“The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas

While “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a bit longer than the other books on this list, it never feels boring or unexciting. The novel follows a sailor named Edmond Dantes as he goes through life’s highs and lows. Betrayed and framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Edmond vows to spend the rest of his life seeking vengeance, yet he must be careful not to go too far when delivering justice. The novel seems to have a bit of everything: romance, tragedy, action, bandits, pirates, treasure and even a bit of sword fighting. 

“Emma” by Jane Austen

No classic book list would be complete without a Jane Austen novel. “Emma” was released in 1815, so some of the language can be hard to digest at times. Still, the plot and themes in the novel have stood the test of time. The book centers on a rich young lady named Emma who believes herself to be a talented matchmaker. She continues to use her matchmaking skills throughout the book, but ends up overestimating herself and causing complications for everyone involved. Themes like the importance of keeping to yourself and self awareness teach readers to use these lessons in their own lives.

“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton

Published in 1967, “The Outsiders” is a must-read, despite not being as old as the others on this list. “The Outsiders” doesn’t feel dated at all thanks to the extremely understandable language and the still-relevant themes. Since its release, it’s been adapted into a movie, musical, TV series and even a museum. The plot is based on author Hinton’s high school experience, where she witnessed severe violence between the upper-class gang members called Socs and the lower-class members called Greasers. The novel follows a 14-year old-Greaser named Ponyboy Curtis as he gets more and more entangled in the gang disputes he’s been exposed to his whole life. When his best friend Johnny accidentally kills a Soc, both of them try to run away, but rising tensions complicate things. 

“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde

Although it may not look like it now, Wilde was taking on a great gamble by publishing this book. It was extremely bold back in his time, and society was not ready for the unabashed way he described sin and crime. Still, the novel is applicable even today and uncovers the dark side of human nature. The protagonist, Dorian Gray, is a very handsome man who falls in love with a portrait of himself. He’s so enamored he wishes to stay beautiful forever and his wish is granted. Now immortal, Dorian gradually becomes influenced by hedonistic Lord Henry who corrupts him and causes him to become a completely different person. While Dorian’s appearance does not change with time or sin, his portrait gets more and more hideous as he spirals downwards.

_{Jane Austen has been called the Queen of English literature because of the wild popularity her six novels have gained. Besides “Emma,” Austen wrote “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility,” “Persuasion,” “Northanger Abbey” and “Mansfield Park.” (Photo/Flickr)}