One thing to keep in mind: Generally classics start slow. Just keep powering through. I promise you’ll get to the gold.
1) War and Peace
War and Peace is undoubtedly my favorite book of all time. Tolstoy brilliantly captures humanity in every way while he narrates the Napoleonic war in Russia between the years 1805-1813. This book made me weep, laugh, feel unnervingly known and had me contemplating life from so many different facets. Make it your next Winter (or anytime of the year, really) read!! Disclaimer: It is very long.
2) The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
This book is so underrated within the Bronte sisters writings, and is actually my favorite among them. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall tells the story of a young woman, her terrible marriage, and the difficulties she faces while raising her son. Anne Bronte brought to light the entrapment of women and the problematic societal standards of her day in this captivating story.
3) Jane Eyre
Probably one of the most beautifully written reads, Jane Eyre follows the life of a young orphan and her lonely life as a governness in Mr. Rochester’s estate. The descriptions, the precise word use and the mysteries throughout are ingeniously described and worded. It was the first classic I read, and quite literally ruined all other books for me. Charlotte Bronte is a genius and I couldn’t get enough of her writing.
4) Little Women
Little women is one of the most beloved and wholesome stories of its time. The book follows Jo March and her three sisters as they grow up in Massachusetts during the 1860’s Civil War period. As they struggle to handle the ideals of feminity and womanhood and their own conflicting personalities, they grow closer together and endure much of life. A genuine read.
5) Pride and Prejudice
Romance, incredible depictions and an endearing, grumpy bachelor? Of course we love it. Jane Austen explores pride and prejudice in a perfect relational dynamic between the lively Miss Elizabeth Bennett and the reserved Mr. Darcy. I walked away from this book so satisfied as a reader and happy as a human.
6) Sense and Sensibility
This book taught me so much about myself and others in a way I’m not sure I would have understood otherwise. The story explores heartbreak in two sisters with clashing personalities and their own journeys to accepting the other’s way of processing grief and heartache.
7) Great Expectations
This was genuinely such a solid story- interesting and classically well-written. The story explores themes of poverty, wealth, arrogance and humility in the quick rise from poverty of our beloved orphan, Pip.
8) The Old Man and the Sea
If you’re looking for a quick read and also an incredibly original and interesting tale, this is the classic for you. The Old Man and the Sea quite literally follows the story of an old man and the sea, a fantastical and insane fishing tale that tromps the rest.
9) The Picture of Dorian Gray
This book. Man, THIS BOOK. I’m not sure where to start. A tragic story with an excellent lesson that is written with conviction and beautiful word use. Dorian Gray, a beautiful young man, will remain beautiful without any consequence to moral or physical degradation, swapping all age and wrong doing onto a portrait painted by his friend Basil. One of the most interesting premises I’ve ever read.
10) The Secret Garden
This story is so heartwarming, endearing and is full of growth. Follow Mary, an orphaned and very selfish child, move to her Uncle’s estate and experience a warming of the heart and the discovery of friendship. It also involves a beautiful, secret garden, if you couldn’t tell from the title.
Do yourself a favor and read this literature.
