Classics for Real Life: Five Books Everyone Can and Should Read!

As an avid reader and later an English major and Creative Writing minor in college, I have read my fair share of books, many of which would be labeled classics. Now a few of these, I did not enjoy (eg, The Red Badge of Courage, The Scarlet Letter), but many proved to be classics for a reason. The books below are ones I would recommend to anyone, ones I've returned to time and again, whose enduring stories resonate with audiences throughout generations, and whose characters were relatable to both their original readers and to modern book enthusiasts.

Pride and Prejudice: If the list didn't include this book, it wouldn't be accurate. Witty characters and a romance for the ages, Pride and Prejudice never disappoints!

Anne of Green Gables: I read this one in fifth grade and then again after I had kids, and I enjoyed it both times. It's poetic and whimsical, and Anne is both charming and annoying, as any girl her age should be. I also had fun reading through the set!

Great Expectations: This was assigned reading in high school, and I loved it. I had an incredible English teacher who did an amazing job of bringing the old classics into the modern age. This is on my list to re-read this year, but I'll never forget Pip, Estella, and the haunting Miss Havisham. Brilliant characters.

Little Women: Ah, I didn't read this until after college, but I think I've read it twice since then! Talk about enduring characters—this book would require very few tweaks to pull it into the 21st century. It is wonderful. It's a longer book, but I glide right through it each time.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Another assigned reading in high school, and so so good. It looks at very hard racial and social issues through the eyes of a wonderfully feisty little girl, and it's just gold.

I wouldn't even know which of these books to recommend first. Just read all of them; they're so great! I've been loving renting books for my Kindle through my Libby app or listening to audiobooks through Libby or Audible. Click the banner above to start your free Audible trial!