Classics I Have’t Read

In this world there are things that had such an impact on our culture that it’s hard to let them pass by without notice. And the wonderful world of books has a strong foundation of classics that changed the way people enjoyed literary works. As a lover of literature it’s hard to just ignore those milestone works of art. Shamefully, even though I am aware of these classics, I just haven’t quite made my way through all of them. With so many books coming out each year it’s hard to keep up. Plus, traditional writing styles aren’t my favorite. Some stories I am willing to work through it for, but not all of them. Some just aren’t page turners for me, because not every book is for everyone.

This list is just a few of the classics I’ve passed on, some I want to read, I just haven’t found the right reading mood and others I just haven’t ever felt compelled to read. But I could be wrong. Let me know which classics you haven’t read and which ones you think are MUST reads.

DISCLOSURE: Links used are affiliate links.*

1. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

This great American adventure just hasn’t ever appealed to me enough to pick it up. And I’m not sure why. I’m fascinated by what life was like when people didn’t really just pick up and leave where they were, when it was harder to keep in constant contact with those you know and love. I can’t imagine writing letters and waiting days for a response. Can you? What it would feel like to go out into the unknown with a map and some friends. I’m hoping to read this one by the end of this year and one day road-trip across the country. Who knows which will actually happen first.

2. Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

This was on a reading list in eighth grade. However, the list was about 25 books long and we could choose 5 we wanted to read for the year. Clearly I didn’t pick this one. If my eighth grade self is being honest, it’s that the cover didn’t intrigue me. I know it’s ludicrous but I was thirteen, what more do you expect?! I know that my eighth grade self would have identified with Holden, I don’t think it’s too late to get something from this novel, I just have to read it first. Don’t be surprised if you see this on a future TBR.

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I attempted to start Jane Eyre once. And between the language and writing style I got so bored I zoned out for about 20 pages. Once I’d realized I’d missed a ton I told myself I’d go back and start over anther day. That was 2005. It’s probably safe to say I won’t ever get through this one. I’m pretty sure the recommendation for this came from the Princess Diaries Series. If I’m remembering this correctly, Mia’s grandmother told her to read it as solution to boy trouble. Don’t quote me on that fact. My point is, no one, except Clariesse Renaldo and the internet, has recommended this to me. So I think I’ll be okay never being able to review/reference this one.

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Nothing against the Bronte sisters, I promise. Possibly their writing styles, but can’t say that for sure since I haven’t actually read their works. Maybe I should, just for the sake of comparing their styles? (Can you guys let me know which Bronte sister you like better and why in the comments.) What I do know about this book is that the characters are deplorable. This peaks my interest but the idea of the overly flowery language holds me back. I think this is one I’ll attempt at some point. I might even already own it, so that’s a step towards reading it!

5. The Odyssey by Homer

This is one of those classics I’ve pretended that I read. It was easy because there’s so many summaries, movies, retellings, etc. of this that I didn’t really need to read the original. In fact in my college Greek mythology class the professor just spent class telling us the stories(he was so animated and used modern language, IT WAS AWESOME). I was able to fake it trough papers and exams with details obtained from anywhere but the epic itself.  I can lie and say maybe one day I’ll come back to this, but probably not. I don’t feel as though I’m missing out on one of the most compelling stories in history.

6. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

I WANT TO READ THIS! I just haven’t ever managed to crack it open. This is the epitome of my reading failures. There’s a bookmark in this book, waiting to be moved farther through the pages. And I have let it down. I purchased it for a class that I ended up dropping and have only picked it up to move it from one residence to another since. I do feel my reading of this is in the near future because Universals’s Dark Universe series is likely going to make a Jekyll and Hyde film and I’d like to have this under my belt before I watch it.

7. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Again, this story has so many other versions in existence, I haven’t needed to dive into the original. I don’t get thrilled to watch this when it comes on every channel at Christmas so I probably won’t end up reading it. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future can haunt someone else’s nightstand.

8. Works of Jane Austen

I have read Mansfield Park. But more so because I watched the movie and had questions. I wanted to be one hundred percent sure (SPOILER) Fanny and Edmund were first cousins and I wasn’t misunderstanding the old English. I wasn’t, they’re totally firsts cousins. The story was nice, but I found it hard to really get into, and fear her other works might be the same. I do want to read Pride and Prejudice, I just don’t want to commit to it yet because I know it’s lengthy and I already have about 37 books ahead of it on my TBR list. Maybe I’ll set a goal for myself to read 1 classic each month in the middle of my other TBRs for that month.

How have you guys worked the classics into your reading regime with all the new books? Share your secrets in the comments my friends. Have a good weekend!

*The links in the blog are affiliate links, which means I will receive commission should you make a purchase through those links. If you don’t want to use those links, I’ve listed non affiliate links below. This post was not sponsored and all opinions on these products are my own.
On the Road
Catcher in the Rye
Jane Eyre
Wuthering Heights
The Odyssey
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Christmas Carol
Jane Austen