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34 Classic Books You Just Can’t Put Down Once You Begin
We all know there are so many great classics out there that need to be read. But sometimes finding a good classic that pulls you into the story can be challenging. That’s why I decided to put together this list of classics that are worth your time. Some classics you might not have read it, or maybe you have. Either way, this list includes books that feature incredible characters who will stay with you forever.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Set in the 1930s, young Scout Finch lives in a small Southern town where her father, Atticus, is a lawyer defending a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. As Scout and her brother, Jem, witness the trial and its aftermath, they learn about the harsh realities of racism and injustice. This powerful story explores themes of moral growth, empathy, and standing up for what is right.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Orphaned and mistreated, Jane Eyre grows up to become a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the brooding Mr. Rochester. Their developing romance is challenged by dark secrets and personal trials. Jane’s journey of self-discovery and her fight for independence and equality make this novel a compelling story of love, morality, and social class.
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Lord of the Flies by William Golding
A group of boys is stranded on a deserted island and tries to govern themselves. Their initial attempts at order quickly descend into chaos and savagery. This intense story explores the dark side of human nature and the thin veneer of civilization. It’s a gripping and disturbing novel that will leave a lasting impression.
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The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit, is swept into an unexpected adventure with a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. Together, they journey to reclaim a mountain treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo discovers bravery and cunning he never knew he had.
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Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In a future where books are banned, fireman Guy Montag burns any that are found. However, he begins to question this anti-book stance and seeks enlightenment, leading him into conflict with society. Montag’s dangerous journey to preserve knowledge and freedom makes this a compelling and thought-provoking classic to read.
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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
We follow Huck Finn as he escapes his abusive father and travels down the Mississippi River with Jim, a runaway slave. Their journey is filled with adventures, challenges, and moral dilemmas, highlighting the injustices of slavery and racism.
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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
On the wild Yorkshire moors, the intense and doomed love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw leads to a tale of passion, revenge, and heartbreak. This dark romance explores the destructive power of love and the impact of vengeance.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Joad family is displaced from their Oklahoma farm during the Dust Bowl and travels to California in search of a better life. They face exploitation and hardship but show resilience and solidarity. This powerful story highlights themes of struggle and social injustice, making it an unputdownable read.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
We follow Jonathan Harker as he visits Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania and soon realizes he is a prisoner. As Dracula moves to England to spread his curse, a group of friends led by Professor Van Helsing works to stop him. This thrilling and spooky novel of horror and heroism is a classic for a reason.
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Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Raskolnikov is a poor ex-student who commits a murder believing he can use the money for good. As he deals with guilt and paranoia, he faces the moral consequences of his actions. This deep psychological story of crime and redemption will have you engrossed for hours.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
During the Great Depression, George and Lennie, two displaced ranch workers, dream of owning their own land. Lennie, who is mentally disabled, inadvertently causes trouble, leading to tragic consequences. Of Mice and Men is one of my favorite classics that explores the themes of friendship, dreams, and harsh reality.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
In Puritan Boston, Hester Prynne is shunned for bearing an illegitimate child and must wear a scarlet “A” as a symbol of her sin. This powerful story explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, showing the harshness of a morally rigid society.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Victor Frankenstein brings a creature to life from dead matter, but it causes only suffering. The story delves into the dangers of playing God and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, emphasizing isolation and responsibility.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Pip is an orphan who receives a large fortune from an unknown benefactor and moves to London to become a gentleman. He learns about wealth, love, and personal growth, discovering that true worth comes from character rather than social status.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Dorian Gray stays youthful and beautiful while his portrait ages, reflecting his moral corruption. As he lives a life of decadence and crime, the portrait reveals the true cost of his actions. This gothic novel about vanity and conscience is both captivating and chilling.
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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
This novel intertwines the lives of Anna Karenina, who has an affair that scandalizes Russian society, and Konstantin Levin, who seeks meaning in his life through love and farming. It’s a gorgeous novel that explores themes of passion, faith, and societal constraints, making it an unforgettable read.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Set during World War II, this satirical novel follows Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier who tries to maintain his sanity amidst the absurdity of war. The term “Catch-22” refers to the no-win situations he faces, making this a darkly humorous and compelling story.
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One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
This epic novel follows the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. This magical realism story blends history and politics, exploring themes of fate, love, and the cyclical nature of history.
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Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
Emma Bovary is dissatisfied with her provincial life and marriage, and looking for passion and excitement through affairs and extravagant spending. Her unrealistic desires lead to her downfall, making this novel a critique of romantic idealism and bourgeois society.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
This is the story of Billy Pilgrim, an optometrist who becomes unstuck in time and experiences moments from his life out of order, including his time as a prisoner of war during the bombing of Dresden. This novel beautifully blends sci-fi elements with anti-war commentary
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The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
This epic classic fantasy trilogy follows Frodo Baggins and his friends on a quest to destroy the One Ring, which holds the power to rule the world. Along the way, they face immense dangers and discover the strength of friendship and courage.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Meet Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative orphan mistakenly sent to live with the Cuthberts in Avonlea. Despite the mix-up, Anne wins their hearts and those of the townspeople with her vibrant personality. Follow the charismatic Anne’s adventures as she grows up, exploring the themes of friendship, belonging, and imagination.
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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Mary Lennox, a sour and neglected orphan, is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a vast, gloomy mansion. She discovers a hidden garden and, with the help of her new friends, brings it back to life. As the garden flourishes, so do Mary and her friends, transforming from unhappy children into healthy and joyful ones. This story is a beautiful tale of healing and the magic of nature.
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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Rebecca is a captivating Gothic novel where a young woman marries a wealthy widower, only to find his mansion haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. As she unravels Rebecca’s secrets, the mystery and suspense build up, making it a gripping page-turner. The haunting atmosphere and unexpected twists keep you hooked.
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A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
A Room with a View tells the story of Lucy Honeychurch, whose life changes during a trip to Florence. Meeting unconventional characters, especially the passionate George Emerson, makes Lucy question her rigid, middle-class upbringing. The novel beautifully contrasts the vibrancy of Italy with the stiffness of Edwardian England.
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
In The Age of Innocence, Newland Archer is caught between duty and desire in Old New York society. Engaged to the sweet but naive May Welland, his life changes dramatically with the arrival of the free-spirited Countess Ellen Olenska. The intense emotional conflicts and rich depiction of societal pressures make this classic novel absorbing.
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The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
In The Enchanted April, four women from different backgrounds come together in a medieval Italian castle. This book combines humor, charm, and the transformative power of a beautiful setting. It shows how a change of scenery and companionship can bring joy and renewal to everyone’s life.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Gone with the Wind follows Scarlett O’Hara through the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Her fiery spirit and determination to survive and thrive in a changing South make this a compelling read.
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Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Gulliver’s Travels is a fantastical journey through strange lands like Lilliput and Brobdingnag. Lemuel Gulliver’s adventures explore sharp satire and social commentary, making it absolutely unputdownable. It mixes adventure with clever critiques of human nature and society, keeping the story both entertaining and insightful.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Their Eyes Were Watching God follows Janie Mae Crawford’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the early 20th century. Her reflections on love and independence make this classic novel deeply moving. The rich, lyrical prose and emotional depth will resonate with you deeply.
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My Antonia by Willa Cather
My Antonia tells the story of Jim Burden and his lifelong friendship with Antonia Shimerda in the American Midwest. This novel vividly depicts pioneer life and the enduring bonds between characters. The nostalgic and heartfelt storytelling beautifully captures the strength of the human spirit and the power of memory.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Color Purple tells Celie’s journey from oppression to empowerment in the early 20th century South. Through letters, Celie narrates her struggles and growth, forming deep connections with other women. One of the best classics that shows the resilience and strength of women overcoming immense adversity.
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North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
In North and South, Margaret Hale moves from rural southern England to the industrial North, facing cultural clashes and class struggles. Its rich social commentary and romantic tension make it a perfect unputdownable classic
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This timeless tale begins with a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert, who meets a young prince from another planet. The prince shares stories of his travels to different worlds, each inhabited by a quirky adult who represents various human flaws and characteristics.
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Stephy George
