by R.A. Scott

Created on: April 16, 2008

The summer before college is often a busy one. Future college students are often working or filling out even more forms for this or that as required by your new school. You should however take some time to read. But the big question always is,"What do I read before college?" hopefully, you'll find some inspiration here.

There will be some who are going to wonder about this choice but The Bible should be on your reading list. No, I'm not trying to push religion but the Bible has so much that resonates throughout literature so much that it would be good to become familiar with the Bible and its concepts. Later I talk about Gullivers Travels and how it takes a crack at religion, among other things, so it would be nice to know what he's going on about.

William Shakespeare has written some of the greatest works in the English language. My personal favorite is the comedy, "As You Like It". This work has been clobbered by some who suggest that it was written merely as a "crowd pleaser." But it is certainly enjoyable nonetheless.

If you want something that has a much more serious tone and has madness, ghosts, adventure, murder, Princes', Kings and other fun delights then grab "Hamlet".

The greatest American writer is undoubtedly Mark Twain. "The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn" is perhaps the great American novel. Twain paints a wonderful picture of life on the Mississippi river. Some have found it offensive but it is written to reflect its time.

If you have guts try James Joyce's "Ulysses". If nothing else it'll get your synapses popping and send you running for help from an English prof. Nothing else to say except; Good Luck!

Jonathan Swift offers, "Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Lemuel Gulliver. Or Gullivers travels." This satirical work will get you thinking about just who or what Swift is after. One of the things he takes a crack at is religion and the Catholic Church but there is much more to discover within those chapters.

I have never enjoyed F. Scott Fitzgerald but some say it's a great book so perhaps you'll enjoy it. I just found it had no real substance and was sluggish but maybe that's just me. Flappers and the 1920's never did interest me.

So there is a list of books that one should give consideration to when building a reading list. There are many, many books that deserve your consideration when building that before college reading list but unfortunately there are only so many hours in a day, even for the most dedicated of readers. Good luck with your choices and try to enjoy whatever it is that you read.

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