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- The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy probably looks and sounds somewhat intimidating — it’s a work of classic French literature, after all, and what the devil is a Pimpernel, let alone a scarlet one?
- 1984 by George Orwell. George Orwell’s 1984 is one of my favorite books ever, and it’s one of the few that I’ve reread, and more than once. It’s one of those books that has stayed with me and had an impact on the way I think about the world.
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. John Steinbeck is one of my all-time favorite American writers. I’m partial to some of his longer novels, like The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden, but I wouldn’t really call those classics for beginners.
- McTeague by Frank Norris. McTeague was one of my surprise favorite novels set in San Francisco I read in preparation for my trip there. Who would ever expect that a novel about a dentist would be such a thrilling, unpredictable ride?
- 1984 by George Orwell
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
- The Catcher in The Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
1984is a very popular required read for students, nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read. Its reading level is age 13+. This is often the book that introduces readers to dystopian literature, envisioning a future government (at the time it was written seventy years before 1984) that would do anything to mai...
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finnis considered one of the easy to read classics because it centers on a boy on an adventurous journey on the Mississippi River in 1840 with a slave seeking freedom. While it’s not a hard story to follow, it does also instill mature themes for which the classics are also known, like racism.
I wanted to be sure to include an Agatha Christie bookon this list because she’s one of the best-selling authors of all time, and her books are generally short and not too hard to read. (You may need only to keep track of the characters, which can be many.) And Then There Were Noneis the perfect place to start the Agatha Christie catalog. It’s a PB...
Animal Farmis one of the first classic books I recall reading in high school and not feeling overwhelmed. It’s short, and the reading level is age 13+. It’s a dystopian novel in which a farm is taken over by its mistreated animals. Originally aimed at Stalinist Russia, now it symbolizes all attacks on personal freedom.
Readers of all ages adore the famous fictional protagonist Anne of Green Gables, a red-headed orphan who brings her big, beautiful (and mischievous) spirit to Prince Edward Island at the turn of the 20th century. A chapter book written for older children, it’s not too complex a book series to start.
I totally flew through The Bell Jarwhile I was on a school break, so I definitely found it to be one of my favorite easy to read classics. Written in 1963, it maintains a more modern English language and tone throughout, as it explores a young woman’s descent into her dark psyche.
Breakfast at Tiffany’sis one of my personal favorite easy to read classic novels. It’s a brief character-driven narrative about a New York socialite with a lot of emotional baggage. You can read it in one sitting yet still be captivated by the lush descriptions and unparalleled attention to detail that Capote brings to the one and only Holly Goligh...
Ask any American adult which classic book he or she enjoyed reading most in high school, and there’s a really good chance you’ll hear The Catcher in the Rye. And if those many high school students connect with it, it’s got to be fairly easy to digest. It’s also brief, at just over 100 pages, and has a reading level of age 13+. It’s the quintessenti...
One of America’s top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS’s The Great American Read, Charlotte’s Webis a chapter book written for older children but clearly remains beloved by all ages who connect with its universal themes of life, love, and loss. It’s one of the most classic tales of friendship, as a spider befriends a pig and they show love for...
Many readers may already know some version of the most classic of all Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol, but have you actually read the original book? It’s surprisingly short and easy to digest, with simple messaging about kindness and Christmas spirit, yet it’s also written in exquisitely beautiful prose that is sure to delight classic readers....
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. When looking for the best classic books for beginners, The Great Gatsby should be at the top of your list! This book is one of the most classic of classics, and is definitely on the list of the best classics of all time.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Another of the best easy classics for beginners is Pride and Prejudice, and this one is a book you won’t want to miss!
- Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. Looking for short easy read classics? Peter Pan is one of the best children’s classic books you will want to pick up! This story is short and a classic story which has infiltrated popular culture, particularly since it’s been turned into a Disney film!
- Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. Another of the best literature books for beginners is Murder on the Orient Express, which is a thrilling murder mystery!
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What are the best easy to read Classics for beginners?
What are the best classic books for beginners?
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Should you read a classic book?
- Gullivers Travels – Jonathan Swift. Gulliver’s Travels (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels) Gullivers Travels is a great classic book for beginners because it’s funny and memorable.
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic): First Edition Cover. This classic novel follows the adventures of two boys, Huckleberry Finn, and Jim, as they journey down the Mississippi River.
- Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe. Robinson Crusoe [with Biographical Introduction] A timeless tale about survival, Robinson Crusoe is perfect for those starting out on their classic reading journey.
- Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson. Treasure Island. Another easy classic to read for first-timers is Treasure Island. This is also easy to read because the story is told through the narrative of a child.
Feb 16, 2024 · Looking for some easy to read classics? Here are 28 titles you won't want to put down.
Oct 12, 2022 · To give you some ideas of what to add to your reading list, here are some of the best classics of all time that are actually quite easy to read. I’ve included my own top recommendations, but I’ve also checked what Reddit has to say about the best easy-to-read classics to give you some other perspectives.
Jul 20, 2022 · Want to start reading the classics but not sure where to start? In our guide to the best classics for beginners Harriet Sanders, Publisher of Macmillan Collectors Library and avid reader of the classics, shares six easy-to-read classic books you'll love.
