More Favorite Reads

I’m not sure what the official definition of ‘classic’ is, but I’m calling my classics – books that were written pre 1950. (So yes, by that definition, if you are a person born pre 1950 you can call yourself a classic).

Anyway…what ever the official definition, I know I need to read more classics and I’ve made a goal to do so; because when I sat down to create a list of my favorites it was a bit harder to think of all the classics I’ve read, especially since completing my formal education. Classics were required reading in school, a fact that I’m grateful for, but maybe I was too young back then to appreciate some of them. (Although, I will never appreciate Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad no matter how old I get, I just never will).

My criteria for choosing my favorites for this list is the same for choosing my favorites on my previous list. (Criteria and list here).

For my classics list I picked seven favorites.

So without any further ado…

The List

7- Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

The only reason this is number seven on the list is because the story of Tess is a bit (okay, a lot) depressing, but don’t let that deter you from reading this gem of a novel. (I take that back…do let it deter you if you are suffering from melancholy and need something more cheerful). The story of Tess is a tragedy for sure, but this book is so beautifully written you might not mind the sad nature of it so much. Thomas Hardy is a magnificent writer (in fact if this list were longer it would most likely contain another Thomas Hardy title, Mayor of Casterbridge is almost as good).

I read Tess for the first time just after I graduated from high school. I was working at a hole-in-the-wall Kona/Hawaiian ice cream shop that didn’t get much business during the day. I loved the job because it provided ample quiet time to sit and read. When the occasional costumer would come through the door, I held my book in one hand and kept right on reading while making a double espresso or scooping up Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip ice cream with the other. I couldn’t stop reading. The day I finished Tess, I immediately picked up the phone and called mom, “That was the most beautiful tragedy I’ve ever read.” Yes, tragedies can be beautiful.

Note: If you are the kind of person who would rather watch the movie than read the book there are several versions of Tess that were made for television and even one for the big screen. I’ve seen most of them and they are all pretty decent. Not as good as the book of course, but still good.

6- Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton

I was talking to my mom in New Zealand about this list of favorite classics and thankfully she reminded me about this gorgeous book. It went directly on the list. I guess this story could also be considered a tragedy if it wasn’t for the glorious themes of love and forgiveness that run throughout it’s pages. Like I said, I like a story that provides a hero/heroine that, although not perfect, embodies goodness. This story has that in abundance through the character of Father Stephen Kumalo. If you would like to learn a bit more about Africa and the Apartheid this is a good book for that as well.

Note:  If you would like to watch a movie version instead of read the book (or you could enjoy both) there is a pretty decent movie version of Cry, the Beloved Country starring Richard Harris and James Earl Jones. In my opinion, it’s James Earl Jones’ best movie role.

5- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I think this book might be on everybody’s favorites list (along with several of Jane Austen’s other novels). Jane really is a genius, and Pride and Prejudice is a masterpiece. I haven’t read this book in forever because there are so many great movie versions to watch and there are so many other books to read, but this one has to be on my list. A book whose title I can refer to as P&P and everyone knows exactly what I’m talking about has to be on the list.

Note: If you’re one of the 10 people on the planet that haven’t read this book and you are planning on staying in that crazy group, you can watch the 5 hour A&E mini series version with Colin Firth and that will pretty much cover it. 

4- The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

I can thank mom again for introducing me to this gem of literature that I’ve now read three times. I read it for the first time during one of my high school summers (I forget which one) and I remember reading for hours and hours without stopping. Reading this novel was my first real introduction to Chinese culture and history and I’ve been hooked ever since. Just yesterday Mary Kate told me I’m always reading books about China, and she’s right. I’m reading one currently. China fascinates me, but the real meat of this story is in the characters and their relationships with one another. O-lan is a favorite heroine of mine. This book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and deservedly so.

Note: There is a movie version of this too, made in 1937. I’ve seen it, but it’s not that good.

3- O Pioneers! by Willa Cather

This is another book I read during my working career as a coffee shop/ice cream scooper. (I’m telling you, I had A LOT of time to read there). I love, love this book; so much so that I had a hard time deciding if it should be number three or number two on my list. I decided on number three, reluctantly. There is a small part of me that wishes I was Alexandra Bergson, the heroine of this beautiful tale. She is so lovely.

I’ve noticed a trend as I’ve made these book lists. Obviously I‘m drawn to tales of forgiveness because this is another of those…one of the most powerful I’ve ever read. This novel is an classic in every sense of the word, and paints a very beautiful and realistic picture of American history and culture. There is a sentence in this book that is so profound, it reads…”The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a women.” So true. Do yourself a favor and read this lovely, lovely novel. It’s romantic too. A nice bonus.

Note: There is a film version of this book too. Jessica Lange stars as Alexandra and she is divine in the role. I actually love this particular film adaptation. It’s a Hallmark presentation, but a good one…like ‘Sarah Plain and Tall’ good. Watch it, but read the book first because it’s better.

2- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I grew up with this story, starting with the 1943 silver screen classic film starring Joan Fontaine and Orson Wells. In very fact,19 different versions of this story have been made for screens both large and small, and I’ve seen most of them (some of them multiple times). I even have the newest version in a Netflix envelop sitting right in front of me. I’m just waiting for the perfect time to crack it open and savor every minute of it. There’s good reason this story is reproduced over and over…it’s unbelievably good…unforgettable, romantic, haunting, captivating and beautifully told; not to mention it’s universal themes of temptation and morality, God and religion, love and passion, social class and more.

But, no matter how many film version are made, even as good as some of them are, the book is in a class all by itself. Of all the female heroines in literature, Jane Eyre is my favorite. In Jane Eyre you have one of the strongest, thinking, passionate, highly moral, competent, compassionate, and most believable female characters ever created in literature. I want to be like Jane. She was ahead of her time.

And talk about romantic. Edward Cullen…eat your heart out and move on over because Edward Rochester would beat you any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

1. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

#1 has to be Les Miserables. Of course.

Jean Valjean is…well, you know…awesome, and this story is…well, you know…incredible. (I must say though, I’ve only read the abridged version. My hat is off to those of you who have read it unabridged; I hear it’s quite the undertaking).

Jean Valjean, Javert, Cosette, Fantine, Marius…such rich characters. The French revolution..what a backdrop for a story. This book will change you. I thank Victor Hugo for the gift of this story.

Note: Of course you all know the Broadway musical remake (which is pretty darn good) and a few movies versions that aren’t too bad, but none of these production even compare to the book, so if you haven’t read Les Miserable don’t substitute those things for the actual reading of it. They don’t do it justice.

There you have it, my seven favorite classic novels (so far, because I’m going to read more). As my other post about my favorite books did, I’m hoping this post will prompt some of you to recommend your favorite classics to me in the comments section. I’m always look for more recommendations. What are you favorite classics?

* I’ve noticed there are no Dicken’s novels on this list. That’s because I’ve only read two Dickens. This must be remedied.