Taking the first steps into reading the classics can become a daunting task. Finding the right pick for you amongst such a vast sea of options—both in terms of preferences, content, and even difficulty—may take some time, especially when schools, scholars, and readers in general seem to be recommending the same four works repeatedly.
So, yes, we know. This kind of article has been written time and time again. But please, bear with us. We can assure you that this one will be different. No, we will not recommend you your typical classic books—don’t expect to read about Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brönte, Jane Austen, or William Shakespeare. Even if we do enjoy these beloved authors, it is time we broaden our horizons. Without further ado, here are five classic not-so-common recommendations based on some of your contemporary favourites!
The Silent Companions (2017) by Laura Purcell > The Turn of The Screw (1898) by Henry James
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell proved to be one of the spookiest releases of the last few years. Driving both the main character and the readers themselves through the most paranoid parts of the mind, the book plays numerous mind games that do not give you (or the poor protagonist) a single second to rest. Similarly, The Turn of the Screw by Henry James relies heavily on its “unreliable narrator”, keeping you at the edge of your seat and not allowing you to put the book down until you uncover what is real and what is not. Dive head first on the gothic atmosphere of Henry James’ masterpiece and unravel the mystery of this delightful piece of gothic fiction.
Scythe (2016) by Neal Shusterman > Brave New World (1932) by Aldous Huxley
Have you ever wondered about the future? Do you think it is possible for humanity to reach a perfect society? And what if that idyllic society is not as perfect as it appears to be at first glance? If you enjoyed the paradoxical dystopian utopia of Neal Shusterman’s Scythe, get ready for Aldous Huxley’s masterpiece. Polarising to George Orwell’s 1984, where humankind deeply resents their futuristic situation, Huxley offers the reader a future where people are happy with their situation, or so it seems. Dealing with similar topics, both Shusterman’s and Huxley’s works offers a glimpse of the possible outcome of our world, where humanity has surrendered to abusing our power as a species for the sake of greater good. Deliciously dark food for thought.
Tess of the Road (2018) by Rachel Hartman > Don Quixote (1615) by Miguel de Cervantes
This one may seem like a bit of a stretch, but hear us out. The hero’s quest trope is not uncommon in epic novels of self-discovery, and it is the main link between these two books. Even if Tess lacks Don Quixote’s madness, and the latter is missing a dragon companion, both characters share that certain feeling of adventurous picaresque. Furthermore, Rachel Hartman wrote her undergraduate thesis about Cervantes’ masterpiece, so it is not that crazy to find some reminiscence of it on her novel. If you enjoyed the lazy, episodic rhythm of Tess’ journey, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in the world of Don Quixote —one of the central pieces of Spanish literature.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing (2018) by Hank Green > Slaughterhouse V (1969) by Kurt Vonnegut
Surrealism at its finest. For fans of Hank Green’s imaginatively weird debut novel, Slaughterhouse V by Kurt Vonnegut should definitely be your next read. If you enjoy the literary production of Hank’s brother, John, you will have definitely heard about Slaughterhouse V, as it is quoted several times throughout The Fault in Our Stars, which is written by his brother, John Green. Painstakingly odd yet utterly gripping, Vonnegut’s novel will give you that same sense of uneasiness characteristic of what almost appears to be an alternative reality, where everything is not quite right. In both cases, you will not be able to stop yourself from quoting that meme with the crazy-haired guy saying aliens.
All The Crooked Saints (2017) by Maggie Stiefvater > Love Medicine (1984) by Louise Erdrich
Were the miracles that happened in Bicho Raro not enough for you? Then, you have a few more waiting for you thanks to Louise Erdrich collection of short stories. Even if this book is the closest to our days, it is widely considered a classic now, even if it is not as popular as it should. For lovers of Stiefvater’s masterful use of magic realism and folklore, Love Medicine will hook you in with the mysterious and enchanting stories of three Native American families whose lives are irrevocably intertwined. Like All the Crooked Saints, the collection also explores the depths of family bonds, love in all of its forms, and self-discovery.
