[rhema]

In response, the NAS has compiled a list of worthy alternatives, entitled "Read These Instead: Better Books for Next Year's Beaches."

[Calvin Locke]

Since Plato’s on the list, I’d add Homer’s “The Odyssey”.

Plato wanted to ban it.

[DemforBush]

“In response, the NAS has compiled a list of worthy alternatives, entitled “Read These Instead: Better Books for Next Year’s Beaches.”

That’s an excellent list! I’ve read many (though sadly, not all) of the suggested books. Things Fall Apart, Augustine’s Confessions, Twain’s Life on the Mississippi, and Candide are some of my all-time faves.

[Verginius Rufus]

Some interesting choices on the list. I don't know about having impressionable young students read Augustine's Confessions--they may come away thinking that it's OK to steal pears.

They take the book of Ecclesiastes to be by King Solomon, judging by the date they assign to it. That is disputed.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Having read that entire page you linked, I would tend to agree. I’ve read some on that list — but to my shame, not all — and it would be good to get busy on a few of those titles.