Semester 1 Independent Reading

This semester, you will read one outside reading book. Make annotations in the book in whatever format makes sense to you. At the end of the semester, you will write an in-class essay that requires use of evidence from your book. Beneath each book are questions that will guide you toward finding evidence that should be useful for your essay.

*The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan--a contemporary re-telling of stories from Greek mythology.

1) Many chapter titles include references to Percy's actions or choices. Are these things that he really has any choice over? Or must he perform these actions? Why?
2) Riordan has Percy reflect that the gods are convenient because one then has something to blame for all of the bad things that happen. Are the gods really to blame? Why? If not, what is to blame for bad things?
3) As a half-blood, and as the son of Poseidon, what matters does Percy have choice over? What matters does he have no choice over?
 
*Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card--a science fiction novel about a young genius chosen to prepare for inter-galactic war.

1) Ender is repeatedly told that he is chosen, and wrestles with what he should or shouldn't do about the war. Is Ender really chosen? What is so special about him, and what would have happened if he refused to believe that he was chosen?
2) Many characters try to deny that Ender is special, or try to keep some level of power over him. Is Ender's destiny impacted by other characters? How, or how not?
3) The ending offers a bittersweet twist. Were things bound to happen this way regardless of Ender's choices, or are Ender's choices instrumental in how the plot proceeds and resolves?

*Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury--a dystopian (utopia gone wrong) story of a book-burning society by a California native

1) Is Montag able to change anything in himself? In his society?
2) Is there any hope for this society's future? If not, why? If so, who has the power to change it?
3) What is motivating Montag? Do these motivations pay off for him, or lead him to an even worse place?

*The Princess & The Goblin by George MacDonald--a fairy-tale (which is by no means just for children) exploring faith in the midst of darkness.

1) A prominent theme in this book is courage in the midst of darkness. What gives the characters courage, and how do the characters stay resolved to have courage in the midst of adversity?
2) For this kingdom, is good bound to triumph in the end? If so, why? If not, where are there moments when the good could have fallen to the bad?
3) Does everything in this story happen for a reason? If so, to what extent do character's choices contribute to these larger reasons? If not, what is the purpose of things that do not happen for a reason, and how do the character's deal with this?

*If there is another book you would like to read, seek me for approval. I'd like it to be something close to Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or Fairy-Tale. Here are some generic questions to ponder and annotate on:
1) What choices do the characters make? Are they free to make these choices, or are they destined to make them?
2) What events in the plot do characters have control over? What events in the plot do characters have no control over, and are reacting against or cooperating with?
3) Could things in this story have been different? If so, how? If not, how could they have gone differently?