Best Classic Book Recommendations

What is a classic book? In our opinion, it’s any work that proves a good story will endure. Classic books tend to populate high school reading lists, lists of books everyone should read, and more. 

There are books that are considered classics within specific genres, such as classic science fiction books, classic gothic horror novels and classic romance novels. There are classics that distill the voices of certain times and places, such as books from Lost Generation writers or from the Harlem Renaissance

Classic books also have the tendency to become cultural touchstones—everyone knows what it means to tilt at windmills; to chase a white whale; to ask “to be or not to be” (and if you don’t; it’s high time you cross these classic books off your TBR). They’ve also been turned into iconic films, sparked some of the most hated characters known to man, and invented fantastic places we can only dream of visiting

While many books that we consider classics were written long ago, the best ones are truly timeless, telling tales that resonate with people around the world and across generations. If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, it's time to see for yourself.

4af56302c502-birdillustration.png

Still Winning at 50!: Longevity in Literature and Film

These books and their film adaptations still captivate audiences today.

16 Relatable Jack Kerouac Quotes

Words of wisdom for the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, and mad to be saved.

Pride and Prejudice Gets a Modern Makeover in ABC’s Eligible

The TV network has announced its upcoming adaptation of Curtis Sittenfeld’s New York Times bestseller.

Words of Wisdom from Judy Blume: 10 Favorite Quotes

Inspiration from the woman who taught us about relationships, growing up, and independence.

The Farm from Charlotte's Web Could Be Your New Home

The Maine farm where E.B. White wrote and set his children’s classic is going for $3.7 million.

Bards of a Feather: 11 Books Inspired by William Shakespeare

Imaginative retellings of the playwright's classic works.

A Wrinkle in Time Trailer is a Visual Feast

Watch the first trailer for the upcoming adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s time travel classic.

PBS' Little Women Adaptation Gets Big Names and Fresh Faces

Angela Lansbury, among others, is set to star in the 2018 adaptation from PBS Masterpiece.

Adult Books for Fans of A Wrinkle in Time

Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy discuss their grandmother's incredible adult novels.

New Covers for Alice Walker Books

Because beautiful books deserve beautiful covers

Classic English Literature That Belongs On Your Reading List

The best and most memorable classic English literature.

The Best Books Like To Kill a Mockingbird

25 recommended reads for fans of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Who Wrote It: Anne Sexton or Sylvia Plath?

Take our quiz to test your knowledge of the famous poets' work.

Alice Walker Tells Readers: "Don’t Despair"

"Do we turn on others, or toward others? Do we share our awakening, or only our despair?"

8 Novels Inspired by the Odyssey

Odysseus’ epic adventure sparked ideas in the minds of James Joyce, William Faulkner, and more.

Epic TV Shows with Shakespearean Themes

Because everything relates back to the Bard ...

7 Classic Summer Reads

Longer days mean more time to devour those hefty classics.

Rachel Carson Wants You to Share Your Sense of Wonder

The legendary environmentalist emphasizes the importance of sharing nature with children. 

The Re-Read: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

Revisiting this Judy Blume classic was kind of a religious experience.