Classic literature is not everyone's idea of a fun read. The thing about classic literature is that it shapes contemporary books. These are the 11 Classic Books everyone should read during their lifetime.
1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain is my all time favorite author. Huckleberry Finn is not just an adventure story like most people pass it off as. The book is really about growing up, realizing what is right and what is wrong and understanding why.
2. Pride and Prejudice
Society will say that Romeo and Juliet is the best love story ever written, but I disagree. Pride and Prejudice is more realistic and has characters that you fall in love with. It's one of those books that will make you laugh, cry and mad.
3. The Great Gatsby
Forget the movie, it does not do the book justice. F. Scott Fitzgerald brings to life a rags to riches story that takes place in the 1920's. Love, drama, scandal follow Jay Gatsby and Nick Carroway narrates it all.
4. Old Man and the Sea
I'm not a big Hemingway fan but Old Man and the Sea is the only book by him that I love. A tale of never giving up, and fighting for what you want.
5. Wuthering Heights
A twisted tale of obsession and love, Wuthering Heights tells the story of two childhood friends and how one loves the other more. When Cathy marries another man Healthcliff leaves to better himself, but is love for her is what eventually destroys both of them.
6. Of Mice and Men
Two friends, one with disabilities travel to find work. A tear jerking parable of the simple life lessons that we often over look.
7. To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee's first book and up until last summer her last. To Kill a Mockingbird discusses the social issues of rape and inequality of the early 1900's. Atticus Finch has become the literary hero of overcoming racism to bring justice to the town.
8. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
If you want to really experience the humor, irony and satire of Mark Twain then this is the book. Hank Morgan is whisked back in time to the time of King Arthur. Twain has Hank bring modern amenities to a medieval world. The books is really a satire on the Catholic Church and FDR's New/Square Deal plans.
9. The Diary of Anne Frank
To really experience the horrors of World War II from a Jewish girls perspective read Anne Frank's Diary. She writes about the struggles of living in the annex and a few pages on the conditions of living in a concentration camp.
10. The Scarlet Letter
This book made me fall in love with classic literature. Hester Pryne is one of the strongest female characters ever to enter the pages of a book. She demonstrates courage and love, never fighting back. Pay attention to the change of the symbol of the scarlet A.
11. Sherlock Holmes (Complete Collection)
Sherlock Holmes was the original crime and mystery short stories. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created such a lovable character with a master mind to solve impossible crimes but also battles with struggles of his own.
Classic literature is something everyone should read. These are just a few of the many amazing works that have shaped our current culture.
