Classic literature is hard, rewarding

Bea’s Books

Reading a classic is hard. Really hard. 

Sometimes I just want to throw it down and read something modern and reasonably paced. But through time, effort and lots of focus I have found that classics are gems hidden behind important sounding words and never ending paragraphs. 

Some notable classics I have read include “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Great Gatsby” (I am currently working through “Lord of the Flies”). Being thirteen, I obviously will not be able to understand all of the metaphors these books convey about society, politics, etc. but for me, it’s not about that. It’s about expanding my horizons to different perspectives. 

I am able to be transported to a time where the writing was different, where storylines were different because of their significance to people of a certain era. I am able to catch on to the different ways authors wrote their books and how character design differed from decade to decade. 

Then, there’s the added bonus of vocabulary. I am able to learn new words and phrases simply by following along with a story. Classics are a challenge, and one I choose to overcome because, yes, it’s a workout for the mind, but it is also a time traveling device and a way to connect with the past. 

So, my challenge to you is to read one classic, whether that is the “Little Prince,” which can be read quickly or “War and Peace,” which may take a fair bit longer, try to read one. It is important to understand the past so we can better understand the future and I think these books have meanings behind them that, although from another time, can still be relevant in the modern age if you take the time to understand them. 

My current aspirations include “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Jane Eyre” and “Frankenstein” and I would recommend reading along!