What are some books of literary merit for the AP Lit exam?

Hey guys, I'm preparing for the AP Lit exam and I keep hearing about books of 'literary merit.' What are some tried-and-true examples you would recommend for me to read up on that might come in handy for the exam? Any suggestions are appreciated!

Hello! It's fantastic that you're preparing for the AP Lit exam and seeking out books of literary merit. "Literary merit" refers to works that are considered to be of high quality by literary standards. These types of books generally have well-developed characters, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes. They're often taught in high school or college literature courses and are likely to appear on the AP Lit exam. Here's a list of classic and contemporary novels with literary merit to consider:

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

2. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

3. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

4. "1984" by George Orwell

5. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

6. "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad

7. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

8. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

9. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

10. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez

11. "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

12. "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle

13. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky

14. "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

15. "The Things They Carried" by Tim O’Brien

Reading a diverse mix of works with literary merit will give you a solid foundation for the AP Lit exam. Don't forget to analyze the books you read regarding themes, symbols, and literary devices such as irony, foreshadowing, and metaphor. As you read, try to connect with the experiences of the characters and think critically about the larger societal issues each work examines. This will help you during the AP Lit exam as you analyze pieces of literature and craft essays on open-ended questions. Good luck and happy reading!