you’ve read, fiction or nonfiction, that you are enthusiastic about and that you think others would enjoy.

1. Show the book and tell us the book’s title & author. (You must have the book with you to give a book talk.)
2. Tell us the premise of the book in an engaging way.
3. Read a short passage or two that shows something interesting
4. Explain why you recommend it.

Sign up on the calendar in class to do a book talk. Please sign up only when you know you are ready to give a talk.

Grading: Your IRB grade for the quarter will be worth up to 100 points possible and will be added to your total grade at the end of the quarter after you’ve turned in your IRB reflection paper. Your grade will be based on whether and how you met all of the expectations outlined above. A = met ALL of the expectations AND exceeded some expectations B = met ALL of the expectations C = met MOST of the expectations (You can not earn more than a “C” if you don’t turn in the reflection paper.) D or F = did NOT meet most expectations Ways to exceed the expectations to earn an A: -Read over 450 pages. -Write an engaging, honest reflection paper. -Demonstrate that you’ve challenged yourself in the type and/or number of books you read. -Demonstrate that you’re actively involved in making independent reading a regular part of your life.

---

---

Independent Reading Book (IRB) days - Every "G" day

EVERY IRB day you will:
1) bring your current IRB to class
2) fill out your reading log

a) record how much you’ve read since the last IRB day
b) write a reflection as directed by Ms. Hill

3) read silently (for between 20 to 45 minutes)

On SOME IRB days you will also:
4) meet with a small group to discuss what you are reading
5) listen to a “book talk” by a classmate
6) give a “book talk” to the class (at least one per semester)
7) participate in a reading mini-lesson that Ms. Hill presents

• Each quarter’s IRB grade will be based on:
• your reading of at least the minimum number of pages per quarter (about 400 pages)
• completion of all IRB requirements for the quarter (You will get a detailed assignment sheet each quarter that explains all requirements.)
• evidence of an honest attempt to read regularly (i.e. routinely, consistently) throughout the quarter
• the completeness and accuracy of your reading log & reflections
• your participation in IRB activities (eg. bringing IRB to class on designated days, small group discussions, book talks, mini-lessons, silent reading, conferences)

.

---

Booktalks
Sign up on calendar posted in classroom to do a booktalk.

In 3 to 5 minutes, tell the class about a book that you highly recommend. (The book does not necessarily need to be something you've read this year. It may be any book that you think others would enjoy.)
1. Show the book and tell us the book’s title & author.
2. Tell us the premise of the book.
3 . Read a short passage or two that shows something interesting.
4. Explain why you recommend it.

---

Book lists
• The College Board's "101 Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers"
• Time magazine's "100 Best Novels"
• Modern Libary's "100 Best Novels"

---

Links to book search websites
The Hennepin County Library site has that useful feature called "If you liked..." that will give you several suggestions (and brief descriptions) of books similar to ones you may have read and enjoyed.

Reading book reviews can be helpful. Check out the "Readers Club" site OR, for reviews written by and for teens, go to "Reading Rants". (This one is my favorite because of the funky - and useful! - categories.)

Whichbook.net is the site where you can customize your book suggestions. (Very cool!)

---

2009-10 Sophomore Book Recommendations

Science Fiction & Fantasy
Brisingr – Christopher Paolini
Dispossessed, The – Ursulla LeGuin
Dune – Frank Herbert
Ender in Exile – Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Shadow – Orson Scott Card
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
I, Robot – Isaac Asimov
Shadow of the Giant – Orson Scott Card
Shadow of the Hegemon – Orson Scott Card

Thriller & Mystery
Bourne Supremacy, The – Robert Ludlum
Citizen Vince – Jess Walter
Da Vinci Code, The – Dan Brown
Mary, Mary – James Patterson
Power of One, The - Bryce Courtenay
Shining, The – Stephen King
Tell No One – Harlan Coben

Classics
1984 – George Orwell
Cat’s Cradle – Kurt Vonnegut
Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
Slaughterhouse Five – Kurt Vonnegut

Contemporary Fiction (Literary & Popular)
Blindness – Jose Saramago
Color of Water, The – James McBride
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The – Mark Haddon
Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man – Fannie Flagg
Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
Lovely Bones, The – Alice Sebold
Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
My Sister’s Keeper – Jodi Picoult
Road, The – Cormac McCarthy
Secret Life of Bees, The – Sue Monk Kidd
Twilight (series) – Stephanie Meyer
Water For Elephants – Sara Gruen

Plays
Midsummer Night’s Dream, A - Shakespeare

Memoir/Autobiography/Biography
Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer
Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
Million Little Pieces, A – James Frey
Papillon - Henri Charrière
Romo: My Life on the Edge - Bill Romanowski
Seabiscuit – Laura Hillenbrand
Three Cups of Tea – Greg Mortenson

Young Adult (Teen Boys and Girls)
Alchemyst, The – Michael Scott
Brisinger – Christopher Paolini
Twelve – Nick McDonnel
Youth in Revolt – CD Payne

Young Adult (Teen Girls)
Avalon High – Meg Cabot
Blood and Chocolate – Annette Curtis Klause
Girl Overboard – Justina Chen Headley
North of Beautiful – Justina Chen Headley
Twilight (series) – Stephanie Meyer
What My Mother Doesn’t Know – Sonya Sones

Misc Non-Fiction
American Shaolin – Matthew Polly
Battle for Fallujah – Vincent L. Foulk
Blind Side, The: Evolution of a Game – Michael Lewis
Last Lecture, The – Randy Pausch
Long Road Home – Martha Raddatz
Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
Three Cups of Tea – Greg Mortenson
World Without Us, The – Alan Weisman

---

2008-09 Sophomore Book Recommendations

Science Fiction & Fantasy
Amber Spyglass, The – Philip Pullman
Dune – Frank Herbert
Eldest – Christopher Paolini
Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Shadow – Orson Scott Card
Eragon – Christopher Paolini
Feed – M.T. Anderson
Fire Study (series) – Maria Snyder
Here, There Be Dragons – James Owen
Historian, The – Elizabeth Kostova
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
House of the Scorpion, The – Nancy Farmer
I, Robot – Isaac Asimov
Inkheart – Cornelia Funke
Inkspell – Cornelia Funke
Journey to the Center of the Earth – Jules Verne
Monster Blood Tatoo (series) – D.M.Cornish
Sabriel – Garth Nix
Shadow of the Giant – Orson Scott Card
Shadow of the Hegemon – Orson Scott Card
Temeraire (series) – Naomi Novik

Thriller & Mystery
Bourne Supremacy, The – Robert Ludlum
Da Vinci Code, The – Dan Brown
Darkest Evening of the Year, The – Dean Koontz
Deception Point – Dan Brown
Enemy, The – Lee Child
Firm, The – John Grisham
Forever Odd – Dean Koontz
Hold Tight – Harlan Coben
Odd Thomas – Dean Koontz
Runaway Jury, The – John Grisham
Shining, The – Stephen King
Storm Front – Jim Butcher
Taking, The – Dean Koontz

Historical Fiction
Afghan Campaign, The – Steven Pressfield
Other Boleyn Girl, The – Philippa Gregory
Shogun – James Clavell

Graphic Novel
Battle Royale – Koushun Takami
Miracle Man – Alan Moore
V for Vendetta – Alan Moore & David Lloyd

Classics
1984 – George Orwell
Animal Farm – George Orwell
Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand
Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
Clockwork Orange, A – Anthony Burgess
Franny and Zooey – J.D. Salinger
Go Ask Alice – Anonymous
Good Earth, The – Pearl Buck
Lonesome Dove – Larry McMurtry
Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe
Slaughterhouse Five – Kurt Vonnegut

Contemporary Fiction (Literary & Popular)
19 Minutes – Jodi Picoult
Atonement – Ian McEwan
Book Thief, The – Markus Zusak
Color of Water, The – James McBride
Color Purple, The – Alice Walker
Elements of Style – Wendy Wasserstein
Esau – Philip Kerr
Foul Lines: A Pro Basketball Novel – Jack McCallum
Gargoyle, The – Andrew Davidson
Hocus Pocus – Kurth Vonnegut
Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
Life of Pi – Yann Martel
Lovely Bones, The – Alice Sebold
My Sister’s Keeper – Jodi Picoult
Ordinary People – Nancy Bermeo
Probable Future, The – Alice Hoffman
Secret Life of Bees, The – Sue Monk Kidd
Shadow of the Wind, The – Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Sound of Blue, The – Holly Payne
Staggering Work of Heartbreaking Genius – Dave Eggers
Things They Carried, The – Tim O’Brien
Twelve – Nick McDonnel
Twilight (series) – Stephanie Meyer
What is the What – Dave Eggers

Plays
Biloxi Blues – Neil Simon
Brighton Beach Memoirs – Neil Simon
Crimes of the Heart – Beth Henley
Doubt: A Parable – John Patrick Shanley
Miss Julie – August Strindberg

Memoir/Autobiography/Biography
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim – David Sedaris
Eat, Pray, Love –  Elizabeth Gilbert
Enrique’s Journey – Sonia Nazario
Foreign Babes in Beijing – Rachel DeWoskin
Foul!: The Connie Hawkins Story – David Wolf
Glass Castle, The – Jeanette Wells
Holidays on Ice – David Sedaris
Inheriting the Trade – Thomas Norman DeWolf
Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer
It’s Not Just About the Bike – Lance Armstrong
Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
Naked – David Sedaris
Scar Tissue – Anthony Kiedis
When You Are Engulfed in Flames – David Sedaris

Young Adult (Teen Boys and Girls)
Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, The – Sherman Alexie
Alex Rider (series) – Anthony Horowitz
Black and White – Malorie Blackman
Boy Meets Boy – David Levithan
Cherub (series) – Robert Muchamore
Deadline – Chris Crutcher
Feed – M.T. Anderson
House of the Scorpion, The – Nancy Farmer
Inkheart – Cornelia Funke
Inkspell – Cornelia Funke
Kira-Kira – Cynthia Kadonata
Midnighters (series) – Scott Westerfield
Monster Blood Tatoo (series) – D.M.Cornish
Painting the Black – Carl Deuker
Perks of Being a Wallflower, The – Stephen Chbosky
Saving Private Ryan – Max Collins
Snow Walker – Catherine Fisher
Spud – John van de Ruit
Stravaganza (trilogy) – Mary Hoffman
Sunshine – Robin McKinley
Taker, The – J.M. Steele
Twelve – Nick McDonnel
Tyrell – Coe Booth

Young Adult (Teen Girls)
Airhead – Meg Cabot
Avalon High – Meg Cabot
City of Bones – Cassandra Claire
Confessions of a Shopaholic – Sophie Kinsella
Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (series) – Louise Rennison
Edge on the Sword, The – Rebecca Tingle
Extras – Scott Westerfeld
Gossip Girl – Cecily Von Ziegesar
Great and Terrible Beauty, A – Libba Bray
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods – Suzanne Collins
Jinx – Meg Cabot
Lullaby, The – Sarah Dessen
Nobody’s Prize – Esther Friesner
Rebel Angels – Libba Bray
Saving Zoe – Alyson Noel
Secrets of My Suburban Life – Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Ann Brashares
Thrill Ride – Rachel Hawthorne
Tree Grows in Brooklyn, A – Betty Smith
Truth About Forever, The – Sarah Dessen
Twilight (series) – Stephanie Meyer
Walk to Remember, A – Nicholas Sparks
Wings – E.D.Baker

Misc Non-Fiction
Another Day in the Frontal Lobe – Katrina Firlik
Assault on Reason – Al Gore
Botany of Desire, The – Michael Polan
Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, The – Bruce Perry & Maia Szalavitz
Candyfreak – Steve Almond
Fast Food Nation – Eric Schlosser
Fighting Fit – Doug Werner
Friday Night Lights – H.G. Bissinger
God Delusion, The – Richard Dawkins
I Am America and So Can You – Stephen Colbert
Man Without a Country, A – Kurt Vonnegut
Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
Mole People, The – Jennifer Toth
Omnivore’s Dilemma, The – Michael Polan
The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team - Wayne Coffey

.