Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion
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Favorite 2025 Classic Reads
There were some extraordinary works I read that don't fall into the classic category, but here are my top four, chosen just from among the "classic" reads:1.The Last September by Elizabeth Bowen
I loved the style of this book, though I can understand why it is not for everyone. I loved the suggestive, metaphorical nature of the writing.
2. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
As always with his fiction, a deeply penetrating psychological understanding mixed with a gorgeous lyricism of language.
3. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
I hadn't read this since high school, and I was a little nervous to re-read after such a long time. But it's a classic worth the hype. Beautifully written, engaging, and philosophically significant as well.
4. Augustus by John Williams
My favorite read of the year!
It's hard to choose what goes in the fifth slot, as none of my other reads rise quite to the level of the other four. But I would probably choose either Cane (Jean Toomer) or Excellent Women (Barbara Pym). Both are superb, even if they don't rise quite to the level of the top four.
Funny that out of those top four classics of the year, I read three of them with this group in some capacity. Many thanks to the moderators who make this group possible!
Mod
That is good to know!
My Top 5 Reads of the Year Choosing only five wasn’t easy — I’ve read so many wonderful books this year — but these stood out for the way they stayed with me long after I finished them.
1. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Even though it was my third time reading it, I still found something new in it each time. His writing is exceptional, and I love this story of a human being who must choose between right and wrong — and how either choice can simply be a choice. A profound, timeless novel.
2. Light in August by William Faulkner
My first Faulkner, and it completely knocked me off my chair. His writing is intense, immersive, and impossible to ignore. You don’t stay emotionally untouched by this one.
3. Augustusby John Williams
A new author for me this year, and a brilliant discovery. Beautifully crafted.
4. The Heart Is a Lonely Hunterby Carson McCullers
This story truly moved me. The young girl at its center, longing to escape her environment and hoping life will bring her something better, stayed with me long after I finished the book.
5. The Sound of Wavesby Yukio Mishima
A poetic, delicate novel — and surprisingly, unlike much of Mishima’s work that I’ve read so far, it even has a happy ending! A lovely reading experience.
Lorraine wrote: "My Top 5 Reads of the Year Choosing only five wasn’t easy — I’ve read so many wonderful books this year — but these stood out for the way they stayed with me long after I finished them...."
I loved 4 of those Lorriane!
The Sound of Waves was a nice surprise as it had none of the sexual weirdness of much of Mishima's work. Based on The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, he was a talented fellow, but a little psychotherapy wouldn't have gone amiss.
My top 5 for 2025 —1. Terms of Endearment by Larry McMurtry. The books asks, by what terms are you willing to accept a relationship? I loved the character study of Aurora Greenway, which made me laugh from time to time. And Emma’s story brought tears.
2. The Cider House Rules by John Irving. I don’t know why I waited so long to read this author! This book is about the life, relationship and moral code choices that Homer Wells will make as he matures. What will be his rules?
3. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. This book is a family saga which leads to a genetically inherited intersex individual. If you are hesitant to read about such matters, get over it and read this fascinating story!
4. The Promise by Chiam Potok. This is one of four books I have read by Potok and every one of them deserves high praise. They all give the reader a fascinating glimpse into the Hassidic culture.
5. A Timeless Classic: Fahrenheit 451 by R.Bradbury's Collection by Ray Bradbury. Another book which I delayed reading long past reason. This book asks what happens when people stop reading books, and when politicians control the media that people consume. Pretty timely, I think.
I also give a shout out to two historical novels: In the Shadow of the Banyan and The Land Breakers by John Ehle.
Mod
2. The Lighted Heart by Elizabeth Yates was a fantastic read. What courage and resilience Yates had and her husband, Bill, as well. They faced the loss of Bill's eyesight at quite a young age and Yates made me envy her life, despite the hardships. I would never have found this book had it not been for my fellow classics member, Terris.
3. The Folded Leaf by William Maxwell is a coming-of-age story of two boys in 1920's Chicago. Maxwell does this so well and, when well done, it is one of my favorite tropes.
4. Woe to Live On by Daniel Woodrell. Set in the late days of the Civil War, this is a story of one man trying to remain human in the face of the atrocities in the Missouri-Kansas territory. It is very graphic, but the story is unforgettable.
5. Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple. Whipple always writes stories that get a strangle-hold on me and this one contains one of the most vile women I have ever come across, and yet she never steps over the line from human into caricature. That is an amazing accomplishment in itself.
I stuck with first reads, although I cannot resist saying I reread the Gilead Trilogy of Marilynne Robinson and those are some of the finest books on the planet to me.
Mod
1. Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. I loved everything about this. The aging narrator and the heroic/flawed grandparents he is writing about, the northern California setting, the revelations about marriage, the generational comparisons ... all of it.
2. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy. Such a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed every one in the series. A great combination of engaging and enlightening reading. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
3. The Chosen by Chaim Potok. I actually loved all of the Potok books we buddy read, but I think this one was my favorite. A marvelous author--all were page-turners.
4. Augustus by John Williams. I came to this knowing next to nothing about this history, but Williams was gentle and didn't require it of me, and the group read taught me so much! Fantastic experience.
5. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster. I love Forster, both his themes and his memorable characters, and was so glad to finally get to this one.
As others have said, most of these were either group or buddy reads here, or came to me recommended by friends in this group. There's a lot of great taste to be mined around here!
Mod
1. The Case of Comrade Tulayev by Victor Serge (1942)Extraordinary history/detailing of Stalin's totalitarian regime, superbly realised in fiction - a masterpiece.
2. Covenant with Death by John Harris (1961)
Best British book about WW1 that I've come across (note the 4.57 GR rating) - realistic, moving, thought-provoking.
3. Something a bit cheerier than the above two(!):
Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney (1984)
The fairly normal life of a fairly normal man in New York - this is practically impossible to get right, but, amazingly, McInerney manages it! A perfectly judged balance of tone, style and substance.
4. Kafka short stories that I read with the group:
In The Penal Colony
The Stoker
A Hunger Artist (esp "Josefine, the Singer, or The Mouse People")
A Country Doctor (esp "Before The Law")
Contemplation
it's impossible to explain what I like about Kafka, I just do.
5. reserving judgement on this slot til Dec. 31st...
I already love this thread -- so many great choices!Here are my top 5 "classic" books that I read for the first time this year (so far):
1. Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin
I'm going to have to quote Greg, who perfectly captures Baldwin in post 2 above: "a deeply penetrating psychological understanding mixed with a gorgeous lyricism of language." Baldwin's writing is something else, and this is a compassionate, angry, inspiring masterpiece.
2. Before the Flood by A.A. Milne
A comedic play in which Noah's family tries to muddle through building the ark, with very sketchy guidance. Milne's trademark wit is absolutely on fire in this one -- he could really turn a phrase! Milne at his best reminds me of Oscar Wilde at his best.
3. My Brother Michael by Mary Stewart
Sort of a mix of adventure/thriller/travelogue, with evocative descriptions, a spunky but realistic heroine, and a perfectly understated romance thrown in. And some of the descriptive scenes were absolutely magical.
4. Random Harvest by James Hilton
A man adjusts to having lost his memory, and then years later needs to figure out what to do when he regains it. The characters we are meant to like are incredibly likeable, and Hilton's writing is nostalgic and somehow comforting.
5. Way Station by Clifford D. Simak
I've never read anything like this. A sci-fi but also sort of a pastoral novel. It felt fresh and surprising.
There are a couple in this list that I never would have found without recommendations from this group. :)
Darren wrote: "1. The Case of Comrade Tulayev by Victor Serge (1942)Extraordinary history/detailing of Stalin's totalitarian regime, superbly realised in fiction - a masterpiece. ..."
"In the Penal Colony" was highly disturbing, but I loved its complexity. It would be easy to write 100 pages of analysis of that story and yet still not capture every nuance. Such a strange and extraordinary piece!
This is such a great thread! Hard to choose 5 but here goes…1. My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
I’d never heard of Potok but was recommended this book by a number of friends in this group, and it was a wonderful read. I see other Potok books have also been chosen here, so I’m sure I will be reading more from him soon.
2. Kokoro by Natsume Sōseki
Beautifully written - in an understated way but very powerful nonetheless. It combines the personal with the historical/cultural in a really interesting way.
3. The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
Roth is becoming a favourite of mine for choosing interesting topics and weaving a readable and convincing story around them. The ending felt a bit rushed but I still gave it 5*.
4. The Moor's Last Sigh by Salman Rushdie
Rushdie’s writing is awesome and he certainly knows how to tell a story. This was beautiful and sad and funny and erudite and perceptive and thoughtful.
5. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
A classic Classic! I read this as a teenager and loved its ‘Gothicness’ but I got so much more rereading it as an adult. Count Fosco is a superb villain!
Wobbley wrote: "5. Way Station by Clifford D. SimakI've never read anything like this. A sci-fi but also sort of a pastoral novel. It felt fresh and surprising."
Thanks for the recommendation Wobbley! I've been meaning to give Simak a try.
Greg wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation Wobbley! I've been meaning to give Simak a try."I hope you'll enjoy it Greg! I read 2 Simaks this year, and he's on his way to becoming a favourite. I definitely plan to try more by him next year.
Mod
1. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
2. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
3. Peyton Place by Grace Metalious
There are four more "classics" that seriously impressed me. Limits is another reason I dislike trying to pick my favorites. Of the four I will list two. Both take place during a time of war, but the focus is centered more on the civilian life as they endure war time.
4. Drums Along the Mohawk by Walter D. Edmonds Takes place during the American Revolutionary War in up-state New York.
5. If Winter Comes this takes place in England and focuses on the life of Mark Sabre. A large part of the story is about how WWI change everything that was once considered normal.
Now, let's break the rule just a bit and let you know about a non-classic new book I thought was exceptional-
The Women by Kristin Hannah it's about the women that served during Viet Nam as nurses.
And finally, can't showcase the best without mentioning what was for me personally the absolute dud of the year. It was also a non-classic called James
2025 was filled with rereads and several books that "pushed me out of my comfort zone". LOL none of the uncomfortable books made the list. Still there were more than five good books to choose from.1. The Book of Jubilees by Anonymous (approximately 100 BC) July 31, 2025 5* This is a different type of book to choose, but I have been interested in reading history. This is a book I have returned to several times. It is a more novel-like version of Genesis, but old. It was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls.
2. Wessex Tales by Thomas Hardy (1896) version November 15, 2025 5* From the time I was a child I would find an author I like and read several books by him or her. Thomas Hardy has been one of my favorite authors since I read Tess of the D’Urbervilles as a school assignment. I have not yet read all of his catalogue.
3. The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier (1969) 288 pages. 5*Another favorite author. I liked the mix of two timelines.
4. A Dream of Armaggedon by H.G. Wells (1901) December 3, 2025 5* This was so good I edited and bumped the book I had originally put here. It is found in the collection The Door in the Wall and Other Stories (1911)
review https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
5. Death of a Cad by M.C. Beaton (1987) 10/16/2026 5*
Death of an Outsider (Haimish Macbeth #3) by M.C. Beaton (1988) November 4, 2025, 5*. I am reading a series so there are books #2 and #3 both listed here. This is a fun, light mystery series set in Scotland. The setting and characters are endearing. I am slow to add a new favorite author to my list. She may be the only new one in about 20 years. I would recommend any of the books in the series.
Four of the five authors are British. This fits my current reading trend. Two were read with the group.
Here are the top 5 new-to-me books, listed by date published because otherwise I can't decide.1938 Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
I've not seen the movie but was intrigued by the idea, so when this popped up at my local used book store I grabbed it. Miss P's inner monologue is marvelous, and I loved her honesty with herself and openness to new experiences. This book completely charmed me.
1940 Cheerfulness Breaks In by Angela Thirkell
Set in rural England, (Trollope's Barsetshire county) just as WWII is starting up, there's tension in the air as each person tries to pretend they're not worried about the future but inside they're wondering what will come and how it will affect them and their friends. Of course, in 1940 Thirkell had no idea how things would turn out, so we get people's honest reactions at the time, not how someone might remember it later. True to her style, there is cheerfulness even in the dark times. Part of a series, start with the first few and try to read them in order.
1945 The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R.A. Dick
I have fond memories of the movie and the TV series, so when I found this book for $1 I grabbed it. The story follows Mrs. Muir, who can hear but not see the sea captain who built the old house she now lives in, as it moves through time and gives us various moments throughout her life. This was a lovely, fun read that didn't pretend that life is always happy, but ultimately felt hopeful. The only 4 star read on this list, my main objection was that it's too short. I definitely wanted more.
1950 A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
My review begins "It's been a long time since I picked up a new-to-me book and literally didn't want to stop reading until I finished." I expected this to be a depressing story of a female POW (based on a real woman's life), but that's the background for a novel that gives us a chance to see how she builds her life after the war. Shute never goes for cheap emotional manipulation - he doesn't need to, the tale is touching in its simplicity. I was fascinated, moved, and delighted.
1960 The Lighted Heart by Elizabeth Yates
I picked up this memoir at the used book store because I recognized the author from my childhood. The clerk had no idea how to price it, so she gave it to me. What a wonderful gift! The dust jacket says "Against the New England setting of an old farmhouse, two heroic & loving spirits transcend the shock of the husband's impending blindness and re-create their lives in new ways of usefulness & joy." It's filled with lovely interactions with nature, good neighbors, difficulties, dogs, and lots of love. It's right up my alley and I hugged it to me when I finished it.
My favorite reads of 2025 include these classicsNever Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Taken at the Flood by Agatha Christie
Ronja Røverdatter by Astrid Lindgren
4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie
Lorraine wrote: "My Top 5 Reads of the Year Choosing only five wasn’t easy — I’ve read so many wonderful books this year — but these stood out for the way they stayed with me long after I finished them.
1. [book..."
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter has been on my radar for a while. Thanks for the reminder.
Sara wrote: "1. Augustus by John Williams was hands-down my favorite read this year. I'm sure that had a lot to do with the marvelous discussion and contributions of my fellow reader..."Thank you for the shout out, Sara! And you have recommended so many wonderful books to me -- like The Folded Leaf and Augustus. Can't wait for more suggestions from you! :)
Pamela wrote: "This is such a great thread! Hard to choose 5 but here goes…1. My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
I’d never heard of Potok but was recommended this book by a number ..."
I'm adding Kokoro to my list, Pamela! Thanks!!
Terris wrote: "Pamela wrote: "This is such a great thread! Hard to choose 5 but here goes…1. My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
I’d never heard of Potok but was recommended this bo..."
Hope you enjoy it Terris. I have developed a liking for Japanese literature in the last few years.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger I love when authors make a world and fully use the consequences of that world. 100% done here. Rare 5 stars from me. (5 stars = must own and will re-read)Politics and the English Language by George Orwell Excellent! One of the best essays I have ever read. It only has one fault: The title. Should have been “Thinking and clear language”. Politics is a very little part of it and the message is universal. Maybe even more universal than George Orwell realised: Mathematics had to invent a new language to get the clarity to crystal-level
Atonement by Ian McEwan The really liked Briony’s inner dialogue around the interrogation. It seemed completely plausible to me: A child feeling locked in with her testimony and the adults unknowingly doing it.
A Mathematician's Apology by G.H. Hardy, 1940. Hardy explains about the beauty of mathematics should be understand and appreciated like a piece of art, but with much more lasting value. “Greek mathematics is ‘permanent’, more permanent even than Greek literature.” and he gives example of mathematical proofs that runs almost like short stories with twist endings (my words). ”there is a very high degree of unexpectedness, combined with inevitability and economy. The arguments take so odd and surprising a form”
The essay also contains the famous statement:
”Real mathematics has no effects on war. No one has yet discovered any warlike purpose to be served by the theory of numbers or relativity, and it seems very unlikely that anyone will do so for many years.”
Written in 1940. Shallow people find it funny that he was so very wrong. I find it striking that Hardy was probably in the best position in the world to know and one of the most intelligent people – and he could not imagine.
The Ides of March: A Novel by Thornton Wilder. Augustus could have been here. Read it right after Augustus, not ready to leave Rome. It was great too.
Mod
Not all are old enough to be a classic as defined by the group, but I don't give out very many five-stars.
Nicholas and Alexandra: The Classic Account of the Fall of the Romanov Dynasty by Robert K. Massie
Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey
Solstice Wood by Patricia A. McKillip
Truman by David McCullough
Katy wrote: "5* Reads for 2025Not all are old enough to be a classic as defined by the group, but I don't give out very many five-stars.
[book:Nicholas and Alexandra: The Classic Account of the Fall of the R..."
I read Into the Beautiful North several years ago. We had an excerpt from it in the 8th grade textbook I used to teach from, and I wanted to read the entire book. Nice choice.
Very hard to pick my favourites of the year. Here’s five that i think stand out:1. The Black Sheep by Honoré de Balzac
2. The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
3. Eva Trout by Elizabeth Bowen
4. The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas
5. The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas
Some of my favorites from last year includeThe Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. Here character development is the thing!
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés for those brave enough to look into their selves or who want to see the origins of many many stories we read and tell.
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson. As usual, Winterson leads us into a journey--Here into more self-acceptance and more family-acceptance. Powerful stuff that.
J_BlueFlower wrote: "A Mathematician's Apology by G.H. Hardy, 1940. ..."Oh wow, that was the Hardy that befriended the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Thank you for mentioning it. I'm going to give it a look.
Watership Down by Richard Adams. As I read I wasn't sure, but it won my heart by the end. My review here.1984 by George Orwell. I'd been hearing about it my whole life, but nothing had prepared me for that. My review here.
A Dog of Flanders by Ouida, who was an interesting character even outside of her writing career. My review here.
Letter to His Father by Franz Kafka. After reading many of Kafka's works this 100-page personal expression of his most private thoughts gave me much more insight into his stories.
"Dearest Father,Shakespeare's Memory is one of my favorites by Jorges Luis Borges, and I think very representative of his best work. My short review here. And there is an absolutely brilliant narration on youtube called "A reading of Shakespeare's Memory by Jorge Luis Borges" but GRs won't let me add the URL. It's on a channel called "Electric Cereal" and it's from Jan 1, 2014.
You asked me recently why I maintain that I am afraid of you. As usual, I was unable to think of any answer to your question, partly for the very reason that I am afraid of you, and partly because an explanation of the grounds for this fear would mean going into far more details than I could even approximately keep in mind while talking."
Mod
I should get to this before I forget. My titles include some rereads. 1.Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family Thomas Mann
This book is overshadowed by Magic Mountain and that is a shame. This was easily the most enjoyable classic I had not read.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee
I had previously felt this was more appropriate for young adults, but on a reread, I marveled at how wonderfully constructed the novel is. Just look at how Lee works the courtroom scene bouncing from perspective to perspective at just the right moment to manipulate reader's feelings.
3.Kaputt Curzio Malaparte
Literary horror from WWII written by a fascist. Unforgettable!
4.The Stories of John Cheever John Cheever
This was my personal conquest of the year. I had started years before and never finished but with the help of group members I managed to finish and felt the journey unique in my reading experience. Though many contributed to the read, special thanks to Connie and Sara whose perseverance got me to the end.
5. North and South Elizabeth Bishop
My discovery of the year in poetry. although I had read individual poems it is through a collection that the consistent brilliancy of the author came through.
Why stop at five?A Gathering of Old Men Ernest J. Gaines
Tension-filled drama!
Giovanni’s Room James Baldwin
Excellent!
Cane Jean Toomer
Fascinating mosaic novel.
The Forsyte Saga John Galsworthy
Wonderful Series.
A Last Supper of Queer Apostles: Selected Essays Pedro Lemebel
LGBTQ political radicalism in literature.
All worth a look.
Klowey wrote: "J_BlueFlower wrote: "A Mathematician's Apology by G.H. Hardy, 1940. ..."Oh wow, that was the Hardy that befriended the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Thank you for mentioning it. I'm g..."
Yes, that Hardy. For some unknown reason the book is not on Gutenberg. But it is online many places. Here:
https://web.njit.edu/~akansu/PAPERS/G...
I am currently reading Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics From the foreword:
"For disciplines as diverse as literature, music, and art, there is a tradition of examining masterpieces - the "great novels", the "great symphonies", the "great paintings" - as the fittest and most illuminating objects of study. …. the creative milestones of the discipline …. The present book offers an analogous approach to mathematics, where the creative unit is not the novel or symphony, but the theorem. ... "
It is excellent! Likely 5 stars for me
Sam wrote: "Why stop at five?A Gathering of Old Men Ernest J. Gaines
Tension-filled drama!
Giovanni’s Room James Baldwin
Excellent!
[book:Cane|76517..."
I love all 3 of the 5 on your second list that I've read Sam!
Mod
Sam The minute I saw you had included the Cheever, I thought "I would never have gotten through it without Sam and Connie."
There are so many great suggestions here -- thanks to everyone who is posting!
Sara wrote: "Well, Janelle, you have forced me to add two more books to the TBR, and I am so glad you included Eva Trout, because it is on my list for 2026 and can now be pushed to the forefront.."
Sorry Sara :)
I’ve picked 6 or 7 from these lists as possibles for my bingo square!
I wouldn’t read Eva Trout as a first Bowen but as I know you’re familiar with her you’ll be fine. It’s another strange one!
Mod
J_BlueFlower wrote: "Klowey wrote: "J_BlueFlower wrote: "A Mathematician's Apology by G.H. Hardy, 1940. ..."Oh wow, that was the Hardy that befriended the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Thank you for menti..."
Thank you.
I downloaded the Hardy book!
Kathleen wrote: "I'm so glad to hear about A Dog of Flanders Klowey. I appreciate your review and recommendation--think I'll love this one."Thanks Kathleen. You can find the PDF free online if you want. And ping me if you have trouble. There are also original drawings in the book.
My favourites this year, excluding rereads, in order of publication date are:Medea by Euripides (431 BC)
Evander by Eden Phillpotts (1920)
The Waves by Virginia Woolf (1931)
The Female Man by Joanna Russ (1974)
Voices from Chernobyl edited by Svetlana Alexievich (1997)
I have been dithering about reading The Female Man, but will bump it up my TBR ladder after reading your review, thanks Wr :o)
oh, and I cunningly reserved a 5th slot after declaring 4 up in Message#10said slot goes to
5. Invitation to the Waltz by Rosamond Lehmann (1932) - just a perfect coming-of-age
Mod
I haven't read many classics this year (or books in general, for that matter), but From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg and The Manor by Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Here are my five favourite classic novels of the year:1. The Killing of Katie Steelstock by Michael Gilbert
An excellent police-procedural.
2. Mail Train by Kenneth Austin Dobson
A humorous murder mystery set on a train in Africa during the days of the British empire.
3. Aapka Bunti by Manu Bhandari
Heart wrenching story of a young boy who realises that now he has no place in the lives of his divorced parents who have moved on to new relationships. English translation available.
4. Vera by Elizabeth von Arnim
A terrifying portrayal of an abusive marriage.
5. Journey to the Centre of the Earth
A delightful adventure story by one of the greats.
I have only 4 and they are:1. Augustus by John Williams.
I'm a fan of history and John Williams truly brought Octavius Caesar, the August to life. Just loved it. I also loved the epistolary style Williams has used.
2. The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse
This was a philosophical work, and I can't really word the reason for loving it. All I can say is that I was drawn to it as if by some magic!
3. Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Nobody will be surprised by this choice, I'm sure. I was very much captivated by the storyline and the character of Hamlet.
4. The Ladies' Paradise by Émile Zola
This is the 11th book of the Rougon-Macquart series. It is a beautiful story based on the concept of department store.
Here are my favorite reads for 2025. Not all are classics with respect to publishing dates. And since I am breaking that rule, I will list 6.1. A Wilder Shore: The Romantic Odyssey of Fanny and Robert Louis Stevenson (2024) Not a classic in terms of this biography's age but the works of RLS are classics.
2. They are made out of meat(1991) A very short science fiction about why extraterrestrials leave us alone. I read it online.
3. The Uncommon Reader (2007) Just fun to imagine this really happening!
4. Through My Eyes (1999) I listened to the audiobook read by the author.
5. The Island of Missing Trees (2021) The audiobook is excellent.
6. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow (2022) This book should have trigger warnings stamped all over the cover but is so worth reading. Don't wait until it's 25 years old.
Annette wrote: "Here are my favorite reads for 2025. Not all are classics with respect to publishing dates. And since I am breaking that rule, I will list 6."I thought They're Made Out of Meat was hilarious! Great choice. :) It also looks like this one will be on our short story poll for February.
Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)
Books mentioned in this topic
Flowers for Algernon (other topics)1984 (other topics)
2001: A Space Odyssey (other topics)
The Cherry Orchard (other topics)
Pride and Prejudice (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ray Bradbury (other topics)Jane Austen (other topics)
Luo Guanzhong (other topics)
Richard Wright (other topics)
Natalie Haynes (other topics)
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What classics have been your favorite reads for this year? Choose your top five (5) reads and let us know why they were your favorites.