Five books that kept me up half the night and will no doubt be on my teaching list

1. Blood Done Sign My Name, Timothy Tyson- An excellent example of an autobiography that examines the tumultuous Civil Rights movement in 1970 North Carolina. I remember having to sit down and catch my breath after reading this moving piece.A large portion is pure circumstantial evidence, applying specifically to the case that the book is centered around. However,Tyson manages to reign over the subject;incorporating personal inflection and historical relevance with admirable eloquence.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee- It's relatively short, the narration is intoxicating, and the themes are timeless. Lee writes in the Southern Gothic tradition and infuses the risque story with contemporary themes such as class, morality, racial tension, and the loss of innocence.

3. Selections from the Norton Anthology of Poetry- Students can wet their taste buds with a sample of poems. In an introduction class going more in-depth may prove too difficult but hopefully the student will skim over something that will make a question mark pop up over their head.

4. Selections from Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller and A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams- Contrasting styles and yet both are equally memorable and talented in showcasing their natural voice and rhythm. While students may not turn to play-writing as their primary focus, having strong examples of basic action and dialogues could only be beneficial.

5. Children of the Corn, Stephen King- great short story.