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In December, 2010, many American newspapers publish a list of the best books of the year.
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is one of the most repeatedly praised books on this year's list of
favorites. It tells about the ups and downs of the Berglund family over many years. Mr. Franzen fills
the book with sharp observations about American politics, culture and society.
Jennifer Egan's book A Visit from the Goon Squad takes place in 13 chapters over 40 years.
The story moves back and forth in time, from different viewpoints. One main character is former
rock musician Bennie Salazar who works for a record company. The other main character is a
troubled young woman named Sasha who works for Bennie. The reader learns about their pasts
and those of their friends.
The main character in The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman is a failing English Language
newspaper published in Rome, Italy. Each chapter of the book tells about a reporter or editor
working for this paper. Their stories are filled with intelligence and great personality.
Two of the most popular nonfiction books of 2010 were about rock and roll stars. Just Kids
is by rock singer Patti Smith.It tells about her friendship with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe in the
1960s and 1970s before they became famous. Life is the autobiography of Rolling Stones guitarist
Keith Richards. It is an honest and exciting look at the development of rock and roll and the wild
times this famous band has experienced.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand tells about a man named Louis Zamperini. She tells about his
extraordinary survival story after his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean during Would War Two.
Stacy Schiff has received great praise for her book Cleopatra: A Life. It tells about one of the
most misrepresented and famous women in his story, Cleopatra. She ruled ancient Egypt about
2,000 years ago.One critic said Ms. Schiff has brought Cleopatra to life again by unearthing her
story from centuries of lies.
1. How many books are mentioned in the passage?
A. 5.
B. 6.
C. 7.
D. 8.
2. The following books are related to music EXCEPT________.
A. A Visit from the Goon Squad
B. The Imperfectionists
C. Just Kids
D. Life
3. If your major is the history of ancient Africa, you may pay attention to ________.
A. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
B. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
C. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
D. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
4. Which book will give you a practical understanding of the USA?
A. Freedom.
B. Cleopatra: A Life.
C. Life.
D. A Visit from the Goon Squad.
5. The last sentence of the passage implies that ________.
A. Stacy Schiff is an archaeologist
B. Stacy Schiff tells a story about an imaginary Egyptian queen
C. the critic speaks highly of Cleopatra in history
D. the critic finds the character in the book very real
