Long Classics That Are Worth Your Time

[@Tolstoy111]

Don Quixote can feel long because it’s really two separate works. Cervantes wrote a sequel to it that is now published with it as Part 2. I’d recommend reading “part 1” and setting it aside to come back to part 2 later.

[@ericapedroza7067]

The Count of Monte Cristo is for sure one of my favorite books of all time! I didn't want the book to end ❤

[@artandculture-z5t]

¡Para nadaaaaaa ! El Conde de Monte Cristo, es bueno, PERO hay muchos libros que son mejores beibi

[@loricampbell1164]

I would like to add "The Tale of Genji" a hugely long classic and one of the first pieces of Japanese literature written in the early 11th century by the noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. The original manuscript, created around the peak of the Heian period, no longer exists. I have read half of this huge book and it is very enjoyable and different.

[@SannaJankarin]

That is fascinating. Thank you.

[@KellyannMitchell]

I have The Count of Monte Cristo, Don Quixote and Moby Dick on my shelf to read before this year ends. Varney the vampire I've added to my TBR. Thanks for your recommendations, Jennifer and great video. ☺️

[@cwilson284]

You are so right about Moby-Dick. I've led multiple seminars on it, and have read it ten times or so. It's the best American novel and really there isn't anything to argue about here. It just is.

[@artfuladjunct8224]

I love Don Quixote! I've been waiting to hear your thoughts since you hauled it.

[@douglasreynolds7903]

I can't believe I found someone reviewing Varney the Vampire. I am presently reading this (1st volume), and it is great. I thought it was captivating.

[@jenniferbrooks]

it really is just compulsively readable.

[@janedoefamily6458]

I was also happy to see Varney on the list. I've read volume 1. Now, I'm ready to read Volume 2. I've just subscribed to your channel. Thank you for uploading. 💕 🌞

[@toastbread3003]

Excited to get my teeth into Don Quixote this year! I also have Anna Karenina waiting on the shelf but I still need to get Tolstoy's voice out of my head after War and Peace 😅 I've never had much interest in the count of Monte cristo but you've sold it to me.

[@noelleggett5368]

The nineteenth century has a lot to explore… amazing works by talented women: Jane Austen, George Elliot, Mary Wollstonecraft and the Brontë sisters for a start! ‘Middlemarch’ by George Elliot is a weighty tome, and an underrated joy. As for the guys, Leo Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’ is a sheer delight to read. Perhaps even more than ‘Anna Karenina’, which is probably the more perfect novel. ‘Return of the Native’ may be the most enjoyable of Thomas Hardy’s many brilliant novels. ‘Great Expectations’ is gripping - and my favourite Charles Dickens classic. And ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain is probably the first great American classic novel.

[@Ygnez]

Love the list! I felt very similar with Don Quixote and Moby Dick... Guess I have to start The Count soon... It's such a daunting one though...

[@katrinag2623]

So glad I found your channel - thanks for the inspiration to re-visit or try these works - and I agree about Moby Dick - a celebration of the sea.

[@wisdomencouraged9326]

I've never heard of Varny the Vampire before, I'll definitely be checking that out, God willing. Thank you!

[@beautifulminutiae]

Some of my favorite long classics are Les Miserables, Anna Karenina and Our Mutual Friend

[@GilbertHorn1]

I’ve read The Count four times and will do so again. But, I’m currently reading Varney the Vampire, which will take some time.

[@seriela]

Yes! The Count of Monte Cristo. And YES to unapologetic revenge stories! And plot. You've made me want to read it again. And kdrama?! Off to find it. I also had fun with Don Quijote, but in Spanish. I fell in love with Sancho and his neverending proverbs, recognizable in daily life if you're a Spanish-speaker. My high school English teacher made Moby Dick fascinating. Thank you, Ms. Rosatti! I'm going to search your channel for kdrama recs. Currently watching the 2015 The Lover (더 러버...🤣)

[@jenniferbrooks]

I'm currently finishing The Glory (amazing!!).

[@g.p.ryecroft]

Wow, never heard of Varney the Vampire! Sounds like Barnabas the Vampire of DARK SHADOWS fame (talk about meandering and long--1100-plus episodes). I recommend a modern long classic--Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It's the longest novel I've read and was worth the investment of time and thought. I know the King James Bible is not a single book but a library unto itself, but certainly a classic (Penguin and Norton both published editions). Shakespeare fans it will find it a literary treat even if one isn't religious. Italian travelogue recommendation: George Gissing's "By the Ionian Sea." Great video, Jennifer!

[@bartsch23]

Love your reviews. It took me three times to finish Moby Dick, but it is now my favorite book of all time-no book is deeper or more profound. I also loved Don Q. I will try to read QMC this winter, and will give Varney the Vampire a look. Thanks and love your channel!

[@douglasreynolds7903]

You are right. Moby Dick was fascinating when you accept the concept of the book. If you are reading and constantly looking for the storyline, you will be disappointed. But digest it as a work that both entertains and feeds your intellect, you will do fine.

[@jeaninehogshead4710]

Oh yeah!!!! I’m reading Count of Monte Cristo right now!!!

[@aubreyholt279]

Never heard of Varney the Vampire before! Immediately got an ebook from my library to check it out 😊

[@jenniferbrooks]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@janngio]

Did you know that Dickens also wrote a non-fiction book about his year of traveling through Italy? It's called Pictures from Italy. I haven't read it yet, but I love Dickens' writing so much I'm sure it's going to be good.

[@jenniferbrooks]

I've been thinking about picking that up!

[@janngio]

@@jenniferbrooks Looking forward to your thoughts on it when you do!

[@GilbertHorn1]

I’ve read The Count of Monte Cristo three times over a lot of years. I expect to read it again, but next year.

[@tsulasbigadventures]

Jennifer: I just stumbled onto your channel and I love it! I loved Moby Dick and Don Quixote is a superb novel. The Count of Monte Cristo was excellent (years ago I read it in French even). My 2020 new year's resolution was to read the complete works of Shakespeare and three years later I'm just about finished. I loved Henry the VI but nothing can top Richard III which is just spectacular but Jennifer, Varney the Vampire? Umm no. I can't see myself reading that but thank you for your wonderful channel and your great recommendations.

[@barbarahelgaker390]

Oh I too love Henry VI All three parts - so glad to discover others who like them. The RSC did them recently and they were great.

[@davidcornetta2918]

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite books ever. And your review and feelings for it are exactly how I feel. The slower parts were justified perfectly and it is a perfect story from beginning to end. AND what you said about Moby Dick. Love it and again agree with everything. And as a bonus, it definitely made me love whales so much more lol.

[@keeley_reads]

I love Dumas so much. Both Three Musketeers and Monte Cristo were great. I had so much fun reading them. I really need to read Moby Dick.

[@kwm123123]

Hi! I love all of your book recommendations. I am currently in the middle of reading The Count of Monte Cristo when I found this video of yours. I'm interested in the book tabs you have in your copy. Can you please describe your method of which pages you mark and why? Thanks

[@annakarenina766]

Book thief was quite a long read but worths it :) I would love to hear more your recommendations - look forward to part 2

[@artandculture-z5t]

I LOOOOVEEEEE THE LONG CLASSICS. I know it is not a straightforwad task. But I tell you after reading them you will be very very happy...

[@dqan7372]

I've read Moby Dick, Monte Cristo, and the first half of DQ. Was hoping to conquer DQ this year, but time is really whizzing by.

[@jeaninehogshead4710]

I’m glad to hear this I’m bogging down in Rome part

[@EntertheBook]

Good video and recommendations- I need to try Henry v again- love the film!

[@danielanorambuenadiaz9183]

The count of Montecristo is a wild ride!!! Loved it ❤ Don Quijote is a work of art ✨I remember reading it for school and being one of the few that enjoyed it, I was like you guys are crazy, Don Quijote is funny and he has a heart of gold. I would really like to watch read authors like Balzac, Zola or Galdos, I think you would enjoy it.

[@drronmccoy]

Some great suggestions. I agree with you about Moby Dick - it’s amazing. I never realised a book could be that good. What a mind Melville had!

[@maryfilippou6667]

You are a treasure, Jennifer! I have had Italian Hours for years and not taken it off a bookshelf. If you say it's dreamy, I will begin it today! I wish you'd been alive 53 years ago when first I went alone to Italy. I'm sure you'd have been more sensible 2 years later and chosen the Italian Lakes district for honeymoon, when offered, than chilly Canadian cities, interesting though they were . So, thanks to you, Jennifer, I'll live it vicariously now. Thank you for your stupendous vlogs and Time, in- depth takes.

[@M-T-123]

Varney The Vampire! That’s one I’ve never heard of ! Thank tou so much! 🤩🐾🤩

[@ChristyLuisDostoevskyinSpace]

Loved this so much! As for recommendations videos, I would love to hear more themed nonfiction and history recommendations 👀

[@katiejlumsden]

I really need to read Varney the Vampire, don't I?

[@jenniferbrooks]

I think you would really enjoy it!

[@stephenn3727]

I love your posts! Thank you

[@limwenredleaf]

Your channel is my absolutely favourite!

[@M-T-123]

My favorite long , extra long classic it’s got to be War and Peace!

[@melissahouse1296]

Really enjoyed this so happy there was a HJames for you 😅Italian Hours of course!!💕 I look fwd to reading it along with Moby Dick & yes TCOMCristo Monsieur Noirtier was possibly my favourite character 🤓👍

[@estelagreene255]

Funny, I'm currently listening to the Count of Monte Cristo and I ordered Don Quixote (in Spanish) for March of Mammoth read.

[@CourtneyReads]

The Count of Monte Cristo is fantastic! It does say a lot of important things, but is such a good time. One of my favorites. Don Quixote is one I'm hoping to read this year, if I am in the mood for it.

[@jenniferbrooks]

the way you described the count is the way I would also describe Don Quixote! definitely important things discussed but a great time.

[@CourtneyReads]

@@jenniferbrooks makes me even more excited to read it!

[@nohelanikh6788]

I would love a recommendations list on ancient Egyptian and Middle Eastern classics.

[@nedmerrill5705]

Italian Hours: I haven't read this because it seemed to me just a travel log. I read Henry James for his characters. My last Henry James was _The Princess Casamassima,_ which was very good, very readable.

[@reader4532]

Yes Moby Dick is a great, profound novel, well worth the time. I may try Italian Hours at some point, as I really enjoyed the 19C perspective on Italy in The Marble Faun.

[@juliealvar4587]

I bought the Planetmonk ebook version you pictured here. Is this the one you read? I want to be sure I'm getting the unabridged version. Thank you

[@jenniferbrooks]

yes, that's the one I read!

[@ttowntrekker5174]

Your vids always inspire me!

[@jenniferbrooks]

thank you!

[@annedixon7609]

I want to read the count of Monte Cristo

[@timgillam7964]

Reading Moby Dick at the beach is a great idea. I need to try it.

[@felixarquer7732]

What do you think about Pictures from Italy by Dickens?

[@jenniferbrooks]

that's still on my tbr!

[@Lokster71]

Great video again. I've got The Count of Monte Cristo on my TBR but haven't got around to it. I saw all three Henry VI's at the Globe in one day a few years ago. I like the historicals, but the consensus seems to prefer non-historicals except Henry V. Never read any Henry James. I loved Moby Dick. It took me a couple of goes but once I got into it I loved it. I call it a drama-documentary.

[@Abuamina001]

I would add "Death and the Dervish" by Mese Selimovic and "Hadji Murad" by Leo Tolstoy. Absolute gems.

[@tracygregory8448]

Hey J have you read Ulysses I have the Cambridge edition

[@Lu.G.]

I started The Count of Monte Cristo last year, got to about page 360-something and stopped. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I think I was just overwhelmed at the time, I dunno. That said, I've been seriously considering picking it up again and after hearing you talk about it again, maybe it'll be sooner rather than later. 🤓 Thanks!

[@jenniferbrooks]

I hope you enjoy it the second time around, Lu!

[@beautifulminutiae]

I’ve never even heard of Varney the Vampire! Funny enough, I’m reading Moby Dick next month and Don Quixote in May 😂

[@jenniferbrooks]

I hope you enjoy them!

[@Thusbelife]

RIP

[@faithbooks7906]

Moby Dick has defeated me multiple times but I did love both Don Quixote and The Count of Monte Cristo. Haven’t read Varney . Funny, my husband was just mentioning how he’d like to read the Henry VI plays!

[@mtnshelby7059]

Thank you for positive words about Moby Dick.

[@marijanovoselic2298]

I am in the middle of Count of MC and loving it! Can't wait to see how it all unravels. And I love your channel! I would like to see even more talk about rennaisance, Medicis etc😊 Greetings from Croatia.

[@tumblyhomecarolinep7121]

I love your choices here. Moby Dick is my favourite book, chapter 36, Ahabs speech on the quarterdeck is utterly tremendous I think. I think the book is about whales and also man’s search for meaning. Sometimes I think Moby Dick is more than a whale but a part of Ahab. And I agree about the Count of Monte Cristo, what a joy that story is. I just finished Henry V1 parts 1, 2 and 3.. I didn’t enjoy it hugely but I do think it has some excellent parts. I just wished it had expanded those parts to tell the whole more tightly. But I do see what you mean and will now reread it.

[@Tolstoy111]

The H6 plays and R3 are actually among Shakespeare’s earliest plays. The depiction of Joan of Arc is hilarious. Moby Dick is awesome. The whaling chapters are metaphors and are filled with jokes.

[@robert0price]

love the silly war of the roses scene in the courtyard and evil Queen Margaret with the paper crown, and Henry 6 is so relatable as a wannabe Shepard

[@Shellyish]

You sold me on The Count and Moby Dick.

[@loytoco]

Very nice overview of the books. I thought we'd encounter at least one russian novel, though :).

[@gracetaylor7351]

Want to try the count of monte cristo and moby dick now even if it’s audio. I wonder what things draw you into a classic book and things do u like in a good eg Victorian book.😊

[@omidfazeli2334]

Hey. Video idea💡:books with the most unexpected ending.

[@noopy24]

Happy Saint Patrick's Day 🍀

[@novelideea]

Varney is the only one I haven’t read !

[@sashahawkins]

Moby Dick is sooooo good. As is Count of Monte Cristo ❤

[@apollonia6656]

The former is a big no-no for me because of animal cruelty. The latter is gteat.

[@reaganwiles_art]

I would like to hear someone review the book Satan in Goray by Nobel Prize winner, the Yiddish writer, Isaac Bashevis Singer. I've searched for this book review and aside from a couple in Polish, nothing. This was singer's first novel published. It is a masterpiece. I think people are afraid of this book because it contains the word Satan frankly. Which is ridiculous! It is a historical novel about a wave of messianism in the Lublin area of Poland after Cossacks murdered Jews during the 17th century

[@robert0price]

OMG HENRY 6 Im the only person who's read it!

[@robert0price]

and Jack Cade what a great trump fool

[@robert0price]

who do you want to take REVENGE on lol

[@myhandle321]

Varney the Vampire does not quality to be in the list with these other great books, really!

[@bipolar_kitty]

Thanks for your review of The Count of Monte Cristo- it’s been sitting and waiting for me lol. Love your point on not needing forgiveness, made me want to read it more. Same with Moby Dick 🤍🐋 Could you make a vid recommending contemporary reads?

[@ConnorStompanato]

i dont think ill ever actually read moby dick but it does intrigue me a lot