Guidelines to Reading Classic Literature

We’ve all been there before. And by “there” I mean tried to read a classic novel and found ourselves unable to get through it. For some, it may discourage you from reading anything pre-1900’s again. I’m here to tell you not to give up just yet! Perhaps all you need to get started on your road to being an avid reader of classic novels are a few starter tips.

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  Tip #1: Audiobooks are your friend
  So I’ve found that one of the hard parts of reading older books is getting through all the old language. Of course, if you’re watching a Shakespearean play, those old english words sound beautiful. But when you’re reading, it just becomes a hurdle when you have to stop to decipher the spelling differences. However, when there’s someone to read all the funny words for you (with the right pronunciation, too) it makes it ten times easier to finish these types of books.
  
  
  
  Tip #2: Movies are also your friends
  It may sounds counterintuitive to watch movies, but if you can watch ones with that old english vocabulary in them, it still helps you get used to it. Also, watching good movie adaptations can introduce you to classic stories that you might have previously been too intimidated to attempt reading.
  
  
  
  Tip #3: Start small
  In the same way that runners have to train for marathons, you have to work your way up to reading the more difficult classics. Don’t start with something like Les Miserables(it’s called “the brick” for a reason). If you go for an easier read you’ll find yourself enjoying “old books” and it will build your stamina  and enthusiasm to read more!
  
  

  

  "The Brick"

  Here are a few recommendations:
  Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen(the audiobook narrated by Carolyn Seymour is perfect too!)
  Jane Eyre - Emily Bronte (or the audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen)
  Sherlock Holmes series - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  The Lord of the Rings- J.R.R. Tolkien
  Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
  The Great Gatsby- F Scott Fitzgerald
  The Narnia series - C.S. Lewis
  
  
  -Elizabeth