Incoming Freshmen

Required books

During the summer of 2010, incoming freshmen are expected to read two books: A Lesson Before Dying  (Study Guide Here) - by Ernest J. Gaines, and Dead Man Walking (Study Guide Here) by Sister Helen Prejean. Both stories converge on struggles for justice and mercy, and the challenges of living out our callings as Christian men of faith. The former is a fiction novel, set during a chapter in American history when races were still separated by both custom and law, and the story is one of heroism even in the face of injustice. The latter is a non-fictional depiction of the author’s ministry to death row inmates on her journey to becoming one of the nation’s leading opponents of the death penalty.

Students will be expected to read the two titles over the summer, and they will be assessed on their comprehension of the books by tests administered within the first several days of the school year. Students will be tested strictly on the content of the books, and initial knowledge of Catholic teachings will not be required, though the stories will provide an avenue for exploring faith throughout the school year and beyond.

Beginning in the summer, reading guides (coming soon) that include aides to understanding and questions for reflection will be available through our school’s website. Both books will be available at the St. Edward bookstore, though students are not required to purchase them there. Since both titles are national bestsellers, they are widely available in bookstores and in libraries. Summer reading appears as a separate grade on students’ transcripts.

Finally, we encourage parents and families to enjoy the summer reading along with their sons. As we prepare to explore themes of the life and dignity of the human person as a school, we look forward to welcoming the participation of parents, the first teachers of our young men.

"All-School" Book

The all school title is Dead Man Walking  by Sr. Helen Prejean.  (From www.prejean.org) Sister Helen began her prison ministry in 1981 when she dedicated her life to the poor of New Orleans. While living in the St. Thomas housing project, she became pen pals with Patrick Sonnier, the convicted killer of two teenagers, sentenced to die in the electric chair of Louisiana's Angola State Prison.

Upon Sonnier's request, Sister Helen repeatedly visited him as his spiritual advisor. In doing so, her eyes were opened to the Louisiana execution process. Sister Helen turned her experiences into a book that not only made the 1994 American Library Associates Notable Book List, it was also nominated for a 1993 Pulitzer Prize. Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States was number one on the New York Times Best Seller List for 31 weeks. It also was an international best seller and has been translated into ten different languages.

In January 1996, the book was developed into a major motion picture starring Susan Sarandon as Sister Helen and Sean Penn as a death row inmate. Produced by Polygram Pictures, the film was directed and written by Tim Robbins. The movie received four Oscar nominations including Tim Robbins for Best Director, Sean Penn for Best Actor, Susan Sarandon for Best Actress, and Bruce Springsteen's "Dead Man Walking" for Best Song. Susan Sarandon won the award for Best Actress.