Do you read classic books/novels? How would you rate them in difficulty level for reading?

[Anonymous]

I am reading Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen.

The book is entertaining, no doubt in that. But the extensive vocabulary used in this book is just amazing. At least 2 words are there to be looked in the dictionary every two pages.

I am just perplexed at how complex English was in that era. The sentence structure is a bit difficult to comprehend. A variety of figures of speech are used. Enhancing the experience.

And the courting was just simple, kind of innocent. Pure is the word, I would use.

I like how the author unravels the characters slowly and steadily. But, I think she could have first given a detailed outline for a particular scene and then moved on to the characters.

But well, her style of writing is quite interesting. Intriguing indeed!

Though I must admit that this is not the most complex book I have read. The crown still belongs to Dracula by Bram Stocker. I had to reread a single page at least twice to understand it, imagine it and then process it. But enjoyed it in the process.

Do you have any recommendations for me to read after I finish this book? A classic read is what I believe, helps me prepare in many ways. A sort of command over English just being the starting point.

[Chazmatazz269]

I bought a book that held two novels written by Henry David Thoreau because it included “Civil Disobedience”, which was on a list of “must read” short books that i had discovered. I was trying to expand my interest in reading beyond nonfiction and books that inspired movies, or vice versa. It was very difficult for me to conjure the story because of the extensive vocabulary and writing style. I still haven’t finished it. I have an exceptional vocabulary. As you pointed out though, language has changed and so have writing styles.
I’m a word nerd. I have been for as long as i can remember. I actually liked learning new words, and seeing familiar words used in different context. I just hated that i was consuming words without following the story. I may as well have been reading a dictionary for all intents and purposes. I will finish that book, but i need to work my way up to it in some fashion. It may just need to be a matter of setting aside enough time to consume it in a single sitting. Unfortunately, i read slowly even when the words and writing style are very familiar and compelling! Ell oh ell!
I wish i could recommend it beyond the fact that i found it on a “must read” list. Maybe you’ll enjoy it more than i have thus far, given that you’re already engaging with similar writing styles so actively.

[Asker]

I read fast through emotions, but read slow through actions. A small action can make a big difference.
I will definitely look up for the books you mentioned.
I had Robinson Crusoe in 7th. 5 to 6 words from the dictionary on every page. It was like, I was not reading the novel, but the dictionary that accompanied with the book.😅

Then, I began with young adult books from 8th standard. My friend suggested me one book. And from that point till now, I have read about 80 novels, for easy to tough. Good for imagination, at least.

[NamerOfStars]

I haven't read any Jane Austen, so I'm not very familiar with her work, but if you've done Dracula, why not complete the 19th-century vampire series with The Vampyre, Varney the Vampire*, and Carmilla? Not only will you get to see how the language changed, but the lore of vampires, as well.

*Yes, this was the title of the book; no, it's not about a vampire that hosts a children's TV show, even it totally sounds like it should be. "I love you/you love me/I'll suck your blood thirstily..."

[Asker]

Will definitely look up.

[menina]

I only read classic novels/books when I was in school. I was forced, otherwise I would fail. But I read "100 Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez and I feel in love with that book. It was amazing! And this time I read it because I wanted to Lol

[Asker]

Me too! Three Men in a Boat and The Story of My Life. These two books were in our curriculum. But I read them later. Nearly 3 years after the school.

[menina]

I've never heard about those two but they might be interesting.

[Asker]

They are. But one is biography or autobiography. And the other one seems to be for children, but it's quite entertaining!

[menina]

I get it. I like biographies and autobiographies.

[Dnice1]

I sometimes do, my mom was a librarian so for nearly my whole life I've been surrounded by books until August then she retired after 32 years of work.

[Asker]

That sounds quite awesome to me! Librarian as in academic books or general books?

[Dnice1]

General books

[Asker]

That's cool. General books attracted me more than academic books. They are kind of boring to me.

[Dnice1]

Same here. What is your favorite book?

[Asker]

I have favourite series. Series like Percy Jackson, A Court of thorns and roses, Sherlock Holmes all books, even Throne of Glass.

But, I think The Alchemist stands out in standalone books.

[Dnice1]

Cool!

[Asker]

Leigh Bardugo books are also cool, but too much of fantasy is not good for me lol.😅

[Asker]

What are your favourite books?

[Dnice1]

I loved Narnia, hunger games, Percy Jackson was a good one, misty of Chincoteague, kind of the wind, war horse, black beauty, bright of the grand canyon. There's a lot.

[Asker]

I have heard a lot about Hunger Games and Narnia. And seen their movies too. I will need to look up for the others.

[Dnice1]

The others are childhood classics

[Asker]

Easier to understand then.

[Dnice1]

Thought of another magic tree house books and the box car children 😊

[Asker]

I searched for them now. Seems to be a good way to introduce children to reading.

[Dnice1]

Yeah

[Andres77]

I pulled all of these off of my bookshelf. I don’t agree with ALL of the “classics” because some of them are historical fiction. I do agree more with history.

The Fairy Tales, the edition in the picture was published in 1950, but the original tales were published in 1836. All the other books were published over 100 years ago. The book on the right of the picture was published in 1836 and rebound in 1994.

I do cherish old knowledge. Knowledge is not always wisdom. I seek the knowledge of those who have gone before me and hope to choose better than the past.

[Andres77]

The Robert Louis Stevenson book is “Black Arrow”. Published in Great Britain in 1888.

[Andres77]

Black Arrow…or…a Tale of Two Roses

[OlderAndWiser]

I read constantly in my profession, I read significantly fro my volunteer activities, and I read a bit when I browse online. I have no time or interest in reading anything else.

[WhitneySnow]

I loved Pride and Prejudice. Sense and Sensibility is good too. Mr. Willoughby really wants to get with Marianne and she’s at least considering saying yes.

[NathanDavis]

Quixote