Classic books have a reputation for being dull and boring. As an English Education major, I have read many classics--for school and for fun. So here are a few classics from my ever-growing list that I think are worth your time.

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This novel is a beautiful coming-of-age story and love story combined. Jane, a plain-looking girl with no real family and no extraordinary talents, must find her way in an unfair world. Be inspired by Jane's perseverance.

2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

This classic, which most believe only to be a love story, is a family history, including a love story gone awry. After the Earnshaw family takes a little boy of unknown origin into their house, destruction of their entire lives begins. Take caution from this story of a woman who falls into a relationship with a fiend-like man

3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird is not only a wonderful coming-of-age story, but also warns us against prejudice and racism. Follow Scout as she deals with the struggles of childhood while also dealing with the backlash of those who judge her father, a lawyer, for defending a black man.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This classic is the ultimate story of revenge. A man is wrongfully imprisoned by his jealous best friend, and when he learns of the treachery, makes a plan to get revenge. Bonus: there's a fantastic movie adaptation. This tale will grip you until the very end.

5. Dune by Frank Herbert

Often called the world's best-selling Sci-Fi novel, Dune tells the story of an intersteller empire. Follow Paul Atreides as he sets out for revenge and finds his place in the Dune universe . It is actually also the first in a series, so if it grips you, you get more books!

6. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

This suspenseful and mysterious novel tells the tale of a maid who falls in love with a widower. After they are married and arrive at his large estate, however, she learns that his late wife still has power over lives. This gripping Gothic novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.

7. 1984 by George Orwell

The original dystopian-future novel, 1984 tells the tale of a disturbingly powerful government and a man who wishes not to be a part of it. Orwell creates careful but rebellious characters who must be aware of their every action. Read the prodecessor to books like The Hunger Games and Divergent.

8. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This book, set in Nazi Germany, tells the story of a little girl who looses her family and must move into foster care. This coming-of-age story will melt your heart and break your heart with each page you turn. It also got an amazing movie adaptation a few years ago. (Still read the book first, though. I cried.)

9. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

This book is a heartbreaking portrayal of life in wartime. A man serving in WWI sustains a devastating injury and falls in love with a nurse. I will warn you: this does not have a happy ending.

10. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

This thrilling mystery tells the story of an assortment of guests invited by a millionaire to a private island. When they arrive, their host is nowhere to be found, and murders begin occurring. This book is an intriguing mystery and a timeless tale of suspicion.