Classic Books That You Didn't Know Are Real Page Turners
We were forced to read them in high school, and we did everything we could not to. We read the detailed synopsis and accepted our doom when the test came and those questions about the names of all the characters in The Hobbit stared us right in the face. Let’s be honest though; would we even have remembered that in the first place?
I did it too. I refused to read A Tale of Two Cities (and still do), and I despised Fahrenheit 451 (and will forever stand by that judgement). But as I’ve migrated to college and studied some of the greats, I can’t help but love the classics.
That’s right, babe. Put down your copy of 50 Shades of Grey, go to the library, and cozy up with Nabokov and an americano.
Alright, so you want the classics that aren’t going to be boring, and will keep you entertained through the winter. No excuses because I did the hard work for you. So, here they are. My top five, and all time favorites.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Like all of Wilde’s other plays, The Importance of Being Earnest is just as delightful to read. Short, sweet, and a little salacious, all of them revolve around hilarious misunderstandings that easily can be avoided. Disaster of course ensues, and people end up looking the fool. Now, I know we all love a good scandal, and someone ruining their reputation. All you have to do is picture someone in corsets and coat tails doing the exact same thing.
2. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The beauty of this book is that you don’t realize it’s a tragedy until the end. Up until the last few chapters, the book is almost about nothing but drinking banned champagne (hello prohibition). A few people from the ‘20s party it up and sometimes fight about money. And then: boom: disaster. Fitzgerald has this way of crafting an enthralling, emotionally draining story from any seemingly boring situation. I’m not asking you to read The Great Gatsby again (though you should), but Fitzgerald has this way of drawing you into the luxurious struggles of his characters.
3. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Scorpio AF. I could not put this one down. If you love mystery and a serious revenge story, this is the read for you. Picture this: you’re locked up in a prison (or a lame job, it’s basically the same) for 21 years. For a crime you didn’t commit (or a job you easily could have gotten out of). You would think Dumas would be lamented over, but, honey, he was dropped faster than Caitlyn Jenner. Not one of his family members or his betrothed tried to visit or free him. So, naturally, he plotted his revenge for 21 years. If you miss Chuck Bass, do yourself a favor and get your fix with Dumas.
4. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyesvsky
The Russian classics have a different way of telling a story and I’m not gonna lie, this one’s a hefty read. This story is actually better if you take it one piece (and -ovich last name) at a time. A lot happens, a lot of people threaten to kill themselves, and one person actually dies. It’s quite a bit to digest. But it’s a good read if you’re a masochist when it comes to “light reading.”
5. 1984 by George Orwell
This is one I could read over and over. ESPECIALLY in our privacy averse world. The government has taken control in this dystopian novel and the truth is now what Big Brother says--sound familiar? Sidenote: it’s also a point of reference for many politicians today. Which is scary. So, whether you want to read this for fun or prepare for the digital apocalypse, you won’t want to put this one down.
Cover image via Lush to Blush