"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
– George R.R. Martin
Classics. The books that most of us, so very sadly, only grow an appreciation for after our frontal cortex has fully developed. I guess youth… and English class literature… truly are wasted on the young, yeah? Thankfully, once that big beautiful cortex fully develops, these classics are still there, echoing wisdom as timeless today as it was at their inception.
Why a classics reading challenge? It’s simple. These books remain relevant and will continue to remain relevant as they explore universal themes and timeless questions. Questions of humanity, society, and morality, delving into issues such as love, ambition, power, identity, and social justice, touching hearts and minds across generations. They provide a lens to examine historical contexts and societal norms, offering lessons that inform our lives today. Beyond their compelling characters and storytelling, classic novels challenge readers to think critically, empathize deeply, and engage with enduring ideas that continue to shape our world. Their relevance – their magic – lies in their ability to bridge the past and present, reminding us of the shared threads of human experience. And how humbling, comforting, and all together beautiful is that? To know that the feelings, the hardships, the humanity have all been felt before.
* Full, printable 52 book list can be found at the end of this post.
1. jane austen
We all know her, we all love her. Jane Austen, the enchanting voice of Regency-era England, remains one of the most beloved authors in literature. With her effervescent wit, keen observation, and a touch of irony, she crafted timeless stories like Pride and Prejudice and Emma that delve into love, friendship, and the quirks of human nature. Her characters, so vividly drawn and delightfully flawed, navigate the intricate dances of society and personal growth, all set against the elegant, whimsical backdrop of her time. Austen’s work continues to charm, proving that her insight into the human heart is as fresh and delightful today as it was over two centuries ago.
2. f. Scott fitzgerld
F. Scott Fitzgerald, the iconic voice of the Jazz Age, captured the glamour, ambition, and disillusionment of 1920s America with an unmatched lyricism. Best known for his masterpiece The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald wove tales of love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream, exploring the often hollow core of material success. His vivid prose, richly drawn characters, and poignant storytelling reflect both the era’s opulence and its underlying despair. Fitzgerald’s work continues to resonate as timeless musings on aspiration, identity, and the fleeting nature of dreams, solidifying his place as one of America’s greatest literary figures.
3. edith wharton
Think of the Gilded Age and chances are you’ll think of Edith Wharton. When it came to capturing the elegance and intrigue of upper-class society, there was no one better suited. She wove tales of love, ambition, and the quiet battles between personal longing and societal expectations, leading to masterpieces like The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth. Wharton’s characters, so vividly drawn and achingly real, navigate the shimmering facades and hidden heartaches of their world, offering timeless insights into human nature. With her wit, charm, and piercing observations, she invites readers into a world both dazzling and poignant, where every choice carries the weight of tradition, longing, and desire.
4. leo tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy, the grand maestro of Russian literature, wove epic tales that married sweeping history with the intimate drama of human hearts. In masterpieces like War and Peace and Anna Karenina, he painted vivid portraits of love, ambition, and the tangled web of choices that define a life. Tolstoy’s characters brim with humanity—flawed, yearning, and achingly real—inviting readers to lose themselves in their triumphs and their tragedies. With his unmatched storytelling, Tolstoy didn’t just write books; he crafted worlds that continue to dazzle, provoke, and stir the soul.
5. the bronte sisters
The Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—were the literary storm that swept from the Yorkshire moors, leaving a trail of unforgettable stories in their wake. With works like Jane Eyre, Villette, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, they dared to explore love, obsession, and rebellion with a boldness that shocked in their time. Their heroines were fierce, their heroes brooding, and their tales simmered with passion and defiance. Each sister brought her own brand of unique brilliance to the page, and together they rewrote the rules of 19th century fiction, proving that the quietest corners can produce the loudest literary thunder.
6. charles dickens
Charles Dickens, the unrivaled chronicler of Victorian England, spun tales as lively as the bustling streets he brought to life. With gems like Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, and A Christmas Carol, he introduced readers to a parade of unforgettable characters—heroes, villains, and everything in between—each etched with his signature wit and charm. Dickens had a knack for turning social critique into irresistible storytelling, wrapping biting observations in humor, heart, and just the right amount of sentimentality. His novels, brimming with mischief and morality, remain a delightful reminder that even in the darkest corners, redemption and a good laugh can always be found.
7. george eliot
Writing under a pseudonym to outwit Victorian prejudices, Mary Ann Evans brought her sharp intellect and keen moral compass to stories that dissect ambition, love, and the messy intricacies of human nature. Simply put, this woman was a literary force who spun tales as rich in insight as they were in drama. Her characters, flawed yet deeply relatable, grapple with life’s grand dilemmas in ways that still feel strikingly modern. With her masterful prose and unflinching honesty, Eliot proved that great fiction isn’t just entertaining—it’s a window into the soul.
