Selection Sentiments
It is no secret that many students complain about the reading selection for school; however, the overall attitude about the reading selection has both positive and negative opinions.
The first book that students read when they get to this school is And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It is a book that is generally well-liked by the student body. “I think what I loved was that it was a mystery novel and you never knew what was going to happen,” said junior Essa Kassissieh. “The story was just very well-written.”
Another popular book is Animal Farm by George Orwell, which is the first book sophomores read. “I would have to say my favorite book is Animal Farm,” said sophomore Daniel Nkunga. “The tragedy of the animals taking control of the farm only to fall into servitude to themselves is great.”
There are some stories that students may not find entertaining, but they do find impactful. “I may not have enjoyed [Farewell to Manzanar],” said Kassissieh. “But I definitely found value in it. I learned a lot about the Japanese-American internment camps during WWII and how that affected so many people.”
Many of the books that students read are about characters trying to find their identity and navigate their way through life. This is something that students are also trying to figure out. “Ellison showed us [in Invisible Man] the journey of the main character and how he came to realize his identity,” said Kassissieh. “The book made me aware of the importance of finding your own identity and using it for the better.”
Reading books is a way to learn more and they can change your perspective on many aspects of life. “Of Mice and Men really made me think of characters in a different way,” said Nkunga. “Also the ending got me. It reminded me that a tragedy can have an incredibly satisfying ending.”
While many students appreciate a multitude of books on the book list, they still think there is room for improvement. “I would take off Last of the Breed from the freshman reading selection and add Maus by Art Speilgman,” said Kassissieh. “Maus is a graphic novel that tells the story of Art’s parents and their experience in the Holocaust. It’s very important for us to learn and understand part of history.”
You may also like...
-
Cans for the Community
Catholic High fights food insecurity in Arkansas — According to the Arkansas Hunger Alliance, 16.6% of Arkansans don’t know where their next meal will come from. Many Arkansans suffering...
Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!
The highest bidders take home items at Ties That Bind 2023 BANG! A gavel slams down on a podium. The auctioneer announces, “Sold to the man at table 17!”...
Generation to Generation
Father-Son Mass ’24 strengthens bonds and motivates seniors The senior class’s fingers fidget nervously with their rings as Head of School Steve Straessle steps up to the podium. Their...
What is Tennis, anyway?
Watch reporters Jackson Havel and Rett Palecek investigate the Rocket Tennis Team to find out more about the game.