Great Expectations


Author: 

Charles Dickens

Themes: 

Coming of Age; Individual vs Society

Genres: 

Classic Literature




Recommended Age for Reading: 

The Lexile level for this book is 1230, which according to this chart Lexile Level Chart is in the high school range.  However, there's nothing in the content that would be inappropriate for a student in a grade below high school, although the student would need to have a strong reading ability.  I think this would be a great read for children who are gifted readers and looking for a challenge.  For struggling readers, the audio version is a great alternative: Great Expectations Audio Version on Audible.



Plot: 

This story is told in first person from the main character, Pip.  Pip is an orphaned boy who is raised by his adult sister and her husband.  He dreams of rising from his social status to become a gentleman.  He doesn't have much hope in this happening until an anonymous benefactor provides the monetary means to make this a possibility.  


Review: 

This is one of my favorite classics.  The story is one that most of us can relate to and the messages are very powerful.  The story telling seems to be easier to follow than most classics because it is told in first person. There's so much more I would like to express for this book, but it's difficult to without spoiling some of the key parts.  I will say that this is one of those books that will touch the reader's soul.  


Rating: 5/5



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Lunar Chronicles Book Reviews

Image
Author: Marissa Meyer Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy Themes: Coming of age, Freedom, Good vs. Evil, Unconditional Love, Don't judge a book by it's cover Recommended age for reading: Middle School, High school The reading level in the series ranges from 4th-6th grade, but a small portion of the content is for slightly older audiences.  Most of the book is appropriate for younger audiences, but there is mention of "escort" androids.  The story doesn't go into too much detail about these types of androids, but older readers can infer that their purpose is for romantic companionship.  I wish this detail wasn't included in the books, but it kind of plays a role later in the series.  It never gets too inappropriate, but the fact that is there is somewhat concerning.  There's also some mild language in a few of the books.   Cinder Plot:  The first book in the story is a futuristic version of the fairy tale, "Cinderella."  Cinder l...
Read more

The Hate you Give

Image
Author:  Angie Thomas Themes:  Courage  Prejudice Power and Corruption Genres:  Realistic Fiction Recommended Age for Reading:  This is a bit tricky...the language is very strong.  The F word is used multiple times, but one of my middle school students recommended this book to me.  Coming from a mostly white school out in the middle of nowhere, I was so proud of her for reading and being inspired by this story.  Due to the language and sexually implied content, I would suggest parents and teachers read this story before having middle school age kids read it.  It could be a story that parents and teachers read with their kids.  There are several opportunities for teachable moments and much-needed discussions.   Plot: Starr Carter is a teenage girl who is caught between two worlds.  She attends a mostly white private school, but she also lives in what would be known to others as a rough part...
Read more

High Achiever

Image
High Achiever Good Reads Link Author:  Tiffany Jenkins Themes:  Addiction Redemption Genres:  Memoir Recommended Age for Reading:  High School for sure.  The language very strong and there's a scene when the author describes a sexual favor in exchange for pills.  However, every high schooler needs to read this.  Addiction is killing so many people and this vicious cycle usually begins in high school.  The drug prevention programs schools often use just aren't working.  The opioid crisis continues to rise as well as the death toll for people who lose their lives to their addiction.  I think this would be a good one for parents to read with their kids and for high school teachers to have in their libraries.  Reading about how addiction almost ruined someone's life might be a wake-up call for a teenager who is already battling this unfortunate crisis.   Synopsis:  Tiffany Jenkins is ...
Read more