Classics

Everyone can enjoy a classic novel that has gone down in history as an original work of literary art.

Classics are accepted as outstanding books that engage readers in their deep plots and twists of fate.

In these novels, characters come to life.

Jumping off of the page, readers are able to connect with the book’s characters and enjoy the unexpected events that they come with.

Even if some of these novels are over 100 years old, readers can still enjoy the fresh stories within their covers.

“Alice in Wonderland”

This is freshman Elizabeth Ashley’s favorite book.

“The madness is very contagious and it will get you into the book,” Ashley said. “It will have you going mad like the hatter.”

Published in 1865, “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll has been popular for generations with many movie adaptions that have furthered its popularity.

This novel follows the kooky adventures of Alice, a young girl from England who travels down a rabbit hole into a new world called Wonderland.

The book starts off with Alice falling asleep outside and accidentally falling into the rabbit hole.

She is thrown into a totally different world filled with creatures only found in the imagination.

Following an unlikely guide, the white rabbit who cannot even keep track of time, Alice meets many new characters who play a vital role in her development.

The caterpillar, Cheshire cat, mad hatter, and queen of hearts all lead her toward growing up and delving deeper into the madness of Wonderland.

Near the end of the book, Alice is put on trial for stealing the tarts of the Queen of Hearts, and just as she is about to be attacked by the queen’s soldiers ….

Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.

This book was meant to teach young people about growing up in an entertaining way.

“I recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable, quick read of a classic novel,” Ashely said.

“The Outsiders”

Senior Shelby Cantrell believes that “The Outsiders” is a classic novel that can be enjoyed by anyone.

“In the eighth grade I first read this book and automatically loved it,” Cantrell said. “It is definitely a great novel that is worth the read for all potential readers.”

This novel, by S. E. Hinton published in 1967, tells the tale of Ponyboy and his two brothers, Darrel (Darry) and Sodapop.

After the unexpected death of their parents, the brothers struggle to make ends meet and stay together.

Classified as greasers, or the poorer class, they, along with their friends, try their best not to get too involved with their rivals — the socs, also known as the socials, — who live in the richer part of town.

Unfortunately, problems arise that are unavoidable.

In the end, these problems lead to heroism and then tragedy.

With murder and suspense lurking on every page, readers are shocked by this novel’s outcome.

Ponyboy must learn to cope with not only the death of his parents but also a friend.

A broken family must heal, and this is the story of one on the way to recovery.

Cantrell thinks that this book will easily be able to entertain its readers.

“This novel tells a very relatable, shocking, and emotional story that will keep even the laziest reader on their toes the entire time,” Cantrell said.

Other classic novels

• “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
• “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brönte
• “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas
• “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell
• “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, Jeffrey Eugenies (introduction)
• “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
• “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley