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Writer's pictureAlycia Hamon

Why I'm afraid of literary classics (a childhood drama).

Updated: Apr 7


Books stacked on a shelf


Oh, the classics. I used to think reading classic literature was only for really smart people, like rocket scientists (which I am not). But, I'm almost 30. It's time to give it another go. My first attempt at reading classical literature was in 4th grade. See, we had this point system called Accelerated Reader. We, as students, were assigned a point goal, and we had to meet that goal to be rewarded, usually by a pizza party. Maybe that's where my perfectionism and need for affirmation originated.


Anyway, I thought I would be smart and "cheat" my way through by only reading one book. One of the books with the highest point value was "Little Women". I could read that book and have enough for the entire semester! Now, I was a great reader. I love to read, and I read fast. I've read 87 books so far this year, if that's any indication. Not only did I decide to put my eggs (I mean books) all in one basket, I waited until the very last minute. Literally. Ten year old me thought she could read an 800+ page book overnight. I was a good reader, but not that good at age ten. Could I do that now? Certainly. But I've clearly always been an ambitious overachiever who demands nothing less than perfection.


It's the night before points are due, and I sit down to read this huge book. It wasn't that big before, right? It was in that moment, I realized I messed up. I tell my mom what happened and she's furious. She also demanded perfection from me, and that obviously wasn't going to happen in this instance. My mom attempted to teach me how to speed read, and it worked. The next day I went to class and attempted the test. I actually passed. Barely, but I got my points and was able to enjoy pizza with the other perfect overachievers.


After that experience, I was a little scarred by classic literature. I didn't like it. It doesn't read like the books I was used to and the language is outdated. I attempted to read "Little Women" all the way through several times over the years, and after what felt like the hundredth time, I finished it last year. And I LOVED it. I was sad it took me so long to finish it. I knew I was missing out on amazing books because I was too scared to give them a try.


One of my items on my 30 by 30 list is reading 30 classic books. I put together a list, of course. I make lots and lots of lists. I live by them. Anyway, here it is.


  1. Emma

  2. Pride and Prejudice

  3. Sense and Sensibility

  4. Mansfield Park

  5. Persuasion (re-read)

  6. Northhanger Abbey

  7. The Great Gatsby (re-read)

  8. Little Women (re-read)

  9. Jane Eyre

  10. Tess of the d'Urbervilles

  11. Frankenstien

  12. Huckleberry Finn

  13. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass

  14. The Call of the Wild

  15. The Secret Garden

  16. Wuthering Heights

  17. Treasure Island

  18. A Christmas Carol

  19. Peter Pan

  20. A Study in Scarlett

  21. Moby Dick

  22. 1984

  23. Animal Farm

  24. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

  25. To Kill a Mockingbird

  26. Romeo and Juliet

  27. Anne of Green Gables

  28. The Canterbury Tales

  29. Gone With the Wind

  30. The Little Price (re-read)

Once again, I may be a tad bit overambitious. It wouldn't be a list by Alycia if it wasn't. Follow along with me as I tackle this part of my bucket list one classic book at a time.


P.S.


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121 views2 comments

2 comentarios


Alycia Hamon
Alycia Hamon
07 jul 2023

Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to reading it.


❤️Alycia

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Invitado
07 jul 2023

To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite. I actually own a few of these. I’ll get the ones I can find together and bring you some if you would like. - Stacey.

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