It is no secret that I love books. Hardback novels with crisp, new pages from The Bibliophile have slowly but surely drained my savings over and over again. Do I need more books? Absolutely not. But, that still does not stop me from adding to my collection any chance I get. A favorite genre of mine that I have dived into recently is the classics. I know what you may be thinking, “Why would you want to read big old books with lots of pages?” This is a reasonable question, but there is so much more to the classics than what meets the eye.

     Classic novels are unique because they include almost every other genre inside the overarching label of the classics. They are not only romance novels, only mysteries, or only adventure books.  Classics span a wide range of genres that may surprise you. Practically any topic you can think of can be found in a classic novel. The original storylines and plot twists give the reader a break from the same old narratives that are duplicated in many novels today. In fact, classics are often the origin of storylines you see in modern movies, books, and television shows. Julia Swope, a senior at Dover High School who loves reading explained, “I love reading classic novels. A lot of books are classic for a reason: people thoroughly enjoy them. They have stood the test of time. Though they can at times contain problematic material (and this should be acknowledged and discussed), they are still important pieces of literary history. Classic novels should continue to be read, and certainly must not be banned.” Julia also listed her favorites, like The Catcher in the Rye, Maurice, Frankenstein, Brave New World, and The Picture of Dorian Gray. It is the range of authors and writing styles that make you come back and read more and more. Classic novels have something for everyone! 

Pride and Prejudice

     Pride and Prejudice is arguably one of the most loved classic novels ever written, making it a must-read on my list. It has earned its spot on the very top of my favorites for a good reason. Jane Austen’s writing style and tone allow the simple love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to unfold within the societal norms of the Regency Era. I like to think of it as the original rom-com! The framework of Austen’s novel set the stage for nearly twenty on-screen adaptations of the novel, and many more films that are based on the plot. Even Hallmark has made a handful of movies based off of Pride and Prejudice! Of all of the classics out there, Pride and Prejudice is one that I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in reading a classic novel. 

Sherlock Holmes

     I absolutely loved reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The overall style and setup of the book itself made the story flow so well, and the point of view was a refreshing twist on the traditional style in which narratives are written. The entire book is told from the point of view of Sherlock’s crime-solving partner, Dr. Watson, as he recounts their adventures in his journals. Every few chapters a new case is introduced, keeping the reader intrigued by a dozen uniquely puzzling cases that will keep you interested until the final page. If mysteries are your thing, I highly recommend adding The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes to your To Be Read list.

     Books hold knowledge and creativity spilled onto their pages by authors whose words stand the test of time. Even though all literature deserves recognition, there are certain cases where pieces of literature are held above the rest. What might have been a collection of letters to a loved one, a diary entry, or a novel written from a spark of inspiration becomes a timeless classic that changes the way we see books and words as we know them. Without these key pieces of literature, we would not have all of the amazing storylines for countless movies, plays, and novels. The effect of the classics on our culture can be seen in everyday life, even if you do not realize it. Dover High School sophomore Sheyla O’Donnell noted that “In a way, all of the modern books are watered down versions of the classic literature they were birthed from.” No matter what books you read, or what writing style you are into, the classics can always offer a different perspective on literature as we see it today. Reading classic literature can open your eyes to so many similarities in these works that you might not otherwise notice. I know the classics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but believe me when I say, it is worth it to give reading them a try.