Hey guys! Today Cassie from Culture Coverage is here to do a guest post on eight books that have stood the test of time. I'm so excited to have her here on The Book Bratz today sharing her thoughts! So without further ado, here's her guest post!
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8 Books That Have Stood the Test of Time
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Great books don’t always come from the New York Times Bestseller list. For these oldies, they just get better with time. Dusty bookshelves may be a real thing, but great storytelling never loses its potency, and this list is here to prove it.
From magical adventures to coming of age stories, these young adult novels are destined to shape the lives of every reader, whether you be 1 or 100.
- The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien's loveable prequel to his Lord of the Rings Trilogy was just turned into a three part mega movie fest by Peter Jackson—and raked in almost $3 billion in the box office worldwide—proving that the novel isn't one that sits around getting much dust. Bilbo's brave adventure into the land of wizards, dwarves, trolls, and dragons is one that resonates with its readers as much today as it did when it was published in 1937. From underground caverns to meeting the elves, it's an eye-opening adventure outside of Bilbo's front door, but one that ultimately shapes the entire course of Middle Earth. For fans of movie renditions, all three movies of the Hobbit series will be available to rent on iTunes.
- Charlotte’s Web
This coming of age novel by E.B. White is as much about the politics of life as it about the barnyard animals who star in it. As Wilbur, a young pig, forms a close friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte, the two navigate the possibility that Wilbur may end up on the supper table at the hands of the farmer. With dry humor that appeals to adults as well as its young audience, Charlotte's Web is a story of the strength of friendship and the rewards of perseverance that will always connect to its reader.
- Harry Potter
Next year will be the tenth anniversary of the final installment of the Harry Potter series, and if Rowling’s upcoming projects are any indication (The London showing of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” The Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida, or the release of “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them” in 2017), the magical realm and it’s lightening bolt boy have still got the hearts of the public. From discovering he’s a wizard to battling evil forces, Harry Potter is a series for fans who love to grow up with a character and experience an ordinary life become extraordinary. Throw in Quidditch, otherworldly beasts and plenty of magical spells and you’ve got a rare books series that has captured (and will continue to capture) the imagination of a generation.
- A Wrinkle in Time
An excellent introduction to science fiction, A Wrinkle in Time is a classic from the 1960's that pits its main characters against interplanetary forces beyond their wildest imaginations. For Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin, they're charged with finding their father who has mysteriously disappeared into the cosmos by a devilish villain. With the help of three witches named Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which and a bit of time travel, the misfit group discoveries the extents of their beliefs, strengths, and love for one another.
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis's Christian-themed novel may be the most famous of his Chronicles of Narnia, and for good reason. Following Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie through World War II-torn England to the countryside and a large, mysterious manor, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe connects imaginative make-believe with the very real horrors of growing up during the 1940's in Britain. Mixed with playful fawns, powerful winter witches, and all manner of talking creatures, the Pevensies test their strengths and abilities when met with otherworldly forces as well as the ones at home with them. And the best news is once you've finished this classic, there's another 6 to stoke your love for the magical world of Narnia.
- The Giver
Lois Lowry's utopian turned dystopian novel has been on the summer reading list of schools all over the world since its publication in 1993, and it's hardly likely to stop anytime soon thanks to its depth and strong readership. Featuring a society broken by its pain and strife by converting its citizens to "sameness," the book follows a young boy named Jonas, who has been chosen to be the keeper of memories for his community. The novel takes readers through Jonas's lessons learning how his life, and the life of the people around him, has been stripped of its emotional depth in hopes to be perfect. Fighting with the notion of wrong, right, and everything in between, Jonas questions the lack of individuality in his Community and whether the loss of free will was worth it all. Named the 4th best book of all time by U.S. readers, The Giver is one that will open its reader's eyes to the beauty of questioning, and to a deeper understanding of how our choices affect our lives.
- Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine's topsy-turvy fairytale puts an unlikely heroine with an unforgiving curse in the limelight as she navigates her way through her magic kingdom and the trials of growing up. While Ella's unfortunate blessing to be obedient in everything she does means she often gets entangled in life-threatening situations, it's with the help of her fairy godmother and a few loyal friends that Ella manages to make a strong statement about free will. Perfect for lovers of Disney tales who need a modern remake, Ella Enchanted gives magic stories a new heroine to fall in love with, and a whole new world to revel in.
For lovers of the book, US Netflix is currently streaming the cinematic classic starring Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy in a modern take on Levine's tale. International readers don't fear— you can access the US titles here!
- Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
When four best friends stumble upon one pair of jeans that magically fits them all, their summer plans apart from one another don’t seem so dreary, and the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants officially begins. As the heroines Lena, Carmen, Tibby, and Bridget all head off to their own planes—to Greece, to South Carolina, to a new job, and to soccer camp respectively—they’re tied not only by the memories of their childhood together but also by the amazing lives they lead, and the choices they make, while they ship that single magic pair of jeans back and forth to each other in the mail. From first loves to new friendships, the sisterhood gets stronger with every passing day and every shared story, making it one of the most beloved coming of age stories of all time.
While the setting may change, the heart of all of these books is their ability to capture readers' hearts no matter their age, race, or creed. So dive into these favorites—as timeless, classic novels go, they're the cream of the crop!
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About Cassie
Cassie is a technology and entertainment blogger who loves a classic story. Looking for a new film or book to crush on? Just leave a comment below. She's got more than a million suggestions!
I'd like to thank Cassie for stopping by The Book Bratz today with this awesome guest post! I've read most of the books on this classic list, but there are a couple that I'm slacking on, so I'll definitely be taking a trip to the library sometime soon to get caught up.
Generally, I never reread a book but The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time and Harry Potter are books that I reread about every 6 or 7 years
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