Classics: They Aren't All Bad

October 01, 2010

High school, with its 4 years of forced reading, can be difficult. English class is all sad books, which teens often have a hard time identifying with. As I have gotten older, I have learned to appreciate some of the common offenders, but there were a few that I actually enjoyed in high school. Maybe, they can be helpful to you if you get a choice. I hope so.

1.  1984 George Orwell
This cautionary tale of a world where every action or thought is monitored by the Big Brother is entertaining in a creepy way. It holds your interest and makes you think. It is also relatively short and easy to read.

2.  David Copperfield Charles Dickens
This epic journey of a young boy growing up in the industrial age is long but full of characters and drama. You hate people, you love people, and there is a happy ending. (Hope I didn’t ruin it.) For an equally drama-filled but shorter Dickens, Tale of Two Cities works well.

3.  Richard III William Shakespeare
Shakespeare hits the peak of depravity and vileness with this play about the murderous and sinister Richard III. My teacher always portrayed Richard as Igor of Frankenstein, and it definitely stuck. That image might help you.

Happy Reading!

Sarah E.
Blue Springs North