From classic literature to fictional adventures, students and staff at Armuchee High School love reading. Thanks to the silent sustained reading period during 4th period, students spend at least 25 minutes reading each day, while other students devote a good chunk of their time reading. Olivia Casey, a sophomore, said, “Throughout my day I spend, on average 1-2 hours reading.” Many students enjoy reading and find it hard to put the book down when they’re caught up in fantasies from a different world.
Among students and teachers, dystopian novels are one of the most popular genres filled with many references to the real world and exciting themes. The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi has currently sparked the interest of many sophomore girls. Emily Hernandez, a sophomore, said, “My friends who are into books and I, all agreed that the Shatter Me series is definitely one of the best series we have ever read. The series is amazing and interesting with plot twists and details that are incredible. By the third book, you end up falling in love with all the characters.” Reading is an enjoyable experience for many young teenagers when the book has an interesting plot and romance. Olivia Casey, said, “I think that romance/fantasy/dystopian genres are the most popular among students because they have creative plot lines and characters.
Other teachers and students look past the surface of dystopian novels and see it as a more serious and informative genre. Certain books can warn people of important topics, problems, and consequences in life. Mrs. Williams, an English teacher, said, “I believe that every student should read FAHRENHEIT 451 because it discusses themes of government censorship, propaganda, the importance of reading, and life lessons about the importance of using technology wisely.”
Recently, many students have been curious about a rumor spread on social media that the president will prohibit certain books due to conflicts with the government. Kennedy Cape, a sophomore, said, “Next I want to read 1984 by George Orwell because I’ve seen a lot of things on the internet saying it’s a must-read before the book ban, which I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m intrigued.” Another student, Briley Mulinax, said, “I want to read either The Handmaid’s Tale or 1984 because of the current hysteria going on with our politics. Though it may not be true, it is still a book that I am interested in.”
While dystopian fiction is popular, classic literature still holds a special place for teachers and students. Classic pieces are valued by many teachers because of the critical and in-depth thinking they require to comprehend. A majority of students find classic literature difficult to read, but the engaging plot and themes make it worth the challenge. “Naomi Barton, a sophomore, said, “I enjoyed reading The Scarlet Letter because it had a plot that kept you wanting to keep reading. It was a challenging read, but it kept me interested and wanting to know more.”
Reading isn’t just a requirement at Armuchee High School; it’s a curriculum that students and teachers enjoy. Whether they are lost in a dystopian novel or analyzing a poem, books have a way of pulling certain people in. Even if it’s just for twenty-five minutes during silent sustained reading time or the length of a class period, reading is a favorite part of many Armuchee Indians’ day.
