We've all read a long, boring book with complicated language and no clear plot in English class. It's a 'classic,' so it must be good, but does anyone actually enjoy it? Too often, this initial exposure to classic literature leads people to believe that all books in this category are dull and old-fashioned. There are, however, many modern classics that are engaging and interesting, while still being considered excellent literature.

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The Secret History

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is a mystery with endless plot twists that are revealed gradually and subtly throughout the book to keep readers guessing. For a 500-page novel, it reads easily and never feels slow. The book hooks you in from the iconic first sentence and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last.

"The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation." - Donna Tartt

The story is narrated by Richard Papen and covers him and his five friends, all studying Classics at a small, isolated college in Vermont. It perfectly captures the Northeast, elite, liberal arts college vibe but leaves much to the mind of the reader, with genuine yet insufferable characters and an unreliable narrator. The Secret History is the perfect book for a rainy, autumn day with a mug of hot chocolate and a Greek-English dictionary.

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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a coming-of-age book that excellently captures the beauty and ugliness of families, city life, and childhood, all in the backdrop of immigration and poverty. It has a quiet and small feel that is never overwhelming, but the writing is direct and at times feels personal.

"Serene was a word you could put to Brooklyn, New York. Especially in the summer of 1912." - Betty Smith

The novel focuses on young Francie Nolan throughout her childhood, and as she grows up, the tone matures as well. Because the story is semi-autobiographical, the characters, emotions, and plot lines feel real. Francie describes grown-up emotions and situations from a child's perspective, which adds a nostalgic and innocent vibe to the book. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn takes readers on a journey that allows them to grow as much as Francie.

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1984

George Orwell's 1984 is a dystopian novel that not only reflected oppressive governments, but also predicted many future technologies. The book served as a warning at the time it was written, in the early days of the Cold War, but its message is still relevant today.

"It was a bright, cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." - George Orwell

The novel follows the main character, Winston Smith, a worker at the Ministry of Truth, as he navigates life in a dystopian world where the government controls the truth. 1984 is based on politics and governance within the Soviet Union, which gives the story a sense of realism that allows readers to be fully immersed in this oppressive society.

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Fahrenheit 451

Similarly, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is also a dystopian book about an oppressive government, focused on censorship and freedom of speech. The novel builds an alternative world so subtly and naturally to remind readers that although this society represents extremes, it feels all too similar to our own at times.

"It was a pleasure to burn." - Ray Bradbury

The book focuses on Guy Montag, a fireman who's job is to burn books, in a world where reading is outlawed. Montag begins to question his role in society, taking readers on his journey of self-discovery and realization. The story closely echoes the banning of books currently occurring in parts of the U.S.A., so it is especially timely and important to read.

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The Outsiders

S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders is a coming of age story about violence and social class in the 1960s. The novel is short and easy-to-read, but with all the depth, description, and growth of a saga. Although it is Hinton's first book, the writing feels experienced and familiar, perfect for young adult readers.

"When I stepped out into the sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home." - S.E. Hinton

The book, narrated by a young teen named Ponyboy, follows a gang of working-class boys ("greasers") and their rivalry with the upper-class "socs". Ponyboy's hopeful and rebellious narration provides a youthful yet mature perspective on socioeconomic issues and provides readers with a firsthand point of view on violence and class conflicts.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of excellent books, but these modern masterpieces have genuine characters, engaging plotlines, and lasting messages that are the perfect introduction into classic literature.