The Book Blab Episode 16: Reading Classics

Hi guys! Time for another Book Blab, this time on another topic suggested by a viewer (thanks, Julia)! This was a super fun topic (thus, we run a little long). In fact, after we filmed this episode, I spent the rest of the day thinking about all the other classics I wish I would've mentioned, or things I could've talked about. Apparently, I have lots of thoughts on reading classics. Maybe I'll have to another post on this sometime. Anyway, enjoy the show! Show notes below.

(We mention a lot of authors by name, but sometimes not specific works, so those didn't get included in the list of books mentioned.)

1:35 - Today's topic: the whats, whys, and hows of reading a classic

3:12 - What is a classic?

5:15 - How long does it take for something to become a classic?

7:55 - What are some of the sub-genres of classic literature?

10:10 - Suzanne's favorite classic genres

13:10 - A few ideas for making classics more accessible

• 13:35 - Discuss it with a friend/group
• 14:18 - Read outside material
• 16:00 - Watch adaptations
• 18:00 - Audiobooks

21:12 - Many classics are surprisingly readable

23:15 - A few possible reading goals involving classics

28:00 - Some of our favorite classics

31:15 - Two of our favorite books in 2017

• 32:05 - Suzanne's recommendation
• 33:40 - Amy's recommendation

37:00 - Conclusion

Tell us about your experiences with reading classics, and please share some of your favorites!

Books and Links mentioned during the show:

Episode 3 of The Book Blab: Reading Goals

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Amy's review)

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

What Should I Read Next podcast, Episode 112

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Suzanne's review)

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Suzanne's review // Amy's review)

East of Eden by John Steinbeck (Amy's review)

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (Suzanne's review)  

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (Suzanne's review // Amy's review)

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Suzanne's review // Amy's review)

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts about reading classics too! What are your favorites? Any tips or tricks for tackling them? Also, more topic suggestions please! We love those!