Welcome to the FHS/FMS Library
High School Recommended Reading List
These books made this list because I think that you'll like them, not because somebody else said they're "supposed" to be good.
Wicked – Gregory Maguire
So you thought you outgrew the Wizard of Oz? You were wrong. Try this book that was written about what things were really like in Oz.
The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
A very good psychological thriller. It has the bonus of being written from beyond the grave!
The Warded Man – Peter Brett
A new author comes out of nowhere and writes one of the most unique and interesting fantasy novels in recent memory. A fresh idea and well-executed.
The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
Just when you thought that John Green couldn’t possibly get any more John Greenish, he drops this one on us.
Cryptonomicon – Neal Stephenson
One of the best pieces of writing I have read in many, many years. This man has become my new favorite author.
World War Z – Max Brooks
I’m no fan of zombie apocalypse novels but something about this one really works. It’s smart, it’s original and it is definitely worth your time.
Shibumi – Trevanian
What starts off as a spoof of assassins and secret agents in the 70’s becomes a brilliant piece of writing with some of the driest pointed humor you’ll ever come across.
Fried Green Tomatoes – Fannie Flagg
A fine piece of film and arguably an even better book. Calling it charming doesn’t do it justice, but it is; not to mention honest, insightful, smart and funny.
Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
Arguably the best YA action novel that’s ever been written and another of Mr. G’s personal favorites. Ask me about some other very good books from the same world with the same characters!
Crank – Ellen Hopkins
An intensely written book of verse about the nightmare of addiction. One of the most positively reviewed books we have in our library.
Still Life with Woodpecker – Tom Robbins
A gentle introduction to one of Mr G’s favorite authors of all time. Brilliant, irreverent and thought-provoking; everybody should give Tom Robbins a try at some point.
The Killer Angels – Michael Shaara
Arguably the best book ever written about the Civil War. It’s not fiction but it still reads like a really great story. A pivotal point in US history brought to life.
Cyrano de Bergerac – Edmond Rostand
A wonderful play with one of literature’s all-time great characters. As a multi-media specialist, I also encourage you to watch the Jose Ferrer film based on this book.
Speak – Laurie Halse Anderson
This novel has just about reached the point where it is going to be older than many of the people reading it. And it’s still as controversial and compelling as it always has been.
2001: A Space Odyssey – Arthur C. Clarke
Don’t let the oft-interminable film deter you; this book is on point and far better at providing a taste of Mr Clarke’s legitimate genius.
Get Shorty – Elmore Leonard
The late Elmore Leonard is an American treasure and this is a really accessible work. No long-winded self-indulgence here; just a great writer who knows how to get to the point.
Roots – Alex Haley
A stunning and meticulous journey into the roots of American slavery. One of the most powerful books in the cultural history of the US.
The Secret Life of Bees – Sue Monk Kidd
Nobody ever gets excited about this book…. until they read it. Then it always becomes one of their all-time favorites. C’mon girls, give it a shot. You will be glad you did.
Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien
This is a bit of a slow starter; but the long payoff is worth every bit of patience you can muster.
Fight Club – Chuck Palahniuk
If you loved the film, you will also love the book. It’s essentially the same but with even more flavor and insight
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Ken Kesey
After 50 years, both this book and its iconic characters hold up remarkably well. Probably the best story ever written about a psychiatric hospital
Contact – Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan was a brilliant man and wrote a multitude of wonderful books. This was his only foray into the world of fiction and it’s a good one.
Infected – Scott Sigler
If you want to laugh, be grossed out and sit in a state of suspense all at the same time, this one is definitely for you.
Dune – Frank Herbert
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
Mila 18 – Leon Uris
This is an author with a lengthy history of epic novels, but none of them packs as much punch as this story of the Warsaw ghetto uprising during WWII.
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
On the surface it’s the funniest sci-fi novel ever written; but the social commentary and forward thinking are what really set it apart.
Don’t Panic! and read this book.
The Prophet – Kahlil Gibran
Probably my all-time favorite book on philosophy. Short, sweet and beautifully translated. Should be required reading for all teenagers.
War of the Worlds – H.G. Wells
A brilliant man and a great writer at the peak of his powers. This is just a classic quality read.
No Country for Old Men – Cormac McCarthy
Once you get past the unique lack of punctuation, you’ll find a really great read. In my multi-media specialist role, I’ll also give my whole-hearted approval to the film adaption of this novel.
The Baroque Cycle – Neal Stephenson
Simply my favorite book(s) of all time.
Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist – Rachel Cohn
I love the fact that kids keep grabbing this book because it’s still really good nearly 10 years after it was published. Don’t miss out on this smart, fast read.
Robopocalypse – Daniel Wilson
Written as an oral history (in a very similar way to World War Z) this is some delightfully self-indulgent pulp fiction. Get your popcorn ready.
Watership Down – Richard Adams
Not only the greatest book about rabbits ever written, but it also may be the finest animal tale ever told. One of my personal favorites.
A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving
If you’re looking for a good writer with a deep catalog, this might be a great way to introduce yourself to John Irving.
Planet of the Apes – Pierre Boulle
Please ignore all the gawd-awful movies that have attempted to put Boulle’s work on film. Read the book instead!
Pastwatch – Orson Scott Card
An interesting alternative history of Christopher Columbus’ “discovery” of the new world. What could be a ridiculous, clichéd book succeeds in the hands of a very good writer.
Lonesome Dove – Larry McMurtry
We had to get at least one good Western on this list. There’s not a lot of god writing in this genre, but McMurtry is certainly near the top.