READ5 Classic Books That Are Still Awesome

Stuck for what to read these holidays? Try these classics that are still awesome today!

If you want a break from the insanity of the modern day, these five classic books are still awesome and can remind you of where great literature evolved from.

1. To Kill A Mockingbird – 1960

While many say to never judge a book by its cover, Harper Lee urges his audience to not judge another person by the colour of their skin. ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ is a timeless read and will have you hooked from the first page. In the modern day, we are still experiencing issues of racial injustice that can continue to be resolved with the simple lesson taught in the book. Atticus Finch told young Scout that, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” This classic novel is still awesome because it triggers the discussion of issues that still relevant today.

2. The Hobbit, 1937 & The Lord of The Rings, 1954

J.R.R Tolkein’s, ‘The Hobbit’ and its sequel ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ are awesome classic novels because of the action-filled adventures that power the story forward.  While writing these books, J.R.R Tolkien essentially made what is now known as a ‘Secondary Creation’, meaning that he developed an entire fantasy world to base his stories off. When you next pick this book up, take a look at the index! Tolkien created languages such as Hobbit doggerel, two separate Elvish languages and epic verses written in Quenya and Sindarin. The list is endless! You might think that it is multiple authors all contributing at once, but it is only one man! Tolkien’s ability to create an entire world by himself is what makes these classic books awesome to this day.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia – 1955

C.S.Lewis’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ is a classic originally meant for children. However, as an eighteen-year-old, I still find it entertaining! This classic offers entertainment through a beautifully tailored fantasy world. Unlike many other classic novels, ‘Narnia’  does not demand that the reader explore or change themselves in any way; it just aims to entertain. Despite this, the work does have many levels of meaning and provides allegories about spirituality, love, faith, friendship and courage. Let’s be real now, what could be more awesome than a magical world inside a wardrobe where animals can talk and children can become King’s and Queen’s?

4. The Lord of the Flies – 1954

After winning the Nobel Prize in 1954 for ‘re-constituting how society sees classic novels’ (DukeTip Insights)  William Golding’s, ‘Lord of the Flies’ became a timeless classic. Set in a time of nuclear war, the book follows a group of boys who are stranded on an island after their plane crashes.

Not only does Golding critique human nature, but he also comments on politics during the Cold War and how easy it is for civilised order to turn into anarchy. The truth about human nature and politics that this novel provides makes it a classic that is still awesome today.

5. The Great Gatsby – 1925

No matter your generation or location, this book will make you want to live in the 1920s! If you are as fascinated with the ‘Jazz Age’ as I am, then this is the book for you. Written by literary giant F.Scott.Fitzgerald, ‘The Great Gatsby’ cover’s everything from the splendour of the 1920s to the dark truth that lies beyond the richness of the era. Fitzgerald opens a window into his world. Not only is it written beautifully, but it gives us a moment to escape our worlds and live in another one. And that is why this classic, is still awesome!

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But remember, your opinion matters most! Please let us know in the comments what you think are some of the most awesome classical children’s books!