12 EASY! classic literature books for ACTUAL beginners (where to start)
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- Опубликовано: 12 ноя 2023
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I mean if you want to get into reading more classics my first advice would be to remember that you are a beginner and let’s not bite off more than we can chew. I’m rereading to the lighthouse right now and just adoring it, but I remember the first time I dutifully made my way through it in my late teens and was like, what the hell is even going on, I don’t understand who anyone is or what anyone is doing. So, I’ve picked out 10 books that I think are great for actual beginners BUT equally good for you know, highly intelligent expert master readers too. Also, most of these are good if english is your second language and you want to improve your english reading skills. So let’s go!
I talk about:
- the best classic books for beginners
- why you need to train your brain
- how to become a better reader
- the best books of the 19th century
- easy books to read
- oscar wilde
- jane austen
- ernest hemingway
- why you should read more classics
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fair use of copyrighted material:
Virginia Woolf - To the Lighthouse
www.bloomsbury.com/uk/to-the-...
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
www.amazon.co.uk/Wuthering-He...
A Movable Feast - Ernest Hemingway
www.amazon.co.uk/Moveable-Fea...
Ernest Hemingway
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
War & Peace - Leo Tolstoy
www.waterstones.com/book/war-...
In Search of Lost Time - Marcel Proust
www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Lost-...
The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
www.amazon.co.uk/Brothers-Kar...
Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
www.wob.com/en-gb/books/fyodo...
disclaimer: i do not own some of the material in this video. please note that some images, videos, and copyrights belong to their original owners. no copyright infringement intended.
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Next up: classic movies for beginners 😊
Yes please! Immediately raises the question: will Citizen Kane or Vertigo make the list? :)
Would love a Jenny’s list and a David’s list ^.^❤
@@koningjessicaCitizen Kane is just boring rubbish imo 😂
Yes please 😊
Yes please! But David must be in the video 😊
I’m a bookseller and your recommendations are excellents😍
I would really like a selection of your favourite Asian books and Swedish as well!
And about a completely different subject: a video about relationships. You and David seem so unite and happy, it’s so inspiring, it would be really nice to have your thoughts about love and building a relationship like yours☺️
Great suggestion!
Definitely keen for some Swedish literature recommendations. I read A System So Magnificent It Is Blinding by Amanda Svensson and loved it.
Jane Eyre. I read it when I was 15 years old. I had no concept of classics. I had bought the book just because I liked the cover. But fell in love with it. It didn't feel like it was written that long ago
One of my current favourites is '100 years of solitude'. Again, not short, since it talks about 5 or so generations BUT it is such a sentimental and touching story. The magical realism makes the story a breeze to read in my opinion
Dostoyevskis short stories are really good for beginners as well. White Nights is amazing.
The Gambler by him was a short story.
@@Givebackthescarf I wasn’t aware it was a thing, I like white nights because it reminds me of home. And yeah, I think Hemingway is awesome, though in shorter format, like with Hills like White Elephants. But he really is like the whitest of white men too lol
some more recommendations !!
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson - gothic, moody, magical
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro - atmospheric, introspective, historical
Perfume by Patrick Süskind - dark, sadistic, yet simple prose in English translation
I just enjoy your book related content so much - not that I don't enjoy content related to other topics you cover! Everything you do is so well done, thoughtful and creative. I felt very cozy when watching this and can't wait to not only read 'Okay Days' but also for more content like this. Thank you Jenny and David :)
Thank you Jenny!
My first classic books were “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, and “Gone with the wind” by Margaret Mitchell.
Recommend!
Austen was where I started reading classics (outside of school assignments), and she remains a go-to for me. I started with Sense & Sensibility which was a little harder for me, but Persuasion was the last of hers I picked up and it is my favorite! A couple other classics I enjoyed when I got into them were Treasure Island (because I loved the Muppet version) and Dracula (which is an epistolary novel that's fun to work through).
Oh, may I add: Hermann Hesse Narcissus and Goldmund! I started with Steppenwolf, which is rather difficult, but Narcissus and Goldmund is a rather easy read for a Hermann Hesse book. I loved the story and the contrast between the characters. I loved a moveable feast. When I spend some time in Paris I adored the book! I'm really excited for Eve Babitz, it sounds like a book I could love
Awesome video! I also recommend F Scott Fitzgerald for those wanting to start reading literature - Great Gatsby is relatively short, clearly written, and has several movie adaptations for those who find that helpful, as you mentioned. One of my absolute favourite authors is Edith Wharton, whose prose and plots are very readable. She also has some short stories and compilations - I recently read "Old New York" and enjoyed it - though Custom of the Country and Glimpses of the Moon are still my faves. And for youth/children's literature, Arthur Ransome and his Swallows and Amazons series is just so magical and immersive and adventurous in the sweetest most wholesome 1920s way - I reread them when I'm sick or having a rough time and they just soothe my soul. :)
Jenny!! Im reading Giovanni’s room right now and LOVE the whole scene of their meeting. Also Jacques and David’s conversation about what is going on is one of the most moving scenes I have ever read!
Yay, this book series sounds wonderful! Your Swedish favourites as the next one would be so great 💛🩵
Yay, thank you!
The first classic book I read was Hamlet if I remember correctly, I must have been 15 years old, and it was a delightful read, highly recommended. Another one of the books was One Hundred Years of Solitude, I started reading it at 14 and it was definitely too much for me, I reread it at 15 and I was able to finish it. It's a good book, but I don't think I read it at the right age, I liked it and enjoyed it, and I plan to read it again in a few years. Thanks for the recommendation 💗
My first classic was The Catcher in the Rye, for pleasure before it was an assignment in school years later. I adored it and remember feeling so immersed in Holden’s tone of voice, even in my thoughts when I set the book down. In class years later, almost everyone complained he was whiny and irresponsible and I loudly defended him. The preservation of innocence, the senselessness of adult responsibility in the face of grief, an unnamable longing to reach back and skip to the end at once.
Loved this! Looking forward to read them 🥰 thanks for the recommendations Jenny !
East of Eden by John Steinbeck!
Your recommendations are flawless, as are every single one of the cover art! I've never seen a more stunning list.
Thank you for sharing! ❤ My all time favorite is 'Character' by Ferdinand Bordewijk (published 1938). It is described as a story of a father son relationship, but caught my adolescent mind by the story line on how you can fight against your own romantic and passionate inclinations in order to do what is right according to your own mind.
I was hoping you’d make this video! ❤️ thank you!!
I love these recommendations! Rebecca is one of my favourites of all time and I'm currently reading Bonjour Tristesse. Crime and Punishment is on my list as is to To The Lighthouse so I'm so glad to see you recommend them! You've definitely inspired me to read some Chekhov and Austen ❤
I love when you talk about books and literature Jenny, please more! 😊
Wuthering Heights is my favorite book. I am excited to start on this reading list and I look forward to your next book recommendation video!
Love when you make book recommendation videos!!
This arrived at the perfect time! I was just deciding on what classic to read but so unsure on which book to choose.
Thank youuu Jenny!
Silence in the Age of Noise by Eirling Kagge, this book felt so deep and poetic while being very honest and not fluffy ❤ it’s an easy read one could finish within an afternoon, and you’ll still savor every page 😊
Thank you Jenny ❤
Rebecca is hands down one of my favourites. I think the 1st classic I read was Dickens “A Tale of Two Cities” when I was a teen. Looking forward to reading some of your suggestions and your book of course!
love that bonjour tristesse keeps making your lists
Loved this video.....Time to write my Christmas wish list!
Most of the dystopian classics are easy (fast) reads. This is intentional since the concept of dystopian, by default, needs to be thought provoking so the words to explain it must be simple. Love your list xoxo
Thanks Jenny Mustard!
Love Dorian Grey and Wilde's short stories are heartbreaking
Loving this! Thank you ❤
My first ever classic was Silas Marner. I read it at about 12 and absolutely loved it. It started me on so many classics, but Dorian Gray is still one of my all time favourites.
The only classics I've read thus far are Dorian Gray and a few of the Sherlock Holmes stories. Both of which I've enjoyed immensely. Dorian Gray quickly became one of my favourite books of all time. As for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as much as he ended up hating Sherlock, the world he created really is genius. Fun fact, Sherlock is the most portrayed fictional character, with the most adaptations of all time.
love love love listening to you talk❤
I loved Franny and Zooey! I think it´s my favourite classic "recommend recommend" ;)
Also I loved Okay days! It´s super cozy and one of those great "slow books" - if that makes sense. Just all in all a delightful read!
I would love a list of cozy, uplifting, hopeful books that are good for cold, rainy, gloomy days when one feels overwhelmed with the world…
I read Bonjour Tristesse earlier this year per your recommendation - i LOVED it, currently convincing my best friend to read it with me next summer
The Picture of Dorian Gray is AMAZING 🤩
YES TO THE PERSUASION SHOUTOUT!! Persuasion, Rebecca and Dorian Grey were three of my first and favourite classics😌
I love it when you do book content!
Great inspiration! Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Also really like the Sherlock Holmes stories
I always enjoy your book recommendations! I would love a video about books to read out loud with your partner ❤️
I loooved your book ... i finished it in two days at the beach in september ... i wanted to stard rereading it because i knew i would miss the characters. Your write beautifully and with perfect pace and wit. Can't wait for your second book.
I adore Checkov especially "the lady with the dog"!"White nights " by Dostoyevsky is another favorite.Great video!❤
Love your recommendations, I’m starting your book and lovin it 😊
I would love to know your favorite Japanese books.
Some great recommendations, thanks Jenny! I was inspired to read the Tana French 'Dublin' series after you recommended them a while back, different genre, I know....
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a great introduction to classical writing.
Thank you Jenny!
When I was young I foolishly tried to read great expectations. And hunchback of notre dame (in French) those were difficult
Wonderful!
I hope you make more videos like this one!
My husband ordered Okay Days from Blackwells and had it shipped to Canada for my birthday for free! I’ve just started it and can’t wait to get into the story.
Yaaay! Hope you like it!
One of my first was Pride and Prejudice, which is one of my favorites to this day. I can also recommend Madame Bovary by Flaubert. I found its themes to be weirdly current for a nineteenth century novel. And also The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann for someone who likes a truly weird atmosphere.
I know exactly what scene from Crime and Punishment you are talking about. I read the book 30 years ago, and remember how disturbing it was...but, of course, fantastic writing. It was the very first classic book I read. I haven't been reading any novels lately, but your recommendations have inspired me to make time for it!
OMG can you please do a similar video but with Swedish books? I am REALLY trying to read more in Swedish but at the end of the day it's just not relaxing. Like what would be the Dorian Grey but in Swedish?
I’d love to hear your favorite Swedish books, movies, shows (which have translations). Great video, I’m inspired!
Omg yes yes YES
Please talk more about books yessss pretty please
I saved all your recommendations thank you so much
Will do!!
Surprisingly I recently want to read more classics - when I choose a new read I usually go for something new or my favourite authors. My friend gave me a tip for how she is doing that - buy or borrow classics and do not have other choices at home. 😉 Then you need to read this.
It is so true that you need to have different filters when you read them, as it was created in different times with slightly different values.
My all time favourite is "The Master and Margarita", but I recommend also William Faulkner, Alan Edgar Poe or Kurt Vonnegut.
And from my native language if there is any translation of Bruno Schultz I highly recommend. And of course Stanisław Lem. ❤
My first was Pride and Prejudice and it still remains to be my favorite book ever.
Persuasion is my favorite Austen book, I've read it many times I feel it so close to my heart. The other one I read on your recommendations is Breakfast in Tiffany's and I didn't enjoy it that much, I read it after Other voices, other rooms of Truman Capote and I loved it so much I expected to also love his other work, but it didn't feel the same idk why. Also I wanted to read Giovanni's Room for the longest time, it's a shame what you're saying it happens in the second half, but I will still read it, and I'll be better prepared with this warning so thank you. I would love recommendations of swedish books I really don't know anything about swedish literature
The Call of the Wild by Jack London, I was about 9-ish, and I remember it being the first book I read and couldn't wait to get back to after dinner! Maybe not international world classics, but certainly Swedish classics, in my early teens, was any book by Maria Gripe - loved them!
Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen book, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is amazing, love Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas, I'm also a big lover of almost everything Michail Bulgakov wrote, and a massive Shakespearean plays (not the sonnets) fan! Tips for beginners would be Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes novels, they are short, easy to read, and as you mentioned Jenny, it's easy to get into a story when we already know of the characters - Hound of the Baskervilles is my favourite Sherlock Holmes book - however I do suggest reading them in order from first novel to last. I could keep writing as I love reading classics but I'll end it there! 😅
I started with reading Pride & Prejudice, after watching the 1995 BBC version. Still my number 1 ever!❤
I chose Oliver Twist as my first classical literature book. There's a movie musical based on the book that I want to watch. So, if I want to see the movie musical, I have to read the book.
Favorite romantic books please!
I've read a few of those. I much prefer Breakfast at Tiffany's novella than the movie. I adored the Picture of Dorian Gray and haven't met a Jane Austen book I disliked. Agree that Rebecca is the perfect winter read. Other gothic masterpieces are Bram Stoker's Dracula, so much more than all these insipid modern day vampires and of course Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I'd have to live longer than Methuselah to get through all the books on my To Read pile but don't let that stop you recommending more!
I totally agree.
I would add The Count of Monte Cristo. I know it’s long but it’s an easy read and very entertaining
First of all, I already told you before, but Okay Days is in my top 5 of modern literature of all times.
Next, I loooove all the recommendations, because I want to get more into classics.
My personal favourite book is Lucia's Eyes from the Dutch author Arthur Japin. It is written in 2003, so does that count as a classic? 😅 Anyway it is a beautiful lovestory which sets in the 18th century and is about the first love of Casanova, the well known adventurer. It is so well written and takes you into the deep thoughts and feelings of the characters. Recommend, recommend!
Although these are not strictly 'classic', I loved reading Martha Ostenso (The Mad Carews), the Jalna series by the Canadian Mazo de la Roche, and everything by Louis Bromfield.
Also -- GORGEOUS very short books that should become classics: Small Things Like These and Foster, both by Claire Keegan. My gosh, can she ever craft language so beautifully.
Please share an idea for books that are visually and textual beautiful for display 😍
Omg you should def start with The Brothers Karamazov. It's unbelievable with unforgettable characters and interesting viewpoints. Idek how Dostoevsky managed to write so many complex characters all together in one novel (even tho it's a long novel😂) And yes Crime and Punishment made me kinda physically not well too and very anxious.
The Gambler by him is a shorter ready by him
I love Jane Austen. I would recomend "Metamorphosis" of Franz Kafka
'Zorba the Greek'. My ultimate favourite.
if you ever do International classics, you have to introduce Hermann Hesse, one of the Best german classics imo
I find Charles Dickens very easy to read, and his works were very influential for everything that came after. I love Tale of Two Cities, and Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol are popular for good reason.
ESL readers, do you also find Dickens easy?
Omg for a moment there I thought you wouldn't mention Pride and Prejudice 😮😂 the first ever classic I read (completely) was of course in school, I think Wilhelm Tell.
The best classical victorian book for beginners is " The Gadfly" by E. L. Voinich.
japanese book recommendations, please!! I'm very curious about japanese literature, but I don't know what book to start with that will get me hooked
Start with Haruki Murakami. He’s done so many great ones. 1Q84 is a personal favorite but if you’re looking for something shorter and simpler try Men Without Women.
I'd love a recommended list of Swedish novels in translation please!
I’ve never been a big reader but I have read Of Mice & Men, Catch 22 & Animal Farm which I would consider all classics and easy for beginners. I also love William S Burroughs but wouldn’t say he’s so beginner friendly.
I tried to read Lolita and couldn’t get even close to the end. Very difficult to read and an intense subject matter.
I haven’t read any classics I don’t think but we make me want to 😅
My favourite book: Le Message by Andree Chedid. I read it for school and felt so moved by it, beautiful drama. Also 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, loved the weirdness of it all.
yes please the video about your favourite japanese books!!!
About classics: I have tried to read Le Rouge et Le Noir (The Red and The Black) by Stendhal when I was younger but could never finish it... it's just too long and nothing really exciting happening... which is a shame.
The first classic I’ve ever read was Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, when I was 14, in my second language. It was a wild ride for sure but it still holds a soft spot in my heart. Dystopian sci-fi is up there though on the difficulty scale so I wouldn’t quite recommend it for beginners.
I felt the same about "Wuthering Heights" when I read that when I was 19 (confused me a bit). I did not like it but need to reread it. I loved "The Picture of Dorian Gray "except the full chapter about gems! That was odd. I did not enjoy the "Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories" book. It was far too racist and hurt my heart as I read it. "Rebecca" is incredible! Definitely love it. Love Jane Austen's books. Her writing really reels me in. I want to read a couple of your recommendations (but I don't want to throw up, so I'll skip "Crime and Punishment"). I still haven't read "Okay Days" and feel badly. I tend to go through my to-read list and tackle books I've wanted to read the longest first. I did read your last book immediately though (but that year I let my old to-read list books sit too long).
I was prepared to leave a very irate comment if P&P didn't make the list! But, whew, it snuck in there at the end :)
And congrats on the novel! I will have to keep an eye out for it . . .
Lol we’ve all been through this. My book I read way too young way LOTR.
I remember having to read The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway for school when I was about 15 years old and it seemed so boring and pointless to me, haha! I have not tried reading Hemingway as an adult - maybe it would be a different experience, but there are so, so many good books out there to read that I'm not really motivated to spend the time on him. However, I help run a banned book club and I may need to suggest The Picture of Dorian Gray because I've never read any Oscar Wilde! Thanks for this video - a lot of interesting recommendations. =)
I'm watching g tour channel in reverse as it was just recommended to me.. I'd love to know what your recommendations are for Japanese authors❤
If you like Chekhov then i am sure you will be like Lyudmila Ulitskaya too.
Oh god, Crime and punishment is not an easy read by any means. Maybe in English the prose goes easier, but the book was a horrendous read that took me forever to finish.
Anyway, my first book in English was also the Dorian Grey, followed immediately by Dracula, and yes, they were extremely easy and enjoyable books
Please stop recommending me books 😂 I've read just half of those and my to read list is getting longer and longer even tho I read 30 books a year. Never heard a nad recommodation from you!
❤
Classic authors are often trying to expose the moral failings of their generation - hence, the brutal depictions of racism /sexism etc. Baldwin in particular was exposing oppressive sexism by blatantly displaying it via his characters.