For AP English Lit, what's a good reading list?

I'm planning on taking AP English Literature next year, and I want to get a head start on reading some of the recommended books. What books should I add to my reading list to be well-prepared for the course and exam? Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

Preparing for AP English Literature is a great idea, and I’m happy to help you create a reading list! The College Board recommends a diverse list of books to expose students to various literary works, genres, styles, and time periods. As the test focuses primarily on interpreting and analyzing literature, it's essential to become familiar with influential texts and authors. Below is a suggested reading list featuring a mix of classic and contemporary novels, plays, and poetry.

1. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

2. "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë

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

4. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

5. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville

6. "1984" by George Orwell

7. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

8. "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

9. "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

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

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

12. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

13. "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

14. "Othello" by William Shakespeare

15. "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams

Additionally, consider exploring a diverse range of poets, as poetry analysis plays a significant role in the course and exam. Some poets to explore include Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, T.S. Eliot, Robert Frost, and Sylvia Plath.

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and your AP English Literature class may cover different works. It's a good idea to reach out to your teacher or a fellow student who has taken the course to see if they have a specific reading list for your school. Read as much as you can, practice analyzing the texts, and don't forget to enjoy the journey!