Here are the books 8 of America's most prestigious private schools have students read over the summer

For many people, the summer months symbolize pleasure reading at its best.

It's a time to indulge in the texts that are most appealing, without scrutiny: an easy beach read, a guilty pleasure, or that book you've always meant to start.

But students at America's most prestigious private schools must still endure the rigors of homework during their summer vacations with a little reading - some required, some merely recommended. The titles cover issues such as war, sexuality, and racial history.

Check out the books current seniors at prestigious private schools across the US added to their libraries: