8 Books to Read if You Want to Read More Classics

On By Jane @ Greenish BookshelfIn 2019, Book List

Happy Saturday, y’all! I am excited to share a new Saturday Book List with y’all today.

I’ve been thinking lately that I have several friends that are so impressed that I read classic novels for fun. Certainly, reading War and Peace for fun is not for everyone (I wouldn’t call it a consistently fun experience for me). But I do think there are more classics that anyone can read than we think.

So today I am sharing 8 classics to read if you aspire to read more classics.

These are all books I have read that I chose for a variety of reasons. First, they are shorter than others so you can feel confident that you’d finish them. Then, they have more action paced plots rather than long passages of philosophical, political, or military discussions. And most of these are fairly well known so perhaps you’ll be familiar with the basics of these stories. Enjoy!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen // A classic among classics, I think any list of classics should include something by Jane Austen. This story is so well known, I hope it will feel familiar to read, even if it’s your first time. I always think of Kathleen Kelly “getting lost in the language” of this book; I feel the same way!

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie // This is a fascinating children’s novel that may surprise you. Disney did not follow the original tale exactly. There is so much to think about in terms of characterization, Neverland, and Wendy’s role in saving the boys–including Peter– from themselves.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens // I think Dickens can be a bit intimidating, so this is a great place to start. This is one of the most well known Christmas stories. And you’ve probably seen an adaptation or two. Reading the story is magical, especially at Christmastime.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery // I’ve raved about Anne over and over. There are so many reasons to love this book! It gives us a classic, lovable protagonist, the setting is idyllic, and we can all relate to Anne’s hilarious misadventures. If you’re feeling up for more, I recommend the full Anne series!

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley // For something a bit darker, this short novel is fascinating. When I read it for the first time a few years ago, I was surprised that Frankenstein is in fact the scientist rather than the monster. The roles of creation and destruction as well as the power of life are compelling themes in this novel.

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne // I really enjoyed this classic adventure story first published in French. It’s fun to follow the worldwide journey of Phileas Fogg and company especially because it happened so long ago!

Bonus reads if you’re ready for more:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott // I adore this classic about four sisters during the American Civil War. It is quite a bit longer than I expected the first time I read it. So keep that in mind.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky // This remains my favorite classic Russian novel. I always enjoy it more than I anticipate. Hoping to reread it this year. That being said, Russian literature can be difficult to get into because there is often a large amount of philosophy as well as the main plot lines. But if you’re up for a challenge, this is a great one to start with!

What classics do you think are great for aspiring classics readers?

29 thoughts on “8 Books to Read if You Want to Read More Classics”

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  3. Off this list, I’ve read Anne of GG (obviously lol), Little Women, P&P, and Frankenstein. All are among my favorite classics! If I were forced to pick just one, it would be hard to pick between Anne of GG and Little Women…. I do think Anne would win out at the #1 spot off this list. Jane Eyre has the title of my all time favorite classic 🙂

    I’ve been wanting to read Around the World in 80 Days! I read Journey to the Center of the Earth a few years ago, and was surprised how much I enjoyed it!

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    1. It’s so hard to pick a favorite classic! Yes, I have a special place in my heart for Anne. Although, I did read the Little Women sequels last year and that endears the March family to me even more.

      Not sure why Jane Eyre is not on this list. haha! I read it for the first time about 5 years ago and loved it! Too many classics, not enough time or long enough lists. Haha

      I would like to read more Jules Verne after reading this first novel!

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  8. momslovelearning

    I also read classic novels for fun and when I was in high school, people were surprised too. I like your list. The books are indeed classics that remain easy to read. You could also add to your list The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry as it is very short too.
    As for Tolstoi, I agree with you that War and Peace was not the funniest book ever. But I loved Anna Karenina.

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      1. momslovelearning

        Anna Karenina is more centered on the characters’ lifes and love stories. In War and Peace, there are many pages with military descriptions, which makes it sometimes difficult to read.

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        1. I’m glad to hear that! Yes, the chapters that focused on characters were a lot more enjoyable for me in War and Peace. I had to make a goal to read 2 chapters a day (since they’re pretty short) and just get through those military/philosophy passages sometimes!

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  10. mphtheatregirl

    In a way, A Christmas Carol was my start for loving the classics. I was raised watching the George C Scott movie of A Christmas Carol everything Christmas season. Being raised on Christmas Carol is a huge reason why it is my favorite Dickens book.

    I am in the middle of Pride and Prejudice. I can say this- I am definitely more of a Dickens fan than a Austen fan.

    I did read Frankenstein for summer reading- a required reading, and did not like it.

    I loved Little Women once upon a time, but don’t remember why- it has been a while since I read it. I think I need to get back to this book.

    I also believe I read Anne of Green Gables and Peter Pan- don’t know when either.

    It wasn’t just Christmas Carol I was exposed to growing up- but that was the main one that really stuck- in terms of the plot growing up.

    To get into classics, go into the shorter classics first- then get it into the longer ones later

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    1. That’s awesome you grew up with A Christmas Carol. That’s our favorite adaptation too!

      Way to try some Austen. So far, I must admit I’m more an Austen fan than Dickens–although I read Little Dorrit last year and loved it!

      And I agree–start with small classics then go for the bigger ones!

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