Rediscovering Classics: 10 School Reads Worth Revisiting as an Adult
Rediscover timeless classics! Our top 10 books to read in high school offer fresh insights into beloved books from your school days.
I've always been a passionate reader, but after having three children, finding uninterrupted reading time has become a challenge. When I do get a moment, I often turn to easy, "chick lit" novels because they don't require much concentration-perfect for those times when I'm liable to nod off mid-page! Recently, though, I realized I was getting a bit bored of reading the same type of book over and over.
That's when I decided to revisit some of the classics I first encountered at school. Back then, reading these books felt like a chore-something to be dissected for assignments rather than savored. As an adult, I've come to appreciate just how masterful and thought-provoking these works truly are. They're filled with timeless themes and insights that resonate more deeply with a bit of life experience under your belt.
Below are my top 10 recommendations for school-day reads that deserve a second chance. I've included Amazon links for anyone who wants to add them to their shelves (because nothing beats the feeling of a physical book in your hands!).
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1. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
A short but impactful science fiction novel that delves into humanity's place in the world and explores the fragility of civilization. It's surprisingly relevant in our era, especially in its commentary on social class and conflict.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This beloved novel offers a witty and insightful look at 19th-century society, focusing on class, marriage, and the pursuit of love. It's a delightful read, especially if you enjoy the film adaptations and want to see the depth and nuances the screen versions can miss.
3. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
If you're into passion, drama, and darker undertones in your romances, this is the book for you. It's an intense story that I didn't fully grasp as a teenager, but rereading it as an adult revealed layers of complexity and emotion that I'd overlooked.
4. Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
This evocative memoir recounts an idyllic childhood in the English countryside. Reading it now as a parent brings new perspectives on childhood, growth, and how our environments shape us.
5. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Orwell's dystopian masterpiece takes on more significance the older you get. The themes of surveillance, authoritarianism, and the manipulation of truth feel eerily relevant in the modern day.
6. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A classic fantasy tale that many of us read in primary school. If you've seen the movie adaptations, you'll discover a wealth of detail and charm in the book that simply couldn't fit on-screen. Rediscover the magic of Middle-earth by dipping into Tolkien's original text.
7. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Technically a play, but one that nearly everyone studies at some point. Revisiting it with a good set of notes or a modern "translation" can help unlock its themes of love, fate, and family feuds.
8. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
A quintessential novel of teenage rebellion and angst. I loved it as a teen, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the story resonates now that I'm older. It's an excellent reminder of the complexities of adolescence and finding your place in the world.
9. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Many of us studied this heartbreaking yet profound story of friendship and dreams in a harsh world. Its themes of hope, isolation, and belonging are especially poignant as you gain more life experience.
10. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
As a teen, the symbolism and social commentary in this novel can be easy to overlook. Rereading it brings to light its powerful examination of human nature, power structures, and moral responsibility.
Your Turn to Revisit
Which school-assigned book do you wish to reread with fresh eyes? Maybe there's a beloved classic you now have the patience-or life experience-to truly appreciate. Let me know in the comments!
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