By Kathy Palm

Whether you're looking for your next read or want to give reading classics a go, here are 7 classic novels to choose from, spanning genres like romance, sci-fi, horror, and beyond.

Trust Me When I Say That These Popular Classic Novels Are Worth Reading

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Publication: 1813


Vibes: Regency Romance, Gender dynamics, Miscommunication

Click Here For Content Warnings (may contain spoilers)

Misogyny, sexism, classism, toxic relationships

“My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

― Pride and Prejudice

Whether you're a big fan of the mini-series, prefer the movie, or have no idea what I'm talking about, this classic romance book is worth reading at least once! Probably the most well-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.

Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley

Publication: 1818


Vibes: Gothic, Sci-Fi, Prometheus, Creator vs Creation

Click Here For Content Warnings (may contain spoilers)

Death, illness, murder, suicidal thoughts

“This elevation of mind had much the appearance of madness”

― Frankenstein

If you're looking for a short classic book and love science fiction, this one's for you.


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?

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll

Publication: 1865


Vibes: Whimsy, Adventure, Fantasy

Click Here For Content Warnings (may contain spoilers)

Bullying, minor body horror, animal death

"Alice had begun to think that very few things indeed were really impossible."

― Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Fall down the original rabbit hole and dream of impossible things in this well known (and loved) classic novel


Young Alice is having the most boring day when a talking rabbit in a waistcoat runs past her. 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 things like talking animals, food that makes you grow (or shrink), and even a disappearing (and confounding) cat. If you're willing to suspend your beliefs and embrace the whimsical, you won't be disappointed.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Publication: 1897


Vibes: Vampires, Gothic, Mystery

Click Here For Content Warnings (may contain spoilers)

Blood, death, murder, sexism, misogyny, animal cruelty/death

"Take care how you cut yourself. It is more dangerous than you think in this country"

― Dracula

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 the 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. 


The story follows the tale of Jonathan Harker, who goes to Transylvania for work but doesn't realize his 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.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Publication: 1911


Vibes: Coming of Age, Mystery

Click Here For Content Warnings (may contain spoilers)

Racism, ableism, chronic illness, death, orphan

“I should like that. I should not mind fresh air in a secret garden.”

― The Secret Garden

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 following the sudden death of her parents and caretaker. She goes from living an incredibly isolated life in India to living in her mysterious uncle's Yorkshire estate. The only things that can save here are a friendly robin, a secret garden, and learning how to do things for herself, including making friends.

The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Publication: 1925


Vibes: Roaring 20s, American Dream, Tragedy, Careful what you wish for

Click Here For Content Warnings (may contain spoilers)

Death, infidelity, car accident, racism

“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”

― The Great Gatsby

You may think that Jay Gatsby lives the American dream in his giant waterfront 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 short novel is told from the point of view of Nick Carraway, Gatsby's new neighbor and friend, who is completely taken in by Gatsby's swagger 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 even for Jay Gatsby.

1984 by George Orwell

Publication: 1949


Vibes: Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Big Brother

Click Here For Content Warnings (may contain spoilers)

Torture, violence, abuse, war, rape

'Who controls the past,' ran the Party slogan, 'controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.'

― 1984 by George Orwell

1984 is the classic 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.


P.S. Big Brother wants you to read this book.

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Kathy (palmkdbooks) is a game-loving bookworm who spends her days playing with technology and her nights exploring fictional worlds. While she dabbles in most genres, her favorites are Fantasy and Sci-Fi.

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Wonderful 👍 choice s.

— Dennis Dougherty