1st Quarter Annotated Reading List

Aldous Huxley paints an image of our future world through dramatic and terrifying examples of life. This brave new world is a world evolved around technology and contentness. Since people are created in an assembly line instead of through the natural processes of birth, no relationships are ever made. Soma is the immediate escape from any uncomfortable feeling, and promiscuity is promoted. Bernard Marx begins feeling a sense of questionability. He wonders why he can't be with Lenina, the woman he has strong feelings for, and why he has to be with a different girl every night. He also wonders why ideas opposing what the Controller says are ban. When given to oppourtunity to view the outside world with freedom, a word in which he has never heard before, Bernard turns right back into everyone else: soaking up the care free life.

Huxley's twisted view of the future is a great read. He knows how to not only make the reader question what they truly wish the world evolved around, but also intrests the reader in the discriptions of the future world. Huxley's book might also have been written as a warning for the people in his time whose new ideas seemed to be completely revolved around technology.

Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. New York: HarperCollins, 1932. Print. 259 pages


Katniss Everdeen lives in the nation of Panem in District 12. She lives with her depressed mother and little sister, Prim. Because of her mother's condition, Katniss has taken responsibilty of providing for her family. She hunts illegally because of the poor conditions of her family, but still manages to provide for them. The Hunger Games is a nationwide, very gruesome event. 2 people between the ages of 12-18 are chosen from each of the 13 districts to compete in a "war." This event is a broadcasted fight to the death between the 24 contestants, and greatly feared in the minds of the proposed fighters. When Prim is chosen, Katniss volunteers to take her spot. Katniss realizes her family will never be able to survive without her, so she promises Prim she'll come home. Althought Katniss is the underdog in the competition, she shows her true self when she lets her emotions get the best of her at the first competition. Now, Katniss has a sense of confidence that will hopefully carry her through the games.

I highly recommend this book. Although it is not a very deep read, I do think it's very enjoyable to read just for entertainment. The Hunger Games has a very interesting and intense storyline that allows the reader to get involved and want to read the book whenever they can.

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic, 2008. Print. 384 pages