TOP 10 CLASSIC NOVELS“She read books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.”― Annie Dillard, The Living
I started using #Livinginbetweenshelves with my book-related posts in instagram and now, I'll be using this for a series of TOP 10 posts about books.
First stop! My TOP 10 CLASSIC NOVELS recommendations Before I even started reading YA and Contemporary Fiction, my first books were mostly Classics. I was so into classic novels before, I appreciate the era and the setting. It made is easier for me to accomplish academic requirements since English teachers / professors required book reports, book analysis mostly on Classics books. Even now, I'm still reading Classics but not as often as I did before. My current read on Classics is The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (1920). Classics from the genre itself depicts a different era and as most books published, had hidden agendas - What I mean is, writers tend to revolt through their writings and these classic novels we have now were somewhat creative output of what was really happening in their era. They were a reflection of an unjust political system, social issues, some the infamous "American dream" and so on. It's interesting and very reflective because you will learn the historical value of each story. And unconsciously,learn history in a much creative and not boring way. TOP 10 CLASSIC NOVELS
I read this during my sophomore year in high school, it was one of those required book analysis in my English class, but it is also one of the books that left a mark on me. The story possess personification of a person's search for greater meaning in life and if one finds it, that person pays it forward and shares it to others.
This was our final paper in Philosophy, I fell in love with the book from the very start. At first, I find the cover really interesting, is this about Indian culture? Buddhism? Hinduism? "Life is a continuous journey and search for a reason" If you would ask me in one sentence what I learned about Siddhartha. He was in search for something greater than what he was. He found discontent from the world he lived in so he decided to wander and start a journey, he searched for lessons and experiences that are more than what the words could say and the wisdom they could bring.
Every part of the book was inspiring, but this one is my favorite. It reminds us that what we can see is just the surface, what our heart can reach is the soul of the person. I'm thankful that both of my parents are readers, I grew up reading story books, bible stories until they gave me this - they handed me their copy of The Little Prince, I remember reading this during my 5th year in elementary. It was too deep to take for an 11-year old girl, but then I got some life pointers from it - well that time, it was more of, state the obvious. I also did remember, having a conversation about the book with my father in Starbucks beside his office. It's a good thing that they didn't give me the book just to be swallowed by its deepness but they explained it the concepts that it has. Looking back, I think it was one of the turning points of my life.
I wrote a paper for this during my senior year in high school and the story bothered me, especially when I learned that it the events were parallel to the Russian Revolution (1971) and Stalin Era plus the characters embodies famous historical people during that time like Karl Marx, Lenin and of course, Joseph Stalin. The animals personify political leaders and somehow, it also depicts the "animalistic" attitudes and ways of a human being. I wished it didn't that way, the pigs forgot how they pledge to become "equal" rather they used others for their own good, to rise above from the other animals and the deceit of a promise for a true freedom
I read this during my first year in high school, my English teacher then knew how much I love reading Classics, she recommended this alongside with To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye. Ahhhh This book! So much love for the Roaring Twenties! Everything was just extra wonderful, glitzy and glamorous. They say through this book "Fitzgerald was able to create timeless, relatable plotline within the historical context of the era". Everything Gatsby did was to please Daisy, who in return was a "socialite" - but for me, was nothing but a materialistic woman. Daisy didn't really love Gatsby, she just was just attracted by Gatsby's wealth and fancy extravagant life because if she did, she would have done something to make their situation right. Until the end, Gatsby loved Daisy, and it became his life's mission, which also killed him in the end.
It was a thick book with small font and an interesting cover, from the first look you can already identify that it is a classic book. The most prominent issue in this book was equality. This book enlightened me about the black and white inequality in the US and in parts of the world. Inequality comes injustice in which the black people are deprived of during those years, until now there are cases in the US that are inequality between black and white is present.
One of my accidental book purchases, I read the back part and bought it instantly, it was also because it only costs Php 99.00 a Penguin book version. Mr. Fogg's life worked like a clockwork, everything was planned, set in place and he follows a routine , not until he was challenged to go circumnavigate the world in 80 days. He was with Passepartout, his loyal assistant, together they traveled around the world and met different people. Mr Fogg also met the love of his life, Passepartout became his friend and not just an employee and most important, he changed for the better - he became a living person.
A simple yet meaningful story about friendship and survival. In this book, friendship is not bound by what and who you are but by sharing the love. Wilbur and Charlotte developed a friendship that was passed on even to generations after
Positivity. Whenever you think about good things, it bounces back to you. Mary believed that Colin will be better, that he will be able to walk and experience being a normal boy, even though Colin was almost giving up at some point, Mary didn't. She knew, he will be able to become healthier and better, and he did because the people around him starts believing too. The positive vibes around him inspired him and gave him the strength to change his life. As a young one, I've always admired Mary's positivity and ability to stand up for what she knows she can do.
Honestly, I had to re-read the book two times to be able to understand it fully. This must be the kind of book that is more than meets the eye. Holder was a young man who is searching for risks, he wants to prove everyone that he is better than anyone else. He went to different places and meet new and old friends and acquaintances, in the end, he would always realize that there is something wrong or lacking in them. He thinks that adulthood makes people dumb and non-sense. I'm still contemplating if he was too scared to grow up or he just wants to prove himself
Those were my TOP 10 CLASSIC books, I would love to hear what you think about these books!
Share with me your favorite classic books! xoxo, M
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She wonders and wandersMonica writes about her life, what she eats, what she reads and where she goes. This space is where her thoughts, experiences, memories and feelings turn into words. She's glad that she can share with you. Archives
August 2021
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