If you love books like me, you’ve probably tried to read the classics. You have also probably failed a few times! As important as these books are, sometimes they’re hard to get through. So check out a few shorter, easier-to-read classic books to get you started:
1. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This classic tale is about a young man who befriends a wealthy eccentric; he soon finds himself lost in a whirlwind of opulence, lavish parties, and confusion. Most consider it the most iconic story of the Jazz Age. It’s very easy to read and full of dizzying descriptions and vivid scenery and is also under 150 pages!
2. “A Room of Ones Own” by Virginia Woolf
“But, you may say, we asked you to speak about women and fiction – what has that got to do with a room of one’s own?” Woolf’s iconic, 115-paged is based on a talk the author gave about how society never gives women their own space away from their expectations. It contains feminine rage and fury but wraps it in a polite old British way, making it a must-read for every woman.
3. “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
Also adapted into a popular play by Berkoff and several films, “The Metamorphosis” tells a dark story about Gregor, who wakes up one morning to find he has transformed into an insect. Just under 60 pages, this iconic piece contains tragicomedy, and underneath all the imagery and metaphor is a universally touching tale of isolation and confusion.
4. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins-Gilman
This powerful ghost story revolves around a new mother who is haunted by the moving wallpaper in her new home. But underneath is a searing indictment of the medical gaslighting women face that’s deep-rooted misogyny. Her writing may feel quite ancient compared to other classics on the list, but at just 20 pages, it’s so worth the read.
Happy reading of these classic books, bookworms! And remember, the only thing that makes a book good is that you like it.
Photo by Matias North on Unsplash
