I think A Little Life is slowly becoming a classic in front of our eyes. While I’m not sure it will be seen as a “classic” for a long time I think The Hunger Games series will be recognised for decades to come as a great collection.
I have my own personal classics that may not ever become clothbound or have limited edition covers, but I will still treasure them dearly.
Omg one thank you! You are so kind. And two I agree for both a little life and hunger games. It undoubtedly shaped our generation, but I’m not sure it will become a classic
Old classics provide future generations with valuable history, and nuggets of important wisdom. I just bought a series of children’s classical books for a five year old I tutor. I am very close to her family like a godmother. I enjoy reading these to her each night!
Thank you, it does so much! I feel a continued connection to my mother through these old classics we read together when I was a child. Thank you Isabel so much for sharing this inspiring post!
I have thought the same thing. What is your favorite classic book? I’ve read a few, but want to read more. I have also been wanting to read A Little Life, but I know it’s gonna be an emotional read so I’ve been putting it off
Thanks! A Little Life is rough not going to lie. Perhaps take a break in the middle to read something more light hearted! As for classics, I haven’t read nearly enough!! I enjoyed a tale of two cities and Alice in wonderland. I’m thinking I’ll love the great gatsby, little women, and pride and prejudice 🤞
Thoughtful post, and I'm still processing what makes a book a classic for me. It has something to do with the emotional reaction/connection it creates for me. Have fun with the new pup!
Hi Isabel, I believe that like so many other things, what makes a novel a Classic means different things to different people. To me though, there are some works though that are almost undeniably Classics, worthy of a classification that should be sparingly awarded. As you mentioned, one key measure is the longevity of its popularity, some lasting centuries, some many decades. Another factor I think, is the overall timeless message it conveys, a theme that rings loud and clear to the readers. A universal message that touches a vast multitude of people, of all persuasions and all social standings. Stories that readers recognize to be the way life should be, but not necessarily the way life is. My own personal favorite classics are written by authors like Steinbeck, Faulkner, Fitzgerald and London...and more of course but I am an older man whose opinions and likes undoubtedly differ with others. Thanks for posting this and I hope you find success in discovering and reading more works that meet your personal criteria for being a Classic. - Jim
Hi! Thanks so much for this! I completely agree with the timelessness and universal theme. I think everyone has a slightly different perspective and take, so I appreciate you sharing yours!
The Great Gatsby, which I first read in high school, and then in university, and then years later, is one of my favourite literary classics. Every time I read it, I find out more within its pages. I also find out more about myself.
This makes it a classic.
It is also, without a doubt, a timeless piece of American literature, chiefly because its truths remain as true and accessible today as they were when first published in 1925. I sense that you will love the book.
I think A Little Life is slowly becoming a classic in front of our eyes. While I’m not sure it will be seen as a “classic” for a long time I think The Hunger Games series will be recognised for decades to come as a great collection.
I have my own personal classics that may not ever become clothbound or have limited edition covers, but I will still treasure them dearly.
Also, just subscribed from this Substack alone - you had me immediately!
Omg one thank you! You are so kind. And two I agree for both a little life and hunger games. It undoubtedly shaped our generation, but I’m not sure it will become a classic
Old classics provide future generations with valuable history, and nuggets of important wisdom. I just bought a series of children’s classical books for a five year old I tutor. I am very close to her family like a godmother. I enjoy reading these to her each night!
I love that so much! Reading is so special and helps form amazing bonds.
Thank you, it does so much! I feel a continued connection to my mother through these old classics we read together when I was a child. Thank you Isabel so much for sharing this inspiring post!
Some of mine are:
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Thanks! I read Huckleberry Finn in high school and remember enjoying it. Treasure Island is on my list 🤞
I have thought the same thing. What is your favorite classic book? I’ve read a few, but want to read more. I have also been wanting to read A Little Life, but I know it’s gonna be an emotional read so I’ve been putting it off
Thanks! A Little Life is rough not going to lie. Perhaps take a break in the middle to read something more light hearted! As for classics, I haven’t read nearly enough!! I enjoyed a tale of two cities and Alice in wonderland. I’m thinking I’ll love the great gatsby, little women, and pride and prejudice 🤞
That’s a good idea!
I have only seen Tale of Two Cities in movie form, but I liked it so I’ll have to read the book sometime.
Thoughtful post, and I'm still processing what makes a book a classic for me. It has something to do with the emotional reaction/connection it creates for me. Have fun with the new pup!
Thank you! And I definitely agree.
A classic? LOTR of course.
I have to disagree with The Hunger Games though.
When it was first described to me I was like “oh it’s Battle Royale then.”
Battle Royale. Now that’s a classic film. I recommend it.
Yes that one is definitely a classic! I’m not 100% certain on anything on my list - just brainstorming :)
I imagine you have a white board of brainstorming chaos 😂.
Hi Isabel, I believe that like so many other things, what makes a novel a Classic means different things to different people. To me though, there are some works though that are almost undeniably Classics, worthy of a classification that should be sparingly awarded. As you mentioned, one key measure is the longevity of its popularity, some lasting centuries, some many decades. Another factor I think, is the overall timeless message it conveys, a theme that rings loud and clear to the readers. A universal message that touches a vast multitude of people, of all persuasions and all social standings. Stories that readers recognize to be the way life should be, but not necessarily the way life is. My own personal favorite classics are written by authors like Steinbeck, Faulkner, Fitzgerald and London...and more of course but I am an older man whose opinions and likes undoubtedly differ with others. Thanks for posting this and I hope you find success in discovering and reading more works that meet your personal criteria for being a Classic. - Jim
Hi! Thanks so much for this! I completely agree with the timelessness and universal theme. I think everyone has a slightly different perspective and take, so I appreciate you sharing yours!
I want to add, Good luck with your puppy. Awfully cute. :).
I love your insights! I am hoping to read it soon, and everything you said has made me so excited. And thank you! He’s been so good so far.
The Great Gatsby, which I first read in high school, and then in university, and then years later, is one of my favourite literary classics. Every time I read it, I find out more within its pages. I also find out more about myself.
This makes it a classic.
It is also, without a doubt, a timeless piece of American literature, chiefly because its truths remain as true and accessible today as they were when first published in 1925. I sense that you will love the book.
I’d love to knock out little women but I keep putting it off since my copy is huge haha! But i completely agree regarding your school thoughts