The classic books did not come out published at once. They were quarterly or monthly printed in newspapers, and there would be pages of logic for the book’s script. Once you start reading classics, the two things can happen. Either you get into classics, and you would want to explore more. Or you might get tired and feel like giving up.
If you cannot get into Classic after reading a few of them, drop classics. For the time being, explore other books, contemporary fiction or non-fiction, and then you can revisit classics after a few years. Many factors contribute to what we like or not and external circumstances. Classics are jampacked with unique and clever humor, wonderful love stories, deep meanings, captivating settings, tragical moving plots and endings, and unforgettable characters.
How To Read Classics Book? (10 Best Tips)
Most people think classics are hard, long, old language, and they’re kind of boring. It’s real and very common that create long-distance and fear for reading a classic book. But classic books have many historical, ethical, and practical information that helps you think differently. So if you don’t want to miss it, follow my top 10 advice before starting any classic. Let’s jump on it!
1. Be a reader first
It would be better if you are already a reader when reading classics. People who started the reading journey by picking up classics could not get into it. After two days of reading, they lose interest. So when you are already doing contemporary fiction, you already have that vibe of being a reader. But it’s not a very heavy transition when you move to classics.
If you are not a reader and begin your reading journey by reading classics, that can discourage you. So read contemporary fiction and non-fiction first and then move on to classics.
2. Start with an abridged version
You can start reading classics by reading the abridged versions of different classics. Abridged versions of classics are condensed versions, and the language in these versions is way easier. If you read the abridged version first and then move on to the original version, what happens is that you already know the story.
So at least in terms of the story, you can understand what’s happening and keep up. When it comes to the language, the language becomes less challenging. Start by reading easier classics, and then develop your grip. As your grip on the language of these classics gets stronger, move on to the harder classics.
3. Try children’s classics
Children’s classics are approachable and a little less intimidating, the writing style and the stories themselves. But they are also jampacked with everything that the more intimidating and scary classics have. Also, They have beautiful settings and themes in characters. Many children’s classics are also suitable for adults. For example, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett is the best for all ages.
4. Find your choice
You need to know which classics work for you. Different people have different choices of thinking and writing. Different authors have different ways of expressing their feelings and thinking. So when you love an author, you also love their book, whatever its age.
For example, Jane Austen and Agatha Christie are two authors that work for me. I love their writing style. It takes some time for you to discover what works for you. But once you get there, it’s impressive.
5. Don’t be afraid
Classics are stories written 100 years ago. They were once seen as being modern. Also, they’re regular stories like any other books we read written years ago. It’s not going to be too hard to understand. Start reading them and forget about your intimidations.
Most readers can not start or even think to read classics because there are many myths about classics. But it’s all about your mind and choice. To read a classic, you don’t need to be a literature expert or native. If you have love and attraction for classics, then you understand it. When you feel afraid, your brain can not process sentences and fail to understand the easy meaning. So be hopeful, and take time are read classics with passion.
6. Watch the film version
Watching the film adaptation of the TV show adaptation will familiarize you with the characters and make it easier to understand while you’re reading. Sometimes specific classics have exciting names and choices that are hard to understand. Watching the films first can make for a more pleasurable and comprehensive approach to the story. Also, it gives you a face to the characters’ names.
So when they say a certain character’s name in the book, you can picture that actor, and it will become clearer. It helps you even to be more connected with the plot.
7. Read short classics
Many classics are very long, so people are scared to read classics. Many find them intimidating and scary because they’re huge. Usually, classics take certain people longer to read because of the language. So reading shorter classics can make you feel hopeful. You don’t have to read the big scary ones to feel like you’re a classics lover.
8. Read more modern classics
What do you mean by modern classics? Moder classic was written after 1950 because the language will be easier to read. It’s not going to be one of those books where you get into it and think this is way too hard. This language is old, and it’s too intellectual sounding.
My first recommendation would be Fahrenheit 451. Most people think it’s about censorship, but that’s not technically the case. The author did say it was about technology. It fits perfectly into our modern sensibilities about technology and how it’s taken over our lives. So that’s a great one to start with as well.
9. Find books that are written from first-person narratives
The first-person narratives are very easy to read. It makes the whole thing a lot more approachable and easy to understand. When you’re reading from that particular main character, it can be easier to introduce your person when they describe the new scene. Sometimes they highlight a bunch of different characters. So first-person narratives have helped me to feel more comfortable with reading classics.
10. Make a goal of reading five classic books
At least this year, when you have goals, you want to complete them, and in case you can read them. That would be so great. I force myself to read classics with this. Reading classics is extremely necessary.
Do not expect you to finish reading a classic in one or two days because it may take up to one week to one month to finish reading a classic book. You must experience and not flip through it like any thriller or mystery novel. Please don’t pick up a book by its name or cover design because classic books are unpredictable. So choose at least five classic books that category you like more.
Quick tips for understanding the classics
Reading classics is not a competition and game with your friends. It is a vast collection of knowledge and life-changing quotes that can help you build confidence, morality, discipline, etc. Here are some quick tips that allow you to absorb the Classic completely.
- Review the characters and summary before starting a reading.
- Watch book explanation videos on youtube but notice the spoiler alert.
- Do Sparknotes the chapter summaries and write the central ideas or theme in your journal or diary.
- After reading, go to the analysis sections. Analyze the themes, symbols, and footnotes.
- Discuss with your friends or online readers who have already read your classic. Share your ideas and themes, and review them.
Read classic books:
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5 Classic Political Books Like Atlas Shrugged
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