Contents
A list of classic books that everyone should read at least once.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
It is often said that if you want to know about a person, you should read the classics that he or she reads. There is a lot of truth to this statement. The classics are where we find the best literature has to offer. They are the pinnacle of artistic expression in their respective genres.
There is, however, a problem with this way of thinking. It can be incredibly intimidating to try and read the classics. Where do you even begin? There are so many great works of literature out there, and it can be hard to know where to start.
This is why we have compiled a list of classic books that you must read. This list includes books from a variety of genres, so there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a great novel, a fascinating work of non-fiction, or an insightful poem, you will find it on this list.
So without further ado, here are the classic books that you must read:
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a novel by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel takes place in 1922, during the height of the Roaring Twenties, a time when America was thriving financially.
The story follows Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who lives in a mansion on Long Island. Gatsby is obsessed with one thing: winning the love of Daisy Buchanan, a beautiful woman who is married to another man.
The Great Gatsby is considered to be one of the greatest American novels of all time. It is often taught in high school and college classrooms, and its themes of love, Wealth, betrayal, and the corrosion of the American dream are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee and published in 1960, is one of the most beloved American classics. The novel tells the story of young Scout Finch, living in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. The novel addresses a number of important themes, including racial injustice, the destruction of childhood innocence, and the importance of moral education.
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger’s only novel recounts the adventures of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who is kicked out of a prestigious boarding school and becomes a wanderer in New York City.
The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck that was published in 1939. The novel is set during the Great Depression and follows the Joads, a family of farmers, as they travel from their home in Oklahoma to California in search of work. The Grapes of Wrath was Steinbeck’s best-selling book and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
1984
George Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984 is a must-read for anyone interested in political intrigue and the human condition. The novel paints a bleak picture of a society controlled by an authoritarian government, and explores the themes of freedom, surveillance, rebellion, and alienation. Though it was published over 70 years ago, the book feels just as relevant today as it did when it first came out. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it, 1984 is the book for you.
Brave New World
Brave New World is a novel written in 1931 by Aldous Huxley, and published in 1932. Farrar & Rinehart, Inc. immediately released an American edition, which was in print until 1946. The novel anticipates developments in reproductive technology and sleep-learning that combine to change society. The future society is an embodiment of the ideals that form the basis of the World State: efficiency, stability, and uniformity. Despite these aims, it is revealed that the feel-happy drug soma is used to control people by making them content and complacent with their role in society.
Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness is a novel by Joseph Conrad, first published in 1899. It tells the story of Charles Marlow, an Englishman who goes to work as a ivory trader in Africa, and becomes increasingly obsessed with a mysterious Belgian trader, Kurtz. The novel is set primarily in the Belgian Congo, and highlights the brutal realities of colonial exploitation.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. The story tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, who agrees to trade his soul for a life of endless youth and beauty. As the years pass, Dorian remains young and handsome, while the portrait he keeps hidden away in his attic gradually changes to reflect the cruel and evil deeds he has done. Ultimately, Dorian’s need to keep his horrible secret leads him to madness and tragedy.
The Picture of Dorian Gray was Wilde’s only novel, and it is considered one of the masterpieces of Gothic literature. It also caused quite a scandal when it was first published, due to its frank treatment of topics like morality and religion. Today, it is widely regarded as an important work of Victorian fiction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great classic books that are worth reading. However, which ones you consider to be essential reading will likely depend on your personal preferences. There are classics that appeal to fans of different genres, so whether you prefer novels, plays, or poetry, there is sure to be a classic that you will enjoy. While some people may argue about which books should be considered essential reading for everyone, there is no doubt that the classics listed above are all worth your time. So make room on your bookshelf, and get ready to experience some of the greatest works of literature ever written.
