Easiest Classic Novels to Read | 18 Easy-to-Read Classics for Beginners

Easy classics to read for beginners.

Not all classic literature is long, dull, or difficult. Some are short. Some are funny. And pretty much all of them have enduring, timeless themes that still ring true in modern day. (Duh, it’s why they’re called “classics.”)

If you’re getting flashbacks to the boring books your English teacher made you read in high school, don’t turn yourself off the classics just yet. There are plenty of easy-to-read classics that are approachable, interesting, and still very applicable to modern society. 

Here are the top 18 easiest classic novels to read this year and every year:

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The Shortlist: Best Easy Classic Novels

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen — for fans of romance and clever dialogue
2. Animal Farm by George Orwell — for readers who want a short, sharp political critique
3. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare — for anyone in the mood for wordplay, magic, and romantic chaos
4. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens — for history buffs who want lots of drama
5. Les Misérables (Abridged) by Victor Hugo — for history buffs who want lots of drama—in France
6. 1984 by George Orwell — for dystopian fans who want to explore surveillance, control, and resistance
7. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller — for serious readers ready for a tragedy about identity, dreams, and family
8. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams — for theater lovers looking for a gritty Southern drama
9. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger — for anyone who’s ever felt alienated and craves a cynical, honest narrator
10. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain — for readers looking for nostalgic Americana
11. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck — for fans of tragic tales that explore friendship and survival
12. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley — for readers ready to ponder morality and ethics
13. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll — for dreamers who want to lose themselves in surreal adventures
14. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald — for Roaring 20s fans and hopeless romantics
15. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde — for anyone curious about what happens when you value appearance over soul
16. The Crucible by Arthur Miller — for historical drama fans ready for themes of hysteria
17. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry — for anyone who wants deep, timeless truths in childlike simplicity
18. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster — for anyone dreaming of romance and self-discovery on a European vacation

18 Easiest Classic Novels to Read

Everyone reads at a different level. While some of you may blow through Anna Karenina in a few days, others may prefer our Shakespeare with a helpful side of cliff notes. 

If that’s you, that’s okay—the point of reading classic novels isn’t to torture yourself. In fact, getting a little bit of help with cliff notes or an abridged version can really improve the reading experience by demystifying archaic vocabulary and helping you get straight to the heart of the message. 

To help you get started, I put together a list of some of the best classics for beginners. Some of these I read in middle school, some in high school, and some I still haven’t gotten to yet (but they’re on my list!). 

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Best pick for: Fans of romance and clever dialogue

Pretty much anything by Jane Austen is a good pick if you’re searching for easy classics for beginners. Set in 19th century England, Pride and Prejudice follows the romantic entanglements of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters—and what happens when two people who are seemingly completely mismatched are forced to confront each other.

Why it’s good for beginners: With a biting social commentary (that’s still relevant today) and a one-of-a-kind love story, this one is a cult favorite among class lit fans for a good reason—it’s entertaining, accessible, and full of memorable characters you’ll enjoy spending time with.

About the author: Jane Austen (1775—1817) was an English novelist known for her witty stories about love, class, and society. Her other works, including Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Persuasion, are beloved classics for their keen insight into human nature and relationships.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes and Noble

2. Animal Farm by George Orwell

Best pick for: Readers who want a short, sharp political critique

One of the easiest classics to read, Animal Farm is a satirical novella set on a farm where the animals overthrow their human owner—only to realize the new animal leadership is just as oppressive. At around 140 pages, it’s a quick, powerful story that packs a thought-provoking punch about power, corruption, and equality.

Why it’s good for beginners: The language is simple and the story moves fast. If you’ve never read a political allegory before, this small book will put you on the path to think the big thoughts.

About the author: George Orwell (1903-1950) was an English novelist and essayist known for his incisive critiques of totalitarianism and social injustice.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

3. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

Best pick for: Anyone in the mood for wordplay, magic, and romantic chaos

You either love Shakespeare’s writing or you hate it. But if you’re not sure where you stand, this comedy is a pretty good place to start. The play follows the trials and misunderstandings of four young (confused) lovers—with all the fun of magic and mistaken identities thrown into the mix.

If some of the vocabulary is throwing you for a loop, I recommend this handy SparkNotes version, which puts Shakespeare’s writing side-by-side a modern translation for simplified reading. 

About the author: William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright and poet widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

4. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Best pick for: History buffs who want lots of drama

While this classic is a bit more challenging than Pride and Prejudice or Animal Farm, it’s still one of the easier classic books for beginners compared to others. (I’m looking at you, Crime and Punishment.)

Set during the French Revolution, this novel introduces an enormous cast of characters, including aristocrats, attorneys, an imprisoned doctor and his daughter, spies, and (of course) revolutionaries. This one may be a bit of a deeper read than the others, but the themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and social injustice will definitely inspire and delight.

About the author: Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was one of the most influential English novelists of the 19th century, also famous for Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, and David Copperfield.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

5. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Best pick for: History buffs who want lots of drama—in France

If you saw that the full English translation of Les Misérables is 1,300+ pages, you’re probably thinking, “What the hell is this doing on a list of classics that are easy to read?”

Here’s the secret—you can just read the abridged version. It’s far more approachable (and faster) to read but still gives you all the French drama, the redemption arcs, and the moral dilemmas to steer you towards the big thoughts.

If the abridged version is still a little long for you, check out the audiobook version for an even more beginner-friendly take on this classic.

About the author: Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a French poet, novelist, and dramatist, largely exploring justice, poverty, and human resilience. (He also wrote The Hunchback of Notre-Dame).

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

More book recommendations? Check out Books for Existential Dread

6. 1984 by George Orwell

Best pick for: Dystopian fans who want to explore surveillance, control, and resistance

I didn’t read 1984 until I was cooped up at my parents’ house during the COVID-19 pandemic—and I read it all in one sitting. (Gotta love Orwell for his succinct, easy-read classics.)

Still a fan of the dystopian trend that had us all in a chokehold in the 2010s, then 1984 should be your first pick among these easy classic novels. In just over 300 suspenseful pages, Orwell details a futuristic totalitarian society and protagonist Winston Smith who struggles to rebel against the machine.

If you’re feeling philosophical and want some food for thought on politics, surveillance, and censorship, this is the one of the best classics (easy or not) to turn to.

About the author: George Orwell (1903-1950) was a British writer, journalist, and critic known for his hot political insight and clear, powerful prose—that’s why he hits this list twice!

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

7. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Best pick for: Serious readers ready for a tragedy about identity, dreams, and family

Fun fact: Arthur Miller was (for a time) married to Marilyn Monroe. You did with that information what you will.

If talk of the American Dream makes you feel disillusioned, bitter, and hung out to dry, then, welcome. You’ll fit right in with Willy Loman, the aging traveling-salesman character whose life is unraveling as he clings to outdated ideas of success, masculinity, and legacy. Oof.

About the author: Arthur Miller (1915-2005) was an American playwright known for tackling personal failures and social injustice—and he makes two appearances on my list of easy-read classic novels.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

8. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Best pick for: Theater lovers looking for a gritty Southern drama

At only 107 pages, you can easily thumb through A Streetcar Named Desire in an afternoon, but be warned! Just because it’s short and easy to read, does not mean it’s a lighthearted story.

You’ll follow the story of “the faded and promiscuous Blanche DuBois” (as described by Goodreads) and “her sexy and brutal brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski.”

Spoiler: Some parts can be pretty uncomfortable, but this play is unforgettable. (If you’ve ever seen Marlon Brando in a tank top yelling “Stella!,” you’ve already witnessed part of its lasting legacy in pop culture. Time to pick up the hard copy.

About the author: Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) was an American playwright most celebrated for his haunting works that explore desire, decay, and delusion in the American South.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

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

Best pick for: Anyone who’s ever felt alienated and craves a cynical, honest narrator

The Catcher in the Rye was the first book I was assigned to read in my freshman English class. At the time, I was honestly not a big fan—at age thirteen, I don’t think I had achieved enough angst to enjoy this classic coming-of-age novel.

But Holden Caulfield’s voice sticks with you. Whether you can relate to him or he just makes you want to roll your eyes, there’s a reason this famed classic is considered one of the best American novels, period. I didn’t love it in high school, but as I near my thirties, I think it’s time for me to read it with new eyes. 

About the author: J.D. Salinger (1919-2010) was a reclusive American writer who famously withdrew from public life to rural New Hampshire after the success of The Catcher in the Rye.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

What about a modern read? Check out what’s on my 2025 reading list.

10. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Best pick for: Readers looking for nostalgic Americana

Confession I haven’t read Tom Sawyer yet, but I still wanted to include it in my line-up of easy-to-read classic novels.

Why? It’s simple language and playful tone makes it one of the most approachable classic novels for beginners. In fact, it was actually originally written for children—but that doesn’t mean adults can’t walk away with a lesson or tow.

Truth be told, I can’t believe I haven’t read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer yet. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever read any works by Mark Twain. (I am an uncultured swine.) But I sure have heard about this one plenty—not to mention its sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

About the author: Mark Twain (1835-1910) was an American writer—but that was just his pen name. His real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, though today he’s often referred to as “the father of American literature.”

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

11. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Best pick for: Fans of tragic tales that explore friendship and survival

Another book that sits atop my bookshelf but for whatever reason has gone unread.

At only 107 pages, this novella is one of the easiest classics to read… But apparently, it’s not exactly a pick-me-up. The story follows two laborers in 1930s California struggling to overcome loneliness, tyranny, jealousy, the challenges of the Great Depression, and the general trials of chasing the American Dream.

I guess good themes never die, because this 1937 classic has since been made into three films and a Broadway play. (As always, read the book first!)

About the author: John Steinbeck (1902-1968) was an American author known for his empathetic depictions of working-class life and social struggles. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

12. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Best pick for: Readers ready to ponder morality and ethics

I’ll be honest: I’ve never had much interest in reading Frankenstein. But with everyone all atwitter about AI and what it means for the future, Mary Shelley’s themes of ethics, creation, and the dangers of unchecked knowledge have never seemed more relevant.

Truly, it’s pretty impressive that this short novel was written in 1818 and still manages to be ubiquitous in pop culture today. If I were a ChatGPT bro with a 5 AM morning routine that included meditating for 45 minutes and taking a cold shower, I would probably want to ask the little bot what it thinks of Shelley’s masterpiece. But I won’t—think I’ll read it instead. 

About the author: Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was a British writer credited with creating one fo the first science fiction novels. In fact, she wrote Frankenstein at just 18 years old!

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

13. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Best pick for: Dreamers who want to lose themselves in surreal adventures

We all know the story of Alice in Wonderland, but how many of us have actually read the book?

This short novel is pure surrealist fiction, filled with talking animals, riddles, and rules that make no sense (on purpose). It’s a cult classic for a reason. Every page is a delightful trip—one that’s fun to take whether you’re 95 or five years olad.

The original edition has black-and-white illustrations from Sir John Tenniel, but these days you can find pretty much countless reprints with dozens of different interpretations of Alice’s wild wonderland.

About the author: Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) was an English writer and mathematician best known for his playful mix of logic and language.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

14. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Best pick for: Roaring 20s fans and hopeless romantics

One of my all-time favorite books, this masterpiece by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also one of the easiest classic novels to read, in my opinion. If you’re a fan of the Roaring Twenties, prose that drips with grandeur, and the decadent imagery of Jazz Age-era partying on Long Island, then The Great Gatsby will not disappoint. 

Fitzgerald’s novel is not only short and digestible in a weekend—it’s romantic, tragic, and everything you could want out of a 1920s American story.

About the author: F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an American novelist who captured the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Though he was mostly unrecognized in his time, his works now top the lists of most prized 20th-century literature.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

15. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Best pick for: Anyone curious about what happens when you value appearance over soul

This is a deliciously written tale about a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth—and must watch (and hide) his painted portrait grow increasingly haggard, aged, and ugly as his own physical form remains perfectly intact.

Actually, I put off reading The Picture of Dorian Gray for years—not because I wasn’t interested, but because the writing was too good. It may sound silly, but Wilde’s sentences are so deliciously decadent that they deserve to savored. I didn’t want to just swim through it on a random Tuesday afternoon.

When I finally took the time to read this classic, it instantly became one of my favorite books. It’s witty, stylish, a little bit dark, and gives you a sinisterly thought-provoking look at what it’s like to live without a moral compass.

About the author: Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish known for his show-off wit, flamboyant style, and biting critiques of Victorian society. The Picture of Dorian Gray is his only novel.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

16. The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Best pick for: Historical drama fans ready for themes of hysteria

Compared to a lot of other classic literature, The Crucible is a breeze to read—but that doesn’t mean it’s lighthearted. At 143 pages, this play is packed with tension, betrayal, and a fair share of finger-pointing, throwing-under-the-bus, and other moral shenanigans.

Based on the Salem witch trials, it’s an allegory of the “witch hunts” that took place during the anti-communist McCarthy-ism era. When Elizabeth Proctor is accused of being a witch, the town descends into hysteria, with neighbor turning against neighbor and morality going up in the air.

About the author: Arthur Miller (1915-2005) was an American playwright known for tackling personal failures and social injustice—and he makes two appearances on my list of easy-read classic novels.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

17. The Little Prince by Antoine Saint-Expuéry

Best pick for: Anyone who wants deep, timeless truths in childlike simplicity

This novella is so simply written that even a French language learner can read it with little difficulty—though, obviously, you can just read the English translation, too. Or whatever your language presence is. Acording to the Jean-Marc Probst Foundation for the Little Prince, Antoine Saint-Expuéry’s novella has been translated into 552 languages and dialects! 

There have also been many film adaptations over the years of the pilot, the famed little prince, the rose, the fox, and the snake. If you want my hot take, ditch the 2016 Netflix adaptation and opt, instead, for the 1974 adaptation with Gene Wilder and Bob Fosse. (Spoiler: It’s a musical. And it’s awesome.)

About the author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944) was a French aviator and writer whose internationally renowned Little Prince novella blends philosophy, whimsy, and childhood innocence to speak to readers of all ages.

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

18. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

Best pick for: Anyone dreaming of romance and self-discovery on a European vacation

In this novel, we follow Lucy who’s on vacation in Italy with her rigid, rules-following cousin Charlotte when she meets the very peculiar George Emerson. It’s the classic conundrum. Should she return to English with the staid, predictable Cecil or follow her heart around the world with George?

Even if you think you know how it ends, this thought-provoking romance is a real pleasure to read—here’s a taste:

“Life,’ wrote a friend of mine, ‘is a public performance on the violin, in which you must learn the instrument as you go along.” 

About the author: E.M. Forster (1879-1970) was an English novelist and essayist known for exploring themes of class, society, and human connection in early 20th-century Britain (and sometimes Italy).

Available at Better World Books and Barnes & Noble

How to Pick Which Classics to Read

Even with a done-for-you round-up of easy-to-read classic literature, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t let that you deter you from picking up a new reading habit.

Before you head to the bookstore or get ready to fill your cart, use these 3 tips to help you figure out which classics to read:

1. Consider language and writing style—what’s your comfort zone?

While I did carefully curate the list above to include classic books that are easy to read, not every writing style will be for everyone. 

For example, I think that plays make for easy reading, since there’s no long, winding prose to slow you down (think A Streetcar Named Desire). But beware: Plays can also mean Shakespeare and flowery, antiquated language. If this scares you away from reading A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Sparknotes or No Fear Shakespeare will be your best friend. 

There’s also something to be said for classics that were originally written for children, like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. These novels won’t feel too stuffy or boring, and they keep the fancy vocabulary to a minimum. 

2. Pay attention to word count

When all else fails and you’re not sure what classic to add to your cart, take a look at the page count.

For example, Animal Farm and Of Mice and Men are each just a bit longer than 100 words. This certainly makes them look a lot less scary-looking sitting on your bedside table.

If you’re not a big bookworm but want to be, checking a few shorter novels off your list can help get you in the swing of things and give you the confidence to try more challenging reads.

3. Check out other readers’ recommendations and reviews

Score for you—you’re already in the right place! But if you want more in-depth information on each book’s plot before diving in, try checking out Goodreads. 

Personally, I prefer reading reviews after I’ve already read the book. Mostly, it’s because I prefer to go in blind. (I also don’t like seeing trailers before watching a movie.) I want to read the book, be surprised, and discover what I think of it before being swayed by anyone else’s interpretation. Then, I very satisfactorily mark it as read, rate it, and scroll through strangers’ comments to see what everyone else is thinking (because isn’t that the point of the Internet?). 

Tips for Enjoying Classic Novels as a Beginner

I like to think that I’m pretty well read—but it really depends on whom I’m sitting next to. 

Among people who don’t read a lot, I look like a nerdy rockstar. But next to my friends whom I actually consider well read, I always feel horribly ignorant and less than. (Although that comparison game is an analysis for another blog post.) 

Still, it’s unfortunate that a lot of people want to better themselves but feel too intimidated to begin. It reminds me of signing up to go to the gym for the first time and feeling like everyone was looking at me and noticing I had no idea what I was doing. 

Again, that’s a tangent for another day. But if you’re feeling intimidated about diving into classic literature, good news: You don’t need to have been an A-student in high school to read, enjoy, and appreciate the classics. And it’s never too late to start reading.

1. Set realistic reading goals

Like anything, don’t bite off more than you can chew (she says, even though she’s constantly telling this to herself and then doing it anyway).

I’m all about setting goals for yourself. But like any self-help or personal development book will tell you, you’ve got to make your goals realistic. 

For example, I’m currently reading Być jak Polak & Nie o takim życiu marzyłam, a collection of short stories for Polish language learners. Naturally, since I only know very little Polish, my reading rate is incredibly slow. So I don’t push myself. Instead, I tell myself I will sit down and read for 25 minutes—even if I feel a little pathetic having only finished five pages at the end. 

This philosophy holds true even if you’re reading in your mother tongue.

Don’t expect yourself to crank through a 300-page book in an afternoon. You may not even do it in a week. That’s why, instead of page goals, I recommend challenging yourself to read for a certain amount of time each day or at least a few days a week. You’ll finish it eventually! No sweat.

2. Highlight passages you like

Some readers consider this absolutely sacrilegious, but I’m a big fan of highlighting passages, writing notes in, and—yes—even dog-earing the pages of books. (Don’t worry, I don’t do this to library books. Only my own.)

If I’m reading a library book, I will even go as far as taking the time to write down the quote I like on a piece of paper and then squirreling it away in my filing cabinet where I will discover it about a year later while cleaning my home and get an instant flashback.

But that’s just me. 

The point is, when reading classics, people are often worried that they don’t get it. That they’re missing out on the big, deep meaning that everyone else seems to understand. This definitely felt like a problem in high school, when some of these classics were assigned reading and I had to be able to answer essay questions correctly and sound like I knew what I was talking about. 

But high school is not what the rest of life is like. (Fortunately so, I think we can all agree.) 

No one is going to quiz you on the symbolism of Myriel’s silver candlesticks in Les Misérables. And no one is going to ask you to write a five-paragraph essay in 55 minutes detailing Dickens’ attitude on the French revolutionaries. 

Instead, you just get to enjoy. Highlight the lines that make you laugh. Underline the ones that make you cry. Dog-ear the page where Shakespeare somehow so perfectly captured that feeling you’ve long had but could never put into words. 

If you want to learn how to enjoy classic novels, just forget that they’re classics—and focus on what you enjoy. 

3. Feel free to stop reading if you don’t like it

Of course, not every classic novel is a winner to every reader out there. So even if everyone you meet will swear to you up and down that Animal Farm is a true artistic masterpiece, maybe you just don’t like it. 

This is also fine. 

Of course, like most things in life, it’s best to give it an honest go in the beginning. But if you’ve pushed yourself through 50 pages and it’s simply not jibing with you, feel free to stop reading. 

I have, what I think, is a bad habit of forcing myself to finish books that I’m not enjoying. “I started it and now I have to finish it!” I mentally yell at myself while shaking my fist.

But really, I’m starting to think that this is a big, old waste of time. Sure, it’s important to challenge yourself. And we all have to do things we don’t want to sometimes. But not reading. Not books we don’t like. Life is too short. 

So if Animal Farm isn’t your thing, it doesn’t mean you hate all classic literature. Pick up 1984 and try something different. 

4. Check out related adaptations

Many of these easy-to-read classics I mentioned have been turned into films over the years. While I firmly fall into the camp that it’s better to read the book before watching the movie, in all honesty, it doesn’t matter much either way. 

I prefer reading the book first because, otherwise, all I can do is picture the actors and the scenes of the movie as I read the book. It’s annoying, and I feel like it robs me of the chance to fully imagine for myself. 

But sometimes, these adaptations can be a big help. Take A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for example. Even easy-to-read Shakespeare is still a little daunting. Watching a film adaptation first (or better yet, seeing the play live) makes it easier to understand the overall plot and the characters’ emotions. Then you can go back and read the play yourself to capture more details and really appreciate the beauty of the writing. 

5. Try audiobooks if that’s more your thing

Personally, I’m not a big fan of audiobooks. For starters, I can read a lot faster than I can listen, so listening to audiobooks just slows me down.

I also find it hard to focus. When I’m doing yoga or cooking, I would rather listen to a podcast, where I feel like I can tune in and out as needed without missing as many details. Plus, as a writer, I feel like I can’t really appreciate magnificently crafted lines when I’m just hearing them once at a set speed instead of mulling over them as long as I want. 

But I know so many people who swear by audiobooks. A lot of them say that it actually helps them stay focused and that they’re more likely to tune into an audiobook than sit down with a book. 

I think sitting down with a book (and a good cup of coffee or tea (or wine)) is half the fun of reading. But you do you. If you feel like the pages of Victor Hugo are taunting you and you need a little voice-acting to liven things up, audiobooks are a great option. 

Why It’s Worth Reading Classic Novels

Reading classic literature usually falls into that category of things we, for some reason, feel like we need to do but don’t really want to. Like descaling the coffee machine and vacuuming under things instead of just around them. 

But there are plenty of reasons why it’s worth reading classic literature (and not just so you can make yourself feel fancy and impress people at parties). 

1. Learn about different cultures

A lot of what I shared is (by coincidence) American literature. But expanding your reading list beyond your country of origin is a great way to broaden your cultural horizons—without having to pay for a plane ticket.

For example, if you’re a Francophile, check out The Little Prince if you want a taste of French culture before you make a trip across the pond.

Another bonus: Because classics are so old (duh), they help you learn about different historical periods without having to thumb through a history book. 

2. Reflect on timeless themes

Hey, these books are called classics for a reason, right? There’s a reason these 18 easy-read classics have stood the test of time: They explore timeless, universal themes that extend beyond generations. 

At first, the language may make things seem seriously outdated. But when you cut through the old-fashioned jargon, you realize that the woes expressed by Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice aren’t so different from what we’re all feeling right now.

Really, it’s like Sex and the City (19th Century English Version). 

3. Stimulate your mind (more than scrolling ever could)

Sick of scrolling social media before bed?

Me too. It’s why I deleted social media apps from my phone months ago and try to keep electronics and screens out of the bedroom.

So for a leisure activity that’s more stimulating than watching TV but not so stimulating that it becomes a chore, turn to the classics.

Classic novels (even the easiest classics to read) definitely get the brain juices flowing. And really, isn’t pretty much anything better than social media at this point?

4. Escape from reality

Maybe you had a long day at work. Or today you’re stressing like it’s the worst day of your life. Or you’re just plain bored.

We all need to escape from reality sometimes. And turns out, books help you do it better than social media, listening to music, or streaming. A survey from the Publisher’s Association cited in the Guardian found that 33% of people “think that books offer them the best form of escapism when they’re having a bad day.”

5. Help you grow personally and become more empathetic

This is one of the most important reasons to read—and not just the classics.

When you read fiction, personal essays, or pretty much anything, you get to step into someone else’s shoes for a few hundred pages. Seeing the world from a unique character’s point of view can open your eyes to new cultures, different ways of thinking, and even a spectrum of emotions you may not have tapped into yet.

In a study from Erasmus University Rotterdam, “two experiments showed that empathy was influenced over a period of one week for people who read a fictional story, but only when they were emotionally transported into the story.”

Interested in personal growth? You’ll like these 7 books on self-awareness to help you become a better person.

My Thoughts on Easy-to-Read Classic Novels

If you ask me, classics tend to get a bad rap. They always dredge up memories of high school, where too many of us were forced to toil through too long, too boring, too outdated books we’d rather forget. 

But not all classics are written in impossible-to-read antiquated language spanning 400+ pages. Actually, there are a lot of classics that are easy to read—and pretty damn, enjoyable, too. 

Next steps:

• Pick one classic from the list and set a small reading goal for this week—just 10 or 15 minutes a day is enough to get started!
• Share your reading goals with a friend—copy-and-paste this link or use the social icons to share it with them.

Recommended Reading:

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Easiest Classic Novels to Read

What makes a classic novel “easy to read”?

Classic novels that are considered “easy to read” and good picks for beginners are typically shorter and have more straightforward language. They have relatable, timeless themes that are still applicable to modern-day readers, like The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman, or 1984.

I’m intimidated by classics—where should I start?

If you’re brand-new to classic literature, then I recommend you start with something short and story-driven, like Animal Farm by George Orwell or The Crucible by Arthur Miller. These classic novels are both under 200 words and written in pretty plain language, making them good options for beginner classics.

Are short classic novels better for beginners?

Yes! Shorter classic novels around 200 words long are a great way to start reading the classics. They help take off the pressure and build your confidence in reading older works. Once you get used to older language and storytelling styles, you can work your way up to longer books like Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

Do I need to understand historical context before reading a classic?

Not necessarily—that’s what makes classic novels so, well, classic! They have enduring, timeless themes that apply no matter what year it is. Still, understanding a little historical context can help sometimes. Look for versions of classic novels with footnotes that give you quick sidebars to understand historical context or old-fashioned vocabulary.

Where can I find easy-to-read classic novels for free?

A lot of classic novels are now available in the public domain, which means you can find them for free on your e-reader or on free sites like Project Gutenberg. Of course, your local library is always an option, too.

How can I stay motivated to finish a classic novel?

Choosing books that genuinely interest is is a good place to start. It also helps to set small goals, like reading one chapter a night or reading for 15 minutes a day. You can also join a reading challenge to help you stay accountable and track your progress.