<p>Have you read any books for class that aren't normally taught in AP Lit? (i.e., NOT Heart of Darkness, Invisible Man, Wuthering Heights, etc.) Books that have never been listed in the 3rd essay prompt but that you could still potentially use for it ("comparable literary merit")?</p>
<p>For instance, we're going to read We Were the Mulvaneys by Oates.</p>
<p>If you are asking for a reference to arcane, less known literature that can be of some literary merit, I can definitely name some. I find that aside from all the famous works, like the ones you mentioned, there are still an abundance of others which are as great. </p>
<p>i) The Gambler by Dostoevsky - less known, only about 150-200 pages, but I find it very captivating and well-written, of course. About a gambler as you might have guessed. </p>
<p>ii) Kierkagaard Essential - Yeah, you think I’m crazy, since it is philosophy. But it is a widely-shared opinion that aside from all the philosophical ramblings, Kierkagaard’s writings in general are hilarious, thought-provoking, and well-written – to an extent where they seem worthy of a read merely for their “literary” values. You will not likely use it for the essay section, but if you are interested in Existentialism, philosophy, and thinking of some big ideas, this will make you a better reader. Not to mention Kierkagaard is pretty accessible compared to those like Kant, Hagel, etc. </p>
<p>3) The HunchBack of Nortre Dame by Victor Hugo – I don’t know if it’s less known, but I’ve never seen it on the AP reading list. Absolutely captivating. A deep insight into human nature and an adventure to France of Hugo’s time.</p>
<p>4) Novels written by Kafka, Camus, Herman Hesse – Philosophical, but (or, as a result,) great literature. The Fall, the Stranger, Metamorphosis, etc., among which Siddhartha seems to be favored the most by test-writers.) </p>
<p>I’m sorry if it doesn’t help you, but I’m surprised to find that looking at my reading list right now of past 3 years, most of the books I’ve read are pretty common. Honestly I would rather finish reading all the works by Dickens, Steinbeck, Hugo, and other literary giants, before moving onto others. </p>
<p>Lastly, a modern classic that I very much appreciated reading: “When Nietzsche Wept”. It is a fictional, though to some extent real, account of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, of his love-life, mental-illness, and genius.
Another one is “Moon and Sixpence” – about a London stock broker who decides to pursue his passion of art. I’m not an artist, but I was very much enthralled by its captivating incorporation of artistic elements and human passion for art.</p>
<p>I don’t know about you but it is my philosophy to read as much as I can while have the time to do so while in high school. People say you’ll do plenty of reading once you get to college, but that means less time for independent reading. I find not a lot of high school students(esp. my peers) appreciate reading some heavy philosophical works or serious literature but often times I realize that accessing such works is more than merely a hobby; it is a great way to expand your horizon and improve your mind in a way that no other assigned readings or activities from school can dare to imitate. For example, recently I’ve been into existentialism, tackling relevant works, and the mere thought that existence proceeds essence really connects to a lot of things I learn in school, thereby contributing to my actual academic endevour.
Just my thoughts!</p>
<p>Wow, I totally just gasped when I saw your post because I just finished We Were the Mulvaneys. Awesome book. The most unconventional one I can think of is Atonement by Ian McEwan but I’m sure we’re not the only one. It’s critically acclaimed and academically studied, it just seemed out of place because it’s so contemporary.</p>
<p>We Were the Mulvaneys is a wonderful book. We read it in my AP Literature class, as well.</p>
<p>My class had an entire unit on existentialism, and while the books and plays we studied aren’t exactly obscure, they aren’t usually included on the third question – No Exit, Waiting for Godot, and The Stranger are a few that I loved.</p>