1.

Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini: I read this book because I found it on my older sisters
book shelf and thought it looked interesting. This book made my top ten list because not
only did I feel empathetic towards the characters, but I loved how realistically they were
portrayed. Yes, they weren't perfect, but we got to see them mature and change throughout
the course of the novel. And on top of that, the relationships between the characters were so
complex and richly developed.
Theme:
The main theme that I saw in Kite Runner was redemption. Amir spends
the majority of his life trying to make right the mistakes he made involving Hassan.
Symbols:
The Kite: The kite in this novel represents both innocence (the fun and
freedom of childhood) and betrayal (Amir not helping Hassan).
Pomegranate Tree: The pomegranate tree is initially a symbol of Amir and
Hassans friendship. They even carve Amir and Hassan, the Sultans of
Kabul in its bark. But, after Hassans rape, the pomegranate tree is where
their relationship deteriorates- Amir pelts Hassan with pomegranates
hoping that Hassan will get angry and lash out (Amir is trying to deal with
his guilt.) Later on in the novel, Amir revisits the tree and it is dead.
Conflict:
Although the novel is set in war torn Afghanistan, political upheaval is
not the main focus. There are many levels of conflict throughout the story. For
example, there is Amirs estranged relationship with Baba. There is Baba and how he
must deal with his illegitimate son Hassan. There are the struggles Baba and Amir
must face when they escape to California (lower socio-economic status, illness, etc.).
But, the main conflict in the story is Amirs guilt and how he spends his entire life
trying to overcome it.
Climax:
The climax of the novel is when Amir fights Assef for Sohrab's freedom.
Resolution:
After Sohrabs attempted suicide, he and Amir return to California.
When the two start to fly kites Sohrab smiles.
Character Description:
Amir: Amir is the main character of Kite Runner. He comes from a well to
do family, living with his father, his (unbeknownst to him) half
brother/servant Hassan, and Hassans adoptive father Ali. Throughout the
novel, Amir makes a lot of poor decisions but he grows as a person and
redeems himself.
Hassan: Hassan is Amirs brother and Babas illegitimate son. He was
abandoned by his mother Sanaubar. An ethnic and religious minority,
Hassan is a victim to bullying and oppression, but, he stays almost saint like
throughout the novel.
Baba: Amir and Hassans father; a hurricane like man. During Amirs
childhood baba seems unreachable, but their relationship later strengthens.

 Rahim Khan: Babas kind and caring friend.

Sohrab: Hassans son; is later adopted by Amir and Soraya.
Ali: Hassans adoptive father; Baba and Amirs servant. He is a kind and
devout man.
Soraya: Amirs wife. Like Amir, she also has a past that she is not very proud
of. She is a kind, easygoing person.
2. A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini: I read this novel because of how much I
loved Kite Runner.A Thousand Splendid Suns is on my top 10 list because it is one of the
most emotionally intriguing novels that I have read thus far. It also focuses on what I think
are two extremely important issues: the dismal state of people living in war zones occupied
by terrorists and the violation of womens rights in these areas.
Themes:
The Lives and rights of Women: A Thousand Splendid Suns did a great job
at exposing the harrowing realities of a womans life in many middle
eastern countries. The poor women in this novel face seemingly constant
abuse: by society, their husbands, and the taliban. Its heart wrenching what
they have to go through.
Love and loss: It seems that almost every character loses something or
someone that they love. Mariam loses Nana and then Jalil. Laila loses Tariq
(temporarily) and later her parents. Mammy and Babi lose their sons.
Mariam has several miscarriages. Rasheed loses his first wife and son. And
most of Afghanistan loses their freedom.
Symbols:

Conflict:
The main conflict in A Thousand Splendid Suns is the abuse and
mistreatment Mariam and Laila face at the hands of Rasheed and the taliban.
Climax:
The climax is when Mariam kills Rasheed to protect Laila.
Resolution:
Mariam sacrifices herself so that Laila and Tariq can escape to Pakistan.
She admits to killing Rasheed and is executed by the Taliban. Laila, Tariq, Aziza, and
Zalmai live peacefully in Pakistan.
Character Description:
Mariam
:
She is the illegitimate daughter of Nana and Jalil. After Nanas
suicide, she moves in with her father whose wives convince him to marry
her off to the widower Rasheed. After several miscarriages, Rasheed
becomes abusive. Later on, Rasheed convinces Laila to marry him. Laila and
Mariam develop and strong mother-daughter connection. Although shes
been oppressed for most of her life, Mariam is strong and resilient.
Laila: Laila is the smart, beautiful daughter of Fariba and Hakim (a
professor). She is headstrong and progressive. Her best friend growing up

was Tariq. After her parents are killed by a stray missile, she is nursed back
to health by Mariam and Rasheed. Because she is unmarried and pregnant
with Tariqs child, she marries Rasheed. After Mariam kills Rasheed, Laila,
Tariq, Aziza, and Zalmai escape to Pakistan. At the end of the novel, Laila
returns to Afghanistan and becomes a teacher.
Nana and Jalil: Mariams parents. Jalil is a wealthy businessman.
Mammy (Fariba): Lailas mother; is depressed after her sons went to and died
in war.
Babi (Hakim): Lailas father; he has a passion for education and is very
forward thinking. His views on womens rights shaped Laila to be the strong
woman she is.
Mullah Faizullah: A positive influence in Mariams childhood- Muallah
Faizullah was Mariams Quran teacher. He was kind and encouraged her to
get and education.
Rasheed: Mariam and Lailas husband; a violent, misogynistic man.
Aziza and Zalmai: Aziza is Laila and Tariqs daughter. Zalmai is Laila and
Rasheeds son.
3. Hamlet
by William Shakespeare: I read this play because we had to read it in class. I put this
on my list because I thought that
Themes:
Insanity: In the play, Shakespeare explores the theme of insanity through
Hamlet and Ophelia. He makes the reader question what it means to be sane.
Revenge: Revenge is the driving force that motivates Hamlet throughout the
entire play.
Betrayal: It seems that most of the characters end up betraying someone.
And that betrayal is, again, what motivates a lot of the characters throughout
the play.
Symbols:

Conflict:
Hamlet feels like it is his duty to avenge his fathers betrayal and untimely
murder. To do this, he needs to murder his uncle Claudius.
Climax:
The climax of the play is when Hamlet and Laertes duel. This part of the
the play ends in the death of Hamlet, Laertes, Gertrude, and Claudius.
Resolution:
Hamlet finally gets revenge, but he dies as well. Fortinbras assumes the
throne.
Character Description:
Prince Hamlet: Hamlet is the protagonist of the play. He is son of King
Hamlet and Queen Gertrude. After he discovers that his father was

murdered by Claudius, Hamlet becomes resolute in getting revenge. Hamlet

comes off as brooding and angry,
The ghost: the ghost of the dead King Hamlet. Prince Hamlet almost idolizes
him.
Gertrude: Prince Hamlets mother; married her brother in law Claudius after
the death of her husband; may or may not have cheated on him
Claudius: Deceitful and selfish; he killed his brother for the throne.
Polonius: a member of the court; comes off as oblivious; Ophelia and Laertes
father
Ophelia: Hamlets lover/ex lover; is obedient to her father; goes mad
Horatio: Hamlets best friend
Laertes: Ophelias brother
Fortinbras: Prince of Norway
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Hamlet's old friends; spy for the king
4. Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen: This novel made my top ten list because I loved the
characters and the relationships they formed.
Themes:
Love: Pride and Prejudice shows that in the past marriage was seen as more
of a means to an end rather than a romantic endeavour. In the novel, several
marriages were based on financial security and convenience (Charlotte and
Mr. Collins; Lydia and Wickham).
Women: The main job of a woman in this time period was to marry,
preferably in a well to do family. Because Elizabeth came from a lower class
family, she was looked down upon by people like Lady Catherine, Bingleys
sister, and (initially) Mr. Darcy.
Society and class: One of the main jobs that Pride and Prejudice serves is
the criticism of societys obsession with opulence. She paints several of the
upper class characters as pretentious and materialistic.
Symbols:
Houses:
Conflict: The characters have to overcome their prejudices and biases about one
another and societal expectations so they can be together.
Climax: Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, but she turns him down.
Resolution: Mr. Darcy gets Wickham to marry Lydia. Elizabeths familys reputation
is intact. Bingley can marry Jane, and Darcy can marry Elizabeth.
Character Description:
Elizabeth Bennet: Elizabeth is the protagonist of the novel. She is witty,
headstrong, opinionated, and different from the typical woman in her time
period.

 Jane Bennet: Elizabeths sister; is in love with Mr. Bingley; She is gentle,
beautiful, but passive.
Mr. Darcy: Elizabeths love interest; He is wealthy, intelligent, but prideful.
Mr. Bingley: Janes love interest; he is easygoing, kind, and sincere.
5. Lord of the Flies
by William Golding. I read Lord of the Flies in my 10th grade English
Class. It made my top 10 list because I liked how it exposed the reality of human nature and
what draws the line between man and beast- I guess we arent as superior to the natural
world as we thought.
Themes:
Civilization vs. primitivism: Once the children get stuck on the Island with
no rules or social contract to abide by, it seems that they revert to an almost
primitive state.
Power: One of the first things that the children attempt to establish is some
sort of social hierarchy. They appoint and chief, but this just leads to absolute
corruption and a power struggle.
Symbols:
Piggys glasses: Piggys glasses symbolize innovation and the modern world.
Piggy is the most intelligent boy in the group, and although he is picked on
(just like a lot of intellectuals are picked on in modern society), his glasses
allow them to create fire. This helps them survive on the island.
Conch shell: In the novel, the conch shell is used to symbolize civilization
and authority. It is used to gather all the boys together and no one can speak
without the conch. However, as the boys become less and less civilized, the
conch shell loses its place.
Conflict:
I think that the main conflict in Lord of the Flies is mankinds conflicting
desires to either act civilized or to follow their natural instinct.
Climax:
When simon realizes the truth about the lord of the flies and is killed by
the other boys.
Resolution:
A naval officer finds and rescues the boys.
Character Description:
Jack: A natural born leader; charismatic; the elected chief
Ralph: he is also a natural leader except he is more inclined to evil and
savagery
Piggy: Intellectually superior but physically inferior; the most civilized boy
on the island; often pushed around and bullied
Simon: He is compassionate, mature, and kind; he is one of the few kids who
treats piggy well
Roger: one of the violent/primitive boys on the island; somewhat a sadistic
jerk

 The littluns: The younger children on the island; are often neglected
6. The Awakening
by Kate Chopin: I read this novel for literature circles. It made my list
because I liked how it focused on womens liberation in a time when women didnt enjoy
the freedoms they do today.
Themes:
Identity: Throughout the novel, Edna struggles with who she is and who she
wants to be? Ednas awakening is when she realizes that she isnt satisfied
with her place in the world.
The role of women: In this time period, there was a cookie cutter
idealization of what a good woman should be: tentative, beautiful, and a
good wife and mother. Edna, however, feels suffocated by these societal
norms.
Symbols:
Birds vs the sea: The birds in the novel represent the restriction that Edna
felt- as if she were a caged bird. The sea represents freedom. The sea is
where Edna can be alone and herself. When she kills herself by drowning in
the sea, she finally gets the escape she craved.
Conflict:
The main conflict is Ednas desire to be herself versus the self that society
expects her to be.
Climax:
Edna confesses her love for Robert, but does not get together with him.
Resolution:
Edna kills herself.
Character Description:
Edna Pontellier: She is the protagonist of the novel. She is married with two
children but slowly realizes that the lifestyle she is living is not for her. She
goes through an awakening and becomes an independent,
forward-thinking woman.
Leonce Pontellier: He is pretty much a perfect husband. Leonce treats Edna
well, but almost like she is his property. When Edna goes through her
awakening, he doesnt understand her emotions.
Robert Lebrun: Robert is Ednas main love interest. He is handsome and
charming. However, because he doesnt want to have a relationship with a
married woman, he leaves for Mexico.
Adele Ratignolle: She is the perfect, cookie cutter version of a
mother-woman. Adele is Ednas best friend. Her liberal ways help spring
Edna into her awakening.
Mademoiselle Reisz: She is a talented pianist, unmarried, and less than
attractive. Like Edna, she is almost a black sheep. Her unconventional ways
represent independence and she has the largest influence on Ednas
awakening.

 Alcee Arobin: A playboy; Ednas lover

7. Never Let Me Go
by Kazuo Ishiguro: I read this book for literature circles because I had
seen the movie and enjoyed it. It made my top ten list because I liked how it touched on
humanity and what it means to be human.
Theme:
I think the main theme in Never Let Me Go is identity. Kathy spends a
great portion of the book pondering on who she is and what it means to be a clone.
Is she essentially human? Is she connected to the person she is modeled after?
Symbols:
The artwork:
The gallery and artwork symbolizes the creativity of the
Hailsham students- Madame tried to use this to prove that the children had
souls. The artwork also gives the students some sort of connection to the
outside world.
Conflict:
There are several layers of conflict in never let me go. For example, there
are the issues between Kathy and Ruth. But, I think the main conflict is how the
characters deal with their impending fate and the fact that they arent viewed as
human beings. They need to navigate through their dismal state and try to find
some sense of self and peace.
Climax:
When Tommy and Kathy find out that there is no such thing as deferrals
and that they cant change their fate.
Resolution:
Kathy has no choice but to continue being Tommys carer and wait for
him to complete. Kathy will soon be a donor as well.
Character Description:
Kathy H: Kathy is the protagonist of Never Let Me Go. Kathy is empathic
and easy going. She takes her fate passively.
Ruth: Ruth is Kathys best friend/enemy. She can be loyal and kind at times,
but she is also selfish, bossy, and a pathological liar.
Tommy D: Tommy is one of Kathys friends. He later dates Ruth, and
eventually date Kathy. He is kind hearted and naive, but as a child he had a
lot of trouble fitting in.
Madame: Periodically visits Hailsham to take the students artwork for her
gallery. She uses this to try to prove that the students have souls so they
would be treated better.
Miss Emily, Miss Geraldine, Miss Lucy: Guardians at Hailsham
8. The Namesake
by Jhumpa Lahiri: I originally read this novel because it was on my 11th
grade english teachers bookshelf and I needed a classic novel to read. Although I thought
the beginning was... mind numbingly boring, when I gave it a second thought I was really
able to appreciate the novel. Being the child of Pakistani immigrants, I recognized some the
struggles Gogol faced in myself and in others I know. The book also reminded me of the
hardships my parents faced moving across the world at such a young age.

 Themes:
Identity: Throughout the whole novel Gogol struggles with his sense of self.
Is he Bengali or is he American. This issue seems to pop up in every aspect of
his life- even his name. He cant decide whether he should assimilate into
western culture, or stay true to his roots. Gogol isnt the only character who
struggles with their identity. So do his parents, sister, and Moushumi.
Symbols:
Names: Gogols confusion is mirrored in his name. He has a pet name turned
into a good name- and it isnt even a Bengali name at that. Then, he decides
to change his name to Nikhil. But even then, he still doesnt feel completely
satisfied with himself.
Conflict:
The main conflict in The Namesake is Gogols identity crisis. Like many
first generation Americans, he struggles to balance both cultures.
Climax:
Moushumi cheats on Gogol.
Resolution:
Gogol and Moushumi get a divorce. He returns home and reads the
works of Nikolai Gogol- his namesake.
Character Description:
Gogol/Nikhil Ganguli: The main character of the novel; he has trouble
trying to find his place in the world.
Ashima and Ashoke Ganguli: Gogols parents; first generation immigrants
Maxine: One of Gogols girlfriends; she is rich, beautiful, sophisticated and
white. She accepts herself for who she is
Moushumi: Gogol's wife (later ex-wife); she is confident, but a little
pretentious. She later cheats on Gogol.
Sonia Ganguli: Gogols little sister; she is more adaptable than Gogol
9. Of Mice and Men
by John Steinbeck: I read this book for my 11th grade English Class. It
made my top ten list because I liked how it discussed heavy topics like prejudice,
murder/euthanasia, and the American dream.
Themes:
Prejudice: Many of the characters experience prejudice. Crooks is oppressed
because of his race, Lennie his disability, Candy his age, etc.
The American Dream: The novel prompts the reader to ask important
questions like if some dreams are just unachievable? Is a person limited by
their environment?
Friendship: What does it mean to be a true friend? Is George a good friend
to Lennie? By killing Lennie, maybe George is doing him a favor.
Symbols:
Rabbits: The rabbits represent the dreams George and Lennie have of one
day having their own farm.

 Mice: The mice emphasize the innocent helplessness of Lennie. He means no

harm, but he cant help but destroy things. They foreshadow George and
Lennies future.
Conflict: Lennie and George have a dream to own a farm. But, they face several
obstacles. Right before things seem like they are going to work out, Curlys wife gets
into trouble with Lennie.
Climax: Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife.
Resolution: George shoots Lennie to save him from a painful death at Curleys
hands.
Character Description:
George: A smart and cynical man; short in stature; Lennies friend (almost
acts like his caretaker)
Lennie: Tall and unaware of his own strength; mentally handicapped and
unintelligent; loyal to George
Candy: An old farmhand; knows he will get laid off soon because of his old
age; he had a dog but the other farm hands wanted him to kill it
Curley: Son of the ranch head; aggressive and a bully
Curleys wife: only woman on the ranch; spells trouble
Slim: Strong and practical; well liked; a farmhand
Crooks: experiences prejudice because he is black; stable hand
10. The Crucible
by Arthur Miller: I read The Crucible in my 11th grade English class. There
were several reasons I liked it: the suspense/anxiety/hair-pulling-frustration it made me feel
and the societal critics Miller made via The Crucible.
Themes:
Lies and injustice: Considering the fact that the majority of the characters of
the characters are lying for the majority of the book, I would say that deceit
is a huge element of The Crucible. They all lie at some point mainly
because they want to save themselves.
Justice: The justice system in the novel is clearly very very very flawed.
People can sin and lie and blame others to get away with it.
Good vs. Evil: The main goal of the society/ characters in the novel is to be
righteous and on Gods side (Good). But, in trying to do so, they end up
hurting each other/innocent people and deceiving others (Evil).
Symbols:

Conflict: Some girls were caught dancing (some naked) in the forest next to a
cauldron. To save themselves, they start pointing fingers and accusing people of
bewitching them.
Climax: John Proctor admits to adultery with Abigail.

 Resolution: Proctor refuses to betray his friends and is executed.

Characters:
Abigail Williams: The ringleader of the girls; starts the whole accusing
business; had an affair with John Proctor; manipulative and selfish.
John Proctor: Cheated on his wife with Abby; a farmer; challenges authority
Reverend Hale: At first he is confident on his witch hunting but later he ends
up confused
Elizabeth Proctor: Morally upright, calm, a little frigid
Reverend Parris: greedy; abigail's uncle
Mary Warren: caught in the forest with abigail; sometimes tries to be a good
person but eventually frames others because of her fear.