As I was thinking about my favorite classics, I looked over Broke and Bookish's favorite classics and was amazed that so many of the ones they mentioned were ones I loved as well. Actually, I had to cut a lot of well-loved classics. But here are the ones that I believe everybody absolutely has to pick up before they die.
1. Huckleberry Finn or something else by Mark Twain-There really is nothing like Mark Twain. My favorite is probably Huckleberry Finn, but I shrieked with laughter at the Book for Bad Boys and Girls.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird-I first read this in about 9th grade and fell in love with the characters. It's still one of my favorites. In fact, I want to go reread it right now.
3. Bleak House by Charles Dickens-I read the whole book and loved it.
4. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen-I love J.A., but this book is my favorite. I have always identified with Elinor Dashwood more than any other Austen character.
5. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell-Gaskell is an oft-overlooked author and I want to set about to change that. Everybody needs to read something by Gaskell.
6. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier-I think Rebecca has become well-love enough that it can be considered a classic.
7. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster-This coming-of-age classic is one of my favorites.
8. Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte-Poor Anne Bronte. She always gets so overlooked, yet her writing is just as good as the other two Bronte sisters (am I committing some blasphemy by even writing that?) without the nonstop drama.
9. The Odyssey by Homer-I actually really enjoyed this book. I listened to it on audiobook two years ago and it's one of my favorites now.
10. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson-Treasure Island is good, but Kidnapped wins. It's far more thrilling, the pace is faster, and I like the characters better.
So many dear to my heart, plus some I really need to read. Listening to the Odyssey as an audiobook is a great idea. Do you remember who was reading?
ReplyDeleteI found the recording on iTunes and it was read by John Lescault. It was about 12 hours. You wouldn't believe all the laundry folding I got done while listening to it :)
DeleteI think I have found an American soul-mate! Agree with you about all the books - definitely "Kidnapped" rather than "Treasure Island", and in online which-Jane-Austen-character-are-you-most-like quiz (yes, I know...) I was a definite Elinor Dashwood.I had a real Elizabeth Gaskell phase some years ago and am now inspired by your post to re-read- thank you !
ReplyDeleteHee! Yep, I took the Austen character quiz, too (with a slightly embarrassed expression) and I was Elinor Dashwood.
Delete