My Bookshelf: Classic Novel Collection

Nothing says cozy quite like curling up in a large comfy chair with a cup of your favorite drink, listening to raindrops tinkling on the window pane and nose buried deep in the pages of a good story. Caught up in the lives of captivating characters, thrilling adventures, and gorgeous descriptions that make your five senses believe they are actually working.

For me, getting lost in a good book was more than just entertainment. I looked to books for an escape from everyday life, gaining a different perspective on situations and discovering lessons that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Some of the best books I found for teaching good lessons and making a gloomy day a little bit brighter and cozier have been the classics.

These are the books that you find in pretty hardback covers, older typed, crisp pages that crinkle with each turn, and a smell that makes you want to literally bury your nose in the book.

But sometimes it can be tricky finding out which classics you would enjoy reading. Just because it is called a classic doesn’t mean it is a love at first read or a guaranteed page turner. Below are just a few of my favorite classics that might help get you started on picking out your next great read!

My Favorite Classics Book List

1. Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
   One of my absolute favorites, endearing itself to me more and more the older I get, and not just because I am so much like the heroine, Jo March. This is one of the best books that comes to mind for great character development, beautiful relationships, and relatable trials and lessons for us all…whether or not you are a “little woman” or a “little man”. Speaking of which…
   
   
2. Little Men – Louisa May Alcott
   The sequel to Little Women is no less of a classic than its predecessor. While perhaps considered a bit unorthodox today, raising little men to love school and nature, enjoy watching over girls and younger boys, while teaching them to be strong young men able to face the world, work the land, and live good and virtuous lives is the way I want to raise my children…partially inspired by this comical and precious book. Written for both boys AND girls.
   
   
3. Robin Hood – Various
   I think I read this book half a dozen times during high school. I stole it from my mother’s bookshelf and gave it a temporary home on mine for several years before I finally got my own copy. The Old English language gives the story such beauty that our modern day speech lacks…and it will keep your brain working as you try to follow along with the speech of that day. The heroes of this story are presented as human, faults and growth and all, and even our hero is not invincible. The incredible lessons of loyalty, friendship, mercy, compassion, and the most often forgotten: chivalry, are taught from cover to cover. And even if you are not a huge Robin Hood fan, the ending will touch the heart of any reader.
   
   
   While these next two may not be well known, they are most definitely classics.
   
   
4. The Lamplighter – Maria S. Cummins
   Following the life of Gerty, a little hot-tempered “heathen” orphan girl who, with the love and care of an old lamplighter and a few new friends, grows into a sweet young woman who seeks to honor God with her life and actions and piques the intrigue of all who meet her. While the several slow and long descriptive parts may try the patience of some…the constant trials, mild adventures, and endearing characters will greatly reward the reader who keeps turning the pages. You will laugh, cry, smile…and then return for more.
   
   
5. The Hidden Hand – E.D.E.N. Southworth
   This is not a well known book, but most definitely deserves a place among the classics! Young Capitola…she is not your average female character for the time in which the book was written. The author decided to break that mold and give her heroine a little more spirit and tenacity. Raised by an elderly man, Capitola pushes all the boundaries she can and doesn’t care what others think about her. She is bound to capture your heart and have you laughing and cheering her on in her antics. I may have burst out several exclamations, forgetting I was just an observer, and had my family rather concerned for my wellbeing when tears of laughter were streaking down my cheeks.
   
   
6. Ben Hur – Lew Wallace
   We all know about the famous chariot race, but what about the rest of the story? What would it be like to be a Jew, having your best friend betray your family? To be taken from your home, adopted by a Roman and then return to your homeland years later, searching for your family and seeking revenge, but instead meet the long awaited Messiah? While the chariot race is the most exciting part, the rest of the book is filled with memorable characters, friendship, betrayal, a love story…or two…forgiveness and hope. A little something for everyone.
   
   
7. Tom Sawyer – Mark Twain
   Pretty much the definition of a classic, this book had such a coziness about it during my childhood. This book is a great read for all ages; endearing and fun for younger readers, cozy and lighthearted for older readers…while adding a bit of nostalgia for those who grew up with it. The small adventures are enough to keep you turning the pages, while not quite causing the heart thumping emotions of more intense books. The innocent childhood friends and relationships, and the mischievous antics of the title character make this a great book for the family to read together and raise some good discussions. It never hurts to go back to the basics every now and then, and this book can teach something to even the oldest reader.