Radio Atlantic

The Books We Read in High School (Part 1)

33 snips
Dec 19, 2024
Rose Horowitch, an Atlantic writer, discusses the declining reading habits of college students, prompted by her reporting on their struggles with full-length books. She examines the impact of distractions like cell phones and standardized tests. Guests share personal reflections on high school literature, highlighting transformative works like Milan Kundera’s 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' and John Donne's poetry. They argue for the enduring value of these readings amidst a changing academic landscape, emphasizing the profound emotional and intellectual growth they inspire.
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INSIGHT

Reading and Empathy

  • Reading is fundamental to being human and builds empathy by exposing us to different perspectives.
  • Novels are a reliable way to develop this capacity, especially during formative teenage years.
INSIGHT

Decline in Reading Ability

  • College professors observe a decline in students' ability to read books over the past decade.
  • Students struggle with details, overall plot, and unfamiliar ideas, even in short texts.
INSIGHT

Impact of Standardized Testing

  • The shift toward shorter texts in high school, influenced by standardized testing, impacts students' reading abilities in college.
  • Students have less experience with longer works, making the transition to college reading loads difficult.
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