To Kill a Mockingbird. 1984. Pride & Prejudice. Catch-22. Each of these novels is considered a timeless treasure, a piece of literature that impacted generations with its themes and social commentary. Yet most people, both avid readers and non-readers alike, tend to skip the classics. It’s often easier to pick up a book based on a friend’s recommendation, or something seen on a “New Releases” shelf, than it is to crack open Dickens or Hemingway.
Many of these pieces of classic literature come with a heavy stigma of being dense and hard to read, with language unfit for the modern times. They might seem dated or unrelatable compared to today’s stories. However, reading the classics is not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.
Literary classics have stood the test of time for a reason. They have compelling plots, hooking the reader’s imagination within a few sentences and immersing them in a specific time or unique location. Classic literature has a certain aspect of universality that makes it relatable to many people regardless of their background or life experiences. Whether these novels focus on traditional themes of good versus evil, man versus nature or an old-fashioned rags-to-riches story, their classic themes speak to a wide range of readers.
Classic literature is the foundation of modern media due to these timeless themes, memorable characters and universal messaging. While many have not read the original stories, few would fail to recognize Jay Gatsby, Tiny Tim or Sherlock Holmes. It seems like every day one of these novels is made into a new movie adaptation or is inspiring an author’s next novel.
Not only does familiarity with these stories help a person feel well-rounded and knowledgeable, but it also enables them to appreciate story elements highlighted within modern media. Reading the source material for a popular movie adaptation, for example, provides greater context and understanding of thematic elements, character development and overall plot.
Whether it’s suspenseful stories, tales of the untamed wilderness or a tender coming-of-age narrative, there is a classic just begging to be read. Each novel below was likely assigned reading in school, adapted as a movie or has an instantly recognizable character.
Hand selected by Naperville Public Library staff, these classic novels are readable, enjoyable and accessible for modern readers.
Coming of Age and Relationships
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
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Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Wilderness
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Call of the Wild by Jack London
Horror
Cask of Amontillado, Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Lewis Stevenson
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Class and Society
Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Science Fiction
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
1984 by George Orwell
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library. Shannon McGregor, adult services librarian at Naperville Public Library, contributed to this article.
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