St Ursula Academy Freshmen, Honors
Summer 2007
Reading casually
or reading an abridgement such as Cliff’s Notes or Spark Notes
will not prepare you for a test or class discussion.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
This novel is a story about four Chinese mothers and
their four Chinese American daughters. Set in both
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
A young Hispanic boy experiences many traumatic events as he grows older. With the help of his mentor and family friend, Ultima, he learns many life lessons.
Special Instructions: As you read each novel, highlight important passages, focusing on theme, characterization, and conflict. Take notes as you read so you can participate fully in class discussions. We will spend the first week of the semester on these novels.
Assignment: There will be a reading test on the works during the first week of school. WE will also be using the novels as subject matter for several graded assignments – including a formal five-paragraph essay – during the first two weeks of class. Please bring both novels to the first day of class.