My high school Honors English class gave me the opportunity to read a lot of really important classic American novels, which is something I will forever be thankful for. While I might have resented reading these in the moment, it is apparent how each of them have shaped me into the reader and human I am today. These classic novels will enrich you in ways you didn't expect; They will widen your vocabulary, and yield you thousands of cultural references over the following years. This is a very condensed list of my favorite classics because of the way each of them have continued to stick with me.
(Also, this list does not include "Pride and Prejudice" or "Jane Eyre;" I have not read either because I do not hate myself.)
1. "Catcher in the Rye" (1951)
J.D. Salinger is credited for crafting one of the most incredible literary masterpieces because of this novel. It is a controversial book originally targeted for adults, but has become popular among younger readers because of its angst-y nature. I didn't understand the neither the brilliance nor the weight of this novel when I read it as a freshman in high school; now I see how Holden Caulfield is a perfectly rendered character that nearly anyone can identify with. But if you openly say you closely relate to Holden, aren't you also openly admitting to being a total asshole?
2. "The Great Gatsby" (1925)
As the prime part of F. Scott Fitzgerald's career, "The Great Gatsby" is said to be the "Great American Novel" because it does such an incredible job of interpreting the nature of the American psyche, while also establishing the essence of the Jazz Age in an exquisite way.
3. "The Odyssey"
(the Greek epic poem, not the website platform you're reading this on right now, LOL)
9th grade teach Deborah Stokol writes a letter to her students on her blog explaining the importance of reading "The Odyssey." "On a fundamental level, 'The Odyssey' shows us how this monolithic passage of time still hasn’t done much to change human nature," she explains. This novel makes great statements about bravery, adventure, and mortality, making it an important read that people will make allusions to for the rest of your life.
4. "The Bell Jar" (1963)
This semi-autobiographical novel written by Sylvia Plath is an important read because it explores clinical depression as the protagonist descends into mental illness. It exudes raw emotion and explores important issues such as the oppressive patriarchy and socially acceptable identity.
5. "1984" (1949)
George Orwell's dystopian novel quickly made it to the list of my favorite books ever because of the way he depicts the world we're becoming as a nightmarish vision through his evaluation of post-industrialized humanity and politics.
6. "Lord of the Flies" (1954)
If you haven't read LOTF, sucks to your assmar, seriously. This timeless classic explores the inherent evil nature that perhaps every man has within him. William Golding also examines the intense logistics of political bodies through a group of young boys stranded on an island.
7. "Of Mice and Men" (1937)
If you haven't read this brilliant Steinbeck novella, get ready to be viciously moved by the friendship of George and Lennie. It is a great depiction of America during the Great Depression, as well as loneliness and friendship and dreams in troubled times.
8. "To Kill A Mockingbird" (1960)
"If you are a human being with emotions, this book will impact you, regardless of age, gender or background." RIP Harper Lee.
There are hundreds of other noteworthy classic novels, such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray," "Slaughterhouse Five," "Wuthering Heights," etc. Also, there's a huge chance you read some work of Shakespeare's during high school, so good for you, because that sh*t is important. If you haven't read these novels, do yourself a favor; they're referred to as "classics" for a reason. You will be learning about history and culture in context, which is truly something of value.
