Sunday I was at my parent's house playing a rousing game of canasta. In the midst of the dealing and card shuffling, we found ourselves engaged in a healthy book discussion, specifically what makes a book a "classic." My sister-in-law majored in English and my sister got her masters in children's literature from Cambridge - so, yes, books are a vital ingredient in my family recipe.We didn't come to an overall consensus and I'm still not sure we ever really did find an answer to what specifically makes a book a "classic." I personally think that definition is personal in nature and while everyone will likely agree that some books are "classics," I do believe there is sufficient room for personal opinions on the subject. We did agree that for a book to be a classic it had to survive a test of time and make a statement.
Since that discussion, I've been thinking about my top 10 "classic" novels and I've included my list below. I've included a lot of "children's" novels in my list because I believe they really are what pushed me to love reading as I do today. But, I'm curious - what are you thoughts? What books have I missed or would you remove from my lists? And would you include Harry Potter? If so, the series or just one book?
1 - Les Mis (unabridged)
2 - The Conte of Monte Cristo (unabridged)
3 - Ender's Game
4 - A Wrinkle in Time
5 - Gone with the Wind
6 - Jane Eyre
7 - Wuthering Heights
8 - Charlotte's Web
9 - Box Car Children
10 - Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
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7 comments:
I don't think any list would be complete without "To Kill a Mockingbird" - that one will always be at the top of my list.
it's a good thing you put The Count of Mote Cristo on there. Erin might have disowned you as friend? I think I'd have to ad at least on Jane Austen novel to the list.
I agree Jane Austen is necessary, Pride and Prejudice is my favorite. Otherwise serveral on your list I would have picked myself, you have good taste Joni!
You know, I've never read To Kill a Mockingbird. Well, I did in 7th grade, but I don't think I paid much attention. I'll have to reread.
As for Jane Austen - I debated, just didn't know which one I would add and what I would remove.
HEY!! I didn't know you had a blog!!! Whats up with that?!?! YEAH! A new person to blog stalk.
Thanks for stopping by my blog Joni! I didn't even realize you had one of your own until I saw your comment. I love your classics list, and I'll have to check out your Thanksgiving list as well.
Hey this is your friend in Fillmore! I've done some reading about classics and I agree with you that classics are different for everyone. The best definition I've found for a classic is a book that you can return to over and over again and learn something from each time. I like that idea. So, of course, the greatest classics are the scriptures. By the way, how are you?
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