7 classic books & why they're worth reading

Come fall down the original rabbit hole and dream of impossible things! Young Alice is having the most boring day when a talking rabbit in a waistcoat runs past. Throwing caution to the wind, she rushes after it and finds herself falling down a very long rabbit hole.

If you join Alice on her journey of curious and curiouser things you'll find talking animals, food that makes you grow (or shrink), not to mention a disappearing (and confounding) cat. If you're willing to suspend your beliefs and embrace the whimsical, you won't be disappointed.

Whether you're a big fan of the mini-series, prefer the movie, or have no idea what I'm talking about, this classic book is worth reading at least once! Probably the most known romance story, there's no spice but plenty of witty remarks, tension and angst to keep you intrigued.

Mrs. Bennet wants nothing more than to marry off her 5 daughters to the most eligible suitors. Elizabeth Bennett, her second oldest daughter, is exceedingly clever, easily annoyed by society and quick to form prejudices. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy bachelor, comes across as haughty and prideful, but mostly he's misunderstood and lacking social graces. Drama ensues, but eventually our main characters find a way to pair their Pride and Prejudice with an entertaining tale of Regency society full of miscommunication.

You may think that Jay Gatsby lives the American dream in his giant water-front mansion hosting lavish parties for high society. Somehow, despite all his wealth, he still doesn't have the girl of his dreams. Gatsby's ready to do whatever it takes to get his girl, but at what cost?

This story is told from the point of view of Nick Carraway, Gatsby's new neighbor and friend, who is completely taken in by Gatsby's swager and charm.

Full of raging parties, brooding lads and women who just want to make their own choices, come get a taste of the American Jazz Age and find out if money can buy everything or if there's a cost too high for even Jay Gatsby.

Ever wonder where vampires come from? While not the first, Dracula is one of the most well-known vampire tales and has inspired many other stories, both in books and other media, and definitely merits a read (or listen). One might consider him a Daddy of vampires.

This story is told in a mixed media format, between letters and journal entries written by different characters which introduces additional points of view. Follow the tale of Jonathan Harker who goes to Transylvania for work, but doesn't realize their client has other nocturnal activities that could mean the end for him.

Things really come to a point, make those two points, as unexplainable and dare I say supernatural fear-inspiring things occur around England. Thankfully Doctor Van Helsing is here to help put things in perspective.

1984 is the dystopian novel you didn’t know you were missing. Published in 1949 and set in 1984, this futuristic London includes the literal Thought Police and the original Big Brother. London is part of the nation of Oceania which is fully controlled by The Party. Your thoughts are not your own, your actions are always under surveillance and it's downright dangerous to remember.

Winston Smith works in the Ministry of Truth which is a hard sell when he still remembers the true past. Come find out if the underground organization, the Brotherhood, can bring down the Party and unlock the real truth for the people.

PS - Big Brother wants you to read this book.

Just how far should you take science? What responsibility does a creator have for their creation? This gothic tale follows a young curious mind, Victor Frankenstein, whose goal is to learn -EVERYTHING- about science and uncover the secrets of life.

After a dark and obsessive experiment results in a hideous creation, Victor falls ill and tries to convince himself it is all in his head. Don't worry, his creation has other ideas. But who is ultimately responsible for his creation's dark deeds, the creation, or the creator?

We've all met that disagreeable person who always expects things to go their way. But what if that person was a very contrary Mary who has never known any better and doesn't know what it means to have a friend, let alone talk to someone who doesn't work for her?

This is very much a coming-of-age story of a young child whose entire world gets turned upside down upon the sudden death of her parents and caretaker. She goes from living an incredibly isolated life in India to her mysterious uncle's Yorkshire estate. Her savior is a friendly robin, a secret garden, and finally learning how to do things for herself, including making friends.