The basic definition of classic literature is the book has been widely accepted and acclaimed as being noteworthy or exemplary. Most likely, it will be included in one of the Western canons.

Goethe said, “Ancient works are classical not because they are old, but because they are powerful, fresh, and healthy.”

Classic literature speaks to the essential human, answering questions about love, faith, morality, death, and life. These universal themes are never tiring. People love to read about them because they see themselves in the characters that bring those themes to life. The stories envelope the reader in more than a tale since authors are often influenced by each other and by other classic works, which the reader may then notice and use, whether consciously or unconsciously, to react to what is being read.

Many classic works will be awash with symbolism, which is great to find and decode. The color of a flower or a character’s name will have significant meaning to the plot. The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, The Scarlet Letter, and Young Goodman Brown are all classic tales containing symbolism.

Modern works are good, but there is nothing like a classic.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, is a new piece of fiction recently made into a movie. It tells the palpably dramatic, yet oftentimes humorous story of an era not that long ago. This book is incredibly difficult to put down. For those who prefer historical fiction of the English, Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir is a gripping work told in the voice of the Lady Jane Grey, queen of England for nine days.

Not all classic literature should be considered as dry prose. Two incredibly dramatic tales are Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Anna Karenina is a masterpiece that follows two star-crossed lovers in old Russia. Jane Eyre is a hauntingly beautiful work of a young governess who falls in love with her gruff and secretive employer.

For those who prefer nonfiction, The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson is sure to please. It is often humorous and even more often witty. Bryson records the history of the English language from its humble roots to its worldwide spread.

Any of these books are sure to wile away many winter hours. The joy of reading never gets old. Pick up a new bestseller, a classic work or an educational piece to enter a new land of enjoyment.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (1950) by C.S. Lewis. Fantasy, intrigue, and a magical lion dominate this timeless story about the innocence and power of childhood beliefs. This bestselling book is a wonderful way to start your journey into kingdom of Narnia.

“Lolita” (1955) by Vladimir Nabokov. Engross yourself in this sultry tale of a man and his obsession with a young girl. Scandalous and tawdry, this book is sure to titillate.

“The Bridges of Madison County” (1992) by Robert James Waller. A beautiful tale of soul mates who meet for just a brief moment in time and then part ways. A classic tale of love and loss, this book is for the hopeful romantic in all of us.

“The Horse Whisperer” (1995) by Nicholas Evans. Lose yourself in the stunning beauty of Montana. Explore the realm of unspeakable tragedy and the exquisite story of trust and powerful love between a healer, a girl, her mother, and the horse that brings them together.

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” (1989) by Steven R. Covey. If you want to explore the self-improvement genre while relaxing on the beach, this classic book is the perfect read. Explore your unique paradigm and learn new behaviors that will improve all aspects of your life.

The Bible:
The Bible is the best-selling book ever with estimates of 6 billion copies being sold. There is no single author and it is made up of 66 books. The bible continues to have a spiritual effect on people almost 2,000 years after the last of its books have been written.

Harry Potter (7 books):
Written by J.K. Rowling, the books are the chronicle adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter and his friends. The series of 7 books has sold over 400 million copies making it second only to the Bible is copies sold.

A Tale of Two Cities:
A novel written in 1859, by Charles Dickens. It has sold over 200 million copies and is standard reading material for most high school level literature classes.

The Lord of the Rings:
The book has its roots in the The Hobbit (1937), and eventually developed into the now much larger work The Lord of the Rings (1937-1949) written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s the second bestselling novel that has ever been written after A Tale of Two Cities, with over 150 million copies sold.

The Da Vinci Code:
Is a mystery, conspiracy-detective novel by author Dan Brown. It’s a story which attempts to discover the possibility of a marriage between Mary Magdalene and Jesus, over 80 million copies sold.