Where Do You Even Start?
Who knows where to even begin with classic literature? With so many options out there, and so many people telling you different things, how do you know which books make the most sense for you? Don’t worry, we have a few classic options that work for any reading level!
1. The Great Gatsby
If nothing else, this book isn’t very long, so it’s one of the best places to start if classic lit isn’t your thing. It also wasn’t published that long ago, so you won’t have to worry about confusing language or dialogue. What you’ll get is a great story about wealth, power, and what it means to truly be great.
2. Animal Farm
Animal Farm is even shorter than Gatsby, so there’s no excuse to ignore this one. It’s presented like a fable, with pigs running a farm in increasingly totalitarian ways. However, the whole thing is an allegory for the Soviet Union, summed up in just under 150 pages.
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3. Pride and Prejudice
Alright, this one’s a little longer than the others, but it’s just as valuable! It has everything you could possibly want: family drama, romance, satire, you name it. It’s also one of the most influential classics of all time.
4. The Picture of Dorian Gray
Any horror fans in the house? Oscar Wilde knocked this one out of the park. It has wit, it has creepy imagery—it has a haunting message about corruption and the pursuit of everlasting beauty. It’s easily one of the most accessible classics, too.
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5. The Grapes of Wrath
Who knew a story about the Great Depression would still resonate with so many readers? It’s an iconic tale about a family’s resilience in the face of capitalism, and it made a lot of points then that still speak volumes today.
