Top Ten Favorite Classics in Literature
I must admit, I had a hard time
coming up with this list. I discovered that I haven’t read a lot of classics
aimed at adults. I’ve tried reading some, but just couldn’t seem to get into
the story. Perhaps it’s due to my lack of patience. I do tend lose interest relatively quickly.
However,
I’ve read a bunch of children’s classics, and thus placed them on the list
accordingly. Without further adieu, here’s my Top Ten Favorites in Classic
Literature.
Centennial by James A. Michener
This
heavy book centers around the making of a town called, aptly, Centennial. With
a keen interest in westerns, I had to include this one. The first section didn’t
get my attention until the story progressed to the year 1795. A man called
Pasquinel, a Scotsman named McKeag and an Indian lady, Clay Basket scratch out
a living. Later, a wagon train comes through with Levi Zent. When Levi loses
his wife and their baby, I nearly put the book down for good, but sighed and
picked it up again. Next part of the story centers around a cattle drive. That’s
my favorite part.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
I
love this children’s classic about true friendship. Fern stood up for Wilbur,
even before he knew she existed. Then Charlotte stood up for him, and used
creative methods to save him. Templeton the Rat really cracked me up. He had
such wit. The story teaches us about loss, grief, and moving on. I think we can
all relate to losing somebody we love, and I believe everyone should have at
least one friend like Charlotte. Call me a romantic sap, but I think the world
would be a much better place if we were all willing to make such sacrifices for
others.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
I
read this as a child and really enjoyed it. I thought Heidi had a lot of spunk
and rooted for her to be reunited with her Grandfather the moment her Auntie
took her away. I must say, though, that I felt for Clara, and was glad when she
learned to walk. She’d have probably never done so without the encouragement of
Heidi, so some good did come of the situation. I for one would prefer the green
rolling hills of the Swiss Alps with farm animals and lots of fresh air, as
opposed to the stuffy big city. I guess that’s the country girl in me.
The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura
Ingalls Wilder
This
is a series of books that accurately depicts pioneer life, chronicling the life
of Laura Ingalls and her family. In these books she describes the joys and
hardships of growing up on the American frontier. Her family faces crop
failures, hard winters, and the tragic loss of her sister Mary’s sight. But
they also find contentment in working together during the hard times and
realized the dream of Mary going off to college. And in no difficulty did their
faith ever waiver. I’ve always found that extremely inspiring. It’s no wonder I
can’t count the number of times I’ve read these books, but then again, I do
have a passion for stories set in 1800’s America.
Little Women by Louisa May
Alcott
I
love this classic dealing with the March sisters. I never had sisters so
naturally, I latch on to any story that encompasses a plethora of female
siblings. I loved everything about them, from their names to what they became
in life. When I read this as a kid, I thought Jo was crazy for turning down
Teddy’s proposal, but as I got older I saw the wisdom in it. Even though Jo and
I are/were both writers, I think the gentle and tender Beth is who I relate to
the most. Meg and Amy found their happiness which made for a satisfying ending.
Of Mice and Men by John
Steinbeck
This
is a classic I read in one sitting. It’s a well written story about friends,
and sticking together in the midst of real tribulation. It deals with two hard
working men in the Great Depression, when hard manual labor meant something. The
mentally handicapped Lenny loved things that were soft but didn’t know his own
strength. George was the epitome of a faithful friend. Often times, Lenny got
them into a mess of trouble, unintentionally of course, due to his lack of
understanding. In spite of all this, George truly cared for Lenny, and would do
anything to protect him. The ending was sad, but I think that brings realism to
the story.
Romeo and Juliet by William
Shakespeare
A
classic love story, filled with drama and passion. I liked Mercutio, I consider
him a loyal friend to Romeo. Every time I see the movie, I can’t help but
imagine scenario’s that might have saved the ill-fated couple. I think if any one
little thing could have gone in their favor, they might still be alive. But
there rests the crux of the issue, had they not died, would their parents ever
have buried the proverbial hatchet? In spite of the tragic ending, I’m still a
romance writer and had to include some romance somewhere on the list.
Thumbelina by Hans
Christian Andersen
This
is such a cute fairy tale, yes, another by Hans Christian Andersen. I admire
Thumbelina’s lust for adventure. Although, I’m of a quiet nature, I long to see
the world, experience new things and live life to the fullest. One character
that helped her along the way was a butterfly, and we all know how partial I am
to those creatures. Let’s not forget that Thumbelina found romance in the end,
after she had matured dramatically. It doesn’t get much better than that, at
least for most romance novelists.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This
one is my favorite classic for several reasons. Not only is it set in American
history, but it deals with issues near and dear to my heart. Fighting racial
discrimination and standing up for justice, even if it means standing alone or
facing danger. Scout has to be one of the spunkiest and wisest kids I’ve ever
read about. Jem, Scout’s older brother, did a good job of protecting his little
sister and Dill had a sense of adventure I can relate to. I admire and respect
the character of Atticus Finch. His integrity and devotion to justice inspire
me. This is a masterpiece worthy of reading over and again. To this day I cry
when I read it.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
This
is an honest and gritty coming of age tale that kept me turning pages. Billy
Coleman’s biggest dream was to acquire dogs of his own. His tenaciously worked
hard for the money to get Old Dan and Little Ann, and took great care of them.
Admirable qualities in my opinion. The animal lover in me sobbed at the ending,
but I still loved the book.
Okay,
that’s it, but I’m reading Sense and Sensibility now, so that could change with
time. Feel free to comment below and tell me about your favorite classic in
literature.
