Three Classic Books I’m Rereading in 2026 (And Why You Should Too)

I am always trying to keep up with all of the incredible books being released every year. There is never a shortage of amazing new novels to dive into, and if you are anything like me, your reading list just keeps growing. Every time I finish one book, I somehow add five more to my list.

But recently, I realized something.

In my rush to read the latest and greatest books, I’ve been neglecting something just as important, revisiting the books that made me fall in love with reading in the first place.

There are certain novels that stay with you long after you’ve finished them. You think about the characters, the themes, and even specific moments years later. And yet, despite that impact, we rarely go back and read them again.

So I decided to change that.

In 2026, I’m making it a priority to revisit some of my favorite classic novels. These are books that shaped my reading journey, books that I couldn’t put down, and books that I still think about to this day. I’ve read them before, some more than once but it has been a while, and I know I will experience them differently now.

Because that’s the beauty of rereading.

When you return to a great novel, you’re not the same reader you were the first time. You’ve read more books, gained more life experience, and developed a deeper understanding of storytelling. That means you notice new details, pick up on themes you may have missed, and connect with the story in a completely different way.

There are countless books I would love to revisit, but I had to narrow it down. So to start, I chose three classics that I know will be just as powerful, if not more so, the second time around.

Here are the three classic books I will be rereading in 2026.

Three Classics I Will be Rereading in 2026

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 
• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton   
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas   

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

If I had to point to one book that truly started my love for reading, it would be To Kill a Mockingbird.

Before reading this novel, I would pick up books here and there, mostly just to pass the time. Reading wasn’t something I actively sought out, it was more of an occasional activity. But that all changed when I read Harper Lee’s masterpiece.

Like many readers, my introduction to this book came in a classroom setting. I was in my sophomore English class, and I still remember the moment we were assigned the novel. What I didn’t expect was how quickly I would become completely invested in the story.

In fact, I ended up finishing the book days before we were supposed to.

That had never really happened before.

There was something about the story of Scout Finch, Atticus Finch, and the town of Maycomb that pulled me in immediately. The writing felt real, the characters felt authentic, and the themes, justice, morality, and empathy, left a lasting impression on me.

It wasn’t just a book I read for school. It was a book that changed how I saw reading.

After finishing To Kill a Mockingbird, I found myself wanting more. More classics, more stories, more books that made me feel the same way. It was the starting point of a journey that continues to this day.

That’s why this reread means so much to me.

It has been years since I last picked it up, and I know I will experience it differently now. Back then, I connected with Scout and saw the world through her perspective. This time, I’m curious to see how my perspective has shifted, especially when it comes to Atticus and the deeper themes of the novel.

Some books are powerful the first time you read them.

But the truly great ones only get better with time.

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

The first book I remember truly capturing my attention from beginning to end was The Outsiders.

It still amazes me that S. E. Hinton began writing this novel when she was just 16 years old. That alone is impressive, but what’s even more remarkable is how impactful the story has been for generations of readers.

I first read The Outsiders in 8th grade, and just like To Kill a Mockingbird, it was assigned reading for school. And just like before, I couldn’t wait, I finished it ahead of schedule.

From the very first page, I was hooked.

The story of Ponyboy Curtis and the conflict between the Greasers and the Socs felt intense, emotional, and incredibly real. It didn’t feel like a typical school assignment, it felt like a story that mattered.

One night changes everything for Ponyboy. A confrontation with the Socs spirals into something much bigger, forcing him and his friend Johnny to run for their lives. What follows is a story filled with tension, loyalty, and heartbreak.

What stood out to me the most was how raw and honest the novel felt. The characters weren’t perfect. They made mistakes, faced consequences, and struggled with their identities. It was a coming-of-age story that didn’t hold back.

Even now, I can still remember how certain scenes made me feel.

I’ve revisited The Outsiders a few times over the years, but it has been a while since my last read. And I think now is the perfect time to return to it.

I’m especially interested to see how my perspective has changed. When I first read it, I connected with the characters as a peer. Now, I might find myself looking at the story differently, perhaps focusing more on the themes of class division, family, and personal growth.

The movie adaptation was decent, but for me, it never captured the same emotional depth as the book.

Some stories just hit harder on the page.

And I have a feeling The Outsiders will once again remind me why it left such a strong impression in the first place.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Out of the three books on this list, The Count of Monte Cristo is the one that surprised me the most the first time I read it.

I went into it expecting a good classic novel.

I did not expect to love it as much as I did.

This is one of those books that completely pulls you into its world. The story of Edmond Dantès is filled with betrayal, imprisonment, revenge, and redemption, and it unfolds in a way that keeps you constantly engaged.

At the beginning of the novel, Dantès has everything going for him. He is about to become the captain of the Pharaon, and his future looks incredibly bright. But in an instant, everything is taken away from him.

Falsely accused of treason, he is imprisoned in the Château d’If, an island fortress where escape seems impossible.

What follows is one of the most compelling character arcs in literature.

After years of imprisonment, Dantès escapes and discovers a hidden treasure that changes his life forever. With wealth, intelligence, and a carefully crafted plan, he sets out to exact revenge on those who betrayed him.

What makes this novel so captivating is the way it blends drama, suspense, and intricate plotting. It almost feels like a long-running TV series, with twists, reveals, and interconnected storylines that keep you hooked from beginning to end.

That’s probably why it still feels so relevant today.

There’s something timeless about a well executed revenge story.

The only reason I haven’t reread The Count of Monte Cristo yet is its length. Depending on the edition, it can range anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 pages. It’s a commitment, no doubt about it.

But it’s one that I know will be worth it.

I’ve read hundreds of books since my first time experiencing this novel, and I’m curious to see how it holds up. Will I appreciate the intricate plotting even more? Will certain characters stand out in new ways?

There’s only one way to find out.

Conclusion

There are thousands of new books released every single year, and it’s easy to get caught up in trying to read all of them. I’ve definitely fallen into that mindset more times than I can count.

But rereading is just as important as discovering something new.

Going back to the books that shaped your reading journey allows you to reconnect with what made you fall in love with reading in the first place. It also gives you the opportunity to experience those stories in a completely new way.

That’s why, moving forward, I’m making a small but meaningful change to my reading habits.

In 2026, I plan to reread at least one book every month.

It’s the perfect balance. I still get to explore new releases while also revisiting the classics that left a lasting impact on me.

I’m excited to see how these three novels hold up and what new insights I’ll gain from them.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

Reading a great book once is never enough.

Until next time, happy reading!

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