I love making lists, especially end of the year lists. A new year provides a subtle pause, a moment of reflection, a chance to redirect and reboot. I always look upon this time, to reflect upon on how I can enrich my life. One of the ways I thought of, was to read more classics. Sadly neglected for a few decades, I did most of my classic reading in my adolescence and youth.
My mother always urged me to read the classics before I read other books because she said it was easy to fall out of the habit of reading them, and how right she was.
So, 2016 will be a year of revisiting some classics (I want to re-read Emma) and reading some classics by some venerable names: Dickens, Trollope, Eliot and Wharton. Since, Charlotte Bronte’s writing is my favorite of the Bronte sisters, I look forward to picking up ‘Villete’ and also reading Hardy’s ‘Tess’, as Far From the Madding Crowd is a personal favourite.
Throughout, the year, as I finish the books, I will report back and hold myself accountable.
If you would like to read more about the book lists I have made for 2016, please see my list of 12 New Authors I would Like to Read in 2016.
These covers are so beautiful, I will let them speak for themselves
What do you think of my list?
What are some of your favourite classics or books you plan to read in the New Year?
Bag Full Of Books 
Excellent selectiuon – Bleak House in particular is marvellous.
LikeLike
Thank you Karen. I will try to get to it sooner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list. Hope you will be able to read all of them. I plan to re read all of Dickens. And the classics from Penguin English Library that I havent read. And ofcourse Jane Eyre because I want to re read it before I start Wide Sargasso sea
LikeLike
I hope I will be able to read quite a few of them Susan. I do love Jane Eyre and re-read it every few years.
LikeLike
I just started Bleak House last night. I haven’t read Dickens since I was a teenager. The only thing I remember about Bleak House is that it has a case of spontaneous combustion in yet. (Yes, really.) I am also planning on reading Middlemarch. The Woman in White is fantastic. It just flies along and is full of suspense and adventure.
LikeLike
Oh, wow! Talk about drama. I will be eager to know how you enjoyed Bleak House on your re-read Jennifer.I am looking forward to Middlemarch although a little daunted by its length and really looking forward to Wilkie Collins.
LikeLike
Looks like a lovely list! Many of those are on my list of TBR classics. I’m especially looking forward to reading “Villete,” as well as reading more Elizabeth Gaskell–“Cranford,” being shorter, is the only one I’ve read. But I loved the BBC TV series for “North and South” and “Wives and Daughters”, so those are high on my TBR list! Ooh you’re in for a treat with “The Woman in White”; it’s very suspensful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will be interesting to compare notes with you regarding Villette. I have heard people say that the book for Cranford is different to the serialization. Did you find that true? You’re the second person to recommend Woman in White!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I agree! I haven’t heard much about Villette, but what I’ve heard has been good. Hm I read it a few years ago, so I don’t remember any glaring differences, although I’m sure there were some. I definitely want to read it again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I must admit I’m not good with the classics. But gosh those covers are gorgeous! Good luck with your list!
LikeLike
I’m afraid I’ve neglected the classics of late. I hope I can get back into the habit of reading them again! If I owned these book editions I would definitely read them ALL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have some of my all-time favorites on your list — Trollope, Wharton, and Dickens! I’ve also become a Hardy fan after reading Far From the Madding Crowd. I’ve just finished Return of the Native and hope to read more Hardy next year.
Bleak House and Middlemarch are two of my personal favorites — they’re long, but SO worth reading! And I was expecting to dislike Sons & Lovers but really enjoyed it. Good luck with your list!
LikeLike
I also loved Far From the Madding Crowd Karen. I look forward to reading Middlemarch and Bleak House after your encouragement!
LikeLike
Wonderful list! I’ve never heard of Deerbrook. I just added it to my TBR. I also hope to read Middlemarch in 2016! Villette and Emma (I see that one’s a reread) are marvelous. ENJOY! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Jillian! I think I will start Middlemarch and Bleak House towards to beginning of the year ( because they are the longest and I want to read them the most). I hope I can do it. Thank you for the encouragement!
LikeLike
Pingback: 200th Anniversary of Austen’s Emma | Bag Full Of Books
Pingback: December 2015, Book Wrap Up | Bag Full Of Books
Lovely list! Just realised I’ve actually read all of these and loved them too – I don’t remember Deerbrook all that well, but know I liked it and also enjoyed other books by Martineau. A great idea to make a list of classics to read, Arpita.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now I’ve actually gotten hold of them , I realize it may be a somewhat of an ambitions list for one year. But I will be happy if I can read them eventually, even if it takes a little longer 😊Starting with the Warden very soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person