Welcome to another TTT! This week’s topic is: Modern Books You Think Will Be Classics In The Future, submitted by Veros @ Dark Shelf of Wonders. What makes a book a classic? Well, according to Pan Macmillan (read their article here):
“Put simply, a classic novel is a book that has stood the test of time because it’s so good; it has a gripping story which is expertly crafted and brilliantly expressed. But of course, it’s not just about the story. Like any good recipe, there are a number of key ingredients that make a book a classic.”
The article goes on to list these key ingredients and expound upon them, but I’m going to just share a list of what I found while reading the article:
- “a certain level of complexity and depth, which enables it to transcend the time in which it was written”
- “articulates universal themes – like love, morality, death, adversity”
- “offers revelatory insight and clarity to readers of any era”
- “always feels fresh”
- “particularly significant or memorable”
- “often portrays a particular time and place in an intensely evocative way”
- “may be the first of its kind, impressively inventive, or the most influential example of a particular genre or literary style”
- “may be absorbed into our everyday culture”
And this isn’t everything! There’s a lot of info out there about what makes a classic novel. Everyone has their own criteria and I found this topic quite interesting to research. I think they all agree, though, that classic novels are timeless, artistic or literary in nature, and have a memorable main character. So here’s my list of books that I think fit the criteria listed above! Interestingly enough, most of them would fall into the classics for young adults category.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Death is pretty memorable narrator. The power of books and the strength of character are strong themes, and I can see this being required reading in many schools for ages.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
This book is so incredibly unique and lyrically written. It feels like its set during WW2, but it’s not. The setting feels both historical and modern. The addition of a system of Gods, a magical set of typewriters, and strong themes of love, family, and beating the odds make me think this could easily stand the test of time.
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
Another very unique story that features a woman who falls back in time to historic Ireland and has a hand in shaping the events that happened long before she was born. It’s beautiful and full of winding turns and surprising revelations that took my breath away!
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
This book is based on the true story of history’s deadliest female sniper. It’s so exciting and wonderfully told. I think another criteria of a classic should be that it teaches you something that compels you to go learn even more. I immediately went to research Mila Pavlichenko when I was finished and gobbled up everything I could find on her.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This story has the most unique and memorable character I’ve ever read about in any sci-fi novel: Rocky the 5-legged alien. I loved Rocky’s depth of character. I also though the exploration of Earth becoming extinct was incredibly well done. The science is there, but not in an overwhelming way. This book can easily stand with The Time Machine as timeless sci-fi.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
This magical story, inspired by Celtic folklore, centers on man-eating water horses and is beautiful and super unique. It could take place at any time, and features two incredibly memorable characters.
Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier
Loosely based on Beauty and the Beast (but make it Irish and medieval), Marillier made the story all her own. There’s a curse and a love story, but Caitrin (the main character) is what I will always remember about this book.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Talk about a book that has become a part of our culture! Who doesn’t joke about being a contestant in the Hunger Games when they’re super hungry? Who hasn’t said “May the odds be ever in your favor.” at least once? This book is referenced in countless other book, movies, TV shows, etc. I often wonder if everyone knows where this phrase even comes from. Katniss is a household name.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
This series has never interested me, and I’ve only read the first book (because it was required reading for my grad school program), but I think everyone can agree that this series is already a classic. It’s part of everyday culture across the world and people probably know their Hogwarts house even if they’ve never read the books.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Again, I read this first book because it was required reading for grad school. Everyone knows Percy Jackson, and the series makes Greek mythology more accessible for younger people. I can see this being read in schools for many years.
Do we have any picks in common?
What do you think makes a novel a classic?
