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 It doesn't read like the books I was used to and the language is outdated.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.
Emma
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibility
Mansfield Park
Persuasion (re-read)
Northhanger Abbey
The Great Gatsby (re-read)
Little Women (re-read)
Jane Eyre
Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Frankenstien
Huckleberry Finn
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass
The Call of the Wild
The Secret Garden
Wuthering Heights
Treasure Island
A Christmas Carol
Peter Pan
A Study in Scarlett
Moby Dick
1984
Animal Farm
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
To Kill a Mockingbird
Romeo and Juliet
Anne of Green Gables
The Canterbury Tales
Gone With the Wind
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.
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Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to reading it.
❤️Alycia
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.