If you’re anything like me, you probably want to read classics, but have no idea how to get started. Classics get a bad rap for being confusing and obsolete, but this title is undeserved. Many are incredibly well-written and relatable, even in the 21st century! There are countless reasons to read classics, though some might find it difficult to get started – try some of these tips to start reading some of the most well-renouned books in the world!
- Figure out what you like
- Start out short and easy
- Modern classics count, too!
- Not all classics are created equal
- My recommendations
Figure out what you like
If you find classics boring and difficult, then it might be because you’re not reading the right books. If you like reading sci-fi books normally, Pride and Prejudice might not be your thing, and that’s fine! Figure out what genres of books you like to read normally, then look for classics in those genres. Unless you already know what genres you enjoy, make a list of the books you’ve read and their genres to see what you liked the most. You can also use the StoryGraph to track the genres of books you read, which might help you spot patterns!
Start out short and easy
There’s no point in trying to tackle 500-page books from the 6th century when you’re just getting started out! You’ll just get disheartened when you end up not being able to finish it – feel free to prove me wrong though! Look for literature that is shorter and more recent, since this probably means that the language is easier to understand.
Modern classics count, too!
People tend to forget about modern classics when they want to start reading classics. They’ll just jump straight to Austen and Shakespeare, completely ignoring some of the brilliant work written in the 20th century. These types of books tend to be much easier to tackle than some others, as they’ve got less complex (but still ambitious!) vocabulary.
Not all classics are created equal
You’ll find that some classics, and you’ll just have to accept that. Don’t feel pressured to read something just because it’s well-regarded. Remember to read what you enjoy, not what you feel you have to read in order to “fit in”.
My recommendations
“Classic” classics
- Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
- The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Gilman
- Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift
- The Picture of Dorian Grey, Oscar Wilde
Modern classics
- Handmaid’s Tale, Margret Attwood
- The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath
- 1984, George Orwell
- Animal Farm, George Orwell
If you’re still finding it difficult to read classics, don’t worry – they’re pretty hard to get started with. You could find it helpful to have a consistent reading habit before starting to read classics, since this means you’ll already be reading regularly. If you have any questions, please contact me on Instagram or Tumblr 🙂
