I am guessing that you are here because you want to start reading classics. However, you know that some classics can be challenging to read as a beginner. Well, you have come to the right place. Here are 8 easy to read classics that I recommend, as someone who has read them. These 8 easy-to-read classic will jumpstart you into classics and build your confidence to tackle the difficult to read classics. But for now, here are some classics you will find easy to read. This list comprises of modern classics which I have read and found that they were easy to understand.
1.The Great Gatsby by F. Scot Fitzgerald
The great Gatsby is a fairly short novel set in the popular Jazz Age. This novel highlights the difficulty of recapturing the past and changing one’s future. The protagonist of the story is Jay Gatsby, the mysterious neighbour of narrator Nick Carraway.
There is a lot of symbolism in the story with themes about the American dream, class, love and many more. It is an exciting and timeless story. I can honestly say that to this day, this is my favourite American novel written.
2. 1984 – George Orwell
The novel 1984, is a dystopian social science fiction novel and cautionary tale by English writer George Orwell. This is one of my absolute favourites, which I recommend to every reader. I read this book this year at the beginning of the year, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it once.
1984, is a timeless novel that sticks with you for the rest of your life. That is of course, if you decide that you like it by the time you finish it. My calling it ‘timeless’ is intentional as the themes covered in this such as loyalty, censorship , technology, and independence and Identity are still relevant today.
3. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway has written a few classics. But I have selected this one, as it is easy to read and a very short. The story follows an old man who engages in an epic battle to catch a giant marlin. There’s a lot of things for the reader to think and reflect on.
4. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
I read this book when I was in high school. Most of you are probably familiar with the text as well. It was both short and easy for me to read as a student.
The story follows two migrant men during the Great Depression. There are some dark themes shown in the novel but the recommended reading age is 14+.
5. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
I went on a ‘dystopian’ themed books at the beginning of the year. One of the books which I read was Fahrenheit. A story which presents an American society where books have been personified and outlawed and “firemen” burn any that are found. I think you get the idea.
6. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Okay so, before we go too far, I know already that not every one will agree with me concerning the level of difficulty of this text. But, I truly believe and personally think that this story is not that hard to understand or to follow. Oscar Wilde’s writing is very descriptive, even to the littlest thing. This is what can sometimes confuse people, but you can do it.
This is one of my favourite classics, a philosophical story that follows a young man in pursuit eternal youth at the expense of his soul. Shall I say more? This story is great for many reasons. It is a must read.
7. Animal Farm by George Orwell
Animal Farm is an allegorical story tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. This novella is short and is easy to understand.
8. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Lord of the flies is a modern classic, which is read a lot in schools. It follows young boys as they crash on a deserted island in the midst of war.
This is a coming-of-age text which can be read from the ages 13+. However, like most of the books I’ve mentioned on this post, the age range reflects readability but not definitely content appropriateness.
O’L Takeaway
This list is by no means comprehensive. These are just some modern classics which I have read and found easy to understand and follow. I have a long relationship ahead of me with classics, so rest assured that more diverse recommendations are to come.
