Why Classic Literature Still Matters: Navigating the Timeless Depths
In today’s fast-paced world, where reels trend and attention spans seem to shrink by the minute, one might question the relevance of classic literature. With so much new content available at our fingertips, why should we bother delving into the dusty tomes of centuries past? The answer lies in the profound impact these works have on our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Do we really gain anything?
Classic literature endures not because it is old, but because it is relevant. These works explore universal themes—love, loss, betrayal, redemption—that resonate across generations and cultures. Whether it’s Shakespeare’s exploration of the human condition in “Hamlet,” or Jane Austen’s incisive social commentary in “Pride and Prejudice,” classic literature offers insights into the complexities of human nature that remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
Moreover, classic literature provides a window into history, offering glimpses of the past that inform our present and shape our future. Through the pages of Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” we witness the social inequalities of Victorian England, while in Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” we are transported to the battlefields of Napoleonic Russia. These works serve as both mirrors and maps, reflecting the society in which they were written and guiding us as we navigate our own.
Children and Classics
It is fascinating to me personally when I read old books that were intended for children or young adults. They are often much longer than books for school children today. They use more complex words. When I began updating a manuscript like this, I asked my twelve-year-old niece to read some of the original and some of the abridged version I was working on. She struggled with it. Some of the struggle was simply due to the archaic wording, but some of it had to do with the poetry-like patterns in the book, which was “Wet Magic” by Edith Nesbitt. My niece is a strong reader and loves fiction, so it wasn’t a lack of desire to try.
It was a different situation when I read it to her, using voice inflection to help her follow the theme and to see why the characters found things funny or interesting. She ended up enjoying the book, but if I had just given her the book as a gift, I think she’d have tried a few pages and then put it on the shelf to gather dust. For children, we can help by reading classics to them and explaining what they don’t understand. It can open doors for all kinds of discussions on past and current events.
Adults and Classics
Getting adults to read the classics is sometimes even more difficult. Even people who really enjoy reading will tend to read what they find relatable, and sometimes they don’t get close enough to the characters in old books. A reader needs to find a reason to care about the characters soon or they will typically abandon a book. With the classics, this may take more thought and more time. It’s worth it. These works are not always easy reads; they demand our attention and engagement. The words used in the classics may be archaic now or may even be inappropriate by today’s standards. In an age of instant gratification and superficiality, they remind us of the value of patience and persistence. They encourage us to wrestle with complex ideas, to question our assumptions, and to broaden our perspectives.
When we walk in the shoes of Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” or experience the anguish of Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience. We recognize that, despite our differences, we are all bound together by the common threads of longing and aspiration, joy and sorrow.
In the end, classic literature is not just a relic of the past, but a beacon guiding us through the complexities of the present. It challenges us to confront the eternal questions of what it means to be human, and it reminds us of the enduring power of words to illuminate our lives. So, the next time you find yourself clicking on a link for the latest bestseller or scrolling through your social media feed, consider picking up a classic instead. Give it several chapters to win you over. You may be surprised by the depth of wisdom and insight it has to offer.
Book Review: The Lighthouse Cafe
Book title: The Lighthouse Cafe.
Author: Bebe Reed lives in North Alabama with her husband, two daughters and their pug, Leo. She is a woman’s fiction writer and has four other published books.
This is a feel-good book with a lot of family drama. The main characters are the mother, Ginny and her daughters Reece and Chandler.
How it Begins
The events in the beginning of the book come as a huge shock to Ginny. At the reading of her late husband’s will she hears that her spouse has another family. His second family includes a woman and a son. Ginny also finds out she has one hour to grab what she can and leave her home. She is left with some money but far less than the worth of their fabulous home and extraordinary furnishings. The daughters were busy with their lives and did not attend the reading of the will. They have no clue about their mother being in shock and suddenly homeless.
A New Start
Ginny leaves with no plan for her future. She stops in a tiny town on the Florida gulf coast. She hears the local crowd talking about the auction of their beloved lighthouse. The lighthouse has been closed for many years, sits vacant and headed for ruin. The locals are devastated. Just out of curiosity she finds herself attending the event and sitting next to a good-looking local guy who attracts her interest. The bidding starts and you can guess what takes place. At the end of the day, she has spent almost her last penny and has a less than desirable place to stay.
Next Steps
Her daughters have no idea what has happened and even know where their mother is. Chandler is living in New York. Her dream of being a famous custom jewelry designer has taken a huge blow. She has been turned down on entering a fine art show. after being informed that her pieces are not of the quality expected. She is stunned. Reece is attending medical school hoping to achieve her father’s dream of becoming a doctor. Her grades are failing, and she is at the end of her rope.
The book gets much more interesting as the reader becomes involved with these heartbroken characters and goes with them on their parallel journeys toward happiness.
Secret Banned Books
When books are banned, it often makes for big news, especially to the community of readers, writers, and teachers. However, some stories fly a bit under the radar, especially when one of our own is a potential target for hate and sometimes worse. The Texas State Board of Education passed a policy in 2023 regarding types of books that should not be made available to certain students.
In Houston, Texas, there were some who wanted to fight back. They believe that books that make us uncomfortable are also those that challenge us for good reason. They are aware that fighting the government is difficult and fighting far-right individuals can even be dangerous. So, one person in that community has made it her calling to supply certain banned books to students who are interested.
In the process, she and her students recognize that the adult involved is swimming with the sharks. Their response is to protect her and to discuss the books they now have access to. They want to understand why these books are labeled as “bad” and determine for themselves if they agree or not.
As a writer, this kind of thing scares me. It excites me as well, since I realize that I have a chance to spread the word about what happens in these little pockets. I would encourage everyone to read the full story here, and to see how you feel about it. I’d love to see comments as well! In case the link above gets moved or expires, you can search for the store under the title:
“A secret shelf of banned books thrives in a Texas school, under the nose of censors.”
by subscriber and guest contributor Janet Evown
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Book Review – The Passage
This book has been out for quite a few years, but it remains one of my own favorites. You might recognize it from the TV series that was created from the book, but don’t judge the book based on that. I am not someone who thinks all movies based on books are bad. In the case of The Passage, the series itself wasn’t terrible, but for me the cast just doesn’t represent the characters I came to love in the book.
The Passage by Justin Cronin is a gripping and ambitious work that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, horror, and post-apocalyptic drama. The novel unfolds in a two-part structure, with the first half introducing readers to a government experiment gone awry, resulting in the creation of vampiric creatures with a thirst for blood. The story then transitions to a post-apocalyptic world where a young girl named Amy Harper Bellafonte holds the key to humanity’s survival.
Cronin’s writing is immersive, painting vivid landscapes and complex characters that draw readers into the narrative. The novel’s strength lies in its character development, with a diverse cast of indivTitleiduals whose interconnected stories add depth to the overarching plot. The central theme of survival in a world overrun by supernatural threats is expertly explored, creating a sense of tension and urgency throughout.
While the narrative is expansive and occasionally meandering, Cronin’s ability to maintain a sense of suspense and anticipation keeps readers hooked. The blend of horror and emotional resonance makes “The Passage” a unique and memorable read. Fans of epic, genre-blending tales will find this novel to be a captivating and thought-provoking journey into a dark and dangerous future.
Best Books of 2023
Embrace the Dark
You may already know that you love horror, but for many readers, it is easy to think you’d hate it. After all, if your frame of reference is a bit of Poe in school and then a string of cheap horror movies, if it didn’t interest you then, why try again? I would urge you to consider it, though, if you haven’t checked out some modern greats!
In the realm of literature, there exists a genre that has the power to captivate, thrill, and send shivers down the spine – the horror novel. Often misunderstood and overlooked, the horror genre offers readers a unique and exhilarating experience that goes beyond mere scares. In this blog post, we will explore the compelling reasons why everyone should give horror novels a chance.
Adrenaline Rush and Emotional Catharsis:
Horror novels are unparalleled in their ability to elicit strong emotional responses. The adrenaline rush experienced while reading about spine-chilling encounters and terrifying mysteries can be addictive. These stories provide a safe space for readers to experience fear, anxiety, and excitement, leading to a cathartic release of pent-up emotions. Dean Koontz is know to write compelling characters, at least in his early books, and they may have you more invested that you’d expect. If you decide to try Koontz, start with one of the early ones like “Watchers.”
Escape from Reality:
Sometimes, the best way to escape the humdrum of daily life is to immerse oneself in a world of the unknown. Horror novels transport readers to eerie and fantastical realms, allowing them to momentarily escape reality. The sense of adventure and unpredictability in these stories creates a thrilling escape that is both exhilarating and refreshing. While not always listed as horror, the Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child has paranormal elements but also a ton of adventure.
Exploration of Human Psychology:
Horror novels often delve into the depths of human psychology, exploring the darkest corners of the mind. These stories challenge readers to confront their deepest fears and inner demons, providing a unique opportunity for self-reflection. By examining the characters’ responses to fear, readers may gain insights into their own fears and coping mechanisms. Frieda McFadden is a master of the psychogical thriller, and she will keep you guessing until the end in every single book.
Cultural and Literary Exploration:
Horror novels offer a diverse range of sub-genres and themes that reflect cultural fears and societal anxieties. From Gothic tales to psychological thrillers, each sub-genre brings its own unique flavor to the literary table. Exploring horror literature allows readers to gain insights into different cultures, historical contexts, and human experiences. Stephen King is a great example here. Some of his work is actually taught in schools now, and he was originally an English teacher himself. He writes several types of fiction from detective novels to horror to fantasy, so read up before you pick. I would recommend Mr. Mercedes if you can’t decide! If you’d rather try a more classic novel, also taught as literature, consider any work by Shirley Jackson. Ms. Jackson deserves an entire blog post to herself, so watch here for that later on!
The horror novel is not merely a genre designed to frighten; it is a gateway to a world of emotions, exploration, and imagination. By embracing the dark delight of horror literature, readers can discover the profound impact that fear, suspense, and the unknown can have on their minds and hearts. So, dare to venture into the shadows, and let the spine-tingling journey begin.