5 Classics Everyone Should Read to Fall in Love with Literature Again

When I first picked up a book that would later be considered a classic literature staple, Othello (it was a summary, btw), I had no idea what I was holding in my hands. I was just a teen, completely unaware that I was reading something that had shaped generations of readers. Back then, the word classic sounded intimidating, like it belonged only on school syllabi or dusty university courses, definitely not for someone like me.

As I grew older, I admit, I developed a bit of a fear of classics. I thought they were dense, unapproachable, and meant for serious scholars, not casual readers. But then I realized something important: a classic isn’t just an old book. At its core, a classic is any book that has enduring excellence, the kind of story, idea, or writing that sticks with you long after you close the cover, it is like a timeless piece of literature. Sure, to technically have stood the test of time, a book usually has to be old, but let’s be real, even a newer book can be a classic if it’s that good.

Anyway, in this list, I’ll be speaking mostly about books that are a bit older and have truly stood the test of time. These are the best classic books that have earned their place in history and continue to resonate with readers today, and yes, these books can quite easily make you fall in love with literature again, there is a peculiar allure to classics that can make you go wow over reading. And don’t worry, despite their legacy and grand ideas, these classics are actually pretty easy to read, so they’re not as intimidating or tough as they might seem at first glance.

If you are in a reading slump, I have shared 4 Must-Read Books That Helped Me Get Back Into Reading, maybe you will find your next read there!

The first must-read classic on this list is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I mean, who hasn’t heard of this masterpiece when talking about classics? If you love classic literature and haven’t read it yet… honestly, that’s a crime against fiction. It’s THAT good.

This book is the reason I fell back in love with classics. Where else would you find such a brilliant plot? A beautiful, handsome young man, Dorian Gray, wishes that his sins would reflect only in his portrait, not on him. And so he lives a life of indulgence and pleasure while the painting bears the weight of his moral corruption. It’s haunting, magical, and deeply ironic, the man is ugly on the inside, yet the narrative is stunningly beautiful.

I am a big team Wilde, the author surely has his due share of controversies, but I believe there is a melody to Wilde’s narrative that you will not experience even in the best of poems. Dorian Gray’s story is layered with love, betrayal, revenge, guilt, and remorse, all narrated in exquisite prose. It uncovers moral corruption and the consequences of vanity and indulgence. And then there’s Wilde warning us in the Preface that art should be appreciated for its beauty, not judged morally. Dorian Gray feels like a piece of art and despite all the judgement you cannot truly hate him. He has that aura about him which you cannot resist.

Beyond the drama, this is a classic everyone should read because it shows how society has always been obsessed with appearances and aesthetics. The 19th-century London setting reveals an obsession with style, and Wilde pairs gorgeous prose with harsh truths about human nature in ways that still feel relevant today.

And don’t worry, it’s actually easy to read. The ideas are big, but the writing flows beautifully, so nothing intimidating here.

Favorite Quote:

I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.

Next up on this list of classics everyone should read is a book that might sound controversial at first, but try it, Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: a story about a boy who never grows up, obsessively hangs around kids, and literally refuses adulthood? That is weird when you read it as an adult. There are definitely elements that feel problematic from a modern perspective, especially Peter’s fixation on Wendy and the whole dynamic with the Lost Boys. It raises questions and makes you go, “Wait… what?”

Once you get past that initial weirdness, Peter Pan is such a fun read. It’s pure adventure and magic, with sword fights, pirates, mermaids, and the unforgettable Captain Hook. (I mean… Captain Hook! What an iconic villain, menacing, hilarious, and absurd all at once, and I believe he would have been pretty charming too). And yes, there’s that sort of love-triangle dynamic between Peter, Wendy, and that tiny ferocious Tinker Bell, who you just can’t forget.

The book deals with important themes like love, friendship, growing up (or not growing up), imagination, and the fear of loss. Even though Barrie wrote it over a century ago, the emotional core is still relatable. And the world of Neverland is the kind of magical place that makes you want to jump into the pages and never come back.

What makes Peter Pan one of the best classic books isn’t just the adventure, it’s how it feels. It’s whimsical and wild, it’s funny and sad, it’s ridiculous and sincere all at once. And despite the deep ideas it touches on, the narrative is simple and easy to follow.

Favorite Quote:

To live will be an awfully big adventure.

Okay, let’s talk about Dostoevsky’s White Nights, and yes, I might be a little late to the party, but I never really wanted to recommend such a heart-shattering thing to anyone but here we are! According to The Guardian, the Penguin Classics little black book edition of White Nights was one of the most sold works of literature in translation in the UK in 2024. So yeah, White Nights was everywhere for a bit. Every influencer on Bookstagram seemed to be reading it and raving about it, and for all the right reasons.

This is actually a short story and still falls under the a must-read classic category because of its emotional intensity and simplicity of plot. There is not much happening in the story, no plot twist, no sprawling cast of characters, and in fact, you don’t even learn the narrator’s name. He just meets this girl one night, they connect, and then, tragically, nothing really comes of it. She leaves, and he’s left with his thoughts and feelings. It’s simple, but it speaks of such important themes: the loneliness of the human heart, existential dilemmas, unrequited love, fear, and that poignant feeling of intense sadness that hits you out of nowhere.

What makes White Nights truly remarkable and one of the best classic books out there is that even though it’s very short, it can hit you so hard emotionally. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and feel without overcomplicating its message.

And don’t worry if Russian classics feel intimidating, this version is translated beautifully, so the language is easy and readable, even if you’re stepping outside the usual English classics for a bit. It’s gentle enough for newer readers but rich enough to remind you why classic literature has that timeless appeal.

Favorite Quote:

My God, a moment of bliss. Why, isn’t that enough for a whole lifetime?

If you are interested in Fyodor Dostoevsky, welcome to the club! I have also discussed Why Is Reading Community Obsessed With Fyodor Dostoevsky?

Yes, Oscar Wilde is on this list again and honestly, he deserves it. This time it’s not a novel, but a collection of short stories: The Happy Prince and Other Stories. This book has multiple editions but surely the magic stays the same. This is one of the best classic books out there, especially for a beginner. The stories are super easy to read yet deeply memorable.

Just as the title suggests, most editions include tales like “The Happy Prince”, “The Nightingale and the Rose”, “The Devoted Friend”, all beautifully written and deceptively simple.

Wilde’s writing has a subtle magical realism quality. I’m not typically into fantasy or magic, but Wilde’s words make you believe every weird, whimsical thing he writes. If a sparrow is speaking to a statue prince, you won’t even blink, it just feels real, and that’s the power of his prose.

Each story in this collection deals with important themes: love, compassion, kindness, sacrifice, friendship, vanity, and even hypocrisy, all wrapped up in beautiful language that almost makes you forget you’re reading a classic. These tales are emotional, profound, and often surprisingly sad in a good way. Most importantly, this collection reminds you that classics don’t have to be massive novels or chunky reads.

Favorite Quote:

Love is not fashionable anymore, the poets have killed it. They wrote so much about it that nobody believed them, and I am not surprised, True love suffers, and is silent.

Ending the list of classics with Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, which is a story that’s scary, beautiful, and unforgettable all at once. Victor Frankenstein creates a living creature that he calls a “monster” because of his appearance, but Shelley quickly shows that the real story is about humanity, responsibility, and suffering. The creature isn’t cruel by nature; he’s sensitive, intelligent, and shaped by the way the world treats him. In many ways, he’s just as much a victim as Frankenstein himself.

The novel is a perfect mix of gothic horror and philosophical depth. You get suspense, mystery, and the thrill of the unknown, but also deep reflections on morality, ambition, and what it really means to be human. Mary Shelley’s prose is vivid, gripping, and surprisingly easy to follow, making it approachable even if you’re just stepping into classic literature.

If you’re curious about modern adaptations, there’s also a Netflix adaptation of Frankenstein that I’ve reviewed here, which gives a fresh take on the story while staying true to its core themes. And if you want the full deep dive into the book itself, I’ve also written a detailed review that you can check out here.

Favorite Quote:

Was man, indeed, at once so powerful, so virtuous and magnificent, yet so vicious and base? He appeared at one time a mere scion of the evil principle, and at another as all that can be conceived of noble and godlike.

And there you have it, a list of 5 classics everyone should read in their lives and that I bet can make you fall in love with literature again. These books are timeless, engaging, and surprisingly approachable. From the haunting beauty of The Picture of Dorian Gray, to the magical chaos of Peter Pan, the sheer heartbreak of White Nights, the whimsical power of The Happy Prince and Other Stories, and the thrilling, thought-provoking depth of Frankenstein, these books show just how diverse and captivating classic literature can be.

These books will remind you why they are literally the best of classics that have endured the test of time, loved by generations, and still quite popular. If you loved this list and want to explore more classics, hidden gems, and must-read books, there’s a lot more waiting for you over at The Reader Life. I’ve shared detailed reviews, reading tips, and guides to help you dive deeper into the world of literature.

Happy reading!