"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

A description of high school Lit. class or the French Revolution? I was never a huge proponent of reading assigned books in high school. I figured SparkNotes was there to help with the essays, and I would get around to the reading at some point. But luckily for me, my teachers refused to let that be my reality. They forced Shakespeare and stories of dystopian societies down my throat, and surrounded me with metaphors and satires. And I am much better for it.

You miss a lot of what people are saying if you haven’t read these famous books.

The reality of it is that these stories are referenced daily. Songs, movies, teacher jokes, quotes, and everyday conversation are all places where a character name or plot detail might slip in. And if you haven’t read the book, you’ll miss it. Now, I’m not saying if you haven’t read these books you are ignorant and incapable of participating in social activities. But there are a lot of literature jokes you could be getting in on. Plus, you’ll be happier because if your significant other dumps you, you will have Heathcliff to dream about.

via giphy.com

Not only are these stories important to know for your general social acceptance, but they also are worth the read.

Sure, almost no one cares about Hester Prynne’s damned future, or why there even is a house on Mango Street, but you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat as Odysseus battles his way home (wait for him, Penelope!). The books that I had to read for English classes are now my favorites, and have been read many times. The stories transport you, inspire you, make you cry, give you a new best friend in a character, or find a way to relate to your own life. The best part about these books is that they are timeless. Big Brother meant something different to me when I first read about him in 2012 than he does now -- but I’m still just as freaked out and intrigued every time we meet.

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And finally, they teach you how to appreciate good writing. Perhaps "50 Shades of Grey"is entertaining, but I think it can be universally argued that it doesn’t contain the highest prose. Whether it’s Holden Caulfield’s cynicism or Jane Austen’s women-empowering themes, the writing is undeniably brilliant. The creativity and genius that these authors and characters have provided for us is a gift that should be cherished. I have become a snob in the literary community because I’ve been introduced to writing that can feed on your emotions and make you feel a certain way. There is no better feeling than losing yourself in a book.

Ponyboy got me through my freshman year of high school, Atticus Finch provided my first literary crush, and Daisy Buchanan taught me about the kind of person I didn’t want to be. I most likely would not have made it this far without them.

So make the effort during class--there is a reason why these books have been taught for years.

via giphy.com