TOP 20 MOST POPULAR CLASSIC BOOKS!

Discover the timeless wonders of classic literature with our comprehensive guide to the "20 Most Popular Classic Books Everyone Should Read". Whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or just beginning your journey into the realm of classic books, this video is your ultimate roadmap to understanding the masterpieces that have shaped our world. Dive into the heart of literary excellence, exploring the depths of human nature, the intricacies of society, and the beauty of language through classic literature. From the epic adventures of "The Odyssey" to the existential musings in "Crime and Punishment", we've curated a list that encompasses the breadth and diversity of classic literature.
Join us as we delve into detailed summaries, insightful analyses, and fascinating trivia about each book, offering both newcomers and seasoned readers fresh perspectives on these beloved works. Whether you're looking to revisit these timeless classics or explore them for the first time, this video is your gateway to the enriching world of classic literature.
If you would like to support my channel and get access to a community of book lovers and exclusive content, join my PATREON for only £5.99 - link below:
patreon.com/user?u=84761803
Check out MY NEW BOOK CHANNEL, Tristan Talks Books, that is devoted to modern, contemporary, and best-selling books. It's promising to be a lot of fun. LINK BELOW:
/ @tristantalksbooks
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:22 In Cold Blood
1:14 Stoner
2:27 Atlas Shrugged
3:39 Slaughterhouse 5
5:33 About My Patreon
6:09 Fahrenheit 451
7:20 The Picture of Dorian Gray
8:46 The Lord of the Rings
10:17 The Stranger
11:55 Lolita
13:13 Ulysees
15:54 Anna Karenina
19:36 Of Mice and Men
20:45 The Crucible
21:55 Lord of the Flies
23:31 Go Set A Watchmen
25:12 Catcher in the Rye
27:38 Brave New World
29:55 To Kill A Mockingbird
31:39 Animal Farm
33:46 The Great Gatsby
35:53 Top 10 Bestsellers of 2023
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#ClassicBooks #ClassicLiterature #MustReadBooks #LiteraryMasterpieces #BookRecommendations #Top20ClassicBooks #LiteratureLovers #ReadingList #TimelessLiterature #EssentialReading #BookAnalysis #BookSummaries #FamousBooks #HistoricalLiterature #InfluentialBooks #BookTrivia
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more literary explorations and book recommendations. Drop a comment below to let us know which classic book has had the biggest impact on you or if there's a hidden gem you believe should be on everyone's reading list. Happy reading!

[@lucyssweetjournaling]

I love your content. This is just the kind of video I love. Also, YES to a video about how to start our own Booktube channel.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you! Will do!

[@adellajones9887]

I see where some presenters use their phone to present on KZbin but others have special equipment. Also....editing? I'm over 60 ...I guess I need to get a 3 year old to help me out 😅

[@indefatigablefredman1234]

Well I’m in my mid 70s but I’m counting on my Millennial girls to translate whatever Tristan says.

[@michaelgluckstein-rk4nt]

Tristan's expositional skill is sublime. Even books he hasn't read yet are comprehensively elucidated.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much, Michael. That's so kind of you. I try my best to give you all enough to know if the books are worth your further investigation. 😀👍

[@veronicamaria2730]

The comment on "Lolita" really resonated. I've read many Stephen King novels, but there are a handful I stopped reading because I couldn't go where the main character was going.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I totally agree. I sometimes worry about the thought that he's into it by the author. 😳

[@veronicamaria2730]

Right? There is a certain loosening of natural inhibition for extended thought on certain behaviors, then a bit more loosening of inhibition to write those thoughts for public view. Which can leave you wondering when said inhibitions are just gone. Better not to know. 😬

[@TexasMan77]

Which ones?

[@nicholasjones3207]

King of crap.

[@KarenSDR]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I don't think the author is into pedophilia, at least that wasn't my takeway. I think it's a psychological horror novel, and he's exploring the mind of a monster. I haven't read "In Cold Blood," but maybe that would be an apt comparison. I definitely didn't get the feeling that the author admired the protagonist at all.

[@WateryFire]

I just love how, but of course, eloquently you’ve explained your stance on Lolita. And I love you for having it, a true intellectual, in mind and heart. I tried reading it in my early 20’s because I’ve heard it’s a masterpiece and a must-read. It didn’t take long before I got sick to my stomach and closed it never to pick it up again. Always a pleasure to listen to you, another great video ❤️

[@johnford6967]

Tristan you are a classic! in the best way

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you, John. 😀 it's the silvering around the temples that does it.😅

[@duffypratt]

I’ve read all of these except Stoner, Atlas Shrugged, and Go Set a Watchmen. I’m not convinced that either Stoner or Watchman are classics. I will likely read Stoner at some point. I’ve read enough Rand (Fountainhead, Anthem, Virtue of Selfishness) to know that I won’t like Atlas Shrugged. She is a terrible writer, not even taking into account her “philosophy.” It’s worth noting that, except for Anna Karinina, all of these are 20th century books. I was surprised that no Austen, Bronte or Dickens made it. Joyce is as difficult as you want to make it. I’ve read Ulysses three times and probably could read it endlessly if I wanted. But I don’t see that as either an impediment or a cause for struggle. I get new things out of Pride and Prejudice every time I read it, and that doesn’t make it particularly difficult. The trouble with Joyce is that the academics have persuaded people that it’s extremely hard (and have downplayed that it’s really funny). Lolita is an amazingly good book, but yes Humbert Humbert is a truly awful man. I’m curious - do you have the same hesitation about reading A Clockwork Orange or Barry Lyndon or Gene Wolfe’s Book of the New Sun? All books narrated by truly horrible protagonists who are very unreliable. Finally, it’s also remarkable how strongly this list has been influenced by high school reading curricula (Mice and Men, Catcher, Fahrenheit, Brave New World, Gatsby, Slaughterhouse 5, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies and Mockingbird are all staples for high schools).

[@Yesica1993]

I can understand not liking Lord of the Rings, if it's not your type of book. But to say it's poorly written is objectively false.

[@bondjames8510]

You've given me a whole reading list, please continue to make videos like this. Thank you!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting 😀

[@ChrisHunt4497]

I love this channel and Tristan, you are the best. I have just finished The Great Gatsby and loved it. Now I want to read Anna Karenina thanks to your obvious passion for it. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@andreakeane2504]

Super video as always Tristan. Im so glad i found your channel and joined your patreon group. I find it hard to get the time to read as much as I would like to, but your channel is great motivation. Perhaps in the future you might think about a substack newsletter or similar? Your reviews and thought provoking analysis and questions are really appreciated.

[@silencereturned]

Please read Lolita! Just to experience how beautiful Nabokov's writing is. You will not regret, I promise. Don't judge it by the cover or the description. Read his other books - Pnin, The Luzhin Defence, Camera Obscura. He has amazing lectures on literature, the way he writes about Dickens, Joyce and other books is so brilliant.

[@chrissy1510]

I completely agree! Lolita is a masterpiece. I understand that people are repulsed by the subject matter, but there is nothing sympathetic about the character. Nabokov has written Humbert Humbert as a pathetic, miserable, and utterly creepy, human being. It has not been written to make you understand or accepted HH’s POV, does not endorse or romanticise paedophilia at all, and is not at all graphic. We read murder mysteries all the time, don’t we, but that doesn’t mean we support homicide!

[@dellh86]

Lolita is personally my favorite book. I kind if wish it wasn't ,since it is embarassing to call a book your favorite with that subject material. I was sucked in by the words and amazed by the complexity of the characters

[@Yesica1993]

@@dellh86 That's what the worst sort of evil does. It makes you somehow justify it.

[@silencereturned]

@@dellh86 I always say it's one of my favorite books. I often give it as a present to people and they end up reading all his books because of Lolita later. Nobody writes like him and everyone should read at least one of his novels. I love Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation. Some editions have misleading covers witch makes people avoid it.

[@Cakewalkingbaby]

Agreed, Lolita is such a beautifully written story and I think one can only judge by reading for yourself. If something is off putting then just don’t continue reading. The subject might not be something you want to read about but it’s a classic for a reason, because of the beauty of the whole story and writing. You get a perception of a miserable old man whose childhood fantasies and his lost youth drive him into his actions. Nothing explicit is told in the book. As someone mentioned; we’re perfectly okay with reading about other controversial subjects, though it’s difference is HOW the author handles these subjects what makes it a good book.

[@kimberlyferguson3277]

Love your channel! I have read most of these books and my favorite was Lord of the Rings - Tolkien was a genius. I totally agree and understand your reasoning for not reading some books - people look at me like I'm crazy but there are just some things I don't want in my brain. Thank you for a wonderful channel💕

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you, Kimberly. You are wonderful. I agree with you about Tolkein, though I understand why others don't get on with The Lord of the Rings. I completely agree with you on the other topic. I recognise that it may have an important place in literature. It's just not a topic I want to read about.

[@carolorr4280]

​@@tristanandtheclassics6538😂

[@staygoldponyboy8881]

I've read 13 of them since I started on classics in 2020. The Stranger was actually my first and I found myself kind of nonplussed about reading it, which I interpreted as a reflection of Meursault's nonplussed outlook on life. Brilliantly thought provoking.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

That sounds very intriguing. I really must get around to reading it.

[@williamthomas2830]

You are such an inspiration Tristan. I have read 5 out of the 20 books with many of the 15 unread books on the to read list. Thank you again.

[@Bookhoarder5]

I’m relatively new here and I just wanted to say that I LOVE your videos! I also respect your position on Lolita. Good on you.

[@EmmalinaFortuna]

Ahh so happy I found your channel again! You have such a great voice for KZbin and wonderful explanations of classic novels! 😊

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

And it is wonderful to find you again. I hope you are well and that life is full of goodness and joy.😀❤️

[@danzobee]

I love your commentary on these books! I haven't read all of them, but several are on my list and the ones I have read are due for a reread. I always feel so inspired when I watch your videos. I would also love your take on starting a BookTube channel ❤

[@marsha7330]

If anyone can inspire someone to open a book, Tristan can! Because of his videos here on KZbin, I’m reading (and enjoying) books I never heard of before.

[@jbriaz]

Tristan verbalized perfectly why I'll never read Lolita. (I have no personal interest in starting a BookTube channel.)

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you for responding to that question. 😀👍

[@jbriaz]

You're welcome. My interest in BookTube is much like my interest in books. I love being an avid consumer of both. But I have zero interest in creating either.@@tristanandtheclassics6538

[@Favorite360]

Precisely why I'll never read that book!

[@laurab8450]

Brilliant video, Tristan, thank you! I've read 5 on the list.

[@michaelmccarty]

Thanks for the great video. And, yes, I would be interested in your BookTube Channel tips! 😉

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

You are welcome, Michael. And thank you for answering my question.

[@zaygezunt]

Tristan, I love your enthusiasm and knowledge. Can you explain (in your opinion) why the Book Depository readers didn't choose to read Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Dumas, Hugo, Dostoyevsky, Eliot, Gaskell, Hardy, Collins, Trollope and the Bronte sisters?

[@cynthiabrown5456]

I think it was market driven. I've never used the site but wonder if certain buyers are drawn to it... Or are there ads plastered everywhere for certain books? I'd be curious to hear Tristan's answer also.

[@zaygezunt]

@@cynthiabrown5456 Good points! I hadn't thought about ads and the market but that rings true. I spend most of my time in the company of Dickens and Austen etc and not modern life, something I don't regret 😉

[@cynthiabrown5456]

@@zaygezunt We have similar tastes, and I also love ancient works as well. I love my time in older texts, but did have a thought that what if one of my favorite writers of all time is living now? Could you imagine if you lived in the time of Shakespeare and lived nearby, but never went to the Globe..? I did love Wolf Hall but just read it this year, too late to try to see Dame Mantel speak somewhere live, perhaps. I thought I'd make an effort to shuffle in a few things here & there, but it still seems to be historic fiction... & or lyrical. I absolutely loved Circe by Madeline Miller & couldn't believe anyone was writing that way now. I'd never even tried to find out. (I will not try to convince you, though! You're in good company. Hardy, in particular, is one of favorites.)

[@zaygezunt]

@@cynthiabrown5456 You're right, I should try to appreciate living authors more. I have read Frederick Forsyth and loved his books, likewise Alison Weir, 'Fatherland' (forget the author, sorry) and I love 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. It was a sad day when Harper Lee died. I think - for me - it's the escape from 'today' that drives my reading and I just noticed that seems to include my modern fiction choices! Agree 100% Hardy is wonderful and his poetry is equally fine. I followed Tristan's advice on planning a reading list and I start 'The Moonstone' tomorrow As Tristan would say - I wish you joy in your reading! PS Isn't it good that we can chat about great literature in this way? A real benefit of modern times.

[@cynthiabrown5456]

​@@zaygezunt I appreciate your thoughts. Are you thinking of reading The Piano Tuner (from Tristan's other channel) or waiting for the verdict to come out. I wish you joy in your reading as well & appreciate your thoughts!

[@isoseismic]

Yes! Please make videos about how to make a BookTube channel! And thanks for your videos. Your “slow reader” video changed my life! 😊

[@philasoma]

It's so encouraging to see the kinds of books people are reading!

[@dianalong5738]

I just love all your videos, your such an inspiration. I was surprised that I have read 19 of the 20 books on this list....the only one I have not read is number 19 and I never heard of it before. I enjoy being a member of your Patreon group although I don't post much, but I do watch all the videos, etc. so thank you for having that group. As to the list, some of the ones I don't agree with like Go Set A Watchman. It was ok but does bother me that she had this sitting around for years and never published it and I don't think she wanted it published. I am going to deep dive into Tolkien this year and am getting the books together so I can follow a certain order for reading them. I've only read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and it's been many years since and so much has been added. I should add I just recently read the two books by Humphrey Carpenter, The J. R.R. Tolkien biography and The Inklings and the Great Courses on his writing which is available on Audible. Looking forward to more of your videos and Happy Readings...P.S. I did get a copy of A Month in the Country and it was very enjoyable

[@DramaPixie-wt8hm]

Very interesting list. I was actually surprised that The Great Gatsby came first! I'd be really interested in a video about a Booktube channel. Thanks for saying that you are discerning about what kind of books you read. That's a good trait to have in this day & age!

[@LillyReads450]

Yes, please! I’d love to have your input on how to start and film a book channel and ideas to help grow it. Great video. Thank you!

[@ladyocti1]

Thank you for this video. It helped add a lot of classics to my need to read list!! I'm shooting for 50 books read this year and just completed number 20!! I am listening to them mostly because I just don't have a lot of downtime to pick up a physical book.

[@anyab812]

Personally, I highly recommend Lolita. It’s a masterpiece. The topic is heavy and it is a terrifying book because it is told from the point of view of Humbert. You can’t let your guard down with this book because the moment you do that, you would start sympathising with Humbert. The book is a masterpiece and it’s not meant to be ‘a romance’ as some people on the internet see it. It is based on the true story of Sally Horner. Thanks to Navokov, her story isn’t forgotten.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you for this enlightening and thoughtful comment, Anya. I really appreciate this addition.

[@dollarscholar2956]

Completely agree. Absolute masterpiece. At times repulsive, horrifying, but humorous (!) but so beautifully written, and so masterful in its subtle evocation of the tragedy of Lolita's plight that it will have you in tears.

[@tommcmillan2300]

This delightful video reminded me of several classics I want to reread: Anna K, Gatsby, Lord of the Flies (which I didn’t much like on the first go-round), the Crucible. It also reminded me why I’ll never reread Lolita, which I found rather repugnant. Thanks for all your videos; they’ve inspired me to modify my reading focus.

[@Atticus75]

Excellent post. To Kill A Mockingbird and Animal Farm are two of my favourite books. I still need to read The Great Gatsby.

[@kalh168]

A friend introduced me to your channel a couple of weeks ago, and I've been really enjoying your enthusiasm, analyses, and forthrightness about the texts you discuss! To follow up on your mentioned Easter egg: I've been thinking about starting a booktube channel, primarily to help myself get through my TBR pile (modern literature mostly - children's, fantasy, academic), but also because I miss feeling like I have a reason to analyse and coherently phrase my reactions. This idea isn't necessarily new - I have an MSc in modern literature, and have studied creative writing and the history of ideas. By technicality, I'm an author. I've thought about testing the waters of booktube before. I think I've just been a bit frightened of the idea of putting not only my words out there, but also my face, you know? Since I started studying "litteraturformidling" (literal translation: conveying literature), however, this seems like the right thing to try, so is there any advice, encouragement, or similar you could offer?

[@nathanpen1031]

Thank you ... really love your channel.

[@kitjank]

Tristan, this is fantastic timing on your part! I'm currently working on putting a Booktube channel together and I was thinking I'd love to talk to Tristan about this.

[@maryfilippou6667]

Youve convinced me this time, Tristan. I left off at page 300 reading Anna Karenina the day before we croosed the Channel to see the Prince of Wales marry young Lady Diana Spencer. I was really into it bu on return from our Devin holiday with 3 kids, I saved the book, but never returned to it. Your relish for their exuberant lives has me ferreting out that marvelous novel just below me now. Thank you! As ever for this wonderful, worthy Channel

[@KalliBella1]

Hello Tristan! Thank you so much for this video. Time is short and there are lots of things clamoring for our attention/time and effort and I prefer to do something worth the while. Lists like this and your comments are very helpful. About the book Lolita, I feel like you. It may very well be of great literary value but I've made a personal decision to enjoy other great works and I feel that I would not be depriving myself at all. :)

[@cathyberry9793]

Yes! A how to would be wonderful!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you for responding to that question. I think many want to share their love of books but are unsure how to start.

[@jobuckley2999]

Superb. Thanks.

[@adellajones9887]

Yes to booktube instructions. Awesome 😎

[@cynthiabrown5456]

YES, I would love YOU, in particular to make a video about how to start your own channel. :D You have such a wonderful, welcoming style. I love how you present the classics with passion but not hubris or judgement, and you make us feel at home and cozy. I love your takes and honesty. Creating a channel about classics or even literary fiction is quite different, & I've never seen a how to for within this genre. And please, 🙏 if you can explain what a Book Tag is & how to do that, and rules of etiquette we may not know, that would be awesome! I read: Dorian, The Stranger, Lolita ) , AK, Lord of the Flies, Catcher, To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm and the Great Gatsby, On my TBR soon shelf are Slaughterhouse 5, Fahrenheit 451, and Brave New World. and Stoner sounds interesting!)

[@cynthiabrown5456]

Oh, and I did read Atlas Shrugged. Interesting for starting conversation, but hard to see as a classic, writing-wise. That's the only one I'd go back and not read if I had a chance.

[@HannahsBooks]

I would love to see you put together a "booktube how-to" video! Although I already have a channel, I would love to hear how you approach it--and I would love to see many of your classics-loving readers begin their own channels!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I totally agree with you, Hannah. I would love to see others share their passion and perspectives. You have one of the loveliest voices and way of speaking in all of Booktube. I wish I had more time to devour more content. Being a father of 2 children is much of where my time goes though.

[@HannahsBooks]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Thank you so much! Young children and a thriving channel are wonderful reasons to limit your time on booktube.

[@battybibliophile-Clare]

I love Ulysses, but it can make you obsessive in trying to trace all the allusions. I agree about Lolita. I like KZbin, but have no interest in starting my own channel, however, I would be very interested in you ideas of how to make a channel.

[@sharondunn6513]

I love that you have made an ethical choice not to read Lolita. It does affect the reader when we go into a character's POV. I have closed books that were written in a serial killer's POV. There are just some places we don't need to go as readers.

[@stevenpace1849]

I love the paperback covers of British paperbacks. It's about time I come across the pond and go shopping. Great haircut by the way.

[@masterprocrastinator7078]

Hi Tristan! Yes- we all KNOW some of these have got to be here ONLY due to being mandated reads. I (cough cough ) graduated HS in the US in 1979 and of this list I definitely remember The Crucible/Brave New World/Catcher in the Rye/The Great Gatsby as assigned reading. I'm fairly certain To Kill a Mockingbird/Lord of the Flies/Animal Farm were also required but I don't know if that's a -ha ha -"false memory". I was 15 when I read Catcher in the Rye so - of course I identified with Holden... I still remember it vividly despite never having read it again. I don't know if one can read it at an older age..kinda like looking at things written in yearbooks and cringing. I don't know why , but I really enjoyed the Stranger- it was literally absurd so I suppose the goal was achieved.

[@cynthiabrown5456]

I reread Catcher in the Rye as a grown-up in a book group, and it was pretty awful seeing so much of myself in the character, and not liking that character at all... (possibly because of that!) Another member said this book wasn't written for adults, and that's okay (which made me feel a little better!). I agree with you about the mandated reads. I graduated in '94 and there were different teachers but all of those you mentioned were mandatory for at least some, if not all, people, except Catcher. It was really weird to see Go Set a Watchman on the list, because I'd never heard of it.

[@dr.diananoble4190]

Yes would love to know more about starting a book tube channel…🙏

[@Vesnicie]

Such are your powers of persuasion, Tristan, you could sell me the Brooklyn Bridge.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Really? Hmm ... and how much would you be willing to pay for it? 😂

[@margueritespringer3687]

You're great to listen to. Chuckle at the end of podcast where you say, 'what's his face, Aristotle' 😊

[@kimconner2811]

Woooo! The Great Gatsby is my favorite novel to teach. Even 100 years after it was published, it grabs my high school students' interest (and even though it flopped at the time of publication). Thanks for sharing!

[@mistynight123]

I would have put Blood Meridian and Wuthering Heights in that list. Great video. Thank you Tristan.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Wuthering Heights is quite something. I've not read Blood Meridian. This list is drawn from the actual sales of books over the past few years, by The Book Depository store.😀❤️👍

[@Vesnicie]

I'm still recovering from having finished Blood Meridian last month.

[@lucia8439]

I got PTS from Blood meridian

[@V.artika.18]

Hi Tristan! Its a great idea of making a video guiding people how to start their booktube channel. I have been intending to start my own but have no idea how to begin. Do make a video on it.

[@guilhermetb83]

Hi, Tristan! Love your channel. I have been wondering for a while now about starting a booktube channel as they say. But I’ve just wondered really. Haven’t actually done anything. Do you have any tips for me?

[@mikebrough3434]

I can see where you're coming from with Lolita. However, I treat fiction-reading as my passport to inhabiting any character's psyche. It can be scary sometimes and can make me question myself and my limits, but that's part of the pleasure of reading.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I understand and appreciate that perspective 100%. Some have said that Lolita is a very important work, which I can imagine is a very true assessment. It's just a personal thing, and I don't think have an issue with anyone reading it. In fact, without certain voices some topics remain taboo, which in turn can lead to a blindness to issues that should be faced.😀👍

[@user-ht5zg7ex5z]

Thank you for being an honorable man. Love to listen to your vlog.

[@margaretinsydney3856]

I have read most of these books, but not Stoner, which sounds amazing. I'd be very interested in hearing you talk about starting a booktube channel, not because I want to start one but because I'd like to hear your thoughts on how it's done - and how you did it. I read The Great Gatsby in high school and thought ho hum, but I picked it up later as an adult and was blown away! It's not for 15 year olds.

[@patsmith9192]

I’ve just read Stoner and loved it. I found it exactly as Tristan described it.

[@barbarapaige4587]

@@patsmith9192I read Stoner years ago, and was surprised how much I liked it. Everyone I've recommended it to has enjoyed it.

[@karenib1669]

I love the painting hanging behind you! Beautiful! Would you tell me about it? I would appreciate it!

[@Favorite360]

I have read Lord of the flies, the Crucible, of Mice and Men, Catcher in the Rye, to Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, the Great Gatsby and the Picture of Dorian Gray. Would like to read Anna Karenina, In Cold Blood, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy (I love the movie adaptations so I'm hoping i will also love the books 😊). Currently working on reading Ulysses 😅 And I will never read Lolita, for the same reason you've so eloquently stated. This was a great video! Thank you Tristan!

[@charline7956]

To kill a mockingbird, my favorite book of all time ! Never dare to read Go set a watchman, i was afraid to be disappointed. Thanks to you, i'm going to read it !! :D

[@vesch5083]

I completely agree about Lolita. I refuse to read it. A friend of mine said that while it is disturbing it is a well written book. I don't care. There are so many other books that are not about such a vile topic so why should I waste my time on Lolita. Not doing it.

[@deelak2329]

Don't know much about ayn rand, but based on your description, I'm a fan lol

[@KarenSDR]

As always, I enjoy your content so much. (Well, almost always. The video where you advocated using colored highlighters made me cringe to the depths of my soul. But I digress.) I agree that many in the "top 1O" are only there because they're assigned as school reading. Except "To Kill a Mockingbird." I discovered that on my own as a kid and it's one of several that I read about once a year (which is over 50 years now.) And I know many people who also read that over and over for pleasure. Others in your list that I've read almost yearly for half a century are "Lord of the Rings" and "Slaughterhouse Five." (Also "LIttle Women", "The Secret Garden," and "Wuthering Heights.") One thing that I wanted to point out about "Slaughterhouse Five" is that while the events in the story are horribly grim, the book itself isn't. It's surprising how funny it is. And I think the juxtoposition of the humor and the horror is what gives it such depth. So it goes. And the same thing, in a different way, could be said about "To Kill a Mockingbird," except there the humor and the grimness are more in separate chapters. The chapter about the muddy snowman is screamingly funny. I will never forgive my daughter's high school English teacher for making my daughter hate that novel, despite the fact that she's always been a voracious reader. I've tried to get her to re-read it with adult eyes, but she just can't bring herself to do it. I've read "Lolita" twice, once as a teenager and once in my 60s. To appreciate it, you have to realize that it's not a romance. It's a psychological horror novel. Rather like "Wuthering Heights" in that respect, but maybe more like a Stephen King novel. (By the way, I didn't find out until my 60s what a great writer King is, because horror's not a genre I usually read. But some of his stuff isn't horror at all, despite the fact that there's usually a scene of horrific violence in the non-horror ones.) Finally, I wanted to mention "Anna Karenina." Like you, I will never forget the mowing chapter. But I was really annoyed by it, desipite the amazing golden light that permeates it. This is what honked me off: Levin, as an avatar of Tolstoy, waxes rhapsodic about the spiritual fullfillment of spending a life in the field. But he's an aristocrat who has the luxury of choosing that life if he wants to. The serfs have no choice. Among them there might be a Mozart or Shakespeare or Gauss who would find ultimate fullfillment in the arts or mathematics, but never gets the chance to do so. It makes me think of Huxley's tragic story "A Young Archimedes", about the peasant boy with a genius for mathematics. Anyway, you gave me a lot to think about. Thanks for another great video.

[@cynthiabrown5456]

Interesting point about Levin. I had assumed, from reading the novel, that Tolstoy would advocate for people to have free will in their choice of profession, and while for Levin's character, that's where his soul felt alive-- and that we were able to see the benefits of him making a choice for himself, not dictated by class expectations, but by his own individual needs and interests. I saw the rhapsodizing as a reflection of his unique & unusual personality type rather that a moral prescription for the proletariat or even for all of humanity, because we were seeing it from his point of view... Having not read other Tolstoy to know more about him or his social philosophies, I actually had taken, perhaps naively, the philosophical suggestion to seek employment in what is natural to use as an individual, to also work inversely... also leaving freedom for the farmers also to change expected professions and follow their own path to live authentically... and perhaps I read this as a call for more a more fluid class and education structure to provide more freedom for all. I admit I may be way off and did not delve in, especially as I only read it once. I loved everything about the mowing chapter, but I also love Hardy's pastoral descriptions, and many people don't. lol

[@Yesica1993]

28:22 "It's quite terrifying, in the sense that, at an ultra end of a scale, that is what equity of outcome would look like, because you're forced to be in one certain area rather than choose, yourself." YES! Glad to see someone gets that! I actually bought a nice, faux leather copy of this book a while back. (Trying to stay ahead of actual book banners/censors.) But I have not been the mindset yet to read it. I need to work up to it. The past few years I've re-read 1984 twice. I need some comfort reading these days, so I am re-reading Little Women.

[@Kite562bookishreviews]

Man there are so many classics mentioned here in this video that's its hard to choose only a few. I have to say in cold blood, the lord of the rings trilogy and Ulysses caught my attention the most when you mentioned them. 🙂❤📚

[@77andsunny]

I wish more highschool teachers were like you. I probably would have enjoyed and understood a few of these classics much more.

[@Dawnsbookreviews]

Yes Tristan! I just started my book channel and I need tips to help it grow!! Thank you, love your content!!❤

[@CJR-ik1cq]

Thanks ❤

[@MyMessyBookshelf]

I don’t know if I’d agree that the ending of Anna Karenina is the best ever but I can definitely agree that it stays with you forever! It’s been years and I still think about it.

[@Boudleaux]

Interesting list! I think this is the year I read Tolstoy. About Camus' The Stranger, it's really a work where the translation is very important, unless you can read it in French, of course. I read it for the first time years ago and absolutely loved it, but I read a different translation fairly recently (it might be the one you're showing here) and I didn't like it at all. Now, it might be because I've aged and it has changed me, but I really think it's the translation. I wish I could remember the translator of the version I read! Lastly, I have been considering a BookTube channel. I've made a few horrible attempts at recording a video. I'd be interested in some tips, tricks, advice. Thanks!

[@pmclaughlin4111]

To Kill a Mockingbird was written with the intent of exploring the father daughter relationship between Attic us and Scout. Reread it with that in mind. I read brave New World in high school. My copy is still on my parents' bookshelf. I think I need to reread it because I confess I remember very little of it..but now that I think of it, it might be time.

[@rocioisla1772]

What a beautiful edition of The Great Gatsby !

[@58angieb]

Yes! Read 'Ulysses'-James Joyce, finished in 2023. Amazing Work of Literature.

[@patsmith9192]

I’ve read Lolita and yes it’s admirably written but I absolutely agree-I found the subject matter and the characterisation completely repellent.

[@alidabaxter5849]

Dear Tristan, I love your videos and they always make me want to have a conversation with you and your other followers. I love "Anna Karenina" and prefer it by far to "War and Peace", I think "Fahrenheit 451" is both terrifying and moving and reminds me of the burning of books by the Nazis, and find it so interesting that as far back as H.G. Wells (in "The Time Machine", long before "Brave New World") the future was depicted as being terrifyingly dehumanised. Regarding "Lolita", I think your view is totally normal, although I would suggest to anyone that "Laughter in the Dark" and "Pale Fire" are well worth reading, as are Nabokov's short stories. My experience was very strange, in that just after leaving school I met a man who was very widely read and all of whose recommendations I followed, including ploughing through "The Alexandria Quartet". He told me that "Lolita" was brilliant, and I read it, wrongly picturing in my head all the pretty girls I'd ever been at school with, who had flirted their way through every difficulty, and it was Humbert Humbert I pitied. I joined a literary appreciation group, and I was the youngest person there and the only one who'd read it. In my thirties I reread the book and was absolutely, utterly appalled and revolted. I'd pitied this monstrous, predatory pervert! As you mature your understanding improves! To end on a better note, I think "Animal Farm" is a work of genius, and I love all Orwell's work.

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

I've read 13 of these, and plan to read most of the others

[@RolledLs]

The Stranger is truly a unique paradoxical masterpiece - so simple but so profound, so bleak and pessimistic, so empowering and enlightening. Closer to poetry than prose… but not. Brilliant

[@DefaultName-nt7tk]

I loved your video. I read 9 out of 20...well my score could habern a touch better. However, I look forward to catching up 😊.😊

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Pleased you enjoyed it. Don't worry about your score. Compared to others I am well behind in quantity. The real joy is in appreciating, lingering, savouring, and revisiting. If that means we read less, do be it, I say. 😀👍❤️

[@DefaultName-nt7tk]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I did read the Stranger by Camus and highly recommend it 👌 . Presently enjoy listening to the audiobook of The Ruby in her Navel by B. Unsworthy. Have you read it?

[@DefaultName-nt7tk]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I read the Stranger by Camus - highly recommend 👌 it. Presently I enjoy listening to The Ruby in her Navel by B. Unsworth. Have you read 📚 it?

[@RAllenPrice]

I have been advised to consider producing a ‘BookTube’ channel. To be honest, I don’t have a clue where to start! So, if you do create a ‘how to’ video, I would be very interested.

[@muhtarhabdollin]

Thank you

[@arekkrolak6320]

I read 8 of them, some are definitely on the list

[@peaseblossom4252]

Interesting list. I read a few for school. I think I’ll pass on Lolita and Atlas Shrugged. What edition is your copy of The Great Gatsby?-it’s gorgeous!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Both books are very much a case of personal disposition. My edition of the Great Gatsby is an Alma Classics box set edition.

[@peaseblossom4252]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Thank you! Checking out Alma Books now…

[@michaelldennis]

Reading your recommendation "Captain Blood" from your 13 item "12 Amazing Classics" list. Really really enjoying it. I'll just have Silas Marner left.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

It's great, isn't it!? Silas Marner is very much NOT Captain Blood. It will be quite the pendulum swing in style. Hope you enjoy it. You might also like Scaramouche, which is by Sabatini, too.

[@michaelldennis]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Because I'm enjoying this one so much, I've added Scaramouche and The Sea Hawk on my future list. Captain Blood gives me Monte Cristo and Scarlet Pimpernel vibes, both of which I loved.

[@vijayakamala6578]

Thank you, Sir for your work. I appreciate your view on "Lolita", I agree that whatever great classic any work is considered to be and whatever valuable it is from the point of richness of the language, if the topic and idea is against and simply not pleasent to your spirit and conscience, it will have no importance in my sistem of values. It seems our values coincide))))

[@Ajoe5810]

Distasteful topic of Lolita precludes me from experiencing "the great writing". BookTube salutes you.

[@Roderic07]

omg...the first book i read came on the 15th place!...i do have Ullysses ( but i still not dare to read haha) To kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books ( and movie) ever this was a interesting Video..again...some books i never heard about ( The Stranger and The Crucible

[@938quilt]

I joined patreon but haven't been admitted to the facebook group - is that where all the stuff is? or is there a patreon website wehre I can find the discussions?

[@mitzireadsandwrites]

Funny that Of Mice and Men and The Crucible were back to back on this list. Those were two memorable books for both my boys in high school. Caleb was so angry over Mice and Men, he rewrote his own ending 😂 and I don't think Elijah has ever talked about any books as he did those two, especially The Crucible. Both of them have read lots of classics since, and I think these books demonstrated, even though they're both super short in length, how powerful great literature can be. Elijah has suggested Brave New World to me for years! Guess I need to get to that one soon. By the way, at first I was wondering how these could be most popular by purchases, but by the end I realized most of these are required reading at some point in the states and have been for many years now. Which begs the question, do people enjoy reading them?? I loved Animal Farm and The Great Gatsby, but I don't think anyone else in the class did. That's the downfall of "assigned" reading.

[@grepora]

Ironically, Animal Farm is also about politics and class in the United States of America.

[@TSLamb]

Very interested in how to do a book channel. Thank you

[@sventhemoose1218]

You are completely wrong about Lolita. It is a reverse mystery book: In the opening you meet the murderer and for the rest of the book you try to figure out who he killed. Classic Nabokov, with dark humor and unforgettable characters. You should definitely read it.

[@tarquinmidwinter2056]

Had to study 'L'Étranger' for my school French course. Most of us got the English translation, which at the time was called 'The Outsider', which I think is a better translation of the title than 'The Stranger.' A thought provoking though not entertaining book. The one I much preferred from that course was 'Le Grand Meaulnes', another short but classic read.

[@lyramidsummer5508]

Wow I love your name.❤

[@dh7314]

I plan to read Fahrenheit 451 soon

[@williamthomas2830]

It is brilliant and relevant today.

[@tarquinmidwinter2056]

I tried reading Lolita but gave up a little way into it, but not because of the subject matter; I just found the style boring.

[@Kyle-ys3cv]

I just read “Stoner”: excellent.

[@erika20099]

Congratulations Tristan, you have described perfectly 'Anna Karenina'.

[@Yesica1993]

I've read enough about Lolita to know I want nothing to do with it. It's sickening to see people defending such filth. You can wrap a rotten piece of meat in gold and it will still be a rotten piece of meat.

[@kurtfox4944]

"I can understand not liking Lolita, if it's not your type of book. But to say it's poorly written is objectively false." You are judging a book without reading it is no better than banning Harry Potter because it endorses witches and is a doorway into Satanism.

[@joyceredman2136]

To this day, I love the Lord of the Rings! I have read In Cold Blood, Picture of Dorian Gray, Lord of the Flies, To Kill A Mockingbird. Planning to read The Stranger this year, was originally on my 2024 TBR.

[@doctormorbuis]

In one of her letters, Flannery O'Connor told a correspondent who was still at school "I hope they're not making you read Ayn Rand. That woman makes Mickey Spillane look like Dostoyevsky." I might have fallen in love with O'Conner when I read that.

[@donovanmedieval]

Haper Lee's posthumously published book is Go Set a Watchman.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Yes. I tangled the two titles.

[@nnjack9931]

It's interesting how many dystopias are on the list. I would even classify Atlas Shrugged as a dystopia. Interesting.

[@dqan7372]

I knew Essex Serpent had gained some popularity (even I have a copy), but I'm surprised it topped 1984 and some others. And Ulysses? I'm happy to see it, but I wonder who is regularly buying it in great numbers? Aside from a story from Dubliners, I don't think I read any Joyce at college (shame!). Perhaps BD had list rules besides sales that they didn't explain. As for Watchman, the less said... Anyway, happy to know I've read twelve of those: SH5, F451, LOTR, Lolita, Ulysses, Mice/Men, Crucible, LotFlies, Catcher, Brave New World, Mockingbird, and Animal Farm. Trudging through the last two hundred pages of AK when the mood strikes (rarely). Would watch a video on starting a channel with great interest, though personally I'm more interested in cultivating a small group of like-minded people than I am in simply getting views.

[@Jimbodisfan]

Read In Cold Blood, Lord of the Rings, Fahrenheit 451, Anna Karenina, Of Mice and Men, Lord of The Flies, Lolita, Catcher in the Rye, Brave New World, To Kill A Mockingbird, and The Great Gatsby.