My Top 10: The Classics ~

When wondering about the word classics, in the book world. One may automatically think towards great authors like Jane Austin with Pride and Prejudice or Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I also think of those. The stories we have read for school all the way through our lives to frame our minds for the future.

These are of course all classics. The various amounts of classics from all over the world means that there is quite the selection to choose favourites out of.

10 ~ A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Mostly for its morals and the idea of visiting spirits, I loved this Christmas tale as a child and still do as an adult. It's a story we all know from the amount of time's its movies have been on during the holidays. But still a well loved classic by some (or most).

9 ~ The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

I had to put this book in this list. It's a light and humorous read. Everyone knows of Mr Toad and his antics. My favourite character will always be the Mr Mole in this book, I will constantly relate to his "oh, bother" moment in the movie too. I haven't read it in a while, but should reread it soon.

8 ~ The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

This is not a book that I read as a child and I'm rather glad about that, I wouldn't have understood much of its story line, morals and ideologies back then. Now I can fully appreciate it for what it is worth. This is a Gothic novella that I will read for inspiration when I need too.

7 ~ The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

This book made me want to be a gardener for a short time, till I worked out I have absolutely no green thumb. However, I have always been fond of this book and it will always warm my heart with its story line no matter what.

6 ~ Gulliver's Travels by Jonathon Swift.

Travelling off to far away lands has always been my dream. I want to travel, its the closest I'll ever get to magical adventures. It focus' on Gulliver and his adventures around the world to magical places. It's satirical approach towards human nature - towards travels, makes it an interesting read.

5 ~ Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.

It's a poem, but worthy of so much. Who doesn't love a bit of supernatural wrapped up in a dark adventure to becoming oneself, overcoming the evils of the world and hoping to rescue your loved ones. It's rather reminiscent of a heroes tale and I quite enjoy that.

4 ~ The Lord of Rings by J.R. Tolkien.

One must always have Tolkien on their lists. Because how could you not? Adventure, sword fights, battles, magic and friendships all rolled into one book. It's a must read to my mind. I only read it because I'd enjoyed the movies and found, like always, I ended up favouring the book. That's another reason to read it.

3 ~ Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.

This one is dear to me. I have always loved the idea of Neverland and Peter Pan, even having a crush on Disney's Peter Pan as a child. It encourages my need for imagination in its pages, it feeds my soul with its words. Yes, on the surface this book its light and full of happiness, yet still has darker themes when you analysis it. It's a book that I wouldn't mind creatively giving my own twist on in an adaptation for a story.

2 ~ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

I remember a moment during primary school in our last lessons, we'd have a chapter read from the prequel story to this series. I was in awe of the world created by C.S. Lewis, this was definitely a favourite book for me. The magic and adventures held in these create a world full of imagination for all kids, and even adults. (I also remember wanting one of those rings to transport myself to Narnia).

1 ~ Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

Its no surprise that I would have a Lewis Carroll novel as first place in my heart. To me this book is a wonderful (pun intended) comfort read. The lighthearted yet deep story line on levels that my child brain didn't know about till much later. It intrigues the mind and soul. The text and writing itself is easy to read and enjoy (for me at least), it's one that I will be reading to myself on odd occasions. "Curiouser and curiouser".

Perhaps this goes to show my child at heart self, considering how many of these have fairy tale or heroic themes. I always go about my life seeking adventure and magic.

This is a personal list of my top ten, if you have any that you agree with or would add to your own lists let me know in the comments ~

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