For those of you who scoff at the idea of picking up Dostoyevsky or Tolstoy for a little light reading, who shy away from Kafka, Thomas Mann or even Dickens, Rebecca at Rebecca Reads tweeted a brilliant article about classics, why they are classics and why we should read them. I agree with everything the author says, including the fact that reading them forces us to learn about a time and culture in ways that we will never get from history books or site-seeing tours.
Once you read it, come back and let me know what you think about the author’s comments. Do you agree or disagree? Do you read classics? Why? What draws them to you?
Sarbear – I don't like The Grapes of Wrath. I've read it four times now at different stages in my life in an effort to try to figure out what the big deal is. I just can't stomach it. I have not read Their Eyes Were Watching God yet, although it's on my list!
I would also recommend Their Eyes Were Watching God… not so well known but AMAZING.
Michelle, have you read the Grapes of Wrath? That's one of my favorite classics.
3m.michelle – I've read more modern books this year than I have in a very long time, but I always have at least one classic I am reading at the same time.
Matt – I agree completely. It really bothers me that more people don't feel the same way.
I love classics as well. I've turned to recent titles lately, but next year I hope to read more of the oldies.
Classics have stood the test of time and changes and that they assert the basis of human principles and conditions that books nowadays simply don't address.
Lisa – I think that's the point. I feel that people assume that just because a book is considered a classic, you should automatically love it. However, as you pointed out with modern books, that's impossible. One person cannot love every classic, just like they are not going to love every modern book published.
I love the classics. Well, not all of them. But I then I don't like every modern book I read, either.
Sarbear – Crime and Punishment makes my Top Ten list of all time. As the author said, no one is going to love every single classic, but it's not whether you like them so much as what you learn from them.
Crime and Punishment was actually a really good one… some of the classics I just don't get into, but a good number of them, I do! You're right to say give them a chance.
Ladystorm – I tend to shy away from the older classics too, although I'm not adverse to them. They just never seem to rise to the top of my TBR pile!
I love classics, but I admit I have never read..that old of classics..lol. My classics are like Austen and Dickens, but I am not opposed to later works. I like educating myself with fine literature. 🙂
Ronnica – I love the junk too. Sometimes it is nice to balance out the two different types of books. But I agree that you can learn SO much from them. They usually put me through the emotional and mental wringer, which I always interpret as a good thing.
Book Bird Dog – Don't be afraid of the classics!! You can learn so much about history, about life, and about yourself. I definitely think you should tackle another one. Let me know if you do and which one you choose!
Rebecca- Since you forwarded it on Twitter, I feel like you should still get the credit!
I LOVE classics. Sometimes they take forever to read, but there's so much to get out of them! Plus, I think sometimes they're more entertaining than the junk that is so popular today.
Good idea. I've been trying to get away from the classics ever since I left school many moons ago. I agree it may be time to pick one up again.
I can't take credit. I saw it on Shelf Love who saw it on Pages Turned. Apparently we all love the same things!!