Five Classics That All Teens Should Read
To many teenagers, classic books are boring and horrendously overanalyzed in English class. We tend to underappreciate these amazing works of literature; consequently, our desire to read them diminishes. However, not all of them are as boring as we have been led to believe, and there are many benefits to reading classics that go unnoticed. Here are a few must-read classics for teens:
An original enemies-to-lovers story, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a book teens are sure to love. The main character, Elizabeth Bennet, is comedic and fosters a love for independence that makes her easy to identify with. The plot is compelling—tethered to an engaging range of side characters and romances. Additionally, Austen’s writing is peppered with witty humor, irony, and mockery, making it a truly enjoyable read. The classic has already taken the internet by storm, and with good reason. With intelligent prose and an epic romance, Pride and Prejudice is sure to delight its audience.
If you are a fan of science-fiction books like Cinder, Legend, or Unwind, then you will undoubtedly enjoy Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Hailed by many as the first-ever science-fiction and horror novel, Frankenstein is a relatively short and enthralling story that will certainly fascinate you. You will find yourself constantly switching sides to cheer for either Victor Frankenstein, the genius scientist, or the monster he created, a naive and hideous creature seeking revenge through murder and destruction after being rejected by its creator. Frankenstein has a fast-moving plot and explores relevant themes, like the power of science and the importance of beauty in our society, rendering it relatable to today’s world.
Another classic book that teenagers will definitely find engaging is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Readers are bound to find a familiar spirit in any one of the main characters: Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, or Laurie. The storyline is notably compelling, making it nearly impossible to put down. Though it is written in the “old-fashioned way”, the prose is less flowery than other classics and is easier to understand. Teen readers will unquestionably relate to the novel’s themes of gender stereotyping, the importance of personal growth, and the bond between family and friends. However, be warned as Little Women is fairly lengthy, so if long books are not your thing, try reading an abridged version!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald might be a required read for many teenage students, but it does not make you feel forced at all. The book circulates relatable themes, a cast of intriguing characters, and a long list of beautiful quotes. A rather brief, yet charming story, The Great Gatsby grabs your attention from its first line and does not let go until the very last. It also serves as a powerful reminder that people are not always who they appear to be, which is highly relevant in today’s superficial world ridden with technology. The Great Gatsby will sweep you into the world of 1920s glamour, scandal, romance, and mystery, and it will succeed in keeping you captivated.
A classic coming-of-age novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton has at least one aspect in its storyline that is relatable to every teen. Whether it be the throng of underdog characters, the epic plot, the fighting scenes, or the nail-biting suspense, you are sure to fall in love with this story. Keeping you hooked until the end, Hinton will subject you to a roller coaster of emotions as the main character Ponyboy navigates love, heartbreak, and the harsh realities of life.
For any teen looking to dive into classics, Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Little Women, The Great Gatsby, and The Outsiders are all great novels to start with. They all have sympathetic characters, intriguing plot lines, and intriguing themes that are highly relevant to today’s world. Though many classics were written a long time ago, it does not mean that they are some sort of chore. Reading classics will open your mind to new ways of thinking by exposing you to great pieces of art that have stood the test of time.
Sources
Best (Classic) Books for Teens (141 books). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2225.Best_Classic_Books_for_Teens
Herndon, J. (2017, October 09). Classic Books That Teens Will Actually Like. Retrieved from https://bookriot.com/classic-books-that-teens-will-like/
Smith, K. N. (2018, November 01). Why Frankenstein Is Still Worth Reading, 200 Years Later. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2018/10/31/why-frankenstein-is-worth-re-reading-this-halloween/?sh=37bc84b41f2c
