Just as you are always viewing literature (and the world) through your own filter of life experiences and viewpoints - authors write through their own filters of life experiences and viewpoints.  Often times, it is enlightening to find out a little bit about who's work you are reading.  Do a little reasearch about the author of the book you are currently reading (Ayn Rand, Ray Bradbury, Geoge Orwell or Aldous Huxley) and write at least half a page about who your author was, and how might their lives have influenced their work.

Use at least 3 resources to find information about your author - and include the URL's of your research.