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We have read tons of classics for both school or fun. While some have been extremely boring and others were surprisingly entertaining. This list is based on what we have personally read and is in no particular order. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we will earn a small commission from your purchase using this link. Help support us with your purchase!Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a wonderful story about a girl, Alice, who finds herself in a world that defies all logic and reason. She meets all sorts of characters that help her along her journey and we also get to learn about them as well. This wonderland is filled with magical creatures and daring adventures at every turn!
This book is worth the read because it is a unique, timeless story. It is not surprising that Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was enjoyable to read because most people already know the story. This book allows the reader to revert back to a childlike state of mind through it’s charming characters and whimsical world!
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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)
Jane Eyre is commonly viewed as simply a romance novel, however, it is so much more than that. Jane is finding her way in the world after suffering from a traumatic childhood. She soon finds a job as a nanny for a young girl whose family has a dark and secretive past that Jane will ultimately get tied up in.
This book is definitely worth reading. It is beautifully written and gives us a glimpse of the past as to what women had to go through. Jane Eyre is hard to put down due to its constant plot twists that are so unexpected, they almost make you forget which direction the book is even going.
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Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickson (1859)
If you loved Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, you will adore this book. Tale of Two Cities is the story based during the complicated times before the French Revolution. In this compelling story, we learn about several characters in both London and Paris and how their stories intertwine and impact the start of the French Revolution.
Tale of Two Cities is worth reading because it is a beautiful story of love, hope, and, of course, freedom. This book is one of the best classics we’ve ever read and it was easier to read than expected.
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, he gives us a gorgeous depiction of New York City during the roaring 20’s. The story is told from Nick’s point of view, a young man who moved next door to the millionaire, Gatsby. Nick befriends Gatsby along with several other characters in the story. We see their elaborate parties and expensive outings, but we also see their broken relationships and toxic habits. The further into the book you go the more tragic the story becomes.
The Great Gatsby is worth the read because it is a fantastical novel that showcases a tragic love story. Since it is based in 1922, we see the exaggerated depiction of New York City and the lives of people who live there. Reading about these people allows us to see the truth behind the extravagance and learn how people may have realistically lived.
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
To Kill a Mockingbird is the story of Atticus, a lawyer form Alabama, who is asked to help defend an innocent black man after he is accused of assaulting a young white woman in the 1930’s. Atticus has to choose between what he knows is right and what is safest for his family and face the consequences.
To Kill a Mockingbird is worth reading because it deals with deep and sensitive topics eloquently and to the point. You can read the book and not feel attacked or forced into an opinion, but rather feel educated on historical context that is important and relevant to this day.
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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937)
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is all about two friends who work as traveling ranchers during the Dust Bowl. George is the brains of the pair while Lennie is the heart. These two have a dream to own their own ranch and are able to work hard to reach their goal. Things take a rough turn when a rumor spreads about Lennie and things start to get out of hand.
Of Mice and Men is worth reading because it discusses things like mental illnesses and disabilities. The main topic of the book is all about humanity which is deep by itself and when all of the other topics are added, it results in an emotional roller coaster.
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin (1813)
The Bennett’s are a family in England in the 19th century. Miss Bennet wants to marry off all of her daughters into wealthy families in order to secure their Bennet family fortune. Elizabeth, one of the five Bennet daughters, is the main character of the story. As she meets her suitors, her love story begins to unfold and she begins to question her feelings.
Pride and Prejudice is totally worth reading because it is not just a love story. Elizabeth is different from the usual characters in these types of books. She is opinionated, stubborn, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She is fresh and modern compared to her time and creates plenty of opportunities for a historical romance.
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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
In Little Women, we see the story of four sisters and their journey through life. Although it may be more simple compared to some of the other books on this list, it is just as impactful. We see the highs and lows of middle class life through the eyes of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They all have different dreams and passions that will take them down separate paths of life, but they always come back to each other.
As one of our favorites on this list, Little Women is worth the read because of its simplicity. It is the story of four sisters and their journey from childhood into adulthood. It shows that in life, we all have our own desires and passions that drive us to want different things, but we can still rely on our friendship with our siblings to help each other through hard times.
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The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937)
The Hobbit is the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit homebody, who is asked out of the blue to go one a quest with a band of dwarfs and a wizard. Bilbo decides to go on the quest in hopes of finding an adventure. He leaves his safe home to venture out into the dangerous unknown and finds himself wrapped up in the experience of a lifetime.
J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is worth the read because it is an iconic novel. The Hobbit is what paved the way for modern day fantasy writers and has influenced and inspired thousands of people to seek adventure in their lives. This book has exciting action sequences as well as logical puzzles for both the protagonists and the readers to solve which makes it all the more entertaining!
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1984 by George Orwell (1949)
1984 was one of the first popular dystopian books ever written. Based in London during the year 1984, their government called “The Party” has control over people's thoughts and feelings. The main character, Winston, works for the ministry of truth. Winston writes in his journal when the telescreens are not watching in order to remember his true feelings and thoughts. When he begins to fall for Julia, a coworker, his whole life spirals out of control.
The reason 1984 is worth reading is because it teaches us the importance of the truth. As humans, it is important to express our feelings and our opinions to make the world a better and more diverse place. 1984 also shows us a possible result of overbearing governments as well as invasion of privacy.
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