There are literally hundreds of books that can be considered classic – and throughout the never ending course of my educational career, I've read a lot of them. I have not, however, enjoyed all of them, and of course I would never recommend a book I didn't enjoy! That being said, here are 8 classic books I do think everyone should read – not necessarily because they're classic but just because they're good!
1. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
Price: $11.80 at amazon.com
I was actually loathe to read Jane Austen for the first time. I thought her books were going to be stuffy and proper and not at all interesting. I was terribly wrong, and especially wrong about this novel, which is still an anthem for women, and was certainly hugely important when it was written.
2. Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert
Price: $9.60 at amazon.com
I couldn't decide whether I wanted to include this one or Anna Karenina, but I finally decided on Madame Bovary – with the addendum that you should feel free to read Anna Karenina as well. This book is about longing and loss, but from a French standpoint, which provides a richness in the tone and the language.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
Price: $11.55 at amazon.com
This is often considered a young adult book, but I still love it. The story of Scout and Boo Radley is timeless – and I have to say that the movie is really great as well. Gregory Peck is just smoldering in the film. What matters more is that, on the written page, the characters are vibrantly alive.
