Summer Reading 2024

At Loomis Chaffee, we believe Summer Reading is an essential and enriching part of each student’s experience.

All students are required to read three books for Summer Reading, which are assigned in order to build community, prepare students for fall classes, and encourage the pursuit of knowledge for favorite subjects.

Details about each of these requirements can be found below.

1. All-School Read

Loomis Chaffee’s 2023 All-School Read will be Ed Yong’s An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us.

Since it is longer than our typical community-wide read, students should read the Introduction and Chapters 1, 12, and 13 as well as at least two other chapters of their choice.

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“I chose Ed Yong's An Immense World for the All-School Read because it is a wonderfully engaging account of the interconnectedness of all living things.

I learned something new on practically every page and marveled at his revelations. Through his stories about how other animals and organisms experience the world, Yong reveals new insights about human consciousness.

The book encourages a sense of wonder and awe for the natural world. Enjoy!” Sheila Culbert Head of School

2. Grade-Level and Class Requirements

Students will discuss their grade-level book during the first two weeks of English class, so they should bring their own annotated copy to campus in the fall.

U.S. History and CL U.S. History students also have a required assignment.

Grade-Level Reads

Click the book covers below for additional information, including edition requirements.

Freshmen

Exit West

by Mohsin Hamid

Sophomores

Dracula

by Bram Stoker

Juniors

In Our Time

by Ernest Hemingway

Juniors CL

Demon Copperhead

by Barbara Kingsolver

Seniors & PGs

The Tortilla Curtain

by TC Boyle

Annotations Guidelines

Students are strongly recommended to annotate their own copy of the required grade-level book. You will need to bring your book to campus in the fall, as you will be working with this title in your English class.

Tips on annotating your book

Class Requirements

U.S. History / CL U.S. History

Students in U.S. History and CL U.S. History will analyze three films, and write a 500-word response for their summer experience assignment.

View assignment

3. Book Chat Selection

Students have the opportunity to read a book of their choosing from a list of exceptional titles selected by Loomis Chaffee departments and centers. We hope that you will find a book that connects with the interests, hobbies, and passions that you will foster throughout your LC experience.

In early September, students will participate in Book Chats led by faculty members in the department affiliated with their chosen title. To allow for an immersive discussion, each Book Chat will be no larger than approximately twenty students.

This year's Book Chat selections are featured below. Additional information about each title may be found by clicking on the book cover.

Once you have chosen a book, please fill out the Book Chat submission form (login required), which will be used to organize the Book Chats.

Register for your Book Chat