Classics
There are some books and stories that have stood the test of time. They are relevant, important, and meaningful long beyond their publication years. While I don't believe a reading diet of only classics books are a healthy way to approach texts, I do think classics can be important for a few reasons. The most important, in my opinion, is the retrospection those texts provide us. We are able to see a humanity in the context of the time that would probably be absent in historical documents, artifacts, and textbooks. Classics also expose us to a language unlike our own. Listening to or reading classics provides our ear with another language, if you will, even if the text is entirely in English. We learn expressions, words, and tones of the time, which, again, provide us with a glimpse of the people of the time. All too often, history is distanced and feels far away from us. Classics can bridge the gap between then and now. Finally, classics are important because they are frequently discussed and alluded to. Having the knowledge of the classic text when it is referred to provides readers with the insight and intellect of the few who have also read the text. Here are some of my favorite "classic" texts.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Set during the Civil War and Reconstruction, Alcott's tale of four sisters provides us with a sneak peek into the daily life of this Massachusetts family. Alcott presented a great many feminist ideals in this text, which makes is relevant, even in our current modern time.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne is a picture of a spunky gal! She has a beautifully, optimistic way of looking at the world and, most of the time, we could all use a little of her optimism! This book is also a good illustration of child rearing in the early 20th century and how very different it is from our current parenting ideals.
Call of the Wild by Jack London
Told from the perspective of Buck, a dog stolen from his home and forced to be an Alaskan sled dog, this classic shows how we react when pushed to our limits and the lengths we go to in order to survive. An excellent depiction of the Yukon Gold Rush period.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
From the opening scene of this fantasy book, we are given insight to WWII as the four Pevensie children are sent into the country to live with their Uncle. From there, they discover a secret (imaginary?) world where the decisions they make have very real consequences.