Each spring, members of the Holderness community – students, teachers, staff, and families – are invited to submit proposals for the school's annual All-School Summer Read.

This year’s pick, 1984 by George Orwell, will provide the basis of a school-wide discussion this fall. 

All-School Read Summer 2026

1984 by George Orwell

This year's All-School Summer Read, determined by the Secret and August Committee, is George Orwell's novel 1984, one of the most influential and thought-provoking novels of the twentieth century.

Set in a dystopian society where truth is manipulated, language is controlled, and individual freedom is constantly under threat, 1984 challenges readers to examine the relationship between power, technology, information, and personal responsibility. While Orwell finished writing the book in 1948, its themes remain remarkably relevant today, inviting reflection on the role of government, media, surveillance, and the importance of independent thought.

The selection was proposed by Gus Nields '26: I want to recommend 1984 by George Orwell for the all-school read. Ever since my mom gave it to me on spring break, I have enjoyed reading the book very much.

During my reading, I drew some connections between the book and A Handmaid's Tale, a fantastic book we read in AP Lit earlier in the year. The settings in both books take place in a dystopian society that is under scrutinizing rule, the difference being that our protagonist (Winston) is being watched by Big Brother and company rather than The Eyes, a mysterious group of individuals that watch over the lives of the people in A Handmaid’s Tale.

I feel like it tackles some contemporary political issues and would be an overall fascinating book to read. 

The Relevance of Enduring Themes

As an all-school read, 1984 offers a shared experience that will spark meaningful conversations across disciplines and grade levels when we return to campus this fall. Through Winston Smith's journey, readers will be encouraged to wrestle with difficult questions about truth, integrity, courage, and what it means to remain human in a rapidly changing world.

The best books do not provide easy answers; they challenge us to think more deeply about ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. 1984 is one such book, and we look forward to exploring its ideas together.