of the book starts with a preface that emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in reading, advocating for the inclusion of modern authors alongside classic literature in high school curricula. Ashmun argues for a diverse selection of texts that can cater to varying levels of complexity and interest, encouraging active and thoughtful engagement from students. The preface outlines the educational tools provided throughout the book, such as notes and study helps, to facilitate discussion and comprehension, making it clear that this collection is crafted with both the teacher's and student’s needs in mind. Additionally, early selections hint at a blend of literary forms, focusing on accessibility while introducing students to the nuances of modern writing. (This is an automatically generated summary.)