I'm a freshman & out of the list inside, I need to know which books have an appropriate vocabulary for my age.

Question

Here's the books:
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Summerland
3. Brave New World
4. Bel Cantro
5. The Beekeeper's Apprentice
6. I am the Messenger

If you've read any of these books, summaries would be appreciated as well.

What is Brave New World about? And, does it have historical connections or is it strictly fiction?

Answer 1

Bel Canto is a great book about a group of dignitaries and famous people who visit an underdeveloped country for a party. At the party is an opera singer, a translator, important people for many different countries, and an opera loving japanese man. They are enjoying the party when a geurilla army takes over and holds them hostage. The book is about how the people (guest and militants) are changed, and how the situation is resolved. Although I read the book a while ago I do not remeber it being a difficult read. The plot is a bit advanced, but you shouldn't have a problem with the vocab.

Brave New World I read in school as a freshman. It is a Sci-fi novel about a future where the whole world is controlled. A man from one of the remaining Indian reservations is brought into the World State (the name of the futuristic world) and the book focuses on his reactions. This is a personal favorite of mine, becasue I love sci-fi, but I vividly remember my class mates hating it. I think thats because they only liked realistic fiction. There are a lot of words that are made up, but none that are too difficult.

Summerland is a book about baseball and little people. I know that is vague,but it is all I remember. What I do remember is that the vocab was appropriete for me and I read it in 7th grade, so if you are looking for more of a challenge id skip it.

I have never read Pride and Prejudice, but it is a classic. I would assusme that the writing would be more difficult to understand as it was written in a different era, but not impossible.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice and I am the Messenger I have never read. I hope my other answers are helpful!

Answer 2

If you are interested in reading to improve your writing, I'd suggest reading books of writers with powerful voices and/or creative narratives. Some of the classics are perfect. Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" is one of my favorites for this or "The Heart of Darkness" by Conrad. Another "The Great Gatsby". Try to follow how the writer is using the narrative create the illusion of the book. Contrast how the story could have been written if it were a different character writing the story. Try to rewrite the story from another character's point of view. A great contemporary book for this, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera. Powerful 3rd person narrative.

Answer 3

Of these I've read P & P and Brave New World. Truthfully, I haven't heard of any of the rest. Those two are both outstanding and shouldn't give you real vocabulary problems. Brave New World does contain a few somewhat obscure cultural references, but even if you miss them, you can still follow the story.

Answer 4

You should read 1984 and the Odyssey, both of which fit into the "hero's journey" theme that usually you learn freshmen year. Pride and Prejudice is very good, and I've heard Bel Canto is very good,too. Go to your library and ask the librarian for a list of books to read.

Answer 5

I have only read Pride and Prejudice - in fact, I'm still in the middle of it. The vocabulary isn't difficult to understand, but the book itself, although it's lovely and well-done, is a bit on the stiff side. If you're interested in the Regency or the Victorian era, or if you're just a sucker for a good romance that isn't edgy or "bad", read it. If you're not...don't.

Answer 6

I read Brave New World when I was 16, I believe, and to this day it's my all-time favorite book. I highly reccomend it. It's a fun and interesting read and it's thought-provoking and debateable. It's wonderful.

Answer 7

Pride and Prejudice is wonderful and I have been meaning to read the Beekeeper's Apprentice.

Answer 8

I think you would enjoy Summerland by Michael Chabon. It is about young children who save the world from destruction by playing baseball, the central theme and symbol throughout the novel. Summerland weaves elements of a World Series, parallel-universe road trip, and a hero's odyssey.

Answer 9

I would recommend Brave New World to you. I think you will enjoy it. Pax - C