We all know that classic novels are hit or miss for a lot of people. While some still find an audience and share relevant messages, others have started to feel out of touch either in their message or their language. (Although, let's be honest, the language is sometimes a plus not a minus.) With half of the book reading audience saying, "Classics are the only books worth reading" and the other half saying, "Classics are boring and unnecessary", I am here to provide you with a list of classic novels that I found to actually be worth the reading time.
The criteria for this list is as follows:
It is a classic novel
I have read it
I really enjoyed reading it
It is still entertaining
It has a timeless message that still resonates
Without further ado, here are the ten classic novels that I think are worth reading!
10. The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The in-depth look at the lives of the rich in a time of prosper is both informative and fun. I loved the story's focus on the corruption of money and the comparison of old vs new money. Having the POV character not be rich himself, but invited behind the curtain by someone who is, gives us an unfiltered opinion on the occurrences around him. It honestly gives Mean Girls energy at times.
9. Bridge to Terabithia
By Katherine Paterson
Have you ever had a book tear your heart out and then squeeze? No? Well here ya go! Have at it! This book still holds up in all the ways that matter; from imagery, to language, to character relationships Paterson has nailed the experience of childhood friendship and the experiences of first loss. Brilliant.
8. I Capture the Castle
By Dodie Smith
This classic is so unlike any other. The story is written as a series of diary entries while also holding a present tense narrative at the same time. The main character is relatable to anyone who has ever felt alone in their own home or has desired an escape from their reality. The language is easily accessible while still having the flowery essence of its time.
7. Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
One of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, this play is a fun time from start to finish! I know the sonnet style writing and Old English can create a bit of a barrier to entry for a lot of people, so I do suggest seeing this one preformed if you have the chance. It is a great read and an even greater play. Not to mention FUNNY.
6. Fahrenheit 451
By Ray Bradbury
A amazing early sci-fi novel that has predicted many real pieces of technology we now have. The message about the importance of keeping and respecting old forms of knowledge and media is ABSOLUTELY still relevant. If you don't know that the burning of books is a terrible idea, this book will do its job in convincing you.
5. The Picture of Dorian Gray
By Oscar Wilde
A morality tale at its very best. This is one of those books that pushed boundaries then and still pushes boundaries today. With the original morally gray (lol pun intended) character, this book explores the edges of what is acceptable in society and which sections of that line are crossable. And who doesn't love seeing people make objectionable choices?
4. The Outsiders
By S.E. Hinton
This book explores "boys being boys" in a way that focuses on interpersonal relationships and consequences of your own actions. Another tear jerker because these classic novels cannot let us live a dry eyed existence. Going into this one without much prior knowledge of the plot is the way to go. It allows the story to breath and have its full impact.
3. Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen
The original enemies-to-lovers novel. The original "he falls first and harder" novel. THE romance novel for all time. This book is the most read classic for a fucking reason people! We love it for what it did for the genre in its age and for what it has done for the genre since then (including introducing doubters to the deliciousness that is reading romance). If you never read another other romance novel in your life, read this one.
2. Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky
A book with layers that are hard to describe. If you read this book and come out of it thinking it is only a novel about a weird kid living through his freshman year of high school, you need to go back and read it again. If you have only seen the movie, you need to read the book because Charlie is a FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL and everyone else are SENIORS! Seriously, read this novel.
1. Little Women
By Louisa May Alcott
This was the first classic novel I ever read and it is still my favorite to this day. A story of love, loss, building relationships, and discovering yourself, it hits so many marks in such a perfect way. Yes, it is lengthy. And, yes, it is an all female main cast, but do not let that fool you (I'm looking at you male readers). It is a deeply impactful novel with characters you will fall in love with from the very start. Please, if none of the others on this list, read this one.
And with that my list is complete!
Keep wondering and stay wandering!
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