Tips for reading the Classics:
- Stop after reading a section and write down your thoughts in the margins. This allows your brain to process what you read. It also lets you refer back to what your thoughts were when you were reading that section.
- If you are confused about the plot, use the internet. A great site is sparknotes. This can help clarify what's going on (especially if there's multiple plots and character relationships).
- Skimming is wonderful. Many old books will drag out scenes. Skimming helps you get the gist, and allow your brain to breathe.
Classic books you should check out:
- Frankenstein (a personal favorite)
- Brave New Worlds (another personal favorite)
- 1984
- Animal Farm (quick read)
- The Time Machine
- Dracula
- Orlando: A Biography
- War of the Worlds
- The Invisible Man
- Any Agatha Christie Novel (for you detective fans)
- Great Gatsby
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
- Crime and Punishment (I still need to read this...)
Reading is fun! Get out a book, a pen, a highlighter. Listen to some music. Draw a picture based on what you read! Join a book club or read a book with a friend. Analyze speeches and poems. Look at some Shakespeare!
Take my art teacher's War and Peace challenge: Read War and Peace. Complete a 6-color, mixed media artistic rendition of each page using stipple technique. (I'm kidding)
