Students read a wide variety of books, ranging from ancient epics to contemporary autobiographies, for Sidwell’s English curriculum. The English Department meticulously chooses these books, many of which are commonly read in American schools, to help students grow as analytical and inquisitive thinkers and writers. Students sometimes struggle to find enjoyment in reading school texts — they can often feel more like work than pleasure. However, some riveting stories have particularly captivated students before. We sought to answer the question: Which books do Sidwell students actually enjoy?
According to a poll of the student body, “The Catcher in the Rye” and “Of Mice and Men,” notable books read in ninth grade, were clear favorites among the student body. “The “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger is a coming-of-age novel that explores teenager Holden Caulfield’s alienation after being expelled from school. It deals with themes of angst, innocence and identity and has been banned in many states due to its profanity and sexual content.
“It felt a little ranty, but was genuinely entertaining. It felt relatable even to a teenager in the 21st century,” said one student of the book.
“Of Mice and Men,” a novella by John Steinbeck, follows the lives of ranch workers George and Lennie. Many students called the book “emotional,” with one mentioning crying during the ending.
Among sophomore books was one unsurprising favorite: “Pride and Prejudice.” The 1813 novel by Jane Austen combines themes of class, identity, feminism and, of course, romance.
Because the novel takes place in the Regency era, with customs quite different from those of modern day, it allows readers to travel back in time. Teachers often show students the 2005 film or its 1995 television adaptation while reading it, further enlivening the experience. Notably, one desk on the bottom floor of the library has “I love Mr. Darcy” etched into it.
Another popular choice was Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth.” A student said reading drama is “always fun” because students act out plays in class.
Similar to sophomore books, one junior book stood out: “The Great Gatsby.” Often referred to as “the Great American Novel,” it follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby through the Jazz Age. Students especially cited this book as being helpful for their AP Literature Exam.
There is more variety in the book choices for seniors due to a plethora of classes available, ranging from Gothic Literature to LGBTQ+ Literature. “The Iliad” and “Dracula” were among seniors’ favorite books.
However, not every Sidwell student is an English class fanatic. Those who are intimidated by extensive reading assignments and grades often focus on their performance in English rather than the books themselves. Those who strictly view English as a requirement do not enjoy the books at all. As the outcome of assessments is a prominent factor in their enjoyment of a book, it often decreases the pleasure of the book as a whole.
