You have a choice: Pick carefully
Following are some recommended links to broaden your knowledge of the memoir choices. Again, these selections are ADULT literature typical of those found in the college courses that the AP program approximates. They are ALL true stories, about facing adversity, and the choices could be disturbing and challenging in a variety of ways: language, content, and situations. As stated, you are only required to read ONE selection, so choose a story that is to your liking.Please be warned that one of the choices, Running With Scissors, is an extremely MATURE book for mature readers (it is written to be shocking on all levels). The Glass Castle, also dealing with similar adversity to RWS, is a more PG-13 version. The Autobiography of a Face is a more intimate and personal account of adversity, a beautiful PG story about struggle and finding happiness with oneself. Read the reviews to make the best choice for you as a reader.
Need a link to the summer reading handout for essay instructions? Go here: http://phs.pusdk12.org/DeptsPrograms/English/Summer-2011-Reading-Lists/index.html
Other Resources
The school library and public library are both good sources of information too! Parents are encouraged to assist students in making appropriate choices.