Every year for English classes, students read designated books. Some of the books that will be read throughout four years of high school are “Great Expectations”, “Of Mice and Men”, “The Great Gatsby”, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “1984” and more.

For sophomore students, the book to read is “The Great Gatsby”.

“It provides a basis for things you’re going to do in AP junior year and senior year,” english teacher Michelle Riddle said.

Required reading is a normal thing for English classes and teachers such as Riddle know that students don’t normally enjoy the books selected.  However, every year many sophomores are pleasantly surprised by their liking of The Great Gatsby.

“It’s a great and fun story that most people seem to like,” Riddle said.

Many students agree.

“I loved it, it was easy reading,” sophomore Nicole Bartel said. “It was dramatic and focused on the characteristics of the characters and through their actions. I could easily relate to that because I’m in theatre.”

After reading the book, sophomores get to see the 1974 version of the movie during class.  But soon, students may get to see a much newer version of the movie as next summer a remake of “The Great Gatsby” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Magurie and Carey Mulligan will hit theatres.

“It was a great book and it was really interesting and kept me on my toes the whole time,” sophomore Seth Comerford.  “I look forward to seeing the new movie.”