I thought long and hard about what genre I would choose for this Top Ten Tuesday. I don't know about you, but I had to read several classics in high school. I know I didn't fully appreciate them then. When you have to read something for a grade, it kind of takes the fun out of it, doesn't it? Over the years I've gone back to these and re-read them. WHOA! Holy good books Batman! What have I been missing?! If you've never read any of the classics, let me show you my top 10 that you should start with. I hope you'll choose one or two to enjoy and appreciate.
There is something magical about this story. I have 4 sisters, no brothers, and I always felt that I was a part of the March family. I've even called my mom "Marmee" since I read it when I was 16.
If you read and enjoyed (or even saw the movie) The Help, you'll love To Kill a Mockingbird. There is warmth and humor here. The story is told through the eyes of a 10 yr old. What is seen in the neighbourhood. There are some hard issues present of rape and racial inequality. It has been on several Banned Books lists. Which makes it extra special, don't you think?
If you like dystopian novels, then this classic is for you. I read this in high school and LOVED it. I was so interested what was happening to these boys. I learned a lot about human nature and individual welfare vs common good. Superb!
Everyone seems to have read Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility but never Persuasion. This is my favorite of Austen's novels. I like to think everyone deserves a second chance and that love never dies. Austen's writing is in a class of its own as well. Enjoy!
If you like a good mystery then this is your classic! There are always a million different things going on, and you seriously don't see some of the twists and turns coming! I've always felt sorry for Jane Eyre. Her life before Mr. Rochester (and some during) was sad. She seemed numb to feeling. Mr. Rochester helps her know she is worthy of feeling and love as well as his equal.
This is another dystopian novel written in 1953. It is about a future American society who has outlawed reading and burns books. Erie right?! This book has also been on many banned books lists and has been the recipient of book burnings. Ironic isn't it?! It is a fascinating read!
Great expectations it is! This is a character development kind of book. Pips that is. We see him from a young orphan to a Gentleman. What he does with his upbringing and money.
Oh my goodness! I read these books when I was 12 yrs old. My older sister Katie was in love with them, and I wanted to know what was so great. I wanted to be in on the secret. So my best friend Jessica and I read them. I read all 8 books in 7 days. These books started my love affair with reading. Someday I will visit Prince Edward Island.
This obviously isn't an old classic, but a new one. HP will go down in history as the best selling series of all time. JK Rowling is the first (and only) billionaire author. She made reading, glasses and red hair cool. If you haven't read this series, you are missing out on a ride of a lifetime!
I read this in High School. I actually loved it then as I do now! Twain paints a picture of Mississippi life.
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Here is a list of classic books I've not read but are on my list:
1984 by George Orwell- think The Hunger Games. I've heard they are very similar.
Enders Game by Orson Scott Card- Sci Fi. My sister Becca swears by it.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London- the protagonist is a dog in the Alaskan Tundra. Sounds interesting!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald- A book about the roaring 1920's, sign me up!
Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens- a work of satire on the shortcomings of the government and the society of that time. It is about a debtor's prison. I LOVE the film mini series!
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell- my mom says Scarlett is a true b*tch in the book, way more than in the movie. I'd like to read that!
What is your favorite classic? Or what is a classic you would like to try?
I have read and loved almost every book on your list. I have not gotten around to Farenheit 451 or Great Expectations yet. Wonderful list of great classics!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, I've read a number of these. I also love Persuasion, it's such a quietly touching story. I've not read Fahrenheit 451 so will be putting that on my list.
ReplyDeleteHere's my top ten list:
http://esotericsips.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-ten-books-recommended-to-non-poetry.html
Great list!
ReplyDeleteThese are all great. I haven't read Fahrenheit 451, and need to do so.
Laura @ The Traveling Owl
I really enjoyed the BBC version of Little Dorrit too! I tried Dickens' original but I'm afraid I only got a few chapters in. *hangs head* I shall have to try again! Dickens is rather intimidating, LOL.
ReplyDeleteLove Jane Eyre! Also, while Persuasion isn't my favourite Austen, I must say it contains *such* a romantic love letter :D
Great list! It's so nice to see someone else who enjoys Austen's Persuasion as much as I do. It's the novel I prefer over all her others. It's that good!
ReplyDeletePersuasion is my favorite Austen too, glad someone agrees with me for once!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love that cover - haven't seen it before.