By Isabella Taylor
Have you ever picked up a good book, started reading and wished for a different sort of vibe? Maybe you’re into ACOTAR and want something deeper like Aristotle. Maybe you’re knee deep into The Prince and want to take a little Ali Hazelwood break. There’s no gatekeeping in classic literature, and there’s nothing wrong with reading a little bit of everything!
Here’s a comprehensive list of all my favorite “classic” reads— everything from girly romance to living a noble life. The numbers are in no particular order, and I will be recommending some good series to start as well!
No. One Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
This book series is probably my favorite fantasy series, second only to The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Not only does it feature the growth of a strong, independent woman, but it takes place in a beautifully developed world. This series will leave you wishing for more, especially since it’s impossible to put down. You’ll have finished it in a month!
Essentially, Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, an 18-year-old assassin in the Kingdom of Adarlan. After a year of suffering for her crimes in a slave camp called Endovier, she accepts the offer of Crown Prince Dorian Haviliard, the King of Adarlan’s son, to compete with other assassins and thieves for a chance to serve as the King’s Champion, and eventually gain her freedom after six years in the King’s service. This leads her to form unexpected bonds with both Dorian and Chaol, the Captain of the Guard. Over time, Celaena is drawn into a conspiracy and a series of battles, leading to discoveries surrounding both the Kingdom and herself.
This summary is from Throne of Glass – Wikipedia.
No. Two The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
If you’ve had enough girly-fantasy for one week, and you’ve had a question or two plaguing your mind about “goodness” in general, it might be time to turn to Aristotle. In his Ethics, Aristotle delves into multiple issues that are still apparent today. Such as how to live a good life, what the end of our actions is, and what virtue is. Even if these questions aren’t currently on your mind, it’s never a bad idea to read up on the classics!
No. Three The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Are you interested in biology and romance? If “yes,” then this book is definitely for you! Not only does Ali Hazelwood write in a way that completely thrusts her readers into the story, but since she has such a knack for research, every fact she provides adds truthful depth to the novel.
The plot involves the main character, Olive Smith, getting into a “fake dating” pact with Dr. Adam Carlsen, and both characters developing feelings for each other. Through their love of biology and each other, they navigate a challenging world of “STEM academia” (Super Summary).
No. Four The Republic by Plato
Once you’ve had enough of romance, a great book to spend some time on would have to be this one! Not only can you learn more about justice and which hypothetical society encapsulates the best morality, but some of the most well-known allegories are developed from The Republic! Allegories such as “The Cave” metaphor that depicts how you can come to know more by “turning your head” to the light (the Sun), casting the shadows in The Cave. Plato does a much better job at describing the situation than I do, so you’ll have to give it a read!
These four books are great to start with, especially for our college girls with some extra time on their hands. Be sure to mix your book preferences with some classics and some classical reading!