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Classics you didn’t appreciate in school but will now
Enduring works of literature that get better as we have more life experiences.
Published on September 13, 2024
Les Miserables
Victor HugoHugo’s sweeping epic set in 19th century France has long been used as a powerful teaching tool when it comes to exploring themes of social justice, inequality, and the power of hope. Against a backdrop of massive social and political upheavals, former convict Jean Valjean seeks redemption while eluding the relentless Inspector Javert. Thanks to a 2012 film adaptation starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, “Les Misérables” has gained renewed popularity and remains a staple in both high school and college literature curriculums.
Walden
Henry David ThoreauPublished 170 years ago, Thoreau’s famous decision to leave civilized society behind for a life on his own in the woods has been analyzed by countless high school students. Immersing yourself in silence and solitude may not have appealed to you as a teenager, but what adult wouldn’t mind muting the neverending smart device notifications that plague us from sunrise to sunset? Now’s the perfect time to reimmerse yourself in the lessons Thoreau learned while surrounded by nothing but nature on Walden Pond, and explore how seclusion affords us a chance to develop a deeper appreciation of who we are and what we truly value.
The Bell Jar
Beverly BartonPlath’s novel eloquently captures the angst of being a teenager: that strange adolescent sense of suffocation, of wanting to climb out of your own skin, and the simultaneous terror at all the decisions and responsibilities about to be laid at your feet. The semi-autobiographical classic about an extraordinarily talented individual suffering from mental illness, self-harm, and struggles with identity is as dreadful as it is fascinating. It provides a critical view into how poorly women’s mental health was treated in the mid-20th century (and, arguably, still is today).
The Complete Poems of John Keats (with an Introduction by Robert Bridges)
John KeatsRenowned today as one of the most original thinkers of his era, Keats produced some of the finest poetry to come out of the Romantic Period. With universal lessons on resilience and creativity, Keats has inspired generation after generation, proving that art can transcend time and space. Both lesser-known poems and highlights like “Ode to a Nightingale” and “To Autumn” can be found in this complete volume, all filled with vivid imagery of nature, beauty, love, and longing.
Night: New translation by Marion Wiesel
Elie WieselLearn about the real-life horrors of the Holocaust with Wiesel’s chilling first person account of his experiences at Auschwitz. He paints a stark portrait of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of incomprehensible evil. His account of his family’s ordeal is outlined with unflinching honesty.
Animal Farm: A Fairy Story
George OrwellWhen the animals at Manor Farm revolt and overthrow their master, they decide to create a new society based on equality and honesty. But manipulation by those in power soon ruins the ideals the community was built upon. One of the greatest satires ever written, “Animal Farm” is a classic utopia-turned-dystopia story that highlights the dangers of blind allegiance to political leaders. Even if you read it in high school, this concise and timeless book is worth a reread.
Old Man and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway“The Old Man and the Sea” is the story of an old Cuban fisherman and his supreme ordeal: a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. Using the simple, powerful language of a fable, Hemingway takes the timeless themes of courage in the face of defeat and transforms them into a magnificent modern classic. This novella was Hemingway’s first and only win of the Pulitzer Prize for literature.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Betty SmithSmith’s classic coming-of-age story focuses on Francie Nolan, a young and voracious reader living in the slums of Williamsburg. The now-famous arboreal metaphor for socioeconomic diversity, generational differences, and personal development probably feels more poignant now than it did when we read this book as teens or young adults.
The Great Gatsby: The Only Authorized Edition
F. Scott FitzgeraldWhile its release was a flop in 1925, Fitzgerald’s masterwork is now regarded as a prime example of “The Great American Novel.” For anyone who’s comforted by a reread (or is still trying to figure out what the heck the green light symbolizes), take a trip back to the Roaring Twenties. Now, you can follow it with the 2013 film adaptation starring Toby McGuire and Leonardo DiCaprio — something most of us would have appreciated in high school.
A Good Man Is Hard To Find And Other Stories
Flannery O'ConnorWe know you were assigned at least one of O’Connor’s iconic short stories in school, if not several. Whether you revisit old favorites, like the titular “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and “Good Country People,” or you give something lesser-known a shot, you won’t regret it. O’Connor’s Southern Gothic tales are a hallmark of American literature that highlight spiritual journeys and human arrogance.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain“All right, then, I’ll go to hell,” young rascal Huckleberry Finn says as he decides to follow his heart and help Jim escape slavery once and for all. With universal themes of racism, identity, social responsibility, and adventure, Twain’s novel, which has made several appearances on banned book lists since its publication in 1885, continues to stoke critical and thought-provoking conversations.
Fahrenheit 451: A Novel
Ray BradburyGuy Montag is a fireman. But he doesn’t put fires out — he starts them. In Bradbury’s imagined future, books are illegal, and any citizen found in possession of such contraband has their homes and possessions consumed by flames. (A future where books are banned is our worst nightmare, but Bradbury’s themes are unfortunately still highly relevant.)
Brave New World
Aldous HuxleyIn an age where conversations about the dangers of technology, the corruption of power, and the loss of individuality are more common than ever, Huxley’s book from 1932 comes across as more of a warning than a novel. With how far technology has advanced, this read may feel more applicable today than when we were students. Terrifying and engrossing, The Wall Street Journal called it “one of the most prophetic dystopian works of the 20th century.”
Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Novel
Zora Neale HurstonThis powerful classic has earned a passionate following as well as intense reactions for its sexuality. Hurston, an anthropologist, beautifully illuminates dialect in a moving tale rooted in the people and histories of the South. If you didn’t read this one in school, you should now. (And if you did, reread it with fresh eyes and more life experience. We promise it makes a difference.)
Jane Eyre
Charlotte BronteIf you’re looking for enduring classics written by and about women, our recommendations start with “Jane Eyre.” Brontë and her titular character revolutionized modern literature with Jane’s indomitable first-person narrative about growing up (in the Gothic tradition).
Pride and Prejudice
Jane AustenA witty romp through Regency England, Austen referred to this novel as “her own darling child” and we can see why. It’s worth another read if you trudged through it in high school. Whether it’s due to Netflix’s adaptation of “Bridgerton” or your own maturing tastes, watching the strong-willed and vivacious Elizabeth Bennet spar with the aloof Mr. Darcy is more fun now than ever before.
The Crucible
Arthur MillerIn Miller’s 1953 play, hysteria engulfs the small town of Salem as rumors and accusations of witchcraft fly throughout the community. “The Crucible,” which is based on real events of the 17th-century Salem witch trials, also serves as a poignant allegory for McCarthyism in the United States (a connection you might not have recognized in your school days).
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
James JoyceJoin Stephen Dedalus as he navigates the complexities of religion, ethnicity, and nationalism as they attempt to stunt his personal and artistic growth. Part of the brilliance of Joyce’s work that often gets overlooked (especially by young students) is the textual and linguistic maturity that grows along with Stephen throughout the novel.
Mrs Dalloway
Virginia WoolfOn the outside, Clarissa Dalloway presents as the perfect upper-class society hostess. However, as she prepares for yet another party, she finds herself reminiscing on past times and what could have been. The story, which covers a single day, transitions between different characters’ points of views almost seamlessly, so if you’re a fan of stream of consciousness narration, this is the book for you.
Frankenstein
Mary ShelleyIn 1818, when Shelley set out to write the story of a scientist creating a monster from dead bodies, her goal was to construct something to “make the reader dread to look round, to curdle the blood, and quicken the beatings of the heart.” The result? One of the most famous horror stories of all time.
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel HawthorneIt’s a rare high schooler that graduates without having read this historical classic about young Hester Prynne, who is publicly ostracized for having a child out of wedlock. It may be dark, and the 19th-century language could be challenging (you might want to keep a dictionary handy), but the themes of misogyny, morality, guilt, and atonement hit home.
Wuthering Heights
Emily BronteThis twisted and dark love story of a family’s adopted son, published in 1847, is the only novel written by the middle Brontë sister. Set in the wild English moors, this story of redemption is made for readers who can appreciate unlikeable characters.
The Turn of the Screw
Henry JamesA new job as a governess, odd children, and an imposing estate haunted by the walking dead. No, this isn’t the plot of a new Netflix Original but rather James’ late 19th-century Gothic horror masterpiece. Dark and vivid imagery, a chilling atmosphere, and questions of sanity all make for a timeless classic that paved the way for the haunted house trope we know and love today.
Moby-Dick
Herman MelvilleOn board a whaling ship, outcast Ishmael chronicles the crew’s search for the great white whale. Their hunt is driven by the fervor of Captain Ahab, who lost his leg to the whale during a previous voyage. But Ahab’s obsessive pursuit could cost them all their lives. The length of this one may have frustrated you as a teen, but in adulthood you’ll likely appreciate the story’s parallels to the human condition.
A Tale of Two Cities
Charles DickensThis historical novel’s famous opening line (“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”) remains strikingly relatable, particularly for adult readers. Tensions run high as Dickens illustrates the dichotomy between the middle and upper classes in London and Paris during the French Revolution.
Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey ChaucerThough technically incomplete, Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” might be one of the most well-regarded and impactful works of English literature. Written in Middle English at the turn of the 15th century, you’ll find the language more accessible (and funnier) as an adult reader. Plus, it’s hard to overstate the influence Chaucer’s masterwork had back then, and how it continues to inspire contemporary artists. The first tale in the collection, “The Knight,” inspired the 2001 film “A Knight’s Tale” starring the late Heath Ledger (a movie you were probably thrilled to have as a reference in high school).
Beowulf: A New Translation
Maria Dahvana HeadleyIf the first word of the text — “Bro!” — doesn’t make it obvious, this is not the same old “Beowulf” you read in high school. But, it’s still an epic journey about bravely facing impossible odds. Headley first reimagined monster Grendel’s mother in her 2018 novel “The Mere Wife.” Now, she’s back with a thrilling retelling of the poem as a whole, giving modern context (and a feminist twist) to an age-old tale of male bravado.
Hamlet
William ShakespeareShakespeare’s iconic play has garnered groans from many a high schooler, often for its length alone (Shakespeare’s longest). But reading this tragic story of revenge and madness can be an affecting experience if you take your time to absorb the language and themes. Plus, there’s an upcoming film adaptation with a modern spin starring Riz Ahmed, so there’s no better time for a reread.
The Odyssey
HomerIn Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Odysseus leaves his wife Penelope for 20 years, going off to fight the Trojan War, grapple with monsters, and sleep with goddesses. He’s also the first hero in the modern Western canon, serving as inspiration for countless generations of heroes to come (many of whom you read about as a student).
Oedipus the King
SophoclesLots of us read the Greek tragedy “Oedipus the King,” also known as “Oedipus Rex,” in school, and it probably felt like a slog. But the theme of fate versus free will is more relevant for adults, who more often grapple with life-altering decisions. So give Oedipus’ tragic story another chance as he unknowingly fulfills a dreadful prophecy.
The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise
Dante AlighieriTake a tour through the nine circles of Hell with “The Divine Comedy,” Dante’s elaborate imagining about what happens to human souls in the afterlife. Heralded as one of the most influential works of literature, the Italian narrative poem helped usher in the Renaissance. A fair warning: As students quickly learn, it’s not a comedy in the laugh-out-loud sense.