Books are means of enabling us to travel without actually moving our feet. Books form a portal to another imaginary world; worlds in which we wish we existed. And from amongst the millions and millions of books, here are the top 10 classic books every book lover should read (coming from another fellow book lover – Hi-Five!)
- 1984
- Pride and Prejudice
- Wuthering Heights
- Three Men In A Boat
- To Kill a Mocking Bird
- Treasure Island
- Great Expectations
- The Catcher In The Rye
- The Great Gatsby
- The Boy in Striped Pyjamas
1. 1984
An interesting novel written by George Orwell, takes place in 1984, Oceania (which is governed by a party led by Big Brother) where the people have been brainwashed to be obedient to the party’s leader. The book written from the perspective of the protagonist Winston Smith (a minor party functionary) is a must read for book lovers.
Author – George Orwell
2. Pride and Prejudice
As Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory says “Pride and Prejudice is a flawless work of genius. He’s proud, she’s prejudiced, it just works”. But in all seriousness, this is a book which is a classic of English literature by Jane Austen set in England starring the life of Bennet family, and in particular the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, who is generous yet prejudiced mainly regarding Darcy who is a proud albeit kind person. This romantic story in England between Elizabeth and Darcy is one of the best to read.
Author – Jane Austen
3. Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights written by Emily Bronte is the latest classics I’ve read, is about the love story of Heathcliff and Catherine and the ups and downs faced by them. The novel provides insight of life in the early era and society, in genera; while still engaging the audience in the emotions of all the involved characters.
Author – Emily Brontë
4. Three Men In A Boat
This classic written by Jerome K Jerome is a story about a boat trip taken by three men (J, George and Harris) and a dog along the Thames river. The entirety of the novel is written in a humorous accent with anecdotes which makes for a very interesting must read, which keeps the reader engaged throughout the read.
Author – Jerome K. Jerome
5. To Kill a Mocking Bird
Taking place in the fictional place of Maycomb, Alabama, To Kill a Mocking Bird is surely a worthy classic by Harper Lee set during the Great depression. The protagonist Scout (Jean Louise Finch), a clever but unconventional girl along with her brother is raised by their widowed father, Atticus Finch. The novel focuses on Scout, coming of age, understanding the concepts of racism and prejudice in the society, so beautifully written won its author the Pulitzer prize.
Author – Harper Lee
6. Treasure Island
Being the first classic I ever read, Treasure Island is written by Robert Louis Stevenson is a fictional story of an adventure undertaken to uncover treasure hidden in an island., and is considered one of the best in this genre. And, not to forget, the famous line from the book most have surely come across “Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.!”
Author – Robert Louis Stevenson
7. Great Expectations
Probably the best work of Charles Dickens, this extraordinary classic revolves around the life of the protagonist, Pip, an orphan coming of age, dealing with social issues such as class and human worth. The book is a basket of humour, mystery and tragedy is definitely one to read.
Author – Charles Dickens
8. The Catcher In The Rye
The novel revolves around the life of 16 year old Holden Caulfield after having been expelled from school. This novel written by J.D. Salinger explores the loss of innocence of a child entering adulthood.
Author – J. D. Salinger
9. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby, by Scott Fitzgerald is a historical romantic fictional tale of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and Daisy Buchanan. The novel is considered to be an American classic, and has had several movie adaptations for the same is surely worth a read.
Author – F. Scott Fitzgerald
10. The Boy In Striped Pyjamas
A heart warming tale regarding the life of a young German boy growing up around the time of World War II, though unaware of it. Life becomes different for young Bruno having shifted to a new place, a new home on account of his father’s new job. Reminiscing his old life and friends, Bruno tries to adjust to life in this new place, finally finds some peace in his friendship with a young boy from Shmuel living on the other side of the fence across the house. This novel by John Boyne is a wonderfully written tale and is most definitely one to read.
Author – John Boyne
So, these were a few of classic books I’ve read and absolutely loved; and probably ones that ought to be read by all book lovers out there.
Needless to say, classics constitute for a great read of literature and every avid book lover ought to give a classic a try. And if you have read any of these classic novels, do drop in your feedback with your view of them; and if not, now’s your time to read all these incredible works of literature.
Happy Reading!
