Where To Start With Classic Books - 10 Classic Novels + A Bonus One

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

For the more astute of you, you will have spotted that I discussed 11 and not 10 books. This was quite accidental, but you are welcome to the bonus. Have a great time reading.

[@pmarkhill519]

Thank you for the bonus! 📚

[@nosuchthing8]

The Woodhouse book sounds so tedious for the American reader. Like one of the upper class twits from Monty Python. Uggh. I'll try it but the intro sounds SO BORING.

[@eddieblackcomedy]

I think they're meant to be cosy and I generally like that kind of thing (am English btw) but I have to admit I've tried them twice and did find them boring.@@nosuchthing8

[@annmcevoy5686]

@@nosuchthing8 hi, give it a go, they are quite funny. Another that you may enjoy is " three men in a boat" a great book!

[@CarlSteyn]

@@nosuchthing8 lt is Wodehouse, and it is not Pythonese, far from it. Not slapstick, just the foibles of upperclass English twits. Worth checking it out.

[@collady1]

Being 75 and a former Literature teacher, I have read them all at least twice. Many have been on my chair side table many times. I just discovered your channel. I will be looking for more. Thank you for encouraging others to read wonderful literature.

[@KcityMikeThomas]

Which would you recommend that we read first?

[@IELTS888]

I was a British literature teacher too!!

[@LB-zp5ot]

Maybe Tristan could read the classics while we listen. I enjoyed listening to the excerpt. His enthusiasm and love for these works shines through vibrantly.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much. I am hoping to record an audio book at some point thanks to encouragement like yours.😀❤️

[@lynneforbes4420]

What a wonderful idea! I love audiobooks but they’re almost all murders & thrillers !

[@mintermchugh8176]

I'd 2nd the audio book your positivity and pace are easy to pick up friend0

[@clairedohhe1789]

This mans smile instantly erased my anxiety

[@HidingPlainSight]

Me too

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Aww thank you. I'm blushing 😊

[@ava5959]

Your descriptions of these books make me want to read every single one!

[@m.i.miller8008]

his enthusiasm is most contagious...love it.

[@adam8822]

me too 🤗

[@cherwynambuter7873]

Same!!!

[@SueGotelli]

Absolutely!

[@spriggansiedeutsch6817]

So glad you mentioned “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The plot is just so singularly unique!

[@Dawnsbookreviews]

Yes, I was very interested in your explanation about the theory of aesthetics! I love this book!!❤

[@Heartwing37]

Mary Shelly wrote Frankenstein as a challenge during a weeks long visit with friends to determine who could write the best ghost story! She won. Astonishing. 😢

[@TheWoodsugar]

That’s always been my favorite Frankenstein fact

[@dh7314]

Even more astonishing when you consider the friends included poetry legends Percy Shelley and Lord Byron!

[@happymaskedguy1943]

That’s a highly sanitised fact. The first draft, yes. But the finished book would have gone through months if not years afterwards being redrafted. Mary Shelley also had some of the best talents in the writing world as mentors and readers, so she was at a considerable advantage over other women of her time. Not to take away her achievement - it’s a classic, one of the best. But it didn’t just arrive in finished form over a weekend. That’s a myth - like many of the literary world which the public latches onto because of its sensationalism. In the highest likelihood what we know now as Frankenstein was most likely a fairly rough short story bearing the skeleton of the finished novel.

[@mctaguer]

Didn't some of the machinations of the men on their vacation, and specifically Byron himself, prompt her in development of the idea?

[@Bctass]

Of course I learned that from watching Bride of Frankenstein. (J/K!!!)

[@susanwright9057]

Pride and prejudice was absolutely awesome

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Totally agreed. Yet so light of touch.😀

[@warrenken4686]

Let’s not forget about the reboot Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

[@GreenGranny]

In my early twenties I picked up a P.G. Wodehouse. I don't know which one. I knew absolutely nothing about this author or his style. I started reading it in bed in the morning of my day off of work. I was so entranced and in delight that I spent the entire day reading that book and laughing all day long. It remains to this day to be one of my favorite reading memories. That was many, many years ago, and while I haven't been able to re-create that delightful experience, it remains a treasured memory.

[@everythingflows3196]

What a great story. Given my table of values as a reader, I’d rank that as basically a perfect memory. Too rare those are.

[@nosuchthing8]

I'm ashamed to admit I did the same with an Anne Rice novel some years ago

[@boatofcar3273]

Same thing for me, except it was picking it up before a flight. Jeeves in the Offing.

[@yessumify]

Love that. I did the same thing with Stuart Little one random morning 😅 it was so nice

[@lisaparker5836]

I read Tess as a teenager in the '80's and LOVED it!!!!!! All of my friends thought I was weird, but I loved reading and didn't care. I need to make more time for reading now!!! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@VLind-uk6mb]

Same here, But I kept going with Hardy and have read pretty well every word he ever published -- all the novels, the complete short stories, the poetry. I loved his work so much I did some of my graduate work on him. Tess is perhaps one of the greatest of the novels, but the one I keep going back to is Far From the Madding Crowd.

[@GilmarGirl]

There's something so refreshing about your enthusiasm for these novels. I watch a lot of booktubers and enjoy them all for different reasons, but you have such passion in the way you describe these books that it's contagious. I don't see that very often for the classics and it makes me want to read more of them again. I think I'll binge some of your videos for recommendations!

[@mimimayhem]

Dude, you should have more followers. This video is brilliant. It’s the best classics list video I’ve seen here on Booktube!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much. If you want to recommend my channel to any friends, please do 😄👍❤

[@donrobbins4970]

Set your camera angle differently. Don't be looking down on the viewer, you should be eye level.

[@keithwhitney7491]

If I am not mistaken, your Top 10 included an 11th book, the one by P.G. Wodehouse. Nevertheless,I am glad you did, as I, a 78-year old retired Lawyer, preacher, professor, have never read his works. I grew up in a small villager in rural Southern Illinois in the USA. I recall the first and only book in our house: my mother bought a Bible when I was around 9 or 10 years old. Most parents of me and my class mates had less than a high school education. My father had an 8th grade education & my mother a 6th grade education. Nevertheless, I was fortunate. One gracious, well-read teach came into my life because her husband wanted to be a superintendent of schools before retiring. She was an English teacher who understood our area. We read Shakespeare, Dickens’ A Tale of two Cities (awakened me to great literature), Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), and much more. Often we had to read it aloud to the class, so she would know we had read some great books. Until i took her in high school, I do not think I had read more than two books. One was about how to play every position if on an American baseball field; the other a book entitled “Stretch Makes a Basket. She changed me from a life of relative illiteracy when it came to literature to someone who still aspires to read and write. You gave me a few books I have not yet read. Thank you for you post to KZbin! :). L. Keith Whitney, a retired professor changed by books.

[@miriamharris7757]

I read most of these but your descriptions have made me yearn to read them almost all again. After all, how many times does one read Pride and Prejudice when there are so many yet to enjoy? Thank you so much.

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

More sheep, you mean. Think for yourself

[@TheHyena-ru8bz]

"Bookish friends in booktube land" made me subscribe instantly lol. Great to find fellow readers and their recommendations on youtube.

[@yessumify]

Same! And the hope you're living your best life kind of phrase!

[@ardentynekent2099]

Pretty great

[@ronicrotty5542]

During middle school, 8th grade. It was discovered that I was reading at the college level. My parents were big readers, when we were little and would go to the store our treat was a new golden book. At 7th grade I would go the library every morning, our bus got us there about 45 minutes before school started and I started reading the biography section in alphabetical order. So, 8 grade literature didn’t really do much for me. The teachers decided to put me off to the side with classic literature. I had to read one book a week, write a synopsis of book and keep a list of words I didn’t understand. The word list I had to look up and keep a dictionary of sorts. So glad they didn’t cookie cutter me to fit the rest of the class that happened my junior year of high school. Another story for another day.

[@davidbockoven161]

These are all great recommendations. Let me add a few that really got me interested in classics as a teenager: The Awakening by Kate Chopin, The Metamorphosis by Kafka, assorted poems by Sylvia Plath, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, and 1984 by George Orwell.

[@IELTS888]

I agree - The Awakening was such a surprise for me - fantastic and very underrated book. She really suffered for that book. Do you like short stories?

[@margaretwhitmer2715]

I'd recommend Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. A huge doorstop, yes, but I stayed up more than 24 hours reading it, unable to put it down. If you've seen the musical based on it, feel free to hum the tunes as you read it. Also, I'm shocked Mark Twain isn't here.

[@mikedl1105]

Best book I've ever read. Can't wait to have the time to read it again

[@karinberryman2009]

The musical trivialises Hugo’s depth of understanding of an individual’s need for respect and affirmation. To read it from Hugo’s pen is rich and profound.

[@mindimoom9142]

Four decades ago in high school I remember being assigned to read Old Man and the Sea and I simply couldn't get into it and found it incredibly dull. A few years ago, one warm summer's day, I decided to give it another go to see what I missed back in school and, you're right, it really is a masterpiece. I would love to be able to write like that.

[@dustinseth1]

Post-high school I maintained the aversion to classic lit that school engendered in me. Randomly picked up picture of Dorian gray at a friend’s one day, and also read a tale of two cities while “helping” another friend with school work. Those two changed it for me. They both just blew me away. School never conveyed that literature was supposed to make me feel things.

[@VLind-uk6mb]

How unlucky you were -- every book I had as a set text in school set me to reading more and more. I had read all the books on this list before I was halfway through high school. But I was brought up reading -- I could read at 3, and had my first adult library card at 8. My parents were both avid readers, and it was something I was keen to join them in.

[@ghost_of_jah5210]

@@VLind-uk6mbwoah bro, save some books for the rest of us

[@SayHelloToOblivion]

I love how you describe the books with such passion and joy. Literature was one of my favorite loves. It has been far too long since I’ve read. I shall start again. Thank you for the boost. As a child, Gulliver’s Travels was a favorite. I read it as a child and again as an adult. It never gets old.😊

[@Sophie-xg5zl]

this man’s energy is unmatched😎

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you Sophie! That's kind of you. 😀❤️

[@SingleFileCooks]

I read every single story that AC Doyle wrote about Sherlock Holmes when I was in high school. I was obsessed. To this day Sherlock Holmes is the “god of detectives” in my mind and thrilled to hear you say it!❤✅🙏

[@ChurchTrombonist]

I found the series in a vintage old school bookstore near me and bought it in its entirety. What is the order of the stories to read?

[@nicolabenson1155]

@@ChurchTromboniststart with ‘A study in Scarlet’, after that it gets tricky as the order of original release is not the same as the chronological order in terms of Sherlock’s career. However most books and stories stand alone, and you can google suggested orders and decide which to follow. Happy reading!

[@edithjackson8166]

I have read several of the stories and love listening to them on audio recording on youtube.

[@mr555harv]

Man, I want more of you! I appreciate so much your willingness to let out your feelings and joy, you are inspiring and a delight.

[@BigPhilly15]

The Old Man and the Sea is my favorite book. I read it at 14 on my dad’s small fishing boat. Every word was perfect.

[@Laura-ed5kf]

Great book…but I HATED it. The ending was so sad! Tess too…though it’s one of my top-3 recommendations for Classics. Both AMAZING books, very true-to-reality which is why I love and loathe them both.

[@Mark.remarking]

Yes, it wonderfully cuts deep and opens us to feel deeply.

[@ΔημητραΚατσικιδη]

Yes. Exactly. Every word. Perfect.

[@yessumify]

Sounds like you had a perfect setting to read that ❤

[@AFS-ht7bg]

Great movie too

[@CarlSteyn]

I am about to indulge in a bit of self-glorification. I am self-taught to read at age 3. Deprived of meaningful reading till age 12, living in a rural village in SAfrica and being Afrikaans, l did not know anything about literature. Then we moved to a city. What joy! This city had an Andrew Carnegie. Library and l was introduced to English literature. I went overboard. I in fact read all 11 books and authors by age 20, reading at the rate of 5 books a week, in all génres, including American comics, which is not included in the count. I am now an 83yr old widower, living on my own, surrounded by books, no TV, Facebook, Twitter and the like, just reading and reading. +- 800 books, mainly mysteries and such in the last 4 years. When l orginally read these 11 books, and or authors l was not aware of their grandeur, yet l still remember them and their impact on my senses. Long live the printed word.

[@SilverTheFlame]

Wow. Wonderful story and thank you for sharing. I am only 24 and love reading but am curious if you could share about how your love for reading has impacted your life, relationships, and perspectives! Also, do you find any physical effects like eye problems or neck discomfort that have developed over time?

[@Geoplanetjane]

Superbe!

[@mickeyts5626]

OK

[@budg8522]

I’ve actually read all of these books and I concur that it’s an excellent introductory list….opening the extraordinarily varied world of information, enlightenment and entertainment that doesn’t involve a video screen….only eyes and brain.

[@kenbogert4224]

That was 11 books. Thanks Tristan. Your enthusiasm is contagious!

[@m.i.miller8008]

For me my path to the classics were Jane Eyre and The Count of Monte Cristo.....After that I Found it very tough to go back to reading more contemporary books.. Now my bucket list is to read all the classics..But the Book that totally changed my LIFE.. believe it or not was "The Education of a Wandering Man" by Louis L'amour. Yes, the western, cowboy writer. It is his journey on how he became a writer and life time reader and how he kept a list of All the books he read starting out in his life... after reading that I too started a reading journal back in 1989 keeping tract of every book I have read in each year and the cool part is, when I look back on that list I can recall where and why I read that book and what I was doing. Like when I went to Japan, and Turkey and read some books on there culture, food and proper manners...What a Joy it is to look back on these wonderful memories. *** Great list by the way... thank you for sharing***

[@dmswan3172]

I would also recommend Jane Eyre - the story is so powerful and compelling,I couldn’t help but be totally drawn in to the narrative- for someone who wants to get into classic literature, this would be a great first read! 📚

[@beckyharding6571]

I have to agree. Jane Eyre would be in my top 3.

[@lisacraft9929]

A wonderful book. Such a good story.

[@dmswan3172]

Yes, absolutely!!!🌹🌹🌹

[@Holmnielsen-]

I'm currently reading Oliver Twist, and I'm blown away. Such good storytelling!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Dickens is good isn't he. Some of the passages are heartbreaking in Oliver Twist.

[@mfar3016]

I just finished it. It was a bit of a struggle at times, only due to some of the language, but I absolutely loved it!

[@timjauhonen5624]

Read it when I was 11 years old thanks for reminding me to read it again😊🙏

[@leohickey4953]

I used to work in the Clerkenwell district of London, where many of the famous scenes are set in locations you can still visit. Dickens had an account with a bank there and was very familiar with it.

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

Great Expectations is wonderful.

[@louisetaylor354]

A great place to start with Dickens is ‘A Christmas carol’. Super short and pretty perfect.

[@edithjackson8166]

One of my favorites. The only Dickens I have read.

[@alecfoster4413]

Short and yet so brilliantly profound and beautiful. Even the best movie versions (Alistair Sims comes to mind) don't convey the magic found in the novella.

[@Bjj900]

I wish I had the patience to read, I bought a book last Xmas, still haven't started it. I waste my life watching KZbin and TV. Excellent video, your passion for books is amazing

[@ollywhelan5377]

Quite a few of these exist as free audiobooks on youtube, many of the Sherlock holmes for instance.

[@jazamaraz8029]

You might commit to reading a very small amount. Maybe the first page, or first paragraph, or first sentence. Keep shrinking the size down until you get to something easy to do. Then do it. Often, starting can be the hardest step. Just take a very small one. Once taken, you'll almost certainly find that the next step will be much easier. Give it a try. You can do it.

[@cassandramartin1571]

My husband listens to books on CD as he drives. He only travels about 20-30 to and from work but he really enjoys listening to books as he drives.

[@HJohn-xn9ub]

@@jazamaraz8029, excellent advice. You comment reminded me of trying hui read Turgenev’s “Fathers and Sons.” I was supposed to read it in college. I got a D- on a paper because I read everything but that required book. It was awful! I couldn’t get past the first page! For years guilt drove me to withdraw the book from the library to finally read it. Every time it was the same thing. The first page was dreadful and I never got any farther. Finally, at least five years later I got a different English translation from the Russian. It was from “Everyman Library” series. Finally, I was able to get beyond the first page. It was brilliant! I devoured the book - even taking notes. Yes, everything is possible. But translations matter if it’s not originally in English.

[@Leeny017]

My advice is to get some ear buds and turn on a book from you tube or wherever. I've never looked more forward to housecleaning in my life! Hope that helps

[@Catherine-gg6zt]

Former English teacher here. You have the gift-I’d love to study with you.

[@letslulu658]

I stopped reading fiction after high school, but recently read Hemmingway. I've forgotten how much there is to learn from great fiction. I plan on finishing this list. Thank you

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hi LuLu, so pleased to read your comment. Hemmingway is a always a vivid read. Let me know what other books you enjoy.👍

[@VLind-uk6mb]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Hemingway only has one "m." I'm amazed an avid reader is not more attentive to the printed word.

[@ccbarr58]

A lot of classics were written in the 1800s. The language gives me fits. It teaches me to pause and use my dictionary

[@sylviabowersox1114]

I feel so lucky to have found your channel. It's a treat to 'virtually' meet someone as excited as I am about the written word. Though, I've read the books on your list - you have inspired me to read them again. And read them I shall. Be well, kind sir...

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hi Sylvia! Than you so much for taking the time to comment, I'm very grateful for it and equally delighted to meet someone with your enthusiasm for literature. Do you have any favourite works or authors?

[@jazamaraz8029]

Your enthusiasm is contagious. Well done.

[@lynneforbes4420]

I agree! He’s got me wanting to re-read all of these beautiful classics

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

Your love of reading is contagious! 💛

[@susanbloor8541]

Fabulous selection. I would always suggest starting with Pride and Prejudice. For comedy, Wodehouse is great but I think I’d go for Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome. And please don’t forget the children’s classics. A good children’s classic speaks to adults as well. By the time you are an adult, you will have met most of the characters in The House at Pooh Corner and Wind in the Willows. Alice in Wonderland is practically an out of body experience and Jungle Book will transport you to another time and place.

[@JamesI88]

I've read and enjoyed a few of these. Classics are classic for a reason. Great list.

[@markomilojevic6940]

Came here for a recommendation to propel my second-language skills, stayed for the charismatic attitude and pure enjoyment in speaking about these classics. You rock, sir! The world needs more positive and deep-thinking people like you.

[@sillig1763]

Over the past few years, I’ve tried to rekindle my exploration of literature, which I put on pause during my career. I’m pleased to see I’ve read all in this list but Oliver Twist, Tess, and Pride and Prejudice, and I enjoyed hearing them discussed. Oh, and I’m working on The Three Musketeers at your suggestion. What a hoot! I recommended it to my son and several friends. This is a terrific channel! What a resource for people like me, who are interested but could use a little guidance. And don’t forget the students and home school crowd. I’ve subscribed and will work my way through your videos. I really like finding channels that are great before they’re widely known. I’ve found quite a few like that. You’ve got the right stuff, an amazing collection of top notch video content with way too few views, and apparently a formula and mechanism for cranking them out, so best of luck to you, and keep at it!.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you sooo much sillig1 for this really kind comment. Pleased that you liked the Three Musketeers. It's one of my favourite books. Dumas is amazing. Thank you for subscribing too and for being so encouraging and positive about this little channel. Looking forwards to hearing more of your thoughts.😀

[@Holmnielsen-]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I've read The Count of Monte Cristo, can't wait for this one!

[@timjauhonen5624]

I hope you already have the following books because you will need them. I am reading Vicomte de bragelonne right now😊

[@43pages55]

Thomas Hardy is by far my favorite author.

[@trekkie-cat]

I absolutely recommend Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray!! One of my favourite classics- I just love it! I also recommend North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell and Wives and Daughters.

[@beckyharding6571]

Or basically anything by Elizabeth Gaskell. 😉 She's one of my absolute favourite authors.

[@grantkistel3411]

As someone who’s coming of age novel (in terms of the one as a child that made me truly want to read anything I could) was old man and the sea by way of a birthday present from my father. I had a massive smile on my face to hear you wrap up with what makes the book and it’s simplistic values so beautiful.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Its a special book, isn't it. What a book to cone of age to!

[@moniqueheubel8970]

I love your taste in literature and your enthusiasm. Pride and Prejudice is one of my three favorite novels ever. I think Great Expectations has the best minor characters ever created. I also love that you go through different genres and cultures.

[@ambision4114]

When pip disappointed uncle Jim... first time a book made me cry

[@vanessamay3689]

@@ambision4114 Uncle Joe?

[@apollonia6656]

Yes, and Pip realizes he has become somewhat of a snob. GE is my all-time favourite book, followed by Price and Prejudice.

[@TheMawlaman]

I am now back to reading, thank you very much Your enthusiasm has leapt from the screen and sprung excitement in me to find the love I used to have in books as a younger reader

[@bdcochran01]

In 1968, I was in a bookstore in Los Angeles and saw a book that purported to identify the 100 best books written. So, I picked and went through. I had read only 6. I bought the remaining 94 books over a period of a few months. Clifton Fadiman of the University of Chicago had come up with the reading list. A few years ago, I called up the list on the computer. Another 33 books were identified - from Eastern and Asian literature. I bought them used.

[@ryanand154]

Clifton Fadiman can be your guide. He taught at the University of Ohio for thirty years and read the greatest stories by Eudora Welty and John Cheever.

[@ryanand154]

He has Checkov’s gun hanging on his mantelpiece.

[@ryanand154]

He killed dogs in his youth.

[@kich6172]

Starting my reading journey of classic literature and so glad this is the first video I came across. Quite a few surprises but the way you present them makes me excited to get reading. Thanks!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hope you have a wonderful adventure of discovery in the Classics.

[@valeriaguzman2084]

I already had some of these books on my tbr because they are classics and I really enjoy the genre, but your brilliant descriptions made me truly excited to get around to them. Great video!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much Valeria. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Tell me how you get on with them.

[@gailpeekeekoot6182]

This was a pleasure. Thank you. I’ve read them all, and don’t usually reread but now feel inspired to do so starting with Fahrenheit 451. Sadly, this one holds great meaning in 2024.

[@simo6010]

Marvelous! Your descriptions are marvelous! I’m no longer able to read due to vision loss. However I’ve started listening to books and it changed my world. Thank you so much for the recommendations! I can’t wait to start “reading” these classics. Cheers from Salem Massachusetts!

[@jesuschristsuperczar1224]

I always loved that Hemingway intended to use as few words as possible to tell the story of The Old Man and the Sea.

[@taaptee]

the fact that mary shelley wrote frankenstein when she was what i am - a girl of eighteen - is so fantastic. i love that book, and haven't read almost half of this wonderful list so will get on the rest as soon as i can, thank you!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

It's amazing isn't it?! I must admit, that I'm particularly delighted that someone your age is taking the time to read the classics. It immediately says to me that you are not content to follow a crowd and that you have a sense of the artistry of life. Bravo!

[@vanessamay3689]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Recently found your channel. Love it as much as Benjamin McElvoy. Both of you are enthusiastic and have so much knowledge and understanding of literature it’s a feast listening to you both. Thank you so much for all your content.

[@deeptiramachandran1493]

It was a happy chance to have stumbled upon this channel. Now I have someone to share my love for Pride and Prejudice and PG Wodehouse. I have all the Wodehouse books in my library and have read them quite a few times…

[@ErnieCT1987]

"The Woman In White" by Wilkie Collins was a captivating read.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

A fabulous book!

[@annechappee8825]

​@tristanandtheclassics6538 my favorite book! It is awesome.

[@VLind-uk6mb]

@@annechappee8825 Try The Moonstone -- the first English detective story. It's fantastic.

[@apollonia6656]

Personally, his best. I loved TWiW much,much more than The Moonshine and some others. Still have ten more Wilkie Collins books to read but my TBR is now OTT and full of brick-sized books 😮😅

[@IELTS888]

The Old Man and the Sea - I was very ambivalent about Hemingway until I read the first pages of this book. The way he describes the old man's relationship with the little boy hit the deepest reaches of my heart.

[@lisarichards1956]

I loved Robinson Crusoe for all the reasons you mentioned. Pride and Prejudice is a long-time favorite. I've been binge watching Jeeves and Wooster and especially love Stephen Fry's portrayal of Jeeves. I'd like to try some P.G. Wodehouse! Enjoyed the video! :)

[@leohickey4953]

Do read the Jeeves and Wooster stories. I won't spoil it, but the end of _The Code of the Woosters_ leaves everyone who reads it open mouthed. Read them in chronological order, though, as there are recurrent characters and call-backs to past incidents in later stories.

[@hcltami]

I have read a couple - Farenheit 451, The Old Man and the Sea, some Sherlock Holmes - but now I just want to hear you read all the classics aloud. Thank you for a wonderful video.

[@courtneykidd6868]

Pride and Prejudice has been my absolute favorite book since i first read it at 16, so many people over look the classics, i love your enthusiasm!

[@maryfilippou6667]

A beautifully done and articulate, lively video. The best I've binged in past 12 hours. So enthusiastically done, heartfelt and clear. I hope there's many others. I've wanted to read The Three Musketeers for over 6 decades! Bravo! Well done. I'd never have considered The Old Man and the Sea till right now. San Francisco massive fan! Of your video.

[@Martiniization]

Your enthusiasm and how palpably you make the features of these books felt is as effective an inciting to literature as can be had. Great job, Sir, and what a good service you do us. Thank you very much your earnest involvement in the purpose of this video you've made and shared.

[@ThaKid14]

Real happy to have discovered your page - I've been on a classic spree having recently read The Great Gastby, Grapes of Wrath and as I'm writing just finished A Tale of Two Cities like 5 minutes ago and I'm now sprawling KZbin to discover book reviews of it and the possibility to venture into other classics - hence me finding your page. Will definitely get to oliver Twist eventually. The Old Man and the Sea strikes me the most here I love the way you described it too - looks like a shorter read as well. I see Pride and Prejudice everywhere it looks like an intimidating book but I'll get there. Thanks for the recommendations, I look forward to tackling them soon - will probably start with Old Man and the Sea and then Frankenstein. It's hard to balance though cause I also go back and forth between literature and graphic novels/comics. There are just so many things I wanna read! One thing at a time though.....I'm on a great literature spree right now and gonna keep that going for now before I pickup another graphic novel series. Cheers!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hey Listro, thanks for this amazing comment! I really appreciate it. The books I recommend here are quite diverse in style from each other. Oliver Twist is vivid, Old man and sea is slow and melancholy, Frankenstein is foundational gothic/romanticism. May I reassure you that Pride and Prejudice is not an intimidating book at all. It is witty and sparkling and light. Jane Austen is addictive when you get into her work. I will be reading Jane Austen this month as I begin to go over all her books again. Totally know what you mean about not having enough time and wanting to read so many books. Graphic novels are something that I'd like to explore as I imagine that they are an ideal form for storytelling. Thanks for taking the time to comment Listro and, I wish you joy in your reading.

[@ritahenderson6771]

You really inspired me to read P.G. Woodhouse…I really enjoyed the series tremendously and had forgotten all about it. I just stumbled across your channel and I have never enjoyed a book review as much as yours. It was just wonderful, entertaining, captivating, informative and humorous!!! Thank you for this unexpected journey. Many heartfelt greetings from Germany 🙋🏻‍♀️🥰

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much Rita, you are so kind. Wodehouse really is one of a kind. It's a pleasure making your acquaintance. 😃❤️🙏

[@TheWoodsugar]

To Kill a Mockingbird needs to be added to this list

[@broda1824]

I’ve come late to your channel, but I enjoy your review so much. I’m going to start with Robinson Crusoe. I found a very old edition of the said book which had belonged to my grandfather who was born in 1896. It is very fragile now but he has meticulously underline various passages which have meant something to him. I look forward to reading this story and also through its eyes perhaps getting to know my grandfather who died when I was 4 years old.

[@obijuan-kenobi5117]

I made a decision recently to get into classic books, and this video was great. Thanks! I've read quite a bit of Sherlock Holmes already and love it. Going to read some Hemingway next and start with The Old Man and the Sea.

[@lucyarner7688]

Just saw your video for the first time, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very partial to Jane Eyre and David Copperfield in the romance and Dickens categories, and was thrilled to see Fahrenheit 451 included. A prophetic and timely book, and sadly now feeling very current. I will explore your offerings further. Thank you for posting

[@karenib1669]

Since I love survival stories, I’m going to start with Robinson Crusoe!! I’m so glad I stumbled onto your channel!!!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hope you enjoy it! Let me know your thoughts. 😀👍

[@nathanpartridge3565]

Give The Mysterious Island a read.

[@bill8784]

Brilliant exposition. Well done. Sad to say I do find classics a bit hard work growing up. But loved both A Tale of Two Cities which you mentioned and Pride and Prejudice which I read as a teenager. Also enjoyed the PSmith books Wodehouse around the same time but never managed to get into Jeeves when I was older. Surprised or perhaps not Agatha Christie didn’t get a mention. Listening to more audiobooks as I get older.

[@lupanagutierrez5779]

Based on your reviews, I'd like to try Fahrenheit 451 and Robinson Crusoe. I love Jane Austen with Emma being my favorite although this is closely followed by Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. I also, based on your review, decided to purchase a copy of Hound of the Baskervilles for my daughter who loves mysteries but tends to stick to recent titles which she then often finds boring and too contrived so we'll see what she thinks. As for Dickens, my favorite is Little Dorrit - love the characters!

[@americanwomanFL]

Brilliant video. Thanks for this as being a former Language Arts teacher, getting more people to read is always welcomed. And interestingly, I have taught Fahrenheit 451, Frankenstein, The Old Man and the Sea, Tess of the D'ubervilles, The Three Musketeers, and one Sherlock Holmes- Hound of the Baskervilles as well as having read ALL but the last one as I never heard of it! So thanks for this one as it will be on my summer reading list. Also I want to add two more comments that I always told my juniors which you touched upon: 1. Great books, no matter when they were written, will always seem current as "Literature is news that stays news." 2. After a student would lament that he/she already read one of the books on my syllabus, my response was to read it again for besides bringing more experience to the novel since you are older, so you may understand it better, "Good books are like virgins, they never give it all up the first time"😮😜

[@billyd10]

A very interesting list to recommend. Another great video. I have never been a fan of Hemingway and frankly have avoided reading him. However, your review of Old Man and the Sea changeed that. Your enthusiasm for the book and your description of the details has makde me want to read that. Thanks!! By the way I love mysteries and have have never read Sherlock Holmes before. I changed that in 2021 and read A Study In Scarlet. What a great read. I will now be making my way through the other Sherlock Holmes books.

[@YouTheGoat434]

I'm trying to find the joy of reading after never really understanding and spending most of my time on my phone this list will serve me greatly

[@yolandaksmith]

I’ve read half of these (three this year) and loved them all. The Picture of Dorian Gray has been on my wish list for years. Maybe 2024 will be the year I engage this work. I’m highly intrigued by the Jeeves and Wooster books as well. I attempted one on audio but couldn’t get involved in the story so I’m thinking I need to find a physical copy from my library. Thank you for great content, Tristan!

[@LadyCaroline123]

I thoroughly enjoyed Great Expectations. I remember thinking, “Oh, this is what they mean by great literature.” It was very funny. The best part was I did not see the end coming at all - I almost fell out of my chair! I remember thinking I can never have that experience again because I know the ending. But of course I’ve read many other classics. Great video.

[@jamesrobinson9268]

my comment is I want to read Three Musketeers when finished Count of Monte Cristo. I was very surprised and enjoyed the first Tarzn book. Very enjoyable adventure.

[@althompson3085]

My wife and I love your presentations.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank youj so much Glad you like them!

[@iainmillar1532]

Can’t believe I’ve read one on the list! And it was Robinson Crusoe. I’d recommend Black Beauty too.

[@yvonnehayton6753]

Noooo! Too sad!

[@apollonia6656]

@yvonnehayton, I remember an uncle of mine have me a Christmas present of Black Beauty when I was ten years old (just because I had a pony) ! The result was nightmares 😔 Do you know, I never finished that book. Hence my reluctance regarding two other books I've always eyed to read but cannot: (1) Moby Dick; (2) Agnes Grey..... because of animal crue!ty.

[@trixieknits]

Loved all of those and read them all before age sixteen. Lived in the country and my grandpa dealt in antiques and books. Fabulous childhood

[@bertiodvonrastenburger1129]

In the best possible way... You look exactly like a man who reads lots of books. Love your enthusiasm 👍

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I didn't know who that was but went and had a look. I can see what you mean😀

[@leobch123]

This is the best video I’ve found. You‘re literally amazing!!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Wow! You are so kind. Thank you ever so much 😀❤️

[@eveb446]

This video was posted 2 years and 8 months ago but I have just seen it. Thank you for sharing. I have a lot of reading to do. Haha!

[@calmbeforethestorm9498]

Your video popped up in my feed...I am so glad it did. This has been a delight. Looking forward to watching more. I have not read for enjoyment for years, you have reminded me of the joy. I was captivated by Frankenstein for months. From your list, I think I shall start with Fahrenheit 451.

[@theelegantcouplesbookrevie8734]

We have had Robinson Crusoe on our list to read forever. You have now inspired us to definitely read it! Thanks :) 😃

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Oh goodie. I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

[@rainbowmum59]

Randomly arrived at this channel and was pleasantly surprised that I had read so many of these books as I’ve never thought of myself as a reader of the classics at all. Thank you for the list, I will make sure I read all of them this year

[@Laura-ed5kf]

I’ve read most of these and loved them all, but MY gateway-Classic was Animal Farm at age-8! I snuck into my older sister’s room and thought this was a short-book about animals who ran a farm. The end was horrifying to me, I missed most of the allegory, but I finished that & immediately “borrowed” Lord of the Flies…at age-8! Frankenstein & Dracula by maybe-13. I may have read trite, age-“appropriate” books after, but the classics were infinitely more appealing from then on, like a good meal and not cotton-candy.

[@jimmymorrison8314]

You have a fabulous insight and your enthusiasm is absolutely infectious. Very enjoyable.

[@racheldemain1940]

I am reading The Three Musketeers and am loving it!!! Swashbuckling and derring do. Fantastic 😊😊

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

It's so good! Also really good on the intrigue and some surprises too. Let me know what you think at the end.👍😀

[@LissaWheelerArt]

Your excitement is contagious

[@caroleross1500]

Wow I really love hearing you talking about books ! I only read Robinson Crusoe when I was younger and that was in French my mother tongue. When I was younger I have always been intimidated by long classic books but now I'm older I'm going to try reading the three musketeers . I also love Gothic books and I read also Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ( in French as well) . I would definitely try reading Frankenstein too !Another classic I've read a few years ago and that I really liked was Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I found it easy to read for my level of English ! Carry on with the good works !

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I envy you being able to read the great French works in French. Dumas is wonderful, especially the Count of Monte Cristo. Hugo is a genius. And my current favourite French author is Balzac.

[@yvonnehayton6753]

Rebecca!! Think I was about ten when I picked up a copy of that book at my grandmother's. Read the opening sentence and was hooked. Have read it many times since. Definitely by far and away du Maurier's best although My Cousin Rachel great too.

[@ladystef5055]

I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing your passion for literature.

[@charmainekaldwell8481]

The Count of Monte Cristo is my favorite classic book. I may read Robinson Crusoe

[@apollonia6656]

Oh please do, you will love it. Regards.

[@antidepressant11]

What impresses me most is your breadth and depth of reading. Hope you are making a living out of your passion.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you for your kindness. I would love to make a living out of reading but alas, 'tis not in my stars. But I gain a great deal of joy from reading, musing and sharing ideas over great books. I also have the privilege of assisting others with their studies and understanding of books. That itself is a lovely reward.

[@rayhanmumtaz6211]

i genuily wanna find some content book classic, then i find you, and i love how your delivery

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you Rayhan, that's very kind of you 😊

[@fra366p4]

Your enthusiasm is so very inspiring. The book for me to start with is sitting on my shelf.....Sherlock Holmes! Thank You for your inspiration.

[@helenrichards7866]

Do love the descriptions you offer of these wonderful books. My favourite is Old Man and the Sea, and it was my father’s too. Thank you

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thanks Helen 😊 The Old Man and the Sea is superb.

[@unknowninfinium4353]

Few seconds in and I want to say this - Did anyone tell you you have an infectious enthusiasm? I didnt even get to the list and I already got hyped. Your not a supersalesman are you? Love seeing more content and the enthusiasm. Lastly, any possiblity for recommendations for classic existential books? Like Notes from the underground? For us the brooding Batman types. Take care dude.

[@lorrainesambo6534]

I have not read any of those, save one! They have all been on my list, but I will now start. Loving your videos!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thanks Lorraine, I'm enjoying doing them. Which one of these have you read? Tess of the d'Urbevilles?😀

[@j_stuchbury2123]

I remember being blown away by The Iliad and The Odyssey in high school. Maybe i need to set aside time to reread them both. Thank you for this list. My old boss introduced me to P.G. Wodehouse.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I just received Pope's translation of the Iliad. Really looking forward to it. I want to get better acquainted with the ancient writers.😀👍

[@racheldemain1940]

I can hear Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie when I read PG Wodehouse but that's ok as they bring it alive for me.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

They did a stupendous job of Jeeves and Wooster. I don't know of any other author that can weave words the way that Wodehouse does.