Classics for Girls

Spyri, Johanna. Heidi. Children's Classics, 1998 (originally written in 1881). ISBN: 978-0517189672

Alcott, Louisa May. Little Women. Signet Classics, 2004 (originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869). ISBN: 978-0451529305

 Montgomery, L. M. Anne of Green Gables. Watermill Classic, 1985 (originally published in 1908). ISBN: 0-8167-0465-1

Often, when a classic becomes re-done so many times, in various formats (movies, TV shows, multiple adaptions), it actually causes readers to NOT want to enjoy the original (I already know the story, right?). This has been my experience on several occasions, when trying to decide my next book to devour. I will hold the classic in one hand and the fresh-off-the-press exciting, current tween or YA novel in the other. Usually I choose the newer book.

However, those times (especially back when I was a tween) when I finally sat down and cracked open a classic, such as the ones listed above, my mind was opened like a flower to the joys, sorrows, triumphs and cleverness of years gone-by. I learned that young girls and boys a hundred years ago where not so different than me, and I was able to see the world for a brief time through their lenses.

Furthermore, I learned that there is a reason a book becomes a classic: It is simply a good tale. The writing is excellent, the pace is perfect and the characters are unforgettable. It is the nature of storytelling all writers should aspire to achieve at least once in their careers, and that readers should enjoy throughout a lifetime.