20 Classics to Read in 2020

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'm aware that I mispronounce Brideshead in this video. I've had many many comments about this. The thing is I'm not an expert on this novel. I've never discussed it with anyone before, read it or watched the miniseries. So it's a simple mistake. Whenever a reader mispronounces the name of a title, character or author it simply means they are a reader who has only sounded out that word in their head. So that doesn't warrant scorn or mockery. Of course, I'm glad to be corrected when I mispronounce something so I'm not like Nomi Malone mispronouncing Versace. But please don't pedantically point this out again as I'd rather actually discuss your thoughts on these books rather than being reminded of my silly error. Thank you.

[@Tweak54]

I think there are a lot of people who are big fans of Brideshead and that are very attatched to it. Most likely they just feel that you mispronouncing it doesnt offer it the kind of respect and consideration that they would expect anyone to show for the story they love. I dont think you need to explain yourself here, personally I just thought it was a little funny.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Tweak54 Oh I totally understand why some people would be irked by it. If I saw someone mispronouncing the name of a book I love I’d want to gently correct them. But some commenters have been really nasty about in their responses (I’ve deleted many of the meaner comments) and since I keep getting the same comment over and over again I just wanted to acknowledge it and encourage people to be a bit nicer if they feel inclined to correct someone.

[@revenant2979]

No-one is perfect,. I'm from Africa and the mispronunciations from our literature(South-Africa) don't irritate me that much. Great list. Inspiring to get reading as well!!

[@musthaveV8]

thank u for the description!!! Helps me get around to the books later when i copy them into my notes

[@emiliotarsa6582]

As a teacher, I'll always care way more about content than getting mere technicalities right, such as the correct pronunciation of a word in a title. I like hearing about the intrinsic worth of literary texts, above all.

[@diegonochebuena2416]

he seems like a nice guy

[@eddiegerahty3454]

Yeah, very handsome. Hope he is gay.

[@octopus8420]

@@eddiegerahty3454 he looks like Daniel Negreanu reads books instead of his opponents poker hands haha

[@SOLIDO-PS]

@@eddiegerahty3454 ...What?

[@bngr_bngr]

Diego Nochebuena is he gay?

[@matchasketch8224]

battle beas Rex Yes, I believe Eric has boyfriend. He also gives some pretty good LGBTQ book recommendations!

[@sharishaw32]

“Rebecca” is the first truly atmospheric book I read in my early adulthood and it set a new bar for my appreciation of literature. The story still haunts me, and I hope it always will.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I love a novel with a great sense of place and atmosphere! Have you reread Rebecca at different points since that first time?

[@a.aguirre6820]

This was my first finished book of 2020 after owning it for nearly 10 years and WOW am I disappointed I didn’t read it sooner! A true masterpiece.

[@nickieb2636]

It's the 8th and I've already finished "Lord of the Flies" and "To Kill a Mockingbird"! 2019 was my first year reading for real and I read 34 books, let's see how far I can go in 2020

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That is awesome! 👏 📚

[@misselder1]

NickieB - Two really stellar books to start your year!

[@leilatou1904]

Good job Nickie, way to go!

[@NikkiSchumacherOfficial]

You picked two page turners to start with. Bravo!

[@seanleas6780]

I’m in the middle of Master and Margarita, I love this book so much!

[@thejoyofreading7661]

Probably the first adult classic I've read in my life, many years ago. Fantastic book!

[@meretgross6517]

I stumbled across your channel and loving it already...btw Anne Brontë’s “Tennant of Wildfell Hall” is brilliant. She is often overlooked because of her more famous sisters Charlotte and Emily.Happy reading.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Ah great, nice to meet you! And I've started reading Anne's novel already since her birthday this month and I'm really enjoying it.

[@meretgross6517]

I am glad you are enjoying it. I also watched a couple of your older videos and in your classic book tag you mentioned the Virgo Modern Classic editions...I actually wrote my BA thesis on Grace Paley's short stories and was wondering if you have read them and what your thoughts are. Feel free to point me towards a video you did, mentioning her... I just get excited whenever I see her mentioned on BookTube because I feel like she is brilliant and should be read and enjoyed by many.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

@@meretgross6517 Ah yes, I've not read Paley's stories yet but thanks for the reminder. I should get them down and try a few.

[@meretgross6517]

@@EricKarlAnderson Cool. Looking forward to hear what you think. "An interest in life" is a good one to start with.

[@misselder1]

OH MY GOSH! I have been searching and searching for a booktuber that talks about Classics!!! or at the very least talks about books that aren’t YA fantasy or weren’t published last week. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! It’s brides-head, by the way, not bride-shed 😉

[@EricKarlAnderson]

You've probably watched her already, but Lucy is one of my fave booktubers to watch about classics: kzbin.info/door/shc1VYtf4bI3Q7Ibi5J-Cg

[@josephcusumano2885]

Sandra you have gorgeous eyes!..😍

[@misselder1]

Wow, thanks!

[@miaumiau679]

hey! do you know ''better than food reviews''?? small channel. He reads classics from all over the world. The way he talks about books is absolutely stunning

[@misselder1]

Coco _ Thanks!

[@celadon7]

I'm glad you mentioned Brideshead Revised first, maybe the finest novel in the English language. Waugh uses humor and drama to suss out what it means to be Catholic in England. His prose just flow, he makes it so easy to get a picture in your head of the places and the people by his perfect descriptions of them.

[@annoldham3018]

A picture of Dorian Gray is my favourite. Love your recommendations.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I love Wilde! I read a great recent biography about him last year.

[@paulinelafford4773]

A great read. An accessible book, readable on a superficial level or as a statement on society values.

[@audreyh7892]

I love "The Master and Margarita"! I need to reread that.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'm really looking forward to it!

[@K5to9X]

It's beautiful and bizarre and completely unique. I read it last year and already want to reread it!

[@jbaldwin1970]

Get a good translation. The one I read was poor - the interludes were really good but the main sections were tough going.

[@sarahbeaglehole9377]

Jane Eyre is really heart breaking I totally recommend

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That's a favourite of mine too!

[@revenant2979]

Love that book!!

[@sararichards518]

Eric sweetheart, the novel is called Brides Head or the head of brides. I’d love to revisit Castle Howard, I am Yorkshire born and bred and used to visit Bronte country and the area around Castle Howard. I’m planning to reread Rebecca and David Copperfield this year. I plan on reading a classic novel each month and also reading books I own already! So many books, so many worlds such sore eyes! Oy vey. Happy New Year Eric. I have so enjoyed your videos this year. 😊💕🌷

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yeah, but to be fair I've not read it or seen the series so don't know that was the correct way to pronounce it. Thanks for the correction. A classic a month sounds like a good plan! Happy New Year!

[@DATo_DATonian]

'David Copperfield' is one of the finest novels I have ever read and it was Dickens' favorite of all his works. I heartily endorse it.

[@richardbenitez7803]

No ... Copperfield is second to Great Expectations..... i don’t think folks appreciate how poetic the speech of Pip’s friend Magwitch is, or for that matter the speech patterns of the very poor that Dickens assigns.

[@DATo_DATonian]

@@richardbenitez7803 'Great Expectations' is certainly an exceptionally fine novel, I would never disagree with that, but for me 'Copperfield' was more entertaining. I think most people are put off by the size of 'David Copperfield' - it truly is a long novel, but for those who are willing to take it on I think the rewards will eventually far outweigh the effort involved.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Horrah! I'm really looking forward to it.

[@DATo_DATonian]

@@EricKarlAnderson I'm sure you will love it. This novel is Dickens at the height of his powers. The cast of characters is staggering, but each one is fleshed out so thoroughly and uniquely that you will never forget them. Many plots and subplots which are all resolved at the conclusion in a manner which is extraordinarily satisfying and include the entire landscape of emotional affectation. Also, the novel includes much symbolism, foreshadowing and all of the other literary effects which is Dickens' trademark for the more astute reader to discover. By the way, thanks for the many great videos.

[@misselder1]

I am a giant Dickens fan! Athough the main ch David C is a bit dull the secondary chs are absolutely unforgettable! My very fav Dickens novels are Our Mutual Friend, Little Dorrit, Bleak House, Dombey and Son, and Martin Chuzzlewit with honorable mentions to Oliver Twist, Great Exp., Tale of Two Cities, Hard Times, and Barnaby Rudge. The only one I didn’t care for was Pickwick Papers although it was funny at times, and I’ve never read Old Curiosity Shop because, well, who wants to read a book in which... I’d better stop. Happy Dickensian adventures. Beware. You can’t just read one!

[@Carolee-nf2ud]

Brideshead Revisited is amazing. I have read and reread it and listened to it being read on Audible narrated by Jeremy Irons. I could appreciate it even more deeply with his narration.

[@anaa.m.2111]

Beautiful selection and good luck to you in reaching your 2020 goals! I love listening to you, because you are so articulate and witty! Happy New Year!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you! ☺️

[@CharlieBrookReads]

I love this list !! Last year I found Native Son from it which was a favourite of mine from the year xx I have both those Christie on my shelves and I need to read them . Murder On The Orient Express is my favourite Christie so far but I have only read just over a handful of her books so quite early doors really . The Secret Garden was one of my favourite childhood books ... It think it was one of the things that made me love the idea of gardens as special magical places. Thank you for sharing these with us. I hope you enjoy the ones you get to XXX

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That's great to hear! And I'm excited to discover a lot of these. Thank you! x

[@Ihearbooks]

Wow great list of books. Brideshead festival sounded very enticing. Meaning to re-read Rebecca as I love the writing. David Copperfield I have tried before got half way thru and set it down. Always, always wanted to finish it so will start it again. Thanks for all the wonderful info on these books.

[@BethKnight664]

You’re much more ambitious than I am! One of my 2020 reading goals is to read only two classics, lol. Rebecca is definitely one of the ones I really want to read.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I probably won't read all of them but if I read half I'll be chuffed!

[@rebeccam6342]

I just discovered your channel and I really love your energy! Can't wait to watch some more of your videos 😄 I read Rebecca last year and really enjoyed it. I'm so excited to hear it's going to become a movie! 😄

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you!

[@starwater9828]

You've got good taste! What I call "thumping good reads". I didn't know about the Castle Howard/Brideshead Revisited event - and I live in Yorkshire/love Evelyn Waugh. But I assume it's been cancelled - sad.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks and yes, unfortunately the anniversary events were cancelled.

[@beLIEver31415]

Great video!!! I also plan to read some of these this year :D

[@azeelia]

Definitely going to grab these books. Thanks, Eric!🤩

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great!

[@ronlussier8570]

David Copperfield is my favorite Dicken's novel. I didn't know a new movie based on it was out - thanks for mentioning it

[@barbarachmura2695]

Thank you for putting this together. I look forward to reading a few of the books before the movies come out.

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Hi, Eric, all the best for a new reading year📚❣️Im an old fashioned reader who loves the classics, so I’ve read a lot of yours, but I got some tips, too: an unknown Dostojewski and Dickens!! Exiting! I’d start with two ladies (Ladies first😉): REBECCA, fascinating writing style, catching you without noticing...(also: my cousin Rachel...). Then EMMA, everybody knows a Emma, trying to influence people and thinking they can read everybodies mind...but the better they mean to 'help', the worse it becomes. Then DEATH ON THE NILE, my favourite therapy book, if I want to come over something bad: you go to another country, you’ve drama and fun and fascinating characters and areas... By the way: my favourite movies are with PETER USTINOV as Poirot, Death on the Nile and Murder at oriental express. THE SECRET GARDEN is maybe kind of gothic in the beginning, but it’s one of the first 'think positive' novels in my eyes. I noticed that as an adult, because in Germany I found only 'children versions', they were shortened. But how the story fascinated me in English! Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 is a MUST reread for every reader...it’s the temperature at which paper is burning and what would we be without our books??🤷‍♀️I know, we’ve Ebooks now and I’m grateful, I don’t have to wear the big amount of books into my holidays as in old times, but I LOVE paper books. Love and thanks from grand grandma Monika❣️

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That's wonderful! Thanks for all the advice and tips on where to start. I'm really looking forward to many of these. And I'm with you - I'd never want to go without having paper books around me. 📚

[@JAZJ]

Thanks for posting. Reading more classics in 2020 is one of my goals. My goal is to read 1-2 books per week this year.

[@brookemercer2886]

I’m definitely reading the Luminaries this year. I didn’t realize it was being adapted. It was one that I started a while ago and then just put down for whatever reason. I also plan to read a lot of the ones you mentioned. I’ve been very into Edith Wharton lately so I’m reading the house of mirth. And I just saw little women so I’m planning on rereading that as well.

[@beatingaroundthebooks]

Here's one more voice for The Master and Margarita. It's absolutely brilliant, weird and entertaining. I don't think I'd ever read anything like it before. Hope you get to go and enjoy Yorkshire, it really is beautiful!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It sounds so creative! I'm really excited.

[@olafkeith9186]

Lots of great books you have there 😀 Agatha Christie is my go-to comfort read, so I definitely recommend reading her! Both DEATH ON THE NILE and THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES are very good! Also FAHRENHEIT 451 and DUNE are two of my all time favorite books, I hope you like them😀 I read DAVID COPPERFIELD as a child, but really want to re-read it. CHRISTMAS CAROL is usually my go-to Dickens classic!

[@swirlcrop]

I like your book list. So many I haven´t read so thanks for the reminder. :-)

[@EricKarlAnderson]

👍

[@carolynmorgan9642]

Great list! I’ve got to move Rebecca up on my TBR; didn’t know they were making another movie. The Witches was one of my favorites as a child. I hope you enjoy it! Would be interesting to read it again.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Definitely got to get to Rebecca!

[@pamelav.5032]

Brave New World was so hard to put down. It's one of my favorites.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I remember being gripped when I was a teen!

[@andyiswonderful]

Interesting. Good luck. I'm not a big reader, but I was amused to see that I've read 9 of the books on your list. Just this year, I read "The Master and Margarita" and liked it. I thought I'd read all of Dostoyevsky's major works, but never heard of "The Eternal Husband", so that's on my list for this year.

[@my_randomthoughts]

I'm not a big classic fan but Jane Eyre was the book that got me into reading

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's brilliant!

[@revenant2979]

Its a brilliant book. I was very young and English was my second language and with no Google, I carried a huge Afrikaans - English dictionary with me for the 6 months to read Jane Eyre.

[@thejoyofreading7661]

The master and Margarita and Fahrenheit 451 are two of my favourite novels ever! Great list =) If you like Agatha Christie I recommend "Mesopotamia" (one of the best Hercule Poirot novels in my opinion)

[@tessc-b1886]

Murder in mesopotamia is such a great novel, the TV adaptation is great too

[@gaildoughty6799]

Brideshead Revisited is an amazing novel. It’s always near the top of my Favorite Classics List. And the series! It’s the most perfect adaptation of a book that I’ve ever seen. Oh, you have a wonderful experience to look forward to.And Copperfield will forever be my favorite Dickens.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! I'm looking forward to them.

[@thearchive1132]

What a great list. I'll be interested to hear what you make of David Copperfield, it took me four attempts to get to grips with it, but I ended up loving it. I'm really excited for the new movie adaptation as I want to see what Peter Capaldi does with the character Mr Macawber. I agree on the Jane Austen front. She's never really done much for me. *runs for cover

[@richardbenitez7803]

I totally agree on Jane Austen. I like reading these 19th century Russian authors because it describes upper and lower. I had the idea Austen was going to do the same but english style. Not!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh interesting! Hoping I can get to grips with it more quickly.

[@mame-musing]

Hope you enjoy Brideshead both as a book and as a mini-series. Jeremy Irons, Anthony Andrews, John Gielgud, Claire Bloom and Laurence Olivier are all at the top of their game in the 1981 series. The settings of Oxford, Castle Howard and Venice are a delight in their own right. You’ve selected an interesting and varied group of books. The variety will keep this an engaging reading challenge.

[@DS40764]

Thanks for your list. I'm making this the year that I read more, than I paint. I loved the European movie version of Secret Garden. I often felt inside like that girl, so I plan on starting with that book.

[@RunwrightReads]

I know what you mean about wanting to have read Rebecca some time ago. I finally read it last month and loved it and then found a lot of similarities with the story in Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House so you can always link a classic with a new release to stay on brand 😀 I am a fan of The Luminaries too and while it isn’t a classic, it is set in classic period so I agree that it could become part of that canon. Intrigued to see what she does with retelling Austen’s fiction

[@tabkins]

Thanks for the suggestions. I like classics.

[@DiegoGonzalez-ic3si]

You seem like an awesome dude with a great attitude, subscribed!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you!

[@laurieeyebee]

Great video and some wonderful reminders of times when reading was almost limitless for me - before the world got impatient! I've read (and have) ALL of Agatha Christie's books (in various ragtag conditions) and Daphne DuMaurier too -- a favorite author. Not a Jane Austen lover, I'm missing that gene, I guess! Bronte lover yes, though. In high school I rook a lit class called "Utopian Society" and we were assigned Farenheit 451, which led me to the rest of Bradbury's works (I even love the titles) and to other science fiction like Dune. I loved The Secret Garden and I think there is a quite old b&w movie as well. Although we always had many books in our house growing up, I didn't read The Call of the Wild until I was an adult. Heartwrenching, but I'm glad I did. Would love to travel to England and see these places sometime. Alas, stuck in New England for now!

[@AlexSchor-y2h]

The Street sounds great! I adore books that take place in N.Y.C.

[@johnhunt8388]

Some good books mentioned as always. I am not a great lover of classic books. I just can't get into them. I've always wanted to read books by the Bronte sisters but struggled to get into them. The only classic book I've read and enjoyed was Jude The Obscure by Thomas Hardy. Loved that story. Edith Wharton- The Age of Innocence is one I would like to read. The Street by Ann Petry sounds interesting and one I haven't heard of before. She wrote another book called The Narrows which also sounds good. I have wanted to read The Luminaries for some time so that maybe a book I get to in the coming year. You obviously loved it alot.

[@mame-musing]

@John Hunt: If the despair and drama of “Jude” appealed to you, Wharton’s “House of Mirth” or “Ethan Frome” may be a good place to start. Each novel has it’s share of despair. 😥

[@heathersneddon8866]

Read Evelyn Waugh: Scoop. It is fab. It is always interesting to highlight classic gaps. Mine include George Eliot so going to try and read her this year. Love that you have a copy of Cynthia Bond: Ruby. Such an excellent book

[@incitehope99]

@Eric Karl Anderson Ohhhhh my goodness. I just found your channel & yes, I did actually subscribe. I have been thinking about this type of list of books to read for about..... oh, 22 years-ish. (Of course, I've read other books in the meantime, but no classics). Yes, that long... & I am going to set time aside to actually read!!! You are inspiring. I like your style right off the bat, as it were! You are on it. I too like to read the book prior to seeing the movie or series. You rock!!! Stay amazing. -Kelly

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Nice to meet you, Kelly. And thank you! So glad I can help inspire you and hope you read some good books. Do let me know how you get on. 📚

[@incitehope99]

@@EricKarlAnderson Aweee... yes, likewise! My pleasure. I will keep you posted & I'm still deciding which classic read will be the top of the heap, if you will! ✌🏻🙋🏼‍♀️ -Kelly

[@louisestgermain6428]

Great idea for putting together a classics list! Many of these are books I also planned to read in 2020 (Master and Margarita, The Luminaries, Dune, This Side of Paradise), even though I've been completely oblivious to all the anniversaries and movie launches. I didn't especially enjoy Fahrenheit 451 or Brave New World (great premises but didn't like the not-so-subtle writing styles. Probably just a personal taste thing.). Will be curious to see what you think of all these books!

[@veronikabecickova5538]

Greats books ...all, absolutly great 👍

[@JayneCatherineOnBooks]

I live 20 miles from Castle Howard so would love a meet up at the festival. I have never read The book. Cannot wait for The Secret Garden and The Witches new films as they are two of my favourites. My Son's always chose the The Witches as our holiday read when they were children. I have read quite a lot of Agatha Christie. The affair at Styled is really good. I haven't read Death on The Nile yet. My least favourite is mUrder on the Orient expresd

[@JayneCatherineOnBooks]

Haha predicted text!

[@martinmaynard141]

Some very good suggestions. I need to re-read Brave New World and I love the Bröntes but never read the Tennant so may add it to my list. Brideshead Revisited is one of my all time favourites but it is pronounced as Brides Head (the head of the bride) and the TV series cast filmed at Castle Howard not Howard Castle. Like many English stately homes the original building is long gone but part of the name is kept. Good luck with getting through all 20

[@drawyourbook876]

I have also read brave new world when I was a teenager, and I would love to reread it. Would that be a book-club/buddy read idea?

[@enolagay2323]

Jane Eyre will forever be my favorite classic! And the new Dune film sounds badass.

[@tessc-b1886]

Tbh I prefer classics to most modern fiction

[@Prairielily04]

Love your selections! I don’t often pick up a classic but this video reminds me why I should!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's great discovering why "great" novels are widely considered so great!

[@M_SC]

I’ve read the secret garden about 100 times since I was 8. It changes quite a lot as your education increases.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh that's interesting! I'll be interested to hear what you think of the film.

[@acajudi100]

Maya Angelou Studs Terkel Herman Hesse Wayne Dyer Oscar Lewis George Orwell Thank you for listing your books also.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I love Orwell's fiction - especially his novel Keep the Aspidistra Flying

[@haroldleboeuf8648]

Angus Wilson's ANGLO-SAXON ATTITUDES OR NO LAUGHING MATTER...not an easy read but very beautifully written and rewarding.

[@thesleepvampire]

Great list! I adore classics and have actually taught quite a few of these. I’m reading Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express atm. Austen can be difficult to get into. One of her more accessible novels (and funny!) is Northanger Abbey if you are looking to substitute. It is a gothic satire.

[@carolbenson6524]

Interesting to hear about some of these that I've read and haven't read. Going to make a note on ones not read. Great video!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! Hope you find some books you enjoy.

[@tumblyhomecarolinep7121]

Ohh you reminded me of so many wonderful classics to reread and read for the first time. I think I will reread Brideshead and Ronald Dahl, Edith Wharton and read Fahrenheit 451 for the first time. I agree about The Luminaries being a fledgling classic. @lucythereader is doing a classics 2020 challenge thing too on #classicscommunity...so your recommendations have been helpful prompting my list. Thank you as always for the video.

[@audreyh7892]

Fahrenheit 451 is great!

[@ThatReadingGuy28]

Read Fahrenheit 451 it’s so amazing 🥰

[@joest.eggbenedictus1896]

Great list! Thank you. Since this is the second video in which Fahrenheit 451 was raised, I guess it's time I read it since I didn't read if when it was assigned to me in 8th grade. To the used book store I go!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's really worth it!

[@djdarbary]

Nice one, Eric. If it's classic science fiction you're after, I'd suggest the deadly duo, Jules Verne & H.G. Wells. Isaac Asimov (a.k.a. The Good Doctor), whose centenary also falls this year (2020), would be the next obvious choice. You'll find his works across the board as genres go, with at least one in every major category of the Dewey Decimal System. Equally good is Dr. Asimov's bosom buddy, Arthur C. Clarke, who, when he wasn't whipping up great stories, was working out theories of satellite communications. One of my favourites by him is "Tales From the White Hart", a collection of tall tales narrated by one Harry Purvis, sci-fi's answer to Mr. Mulliner. And as for Ray Bradbury, why choose? I'd scoff the lot. Happy reading 👋🏾🍀

[@Michael_Wertenberg]

Love your videos! Glad I stumbled upon your channel. If you haven't already and still plan to read Ray Bradbury, I've recently reread 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' I thought it was brilliant, and I think you would really like it, too.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you! I haven't read that Bradbury but I've read others. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@antigony8178]

I've just finished The Age of Innocence - such exquisite writing! I'm now onto House of Mirth. I'd seen both movie adaptations (which I thought were great), but I've got so much out of reading the books.

[@couch.patati-patata]

Scorcese spoiled it and made it drag drag drag.

[@blessedbuddy1]

Hey Eric: A great little book that you should check out is "What To Do When The Wheels Come Off" It's funny, thought provoking and an easy read. It is not a novel but a short inspirational book. I think it is still available on Amazon. Love your gentle presentation..

[@josmith5992]

I’ve only read Emma and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall from this list and would like to reread them, like you Eric I read a lot of classics decades ago and feel it’s time to revisit them. I’d already planned on reading David Copperfield for March of the Mammoths before I heard a new movie was coming out but perhaps that will give me the incentive to finish that behemoth!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Wondering if you ever got to The tenant of Wildfell Hall? I read it last Victober And enjoyed it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes, a really enjoyable and intriguing novel. I did read it and I wrote about it here: lonesomereader.com/blog/2020/1/16/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall-by-anne-bronte

[@melrose718]

Aha! Someone finally mentioned the Great Jack London! I am over the moon that Harrison Ford will be in a new Call of the Wild adaptation! If you read COTW you must also read White Fang...they are kind of opposites that go together. But his masterpiece, in my opinion, is The Sea Wolf :) You may also enjoy Martin Eden, a loosely based autobiography. His rather astonishing book, John Barleycorn is quite an unbelievable read, but has some amazing stories & beautiful writing about his home. Loved all of your picks & all of the upcoming movie info as well! I think you will love Rebecca....while you are reading, it just seems rather dreamy and slow moving, but afterwards, somehow it gets into your consciousness because of Daphne's skill with atmosphere & style. David Copperfield is a goldmine that you will never forget. I have seen the 2012 Edwin Drood mini-series, but haven't read the book yet. Thanks for all the Dickens info Eric Karl!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I have read Martin Eden when I was a teenager and loved it. Thanks for the great comment!

[@M_SC]

I love those 2 but am very unhappy about the movie- it can’t be made into a good movie, I think. And I know white fang can’t. As a dog person now I know they will fuck up the dog as all movies do

[@chrisjones3901]

Call of the wild book never left my mind,hauntingly good

[@madelynstrauss3764]

You said you’ve recently been reading some foals Dahl’s adult short stories. Have you read Lamb to the Slaughter? 10/10 would recommend it. It is without a doubt one of my favorite short stories.

[@LaurelKay]

The Age of Innocence is one of my favorite books! I might also have to revisit it this year...

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Definitely worth it!

[@haroldleboeuf8648]

I love TENDER IS THE NIGHT. Have you ever read Angus Wilson's novels?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I haven't read Wilson's novels. Which would you recommend?

[@moriahjacobs6131]

All of Nathaniel Hawrhorn books and tales. Oh, and James Fenimore Cooper's Hawkeye books and Defoe's Robinson Crusoe.

[@juliewoan298]

I have also got alot of classics to catch up but never seem to manage to get to them - in fact did not read one in 2019 and not a good record being I just finished my 109th book for this year :( Will try harder in 2020. I loved the series of Brideshead Revisited and also love Castle Howard where it was filmed - well worth a visit, but I have never read the book as do not feel it will be the same after watching the series.

[@32mybelle]

I have read about half of these and I have to say that Fitzgerald is my favorite, even though they are all good for different reasons. I used to read almost exclusively classics and I'm thinking about getting back into that because there is a lot of literature that really isn't that good. I'm glad you are giving Jane Austen another try, she is one of my favorites.

[@Missfrankiecat]

Fun video with some great ideas and info.

[@pamelaboxall7015]

What an interesting selection. I am determined to up my reading game in 2020 and thanks for reminding me to revisit some F Scott Fitzgerald. I also think some Christopher Isherwood is in order. The one sci-fi book I always recommend to non-sci-fi readers is Tau Zero by Poul Anderson, although I don’t think anyone actually reads it!

[@eduardodifarnecio2336]

Great list. Big on classics here. Plodding through Gargantua and Pantagruel by Rabelais, French renaissance novel. Bigger on words than plot. Still trying to think of how to celebrate the centennial of the publication of Fitzgerald’s debut novel. The Knickerbocker hotel were Amory crashes one night after getting hammered at the bar has reopened. Not sure I can afford to follow his example though. Good luck finishing your list. Incidentally, despite children being force fed them these great books I very much doubt they were the intended audience of their authors. They were meant for adults.

[@victoriaelement]

prioritize Rebecca!! one of my favourite books ever

[@cynthialeaf8358]

I read the The Call of The Wild for the first time as an adult. It's great for kids but it was very moving even as an adult.

[@anamariaguadayol2335]

My three favorite novels of all time are El Último Caton (The Last Cato) by Matilde Asensi; The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco; and Exodus by León Uris. All are very thick books that I binge-read over a weeked at various times during my life.

[@tonybennett4159]

This is a good list Eric, all the better for widening the scope beyond Eng. Lit. Can I put in a plug for my home county of Worcestershire, if you haven't visited there. In the shadow of the Malvern Hills you will find Madresfield Court, the REAL Brideshead where Waugh stayed. There are conducted tours on a limited basis which can be arranged via their website. When you enter the chapel, it is exactly as described in the novel. We were there along with members of the Waugh society. I heard with trepidation your information regarding Baz Luhrman ( none of whose films I have liked) making a version of The Master and Margarita (one of my all time favourite novels). I'll probably give it a miss. Regarding F. Scott Fitzgerald. I agree.....was he a one hit wonder? I thought The Great Gatsby was indeed great, while Tender is the Night I disliked so intensely that I don't think I'll try any others. I have got a couple of classics on my TBR list : My Cousin Rachel and Let Us Now Praise Famous Men (can A House for Mr Biswas now be called a classic? If so, it's also there).

[@KathleenAnnBooks]

I cannot wait for the re-make of Rebecca. This is one of my favorite reads of all time. I hope you enjoy the novel before you see the film.

[@couch.patati-patata]

Ew no!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks!

[@chrisjones3901]

I read call of the wild as a 10 year old 48 years ago now lol,it captivated me right from the pages of him being stolen at beginning of book,all my life I would wish I could of made his life better,but for the love of a human to animal is fasinating but so so sad to read as a child,only read to the very end of book to make sure all was good in the end, My own daughter read this book in her early teens and it got to her too.

[@SkiesOfBlue4MeAndYou]

Both the Ray Bradbury books are fab!

[@M_SC]

The Martian chronicles is fun and easy. You might be different since you haven’t liked Austen or gatsby. I also loved Anne bronte. Ty for introduction to the street

[@belugaabs]

boi that book shelves are goals

[@TheDigitalArchivist]

I am currently reading “The Garden of the Finzi Continis” which is an impressive read. I watched the 1970 Oscar award-winning film in the late 1990s. I think most would love this novel. It’s interesting you mention “Rebecca” as I last read that book in 1995 at University. I’ve ordered it, The Birds & Other Stories, as well as Don’t Look Now and Other Stories. I noticed a recommendation for Patricia Highsmith’s “Strangers on a Train”. There’s a big difference in its plot compared with Hitchcock’s film treatment, and I’m curious to read the original story.

[@greenmountainbrownie6473]

I graduated high school in 2014 and haven't picked up a book since. I made a new years resolution to change that, so soon I should have 24 books arrive in the mail to read over the year :) For the rest of my life I hope to read a minimum of 24 books a year, or 2 every month.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That's great! Hope you find some you enjoy.

[@carolinefiller4898]

You will love Call Of The Wild and Brideshead Revisited, great books both, Brave New World as well.

[@linneaolsson4764]

Roald Dahl is so good! Love his works!👏🏽

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Love his twisted world!

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

I read Matilda

[@eddie_d1233]

I copied this list to keep on my desktop to see how many I could read. I've read a number of them. Any book by Christie or DuMaurier is a treat. Miss Marple and Poirot will provide you with hours and hours of fun. I can picture you reading some of them to your partner on your trip to the Brideshead reunion.

[@rahulsen4340]

'Drood' by Dan Simmons concerning the life and time of Charles Dickens especially his last days while writing 'The mystery of Edwin Drood' that I have just seen in your to be read list told from the perspective of William Wilkie Collins is one of the best books I have read this year.

[@21vgkoab]

Dune is my favourite book. Hope you enjoy it. If you like the first book then also read Heretics of Dune and Children of Dune

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, thanks!

[@celadon7]

The Brideshead name has to with source of a stream or river hence head, head waters.

[@kirsten0929]

Really liked Brideshead Revisited. Loved The Secret Garden. Intrigued by David Copperfield. Intrigued, but intimidated, by The Master and Margarita. Juliet Stevenson reading anything Austen is amazing, maybe an audiobook would help you break through.

[@vonlicorice]

The trailer for Call of the Wild looks dubious. But heads up that there is an excellent Italian film adaptation of Jack London's Martin Eden coming out soon. The company I work for is releasing it in April 2020 in the US. Not sure if there's a UK date yet.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh that's really interesting! I love the novel Martin Eden so I'll be really curious to see the film. I can't see any info about UK distribution but I'll keep an eye out. Thanks!

[@sanieisleam3225]

Books are my best friends: i will read E Catton! Promise...!... i love your list some books deserve to be read again!!! 🙌🍀

[@annasamek5179]

One wonderful classic that is a bit forgotten and should be read more often is "Martin Eden" by Jack London. (1909). Highly recommended!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh yes, I love that novel!

[@Maren617]

Emma doesn't really need a new adaptation - Clueless is already perfect. :-D But anything Eleanor Catton writes is bound to be awesome.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I have to agree that Clueless is brilliant. I just rewatched it recently. Perfection.

[@M_SC]

Clueless is fabulous but the Emma movie from around 2000 is also perfect

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

Clueless is a perfect modern adaptation of Emma and Emma was also great. I've also seen the mini series of pride and prejudice and love the movie