Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they provide a prompt and other lovers of listmaking join in with their own top ten list. Click on the link for more info and to find out about future topics.
This weeks theme is: Top Ten Books I Can’t Believe I Haven’t/Want To Read From X Genre
I like to try and read a wide variety of genres and themes, but the topic for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday got me thinking that I probably haven’t read as much in the way of the ‘classics’ as I would like, and so, without further ado, I present a list of the classics that I can’t believe I haven’t read yet…
(and as a bonus, a few that I’d read over and over and can’t believe that I haven’t re-read in recent months)
To Read:
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen – Have always fancied this one but never got around to reading it yet.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas – I’ve lost count of the number of movie and tv adaptations of this story I’ve seen over the years, so although I feel very familiar with the characters and the plot I know I’ve never read the original story.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – Another epic story that has long appealed to me (maybe based on my seeing the movie) and one that I REALLY do want to read, but the length is a little daunting.
1984 by George Orwell – Yes, I know about the TV series Big Brother, and I know David Bowie wrote songs about Big Brother and 1984, but that’s the extent of my (incredibly limited) knowledge about anything at all to do with this book. I’ve started reading more dystopian novels recently, so it seems fitting that I should read this one too.
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo – Seen the movie, seen the musical (many times) and yet I’ve never found the time to tackle the original novel. Shocking!
To Re-Read
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – I first read this book at school, but have revisited Thornfield several times over the years, and each time I fall in love with the story all over again.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Despite my enduring love for the BBC series, which I’ve seen times beyond number, I think I may have only read the book once or twice, so would certainly like to read it again.
North and South by Eizabeth Gaskell – I absolutely adore the story of Margaret Hale and John Thornton. Margaret is one of my favourite heroines, she’s a really strong character, and the romance takes place amidst many other events which shape her as a character, which is something I love.
Dracula by Bram Stoker – I’ll never forget the first time I read the opening sequence to this book, it’s just so visual, as is Dracula’s arrival in Whitby on the Demeter. Definitely worth a re-read.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux – I think my love for this one comes from my love of the musical. The book is very different, but it’s still a really good read.
I could have gone on and on and on with this list, but made an effort to limit myself to ten! Which books can’t you believe you haven’t read yet? As always, it’s great to hear from you…
Pages And Tea 
I always use the term three musketeers but I haven’t read the book yet.
My Top Ten Tuesday!
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It’s funny how well I feel like I know the story when I know I’ve never read the book 🙂
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I’ve not read enough of the classics, I keep meaning to read Anna Karina. You should read 1984, an amazing read with a storyline that you’ll never forget.
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Anna Karenina, that’s another one I haven’t read but have seen a couple of tv versions. I’ll definitely try to read 1984 soon.
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I’ve only read 1984 from your list so I’ve got some catching up to do as well. Oh, and Muse have a few 1984ish songs too. They’re awesome.
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I have The Resistance by Muse but will have to check out some of their other stuff too 🙂
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Great list. I started Dracula a few years ago, was thoroughly creeped out and then stopped. I need to make myself restart that Les Mis is definitely one I want to read some day as well.
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I keep eyeing up Les Mis but it’s like a house brick sitting on my bookshelf and it’s definitely going to require some commitment 😀 It’s such a great movie/show though that I’m really curious about the book.
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North and South is the only one on your list that I haven’t read, but I’m hoping my book group picks it for our next classic read! This is a great list! Oh, oops, I take it back, I haven’t read Dumas, but I’d like to. I actually read Les Mis, but it’s huge and has so many tangents that I’m not sure I’d ever want to read it again. 🙂 Looks like you have a lot of great books to choose from!
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Thanks 🙂 North and South is a great choice for a book group. Congrats at getting through Les Mis, I keep looking at it but it’s such a long read I’ll need plenty of time to get on with it 🙂
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