Should We Read The Classics?

Deciding whether to dive into the classics can feel a bit like choosing between a trusty old pair of jeans and the flashy new ones on sale. Both have their merits, but which pair speaks to you?

Let’s face it: the world brims with books. One sad truth we readers must acknowledge is there will never be enough time to devour everything we want to read.

With a never-ending buffet of stories, why reach for the steamed broccoli (the classics) when there are so many other tantalizing dishes (not the classics) to try?

Well, as with broccoli, sometimes the things that seem stodgy can be surprisingly satisfying. Moreover, you may find the classics feed your imagination more than expected.

The Classics Can Be Fun

Even the classics were once “new”. Let that sit for a minute. Just because a novel is old doesn’t mean it can’t still enthrall you.

Take The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s not just an old book; it’s an epic revenge saga that could out-drama any modern thriller.

And Jane Austen? Her books are like the Regency era’s answer to the gossip columns, full of wit and snark long before Twitter made it cool.

Here’s the thing: reading the classics shouldn’t feel like homework.

If you crack open a so-called “great book” and it reads like you’re slogging through molasses, it’s okay to bail. There’s no literary police who will arrest you for abandoning Moby Dick mid-whale.

In the end, mixing classics with contemporary reads can give you the best of both worlds. You get all the benefits of reading, plus you’ll be well-versed in literary masterpieces and up-to-date with current bestsellers. And who knows? Maybe that ancient tome will be your next page-turner.

So, friendly reader, what’s your take? Are you ready to give those dusty classics on your shelf a chance, or are they destined to remain as literary decorations?

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Taylor Wright on Unsplash