Recently, I asked two English teachers for recommendations of classic novels I should read. As they each offered their suggestions I realized I had actually read a lot more in the way of classic literature than I initially thought. And, in reality, a number of my favorite books fall in this category.
Fair warning: I like dark books, so if you are looking for things that are really light-hearted beach reads, these don’t really qualify. Sorry.
16 Classic Novels To Read, aka My Favorites:
One:: The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare.
I read this book as part of a Tudor England history class in college and was hooked. Before this, I had never loved Shakespeare. This book made me want to read all of his comedies.
Two:: The Chosen by Chaim Potok
I picked up this book after reading Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev, which is one of my all-time favorite books. But that one isn’t known for being a classic, so it didn’t make the cut. This one is great too and offers an interesting perspective into the world of the Jewish people.
Three:: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
We all know the story, but have we all read the book? It’s a short easy read and one that I found myself enjoying immensely. You can easily get through this in a weekend.
Four:: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The story of a young girl growing up in the South. Prejudice, redemption and the reality of youth. Admittedly, I saw the old movie with Gregory Peck first, but ended up loving the book just as much as the movie. No, I have not read the ‘sequel.’
Five:: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Perhaps my favorite author - ever. If you are in to sci-fi-, or even if you aren’t, this is worth reading. I haven’t wanted to watch the movie because I loved the book so much. If you prefer a more realistic book, A Ring of Endless Light is my favorite YA fiction piece of hers.
Six:: The Giver by Louis Lowry
I picked this up for the first time just a couple years ago and ended up listening to the book in one day. Such a unique and scary concept, but one that seems highly relatable today.
Seven:: The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas
I found this gem while living in New York. A co-worker was trying to read more books by the great classic authors and decided to do that by reading the shortest novel these authors wrote. The Black Tulip is that for Dumas. For all its brevity it is still beautiful.
Eight:: The Odyssey by Homer
The only book that I read as an assigned school reading book that made the list. I couldn’t put this book down when we studied it in high school and ended up being pages and pages ahead of my classmates because I was too anxious to see what happened next to wait for us all to get there.
Nine:: Villette by Charlotte Bronte
Tragically sad, as most Bronte sister books are. This book took me through a roller coaster of emotions and helped me understand the world people dwell in when they suffer from depression.
Ten:: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of Austen books, but if I had to pick one that I would willingly re-read it would be Pride and Prejudice. I love the family dynamics and the authenticity of the characters.
Eleven:: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Full disclosure, I read this book online while working at a job that didn’t have enough tasks to fill my days. When I would finish a task I would find the bookmarked page on my computer and keep reading. I had so little to do I finished the book in less than a month, and it is still one of my all-time favorites. Skip the movie! It changes the ending. UGH!
Twelve:: Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
I love books that really delve into the heart, mind and soul of the character, and this one does that beautifully. You follow Kristin through a difficult life from her exciting betrothal to the bitter end. It’s sadly beautiful.
Thirteen:: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
There are not many books that have read over and over again, but this one I have. Usually I like to read new books since I hate to know the ending before I get there. But this one I go back to every few years and it is just as good the 8th time as it was the first.
Fourteen: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Again, another huge book that takes time to get through. I was so obsessed with this book in high school that my dad had to ground me from reading it until I caught up on all my missing homework assignments that I had been neglecting while reading it. The movie is good (hello Rhett Butler), but it pales in comparison to this epic novel.
Fifteen: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Apparently I have a thing for tragic women. This is another one of my favorites. I love how the book compares and contrasts two couples and the decisions they make. It shows clearly how we are owners of our actions and those actions have consequences.
Sixteen: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Another book I re-read often. I think this is so well crafted and beautifully composed. It is also creative and deep. My first run-in with this book was while taking a modern philosophy book in college. All of us came to class excited to discuss the letter of the day.
What classic novels to read am I missing from this list? What do you love?
