In this segment of my Best Books for Discussion, I highlight classics that may have been “wasted on our youth” when we may not have had the life experience to fully appreciate the themes and conflicts. So, even if you read these in school, consider giving them another chance!
- The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
- Their Eyes Were Watching God
by Zora Neale Hurston
- Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte
- The Awakening
by Kate Chopin
- The Known World
by Edward P. Jones
- Palace Walk: Cairo Trilogy
by Naguib Mahfouz
- Beloved
or The Bluest Eye
by Toni Morrison
- Lolita
by Vladimir Nabokov
- Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
- The Blind Assassin
and The Handmaid’s Tale
by Margaret Atwood
Be sure to check out the first three posts in this series, too:
- Best Books for Discussion: Popular for a Reason
- Best Books for Discussion: Future Book Club Favorites
- Best Books for Discussion: That You Might Have Missed
I just stumbled upon your blog and I love it. I am starting a blog reviewing classic literature: http://onprose.blogspot.com/ and this blog gives me more fuel and ideas. And this post is great, more great books that need to go on my to-read list.
Thank you, Natalia! Good luck with your new blog, too!
Pingback: Best Books for Discussion: Nonfiction | BOOK CLUB CLASSICS!
Pingback: Best Books for Discussion: Uplifting Reads! | BOOK CLUB CLASSICS!
Pingback: Best Books for Discussion: Dogs! | BOOK CLUB CLASSICS!
You make a very valid point, what we read when we are younger is sometimes only superficial and deserves a more serious read which maturity allows us more time to apply to these great classics.