Reading classic literature is great, but in terms of test prep for the SAT or ACT, you may be surprised to learn that reading anything is helpful! A surprising amount of the standardized Writing/Language questions deal with English conventions (figures of speech, turns of phrase, and uses of language that are all impossible to figure out by only applying grammar rules – you have to be familiar with them). The only way to master this type of question is by reading a lot and reading broadly – so why not make sure your reading is FUN?
Here’s a list of books, films, and shows that you probably won’t find on a school reading list, but which are all high-quality, super immersive, and entertaining.
Even if you don’t think you’re a “reader,” it’s worth giving these a shot – you may find that you enjoy reading when you find your niche outside of the stale canon and the oppressive threat of daily comprehension quizzes!
Adventure – go on exciting journeys from the comfort of your couch
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The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
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The Brotherhood of the Black Flag: A Novel of the Golden Age of Piracy by Ian Nathaniel Cohen
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A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin
Other Worlds – ponder important questions about humanity, but with magic too
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The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
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Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
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The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
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The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
High-Quality Screen Adaptations – gently stretch your critical muscles by comparing worthy adaptations with their awesome source material
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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
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DUNE by Frank Herbert
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The Expanse by James S. A. Corey
Mystery and Thriller – fast-paced, suspenseful, and will often immerse you in an interesting and different environment
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Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka (English translation published in 2021).
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The Club by Ellery Lloyd
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One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
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The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Travel by Book – experience life in other places and times
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My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
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Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker
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The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
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Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Romantic Beach Reads – summer is the time for daydreaming
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Beach Read by Emily Henry
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The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
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The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Nonfiction – interesting stuff you might never learn in class
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The Wordhord: Daily Life in Old English by Hana Videen
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Empire of the Scalpel: The History of Surgery by Ira Rutkow
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The Great Stewardess Rebellion by Nell McShane Wulfhart
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River of the Gods by Candice Millard
Have a great summer!