UNDER CONSTRUCTION: SOON TO BE A LIST OF NOVELS AND SOME NON-FICTION TEXTS THAT WILL HELP STUDENTS FIND BOOKS TO READ FOR THEIR OWN PLEASURE. I VIEW THIS AS CRITICAL, BECAUSE UNTIL STUDENTS FIGURE OUT WHICH KINDS OF BOOKS THEY ACTUALLY ENJOY, THEY WILL START TO SEEK OUT OPPORTUNITIES TO READ ON THEIR OWN. MY OWN PREFERENCE IS FOR/EXPERTISE IS IN MYSTERY NOVELS, HISTORICAL TEXTS, AND TRUE CRIME SOURCES.
You will note that some books may appear in more than one category (i.e., certain mysteries are undoubtedly also classics; some thrillers may also be known within the context of a series with a central investigating character. For each book noted, I will offer a brief synopsis (just enough to excite, but without spoilers), and where necessary, I will indicate for which ages such books are appropriate. A few sections are specifically designed to contain scary books, and I will use a rating system indicating the level of fright, the level of violence, in addition to my personal opinion of the quality of the book. Since this will be geared towards students/clients who may be more inclined to watch movies or TV, where possible, I will indicate if I think that a particular books might interest someone who enjoys a certain movie or television show. Within each larger drama, I will get more specific by noting if a novel might be characterized as psychological suspense, or a crime caper, etc. You will find literature here, but since this is intended to get students reading, I am only including classics that are more compelling than literary.
All ratings will be from 1-5. Five stars (*****) is, in my opinion, a must-read. I probably won't include anything below what I would assess as thee stars (***)
MYSTERIES
Series Mysteries with Central Investigating Character
R
R
Standalone Mysteries (Some By Authors Who Also Have Series)
My Personal "Scariest Books I've Ever Read" List (Particularly Gory Ones Will Be Noted As Such)
Thrillers
Authors Worth Reading, No Matter What, Along With Books That You Won't Be Able to Put Down