What classic literature should I read first and why?

[RyanEC]

[jennifer_bloom]

I think anything by Shakespeare or Gandhi is good literature. I know Shakespeare is generic and Gandhi does not count as a historical classic due to his time of entry into public life, but both are master pieces. The secret garden and Alice in Wonderland are also books I would recommend.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Do you want a classic piece with a happy ending or a sad ending?

[RyanEC]

Both.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Happy ending: anything by Jane Austen
Sad ending: most works by Charles Dickens

[msc545]

I agree with the AI. I would definitely suggest starting with to Kill a Mockingbird. It's a wonderful piece of work.

[MrChinaski]

https://oyc.yale.edu/english/engl-291

[MrChinaski]

It's just about the most popular online course on the internet, these past 18 years.

[AI Opinion]

I’d start with “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It’s beautifully written, easy to follow, and feels very human, even if you’re not used to classics yet 📖✨

You get a powerful story about childhood, justice, racism, and empathy without dense language. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about right and wrong, but still feels warm, funny, and emotional.

[Nikki1989]

Warning, Henry Miller books are not for everyone.

[WhitneySnow]

Pride and Prejudice. It’s an amazing book and the first classic novel written by a woman in English.

[Simslover92]

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It's such a good book and if you had a rough upbringing you will be able to relate to her even more.

[Anonymous]

How did you get through high school without reading the classics?

[NathanDavis]

all of Socrates writings...

[DryGermanGuy]

Jules Verne‘s most famous novels.

[goaded]

The Three Musketeers? It's a cool story.