5 Classic Books That Will Change How You Think (and Why You Should Read Them Now)

Have you ever felt intimidated by the idea of reading a classic book? That daunting tome with an old cover, language that seems from another century, and the promise of a boring read? 

The truth is, many of us share this perception. In school, classics are often presented to us as an obligation, a list of titles to be conquered rather than discoveries to be cherished. 

But what if I told you that the 5 classic books we’re about to explore are not just relics of the past, but gateways to understanding the present? They are stories that have transcended time, offering profound insights into human nature and society. 

What Makes a Book “Classic”?

Before we dive into our recommendations, it’s important to understand what truly defines a classic. It’s not just about age. 

A classic book is a work that has stood the test of time, and whose relevance has not diminished. Its characters, plots, and themes continue to resonate, being discussed and reinterpreted by each new generation. 

Think about how the ideas of control and surveillance in 1984 are more relevant than ever in the digital age, or how the social critique of Pride and Prejudice about marriage and class echoes in today’s discussions about relationships and inequality. 

A classic is a continuous conversation between the author and the reader, a bridge that connects the past to the future. As we explore this list of 5 classic books, you’ll realize that their timelessness is their greatest asset.

5 Classics Books That Go Far Beyond the Classroom

Each of these books was chosen for its ability to exceed expectations. They are not just great literary works; they are life experiences that make us question, reflect, and, above all, feel.

1. 1984 by George Orwell

1984 is not just a book, it’s a warning. When it was published in 1949, the vision of a totalitarian world under the constant surveillance of “Big Brother” seemed like extreme fiction. 

Today, concepts like “Newspeak” and the rewriting of history echo in our discussions about “fake news” and the polarization of information. 

Orwell forces us to confront the fragility of truth and the ease with which freedom can be compromised.

We live in an age of digital surveillance, data collection, and algorithms that dictate what we see. Reading 1984 is an antidote, an urgent reminder of the importance of questioning authority, protecting privacy, and fighting for objective facts. 

The book makes us ask: who controls the information controls the power. And, more importantly, who controls the past controls the future.

What you’ll find: 

The story follows Winston Smith, a government employee living in a state of total oppression. Tired of his monitored life, he falls in love with a colleague, Julia, and together they seek refuge for their freedom. 

The narrative is tense, claustrophobic, and incredibly insightful, taking the reader on a journey of despair and hope. It’s an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the mechanics of control and the value of individual resistance.

This is one of the most important of the 5 classic books for understanding the nature of power, the danger of manipulating truth, and the eternal struggle for freedom of thought.

2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Forget the image of a green monster with bolts in its neck. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, published in 1818, is a gothic masterpiece that goes far beyond a horror story. 

It is a profound meditation on scientific ethics, a creator’s responsibility for their creation, and, above all, the tragic loneliness of being different. The true monster in the story is not the creature, but the abandonment by its creator, Victor Frankenstein.

In an era of technological advancements and debates about artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the creation of life, Shelley’s questions are more relevant than ever. 

How far can science go? What is our responsibility for our innovations? The book is a powerful reminder that the brilliance of discovery must always be accompanied by wisdom and compassion.

What you’ll find: 

The narrative is a tragic tale of pursuit and revenge. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and arrogant scientist, creates a creature from human remains. 

Horrified by his own creation, he abandons it. The creature, initially innocent, is rejected by everyone it meets and, driven to despair, vows revenge against its creator.

Among the 5 classic books selected, this one best explores the theme of excessive ambition, abandonment, and the search for acceptance and humanity.

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

For those who think Pride and Prejudice is just a sugary period romance, prepare for a surprise. Published in 1813, Jane Austen’s work is a shrewd social critique, full of humor and sharp dialogue. 

It’s a story about social pressure, class hierarchy, and the search for a marriage that is more than just a financial contract.

Austen’s genius lies in her ability to use a romance to critique the customs of her time. Her observations on power dynamics, the role of women, and social expectations remain relevant. 

The lessons on how initial judgments (“prejudice”) and arrogance (“pride”) can blind us to people’s true nature are lessons for life.

What you’ll find: 

The story of the spirited and independent Elizabeth Bennet, who refuses to marry for convenience, and the arrogant (and complex) Mr. Darcy. 

Their encounters and misunderstandings are a game of wit and miscommunication. The plot is filled with memorable characters, subtle humor, and a romance that develops gradually and satisfyingly.

Pride and Prejudice shows how superficial judgments can be dangerous and how true love can only flourish when we overcome vanity and social myopia. 

This is one of the 5 classic books that proves a love story can also be a profound work of social criticism.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1961, To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic about innocence, justice, and the fight against racism. 

Seen through the eyes of Scout Finch, a six-year-old girl, the book takes us on an emotional journey through prejudice and compassion in a small town in the American South.

In a world still grappling with racial injustice and prejudice, the story of Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a Black man unjustly accused of rape, is a powerful reminder that moral courage is fundamental. 

The book teaches us about empathy, the need to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes,” and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when all of society is against you.

What you’ll find: 

The narrative is told with the purity and innocence of childhood, which makes the moments of injustice even more painful. 

The character of Atticus is a beacon of integrity, a loving father, and a tireless advocate for justice. It’s a read that will move and inspire you to be a better person.

The fight against injustice and the importance of finding humanity even in the most difficult circumstances. This is one of the most moving and essential of the 5 classic books to read.

5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

When The Catcher in the Rye was released in 1951, it became the voice of a generation. The book is narrated by the confused and disillusioned teenager Holden Caulfield, who has been expelled from yet another school. 

Holden’s story is the quintessence of adolescent alienation and the search for authenticity in a world he sees as “phony.”

Holden’s feeling of not belonging and his criticism of adult hypocrisy are universal themes that resonate with every generation. 

He reminds us how difficult it is to grow up, how painful the loss of innocence can be, and the importance of finding a purpose. 

The book is a reminder that, no matter how chaotic life seems, the search for something real and true is what drives us.

What you’ll find: 

Holden Caulfield narrates his journey of a few days through New York, filled with strange encounters, melancholic reflections, and a search for connection that he himself sabotages. 

Holden’s voice is authentic, funny, and moving, and his struggle to fit into the world is something we can all identify with.

Alienation, loss of innocence, and the search for a place in the world. This is one of the 5 classic books that captures the angst of adolescence in an unforgettable way.

The Invaluable Worth of Reading Classics

Reading classics is an investment in our own growth. These 5 classic books prove that great stories don’t age. They transform, gaining new meanings each time a new generation discovers them. 

They teach us about the past, help us understand the present, and prepare us for the future, arming us with empathy, compassion, and a broader perspective. 

Don’t see reading these books as an obligation, but rather as an opportunity for self-knowledge and understanding the world. 

They are portals to other eras and other minds, challenging us to think, to feel, and to see the world in new ways.

Give one of these classics a chance and discover for yourself why they have stood the test of time.

Which of these 5 classic books have you already read or are you most excited to read? Did you like the tips? Stay on our site and also check out: From Books to Screen: TV Adaptations That Got It Right (and Wrong).