Classics: Recommendations and pretty covers...

My opinion Towards classics is that they are a very important part of a bookshelf. We may not all understand classics and need dictionaries to read them, some of them may bore us to bits and some of them my be entirely overrated. Very convincing I know. There are however, some absolute gems out there that will teach you something new. As in new to you or in a new light. In the age of YA books that tend to be more about love interest (don't get me wrong I do love YA), Classics tend to deal with some different morals and concepts.

I haven't read that many classics in the time that I have been reading. This bothers me. Classics are the basis of Modern day literature and are sometimes rewritten in another genre. How is it that many people have watched "Pride and Prejudice" over and over, but never read the book?! I think people should learn to appreciate the roots of their favourite literature and read a book rather than watch a badly casted film. Who cares if you have already seen it. "I know what happens already" says a disagreeable twit. If you loved the film than chances are you will love the book. A book will have surprises in it, because the movie is always  different. Worst comes to worse you could always read a different book by the same author.

What if I don't like it? Is it wrong to dislike a book? certainly not! Everybody has their own opinion, so don't be afraid to say what you think. There is no right or wrong opinion. The other day at work I got a death stare from a girl because I said that "Wuthering Heights" was overated. This was coming from me who read the book. This girl hadn't even read it. She hadn't read anything by Charlotte Bronte or Jane Austen either, but she had read "Twilight". In the words of Mark Twain:

‘Classic.’ A book which people praise and don’t read.

If you like a classic on your own terms than great for you, but I hate seeing someone skiting about a novel that they saw a reference to in a YA book that they never bothered to read themselves. Now Enough of the ranting and onto the recommendations. I saw this quote on THE BOOK REVIEWER's page.

I RECOMMEND:

'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald

- An ineresting Tale about the Scandalous lives of people during the roaring Jazz age. How can you not love a book that has adorable names like 'Daisy' and 'Myrtle'.

'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde

-A young man decides to become immortal at any cost. 

'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte

-A both gothic and romantic story about an orphaned girl who is mistreated by her cruel aunt and cousin who goes on to become a governess. The woman is despised because she lacks beauty and thinks her self incapable of being loved.

'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen

-Two Sisters are at the right age to find suitors and come across era specific man-troubles.

'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

-The ultimate combination of Love and Hate. Two witty characters fall in love.

CLASSICS THAT I DIDN"T LIKE:

And I'm not afraid to say so...

-'Mrs Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf

-'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens

CLASSICS THAT WERE JUST OKAY:

-'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte

-Mansfield Park' by Jane Austen

CLASSICS ON MY  TBR PILE:

-ALice in Wonderland

-The Scarlett Letter

-Shirley by Charlotte Bronte

-Sherlock Holmes

-Little Women

-Breakfast At Tiffany's

-Revolutionary Road

AUTHORS ON MY TBR PILE:

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

-Jane Austen

-Anne Bronte

-Charlotte Bronte

-Elizabeth Gaskell

Enough about me.... Another thing that's really cool about classics is the awesome new covers that are popping up from all over the place.

PENGUIN POCKET CLASSICS:

Are great because they save space in your book shelf and Hand bag. They probably won't fit in your pocket though. The covers are quirky and beautiful.

PENGUIN MODERN CLASSICS:

These ones have the large letters on them and have an artwork or photo behind.

PENGUIN CLASSICS:

VINTAGE CLASSICS:

The Vintage Publishing label also has a wide variety of new books(not just the classics) published with pretty covers.

ONEWORLD CLASSICS:

Most books are accompanied by a cover that consists of fuzzy photos.

WORDSWORTH CLASSICS:

These covers are decorated with illustrations that are to-die for.

HARPER COLLINS YA CLASSICS:

With pretty flowers!

I hope that this post was both instuctive and helpful to all of you readers who are unsure about buying/reading classics.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

P.S 

Did you know that Abridged means that a book has been edited so that all content is censored and simplified, making it easier for younger or struggling readers? If you want to read the original unchanged version of a classic story check that the book cover or description says "Unabridged". Books by Penguin, Vintage and Wordsworth tend to be unabridged. Books by other labels (especially released under a Young Adult imprint) are more likely to be Abridged.