“Emma” by Jane Austen (1815)
The perfect read for romance fans looking to expand their reading tastes. This novel is so essential to a list like this that even modern cinematic romantic comedies take notes from it! “Clueless,” for one example, is a retelling of this novel. Emma Woodhouse, the main character, is funny and charming. In this comedy of a novel, Woodhouse plays matchmaker for her friends Miss Taylor and Harriet Smith, aiming to find a suitable match for the both. Depending on the edition, it is around 470 pages.
“Annie John’ by Jamaica Kincaid (1985)
A coming of age novel about a little girl named Annie in Antigua. Annie lives in a post-colonial country in the Caribbean. This book is highly relatable because it reflects on universal themes about growing up and learning to accept one’s culture. Through this book you can easily travel to Antigua without having to spend money. This one is a short read – only 160 pages long.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde (1890)
This is a perfect read for horror fans. Even though it was published in 1890, it is not a hard read. Dorian Gray is a young beautiful man who makes a deal with the devil, so he can stay young forever. Unfortunately for the protagonist, his portrait rots every time he commits a sin. This book is an important read for anyone interested in reading more queer literature. A perfect all-night read. Depending on the edition, it is around 200 pages.
“Medea” by Euripides (431 B.C.)
This Ancient Greek play can be read in a day – it’s only 60 pages long. Based on the myths of Jason and Medea, the play follows Medea’s heartbreak, which leads her to plan her revenge. This play is a necessary read for anyone interested in feminism and Greek tragedies.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
Although it was published in the 1800s, this cozy read is still relatable. Readers explore different adventures with the March sisters as they grow up. Each of the sisters have their own personalities and interests. Meg, the oldest sister, is an actress and dreams of being married. Amy is a painter and Jo is a writer. This book is lengthy, but worth the read. Usually, it is over 500 pages.
“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson (1962)
This novel is a perfect read for horror fans. Shirley Jackson’s writing ability and dedication to her craft is completely unique to her. Merricat lives with her weird uncle, who’s obsessed with writing the book about solving how most of the Blackwood family died, and sister Constance isolated from the rest of the town. Suddenly, their cousin comes visiting, changing everything. Merricat is obsessed with poisonous mushrooms and witchcraft. She tries to protect her family from the outside world. She places her spells or buries things, like a watch, in the yard. She tries to get her uncle to leave. This one is a short read and can be read in a couple of days, as it’s only 160 pages depending on the edition.
