Classic Books: Should You Read Them or Avoid Them?

Most of us can vividly remember being assigned a novel in school and immediately feeling our enthusiasm disappear. The book was usually a classic—written by authors like Mark Twain, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, or Jane Austen—and it came with dense language, long chapters, and the pressure of quizzes and essays. For many readers, those experiences permanently shaped how they feel about classic literature.

Being forced to read a book rarely creates a love for it. Instead, it can do the opposite. When reading becomes a chore, even the greatest novels ever written can feel boring, confusing, or completely irrelevant. That leaves many adult readers wondering: are classic books actually worth reading, or are they just outdated relics we’re told to admire?

The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Classic books are complicated, diverse, and often misunderstood—and they may be far more rewarding when approached on your own terms.

What Even Is a “Classic” Book?

Before deciding whether classic books are worth reading, it’s worth asking a basic question: who decides what counts as a classic?

The label “classic” is often applied to books that:

• Have stood the test of time
• Are widely studied in schools and universities
• Influenced literature, culture, or society
• Are written by historically significant authors

But that definition leaves a lot of room for debate. A Victorian novel written in the 1800s is vastly different from a modernist work published in the early 20th century. A Russian classic reads nothing like an American one. Some classics are short and accessible; others are long, experimental, or deliberately challenging.

Lumping all classic books together does them a disservice. They aren’t one genre—they’re hundreds of styles, voices, and perspectives spread across centuries.

Why So Many Readers Avoid Classic Literature

It’s no secret that many readers actively avoid classic books. And honestly, that hesitation makes sense.

1. School Ruined the Experience

For a lot of people, their first exposure to classics came at the worst possible time. Reading complex novels as a teenager—especially under pressure—can make it difficult to appreciate their themes or emotional depth.

When you’re young, you simply haven’t lived enough life yet. Books about marriage, regret, social constraints, or existential despair don’t always resonate at sixteen the way they do at thirty or forty. Instead of being meaningful, they feel dull.

2. The Writing Style Feels Dated

Let’s be honest: older writing styles can be tough to get through. Long sentences, unfamiliar vocabulary, and slower pacing turn many readers away within the first few pages.

Modern authors benefit from centuries of experimentation. Today’s books are often tighter, faster, and more conversational. Compared to that, some classic novels can feel stiff or overly formal.

3. Not Every Classic Is a Masterpiece

This might be controversial, but it’s true: not every book labeled a classic is enjoyable.

Some classics feel formulaic. Others are important historically but not particularly engaging as stories. And some books simply haven’t aged well.

That doesn’t mean they lack value—but it does mean readers shouldn’t feel guilty for not loving every classic they pick up.

Discovering Classics Later in Life

I’ll be the first to admit that I avoided classic books for a long time. Like many readers, I preferred modern novels. I loved contemporary storytelling, fresh voices, and books that felt immediately relevant.

But at some point, curiosity took over. These were supposedly the best books ever written—how could I ignore them forever?

What I discovered surprised me.

Not every classic I read was amazing. Some were exactly what I feared: slow, predictable, or hard to connect with. But many others were incredible. And the ones that worked really worked.

There were moments when I found myself wondering why I had waited so long to read certain books. Their themes felt timeless. Their characters felt deeply human. And their insights felt just as relevant today as when they were written.

Why Reading Classics as an Adult Changes Everything

One of the biggest reasons classic books are worth revisiting is timing.

Reading a book too early can cause you to miss its entire point. As adults, we bring more life experience, emotional awareness, and patience to our reading. Suddenly, stories that once felt dull start to make sense.

You begin to notice:

• Subtle social commentary
• Emotional nuance
• Psychological depth
• Themes of power, identity, love, and loss

Books you might have hated in high school can become favorites later in life.

The Timeless Power of Classic Stories

Despite their age, many classic books tackle issues that still shape our world today:

• Inequality
• Identity
• Freedom
• Morality
• Social pressure
• Ambition
• Loneliness

Human nature hasn’t changed nearly as much as technology has. That’s why novels written hundreds of years ago can still feel eerily relevant.

In fact, some classics feel more honest than modern books because they were written without the influence of social media, algorithms, or trends. They often explore uncomfortable truths with clarity and depth.

You Don’t Have to Read Every Classic

One of the biggest mistakes readers make is thinking they should like every classic book.

You don’t.

Just like modern novels, classics are subjective. Some will resonate deeply with you; others won’t. And that’s perfectly fine.

The key is to:

• Pick classics that genuinely interest you
• Abandon books that don’t work for you
• Read at your own pace
• Ignore the pressure to “finish the canon”

Reading classics shouldn’t feel like homework.

How to Start Reading Classics Without Burnout

If you’re curious about classic books but unsure where to begin, here are a few tips:

• Start with shorter novels or novellas
• Choose books with themes you already enjoy
• Try modern translations or annotated editions
• Read alongside discussion guides or podcasts
• Mix classics with modern books

Treat classics as part of your reading journey—not an obligation.

So, Are Classic Books Worth Reading?

Yes—but with realistic expectations.

You won’t love every classic you read. Some will feel dated. Some will disappoint you. But others will surprise you, challenge you, and stay with you forever.

The beauty of classic books lies in their variety and longevity. They’ve survived not because they’re perfect, but because they continue to spark conversation, reflection, and debate.

If you approach them with curiosity instead of obligation, you might just discover a few literary gems that make you wonder why you waited so long.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook