High school English wasn't everybody's cup of tea. Some avoided the assigned reading books because the books seemed long, dull, and intimidating. Even avid readers like me resorted to Sparknoting a few books or sections of books because they were uninteresting and not worth time we needed to study for other, harder classes. However, some of the books we were made to read in high school, we were made to read for a reason. They are literary masterpieces, beautifully written. Many still carry important messages, even centuries after their publication dates. Many are sassy and hilarious, even though the humor delivered in a rather dry tone. Whether you're still in high school or long graduated, these books are worth your time.

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Many people describe "To Kill a Mockingbird" as the best book they had to read in high school, but if you felt differently, you should go back and reconsider your decision not to read it. (And if you did read it, read it again!) "To Kill a Mockingbird" still carries relevant, profound lessons about bigotry and prejudice, justice, and harming the innocent, even to readers living decades later. Take the messages to heart. You'll be a better and wiser person for it.

2. "Gone with the Wind."

(I wasn't even going to include "Gone with The Wind" because I, personally, never saw it in an English classroom, but perhaps that's all the more reason it needs to be featured in this list.)

I'm thinking the reason high school teachers avoid "Gone with the Wind" is that it contains a significant number of racial and class stereotypes and slavery apologists, but the theme of the book is much deeper than that. "Gone with the Wind" is a story about love, loyalty, friendship, patriotism and what it means to be truly courageous. It's a story about societal norms and when one should rebel against them. It's a tale of two women -- one a stubborn, intelligent rebel in a society that didn't value stubbornness or intelligence in women, and another a fiercely loyal friend and wife who beautifully demonstrates leading through quiet, kind strength. It's a story set in a city we know, with complex people who kind of remind us of people we know. "Gone with the Wind" is considered a classic for a reason.

3. "And Then There Were None."

They don't call Agatha Christie the Queen of Crime for nothing. Although you should really read all her books and stories (too many to fit on this list), "And Then There Were None" is a good starting point. It's suspenseful, clever, satirical, unpredictable, but satisfying. It messes with your head as the killer is messing with his victims' heads -- all characteristics of a good murder mystery.

4. "The Scarlet Letter."

"The Scarlet Letter," like "To Kill a Mockingbird," may be slightly more relevant to modern society than you assume. While I'm pretty sure we don't ostracize women based on promiscuity (or anything else, for that matter) anymore, double standards and hypocrisy still exist-- but I am treading close to giving out a spoiler, so never mind. Just read the book. Although the writing is somewhat dull and overly wordy (a former classmate described Nathaniel Hawthorne as The American Charles Dickens) the story is completely worth it.

5. "Crime and Punishment."

"Crime and Punishment" is like an Agatha Christie story but in reverse -- a murder mystery told from the murderer's perspective. Instead of following the detective (very similar to Christie's Poirot) as he plays cat-and-mouse games with the killer, we follow the killer as he falls deeper into guilt and insanity. The book is a disturbing but intriguing glimpse into the dark parts of human nature and what happens when arrogance and self-loathing both spiral out of control. The book is dark and twisted, but worth your time.

6. "Pygmalion."

Another story about a young woman rebelling against a society that didn't value her.

You probably know "My Fair Lady." Two versions exist -- a play with Julie Andrews and a movie with Audrey Hepburn, so you know they both have to be fabulous. However, "Pygmalion" is a little different. I won't spoil it, but it's a little deeper, though still sarcastic and lighthearted, in that delightfully dry British way.

7. "The Crucible."

Okay, shame on you if you didn't read the crucible. It's neither long nor difficult.

Just kidding (kind of). But "The Crucible" is worth your time. It's very similar to The Scarlet Letter in terms of themes and setting, but it could be moved into many different times and places and still be relevant. Modern society doesn't burn people for being witches, but we do go on proverbial witch-hunts, stereotype based on mass hysteria, and listen to bias testimony even when faced with hard evidence to the contrary. Therefore, "The Crucible" is truly timeless.

8. "The Importance of Being Earnest."

"The Importance of Being Earnest" is similar to "Pygmalion" in that it's delightfully witty, dryly satirical, and properly British comedy of manners. (Weren't the Victorians fabulous?) If you haven't seen or read this yet, you should have, especially if sarcastic jabs (delivered politely, of course) and puns are your thing.

9. "Fahrenheit 451."

"Fahrenheit 451" wasn't the best written book I read in high school. But the image of a dystopian society in which books are banned, free thought is discouraged or even punished, and the government censors everything is increasingly relevant, so reading "Fahrenheit 451" is important. If nothing else, maybe it will encourage you to read more books. Also, for the record, this book is a warning, not a guide.

10. "Hamlet."

High school students hate Shakespeare, and I think it's the school's fault. We start out with the worst ("Romeo and Juliet," "Julius Caesar") and don't read the best ("Hamlet," "Twelfth Night") till years later. "Hamlet" is dark (not "Crime and Punishment" dark but dark, nonetheless), but it's intriguing and witty. Think of it as "The Lion King" with humans and give it a go.

11. "Emma."

"Emma" is often ignored for the more widely-loved "Pride and Prejudice." I get that -- "Pride and Prejudice" is fabulous, and there's a reason Mr. Darcy is so popular. But "Emma," a coming-of-age, romantic-comedy novel, is worth reading when you've finished "P&P" for the third time. (At this point, I think I've made my love for dryly satirical British books clear.)

12. All kinds of fairy tales and myths.

We're all familiar with Disney and Once Upon a Time versions of fairy tales and Greek mythology. However, the original versions are worth reading, though I forewarn you they are much darker than the versions you may be used to reading. Read some Egyptian and Norse mythology, too, just so you can say you did.

If you haven't read these, it's not too late! And thank your teachers for making you read them -- it was for a reason.